Scholastic Launches New Garth Nix Children's Fantasy Series

Posted on June 6, 2003

Scholastic has launched The Keys To The Kingdom, a new suspenseful fantasy series written by Garth Nix, The New York Times bestselling author of The Seventh Tower and Abhorsen. Mister Monday (Scholastic; $5.99; Ages 9 and up), the first title in this seven-book series, will hit stores in June 2003. A second installment will follow in January 2004.

Arthur Penhaligon is not supposed to be a hero. He is, in fact, supposed to die an early death. But then his life is saved by a Key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. Arthur is safe -- but his world is not. Along with the Key comes a plague brought by bizarre creatures from another realm. A stranger named Mister Monday, his avenging messengers with bloodstained wings, and an army of dog-faced Fetchers will stop at nothing to get the Key back -- even if it means destroying Arthur and everything around him. Desperate, Arthur ventures into a mysterious house -- a house that only he can see. It is in this house that Arthur must unravel the secrets of the key -- and discover his true fate.

Garth Nix is the recipient of many awards and critical acclaim for his novels which include Sabriel, Shade's Children, The Ragwitch, Lirael, The Seventh Tower series, and Abhorsen. Born in Melbourne, Australia to the sounds of a brass band, he decided to become a writer rather than a scientist (like his father) or an artist (like his mother). Garth currently lives in Coogee Beach in Sydney, Australia with his wife and son.