Matthew Jobin

While I thought the first book was good, I felt that the author really hit his stride with this second book. I don't know what it was other then it seemed like the story and the action was starting to really come together towards the end of the first book and therefore it continued on in this second one. I had more history with the characters and the skeleth. I was cheering on the good guys all the way. Just like in the first book there was death. As I was reading this book it was like a show more mini movie playing in my head. This time around I also had no problems just sitting and reading. This trilogy does have a medieval feel to it that I enjoy. I know my nephews will like this trilogy as well. The ending left with a cliff hanger that I now have to play the waiting game for until the last book comes out. show less

In the beginning I was all about this book. Yet at the same time I was also really criticizing this book even more because I actually picked it up for my nephews. For the age range starting at 10 years old, I kind of this this book might be a little scary for them. The Nethergrim and the minions are scary. Since this book is made reference to the Lord of the Rings I will call the Nethergrim and minions scary like the undead who when Frodo is stabbed by them when he puts his ring on. Which show more these undead are scary. In addition, there are people stabbed and other deaths throughout the story. So this is why I would not recommend children this young reading the books. In fact, there was a time or two where I was reading a scene to my husband to ask him his opinion. However as I read more and more of the book, I was ok with it and felt my nephews at 12 and 13 could handle this book. I liked the story and the characters but there would be periods of time where I felt like I was just going through the motions of reading and not connecting what the events in the story. Yet I liked this book enough that I do want to read book 2. show less

Nethergrim by Matthew Jobin is book one of a fantasy series.

The people of Moorvale live safely because a wizard named Vithric, a knight named Tristan, and a regular man named John Marshall went with many men and only they survived many years ago to kill the Nethergrim. No one has ever been told what occurred. The Nethergrim appears to have returned. Children and livestock have disappeared. Vithric is dead, Tristan lives further away, but John Marshall still lives in town.

Edmund wants to be show more a wizard, but his father believes that reading and learning are wasted efforts. He will inherit his tavern; Edmund does not want to serve food and drink to people his whole life. His best friend, whom he is also attracted to, is Katherine, the daughter of John Marshall. Katherine has been raised to fight, as John didn't want his daughter unprotected. They raise horses, so Katherine is a good rider as well. Tom is Katherine's friend and becomes Edmund's friend in the story. Tom was purchased by his Master to serve him. Tom is badly treated; he has gifts with animals that is unusual. When the children are abducted--one of whom is Edmund's brother, these three--Edmund, Katherine, and Tom--leave town to rescue them. They just need to catch up to John Marshall who left strict instructions for them to stay behind and be safe.

The journey is perilous. Katherine is told the truth about the Nethergrim's death by her father and fears for his safety. She must be the main fighter because neither Edmund or Tom are strong in a battle.

If you like darker fantasy novels, you'll like this one. I've read so many books that I knew what the "surprise" was going to be, so the book was anti-climatic for me. I also had trouble believing Edmund's magical abilities because they seemed to come from nowhere. I also think the local lord's son, Harold, had too small a role. Harold and Katherine are attracted to each other, but he is beneath her in the lord's eyes. Other than creating a problem for Edmund who likes Katherine, there wasn't a purpose for their story-lines unless they have more relevance in future books. It's a perfectly fine book, just not a really good or great book. show less

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. But something dark has crept over the village. First animals disappear, then something worse children disappear. The whispers begin quietly but soon turn into '' The Nethergrim has returned! '' Edmund’s brother is one of the missing, and he knows show more he must do something to save his life. As a student of magic, he struggles to cast even the simplest spells. 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 to defeat the Nethergrim.

I feel that Edmund is good character because he has a strong believing in what he wants to believe. I don't like Edmund's father because he dose not like what Edmund tries to do. He does not like his choice because Edmund could die. But Edmund does not die, he lives , but with a lot of scars.I wish that my life could be that exiting. I could beat monster in battle and save the day. show less