Three previously published short stories from Nix, best known for his young adult books (Sabriel, etc.), appear in this deluxe hardcover edition. The eponymous characters are a world-weary mercenary and his former nanny, a living puppet with a pumpkin-sized papier-mâché head. The two are agents of the Council of the Treaty for the Safety of the World, charged with eradicating evil gods and godlets. In two of the stories, their enemies are discovered accidentally; in the third, Hereward and Fitz are sent on a mission. Their methods involve explosives, hand-to-hand combat, and spells that Fitz casts with “esoteric needles.” Nix creates well-defined characters; while fairly vain, Hereward appreciates the scars on a woman’s face more than the sullen disposition of a comely lady, and his magical companion has a surprisingly dry wit. Grown Nix fans looking for something a little different will enjoy these brief stories. (July 31)
