Staff Pick
An original and subtle tale by a debut author, this is the story of Katherine, Tom, and Edmund, three unlikely heroes who stand forth to battle an ancient evil threatening everyone's lives. Entertainingly told with many unique features, The Nethergrim reads like a classic. Recommended By Richard C., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
The Next Great Fantasy Epic is here! For fans of Ranger's Apprentice and the Chronicles of Narnia.
Everyone in Moorvale believes the legend: The brave knight Tristan and the famed wizard Vithric, in an epic battle decades ago, had defeated the evil Nethergrim and his minions. To this day, songs are sung and festivals held in the heroes' honor. Yet now something dark has crept over the village. First animals disappear, their only remains a pile of bones licked clean. Then something worse: children disappear. The whispers begin quietly yet soon turn into a shout: The Nethergrim has returned!
Edmund's brother is one of the missing, and Edmund knows he must do something to save his life. But what? Though a student of magic, he struggles to cast even the simplest spell. Still, he and his friends swallow their fear and set out to battle an ancient evil whose powers none of them can imagine. They will need to come together — and work apart — in ways that will test every ounce of resolve.
In a story reminiscent of the Ranger's Apprentice epic and the Chronicles of Narnia, Matthew Jobin weaves reality, magic, and adventure into the next great fantasy phenomenon.
Review
"Perfect for imaginative middle-grade readers craving a hearty magical adventure." Booklist
Review
"Fantasy fans will find much to enjoy in this elegant gem of a novel, and the haunting message that the monstrosity of some humans can rival even that of ageless creatures is so carefully and effectively inlaid that it will likely linger even after other details fade." BCCB
Review
"In this entertaining coming-of-age fantasy...fourteen-year-old would-be wizard Edmund, chafing at his parents' plans for him to inherit their inn, wants to rescue his younger brother, who has been kidnapped by the shadowy minions of the Nethergrim....First in a planned trilogy, this is a solid debut for anthropologist Jobin, who steers clear of genre cliches while offering up a refreshingly metaphysical take on magic, a believably dark setting filled with unusual threats, and a seductive and manipulative villain." Publishers Weekly
Review
"An engrossing read....Jobin combines elements of suspense and mystery with a pervasive sense of impending doom." School Library Journal
Review
"In this entertaining coming-of-age fantasy...fourteen-year-old would-be wizard Edmund, chafing at his parents' plans for him to inherit their inn, wants to rescue his younger brother, who has been kidnapped by the shadowy minions of the Nethergrim....First in a planned trilogy, this is a solid debut for anthropologist Jobin, who steers clear of genre cliches while offering up a refreshingly metaphysical take on magic, a believably dark setting filled with unusual threats, and a seductive and manipulative villain." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Fantasy fans will find much to enjoy in this elegant gem of a novel, and the haunting message that the monstrosity of some humans can rival even that of ageless creatures is so carefully and effectively inlaid that it will likely linger even after other details fade." BCCB
Review
"When his brother, Geoffrey, vanishes one night after a string of disappearances that harbingers the return of an old evil, Edmund, Katherine, and their friend Tom, all interesting and well-rounded characters, fly in the face of the terrifying legends as they seek out
Geoffrey and what they hope will be fantastic destinies. They travel untold distances and battle frightening things, both human and magical, to meet their fates. These three brave, smart, and virtuous heroes embark on the beginning of what is sure to be a sweeping, epic fantasy series. Debut author Jobin tells a riveting, slowly building story, and his rich, evocative writing style only adds to the package. Perfect for imaginative middle-grade readers craving a hearty magical adventure." Booklist
Review
"The Nethergrim reminded me of a cross between The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. Though geared for a preteen age group, both young adults and adults would surely enjoy it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would recommend adding it to your shelves. I would really like to see this one on the big screen." Brodart's Library Services
Synopsis
The next great fantasy epic is here For fans of Ranger's Apprentice and The Chronicles of Narnia. Everyone in Moorvale believes the legend: The brave knight Tristan and the famed wizard Vithric, in an epic battle decades ago, had defeated the evil Nethergrim and his minions. To this day, songs are sung and festivals held in the heroes' honor. Yet now something dark has crept over the village. First animals disappear, their only remains a pile of bones licked clean. Then something worse: children disappear. The whispers begin quietly yet soon turn into a shout: The Nethergrim has returned
Edmund's brother is one of the missing, and Edmund knows he must do something to save his life. But what? Though a student of magic, he struggles to cast even the simplest spell. Still, he and his friends swallow their fear and set out to battle an ancient evil whose powers none of them can imagine. They will need to come together--and work apart--in ways that will test every ounce of resolve.
In a story reminiscent of the Ranger's Apprentice epic and The Chronicles of Narnia, Matthew Jobin weaves reality, magic, and adventure into the next great fantasy phenomenon.
Praise for THE NETHERGRIM
"This series starter is reminiscent of epic fantasy series such as C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia or J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The characters are strongly drawn and . . . t]here is a compelling blend of magic, romance, looming evil, and noble sacrifice.--VOYA
"The Nethergrim reminded me of a cross between The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. . . I would really like to see this one on the big screen." -Brodart's Library Services
"Entertainingly told with many unique features, The Nethergrim reads like a classic." -Recommended by Richard C., Powells.com Staff Pick at Powell's Books]
"I'd go ahead and say everything about this book screams BLOCKBUSTER FILM."--The Social Potato Reviews
"Riveting. Perfect for imaginative middle-grade readers craving a hearty magical adventure."--Booklist
"Fantasy fans will find much to enjoy in this elegant gem of a novel."--BCCB
"First in a planned trilogy, this is a solid debut for anthropologist Jobin, who steers clear of genre cliches while offering up a refreshingly metaphysical take on magic, a believably dark setting filled with unusual threats, and a seductive and manipulative villain."--Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Matthew Jobin spent 25 years developing the Nethergrim's world — its story, present and past; its landscapes; its language. He was originally inspired as a boy exploring the forest surrounding his home in Canada, and has been intent on telling the tale ever since.
Matthew, who holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from Stanford University, now lectures at Santa Clara University and lives with his wife in the San Francisco Bay Area.