The Nethergrim

This is a story that seeps into your soul and never let's go. There are many comparisons to Lord of the Rings and Narnia and rightfully so. Some of the story and imagery brings to mind Tolkien and Lewis. The world building is incredible and the writing is perfection. There is another book that comes to mind however. One that is not in the fantasy department. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn has a strong influence on this book. Particularly with the characters. Tom, Huck and Becky are represented by Edmund, Tom and Katherine. The characters and their relationship with each other is what makes this fantasy book unique and stands above other fantasy books. Edmunds love for Katherine is much like Toms love for Becky. Toms role as an abused slave parallels Hucks role in Twains story. In all three books the characters have a want for adventure never thinking of what dangers lie ahead. On a side note about the character of Tom: I read a review that said Tom is not really important to the story, only for plot points. I disagree. I think Tom is the constant in this story. Even if his circumstances change, his character will remain the same while the other players will grow. I also believe he will play a bigger part in future books. The only negative I can say about this book (and it's more of a concern) is that the conflict and tension between Edmond and his parents with regards to him wanting to become a wizard has now been removed. I wonder if in future books what the author will bring to the story in terms of multi level sub plots. In any I will anxiously await the next book and will revisit this one several times. This is by far the best book I've read in a very long time.

This book tells the story of three teenage friends who become heroes in order to rescue their friends and family members from the clutches of the evil Nethergrim. The tone of the book is epic, but the characters -- Edmund, Katherine, and Tom -- are each believable and fun to read about. Jobin has created three compelling heroes, each with their own voice. The story progresses through the perspective of each of the young heroes. There's a lot of action (fighting monsters in the night to protect the village), some romance, and a bit of magic -- but not too much. In it's emphasis on the history and cultural of the village, as well as the relative importance of intelligence and nerve over the raw power of magic, it reminded me of Tolkien or George R.R. Martin, though aimed at a younger audience.I bought the book for myself, as a fun weekend read -- it was perfect for a wet Sunday! I think that my 9-year-old son will also enjoy it, so I'm having him read it next.And I can't wait for the sequel!

The Nethergrim surprised me. I thought it was an old epic tale because that's what it felt like - like a story that I'll want my children to read, and my children's children. The book is very good, very original! I love the charaters and the relationship between them. This is a book you simply don't want to end, and you don't want to put it down. This book made me laugh, but it also made me emotional, excited, scared, and it made me feel good. I would recomand this book to folks between 9 and 100 years. You can also read it to younger kids (if you drop out some of the bloody parts) and I'm sure they'll enjoy it too. It's Worth Reading! If you like a good adventure then this is the book for you. Thumbs up!

I admit, this genre isn't usually one I gravitate to but The Nethergrim isn't your average epic adventure either. It's so much richer than that. It's a tale of the heroes' coming of age, of self-discover, it's a story about friendship and cooperation, it's a story about families and relationships with elements of class and even gender role issues that make it both a relevant tale in today's world and a compelling read both for adults and young adults alike. I loved the richly crafted world the author created as a backdrop for his complex characters and the elements of myth and magic threaded throughout the story. A great read!

Overall a good book and is reminiscent of the Ranger's apprentice series, but not quite as good. The book definitely has potential and I will definitely read book 2. The book also had a little feeling of the Eragon series of books written by Paolini. I gave it 4 of 5 stars because although a good first book for the series it didn't quite draft me in as well as the two aforementioned series.

This book was fantastic! I bought it for my 14year old son but we BOTH thoroughly enjoyed it. The description of medieval life, culture, politics and war is very real. It helps readers feel like they are really there. The forces of good and evil vie for victory without any hint of specific religious views. The writing is very rich, full of poetic descriptions and metaphors. The female characters are strong without feeling a need to emasculate men. The teens speak their mind to their elders with RESPECT. I would definitely recommend this series.

Bought used to complete my son's series. Great condition at a great price

My son knows how much I enjoy a great adventure story. This one seemed a little scattered and at the peak of the authors imagination but it does draw you in. I loved the introduction and then it fast forwards you about 20 years or so to a new generation. The problem didn't really go away but sort of went into hibernation. I'm looking forward to book 2.

I was swept away into another time and place! Completely captivated from the first chapter by the characters and the way the author is able to draw you into their world. This book is not only for young readers, it is so well written, it's truly a classic and will appeal to all ages. Think of - The Chronicles of Narnia, Ranger's Apprentice or Harry Potter. The Nethergrim is the next great fantasy adventure!Can't wait for Book Two!

I fell in love with this book from the very first page, and stayed under its spell until the last. The characters are wonderful and the story is so exciting, I could not put this book down. The publisher's Weekly review was right on about the "metaphysical take on magic" - and not only magic... this will make you think about what it means to be good or evil, and why people do horrible things or heroic things.The heroes are everyday kids who do the right thing even when it appears hopeless. Edmund, Tom and Katherine are peasants - everywhere they turn people tell them they should not put on airs, not dream of being something more and to accept their lot in life. In fact Tom is a slave, treated very badly by his horrible master, Edmund and his little brother Geoffrey work very hard in the inn run by their parents, and Katherine (whose mother died in childbirth) helps her father raise war horses for the nobles. The 3 friends have their talents - Tom is wise and knows how to heal animals using herbs, Katherine knows a lot about horses and is also good with a sword thanks to training by her father (a retired war hero) and Edmund is smart, even though he has no teacher or mentor and is not a noble, so he can't get an education as he would like. They all have to use their talents and be very brave when the time comes to save the day.The villains are so coldly logical - they are truly chilling. I really don't want to ruin the surprises in the story so I can't go into detail, but suffice it to say their words are haunting me still. This is not some cackling hand-rubbing silly bad guy, The Nethergrim goes much deeper than that.This is the kind of story you can re-read and get more out of each time. There are so many quotable quotes in this book... if I had to pick just one it would probably be John Marshall (Katherine's father) - "What would be the worth of goodness in a world that always rewarded it?".I can't wait for the next book! Book 1 was satisfying but left me wanting to experience more of this world and to find out what happens next! I love the map, I am sure we will find out more about the wider world as the series grows!

What an incredible coming of age tale, filled with magic, adventure, battles and friendship. Absolutely loved it!