It’s been far too long since one of our favorite guests, Garth Nix, has visited us on Coode Street, but with the forthcoming publication of his adult science fiction novel, Massif, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with one of the world’s leading fantasists.

We talk about the different challenges of writing SF or fantasy, how his own military experience informs some key parts of the novel, and how he came up with an entire mountain range flying off into space, nine foot tall hamster-like aliens whose drumming can be dangerous, and a far-future space  crew limited to technologies like typewriters and shotguns.

We also touch upon Garth’s ongoing work, such as The Left-Handed Booksellers of London series, and, as always, what books and authors he’s been reading.