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The Nethergrim Trilogy #2
De Skyllers
In het koninkrijk waartoe de Moervallei behoort, woedt een continue strijd tussen machtsbeluste heren. Nu de Nedergrim ontwaakt is, blijkt ze een interessante partner in crime. Met name haar kwaadaardige dienaars, de Skyllers, vormen een geducht wapen in de strijd. Dat weerhoudt Edmond en zijn vrienden Tom en Katherine er niet van om zich ermee te bemoeien. Samen met de legendarische Tristan moeten ze heel wat moed en doorzettingsvermogen tonen om de Skyllers tegen te houden.
In een verhaal dat fans van de Grijze Jager zal aanspreken, weet Matthew Jobin een wervelend fantasy-avontuur neer te zetten dat spannend blijft tot de laatste bladzijde.
In een verhaal dat fans van de Grijze Jager zal aanspreken, weet Matthew Jobin een wervelend fantasy-avontuur neer te zetten dat spannend blijft tot de laatste bladzijde.
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2016
44 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Jobin
5 books87 followersMatthew Jobin is an anthropologist and author. The Nethergrim, his debut fantasy series for young readers, was published by Philomel – a division of Penguin-Random House. The Nethergrim was a finalist for the 2015 Monica Hughes Science Fiction and Fantasy Award and was named a Best Book for Teens by the New York Public Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 16, 2016
I thought the first book was a cute, young fantasy novel. I expected more of the same going in to book two. It was that, but this round was so much more. The armies, backstabbing rulers, unexpected heroes and ultimate battles took this to a whole new level for me. Seeing the main trio split up by circumstance was a perfect opportunity to learn about them as individuals. They have weaknesses—some that they are able to overcome, but many that make them weak and suffer. That was a dose of realism that I appreciated.
One of the real treasures of this series so far is how integral each character is in the ongoing plot. There is no one great character destined to save the world. This isn't a series where the lowly boy overcomes all, while no credit goes to his little sidekicks. Each character plays a part, using their individual strengths to make up for the others' weaknesses. Where one has magic, the other has military skill and strategy. Yet again, another has the wisdom and compassion. Seeing them realize how much stronger they can be together, how much can be learned from trust and teamwork, was a beautifully told lesson.
Not only do we get to experience the growth of the main characters, but there are so many secondary characters that evolve as beautifully. Edmund's younger brother grows to play an integral role, leaving behind his previous role as immature annoying brother. The young Harry, raised as a privileged heir, finds ways to come into his own, and become the man he needs to be. Even the parents and villagers evolve as they witness the darker aspects written so masterfully into The Skeleth.
It is never too heavy for young readers, but it definitely doesn't gloss over the strife and evil they are facing. It doesn't always turn out so happily for everyone, and each victory is recognized as being only a brief respite in the ultimate battle. It follows the well loved path of dramatic ultimate battles, betrayals, and burgeoning romances, but does it seamlessly, and without pilfering from works that have come before. It's a modern classic, and if the next books follow suit it will hold a place on the bookshelves of fantasy lovers for years to come. ~ George, 5 stars
One of the real treasures of this series so far is how integral each character is in the ongoing plot. There is no one great character destined to save the world. This isn't a series where the lowly boy overcomes all, while no credit goes to his little sidekicks. Each character plays a part, using their individual strengths to make up for the others' weaknesses. Where one has magic, the other has military skill and strategy. Yet again, another has the wisdom and compassion. Seeing them realize how much stronger they can be together, how much can be learned from trust and teamwork, was a beautifully told lesson.
Not only do we get to experience the growth of the main characters, but there are so many secondary characters that evolve as beautifully. Edmund's younger brother grows to play an integral role, leaving behind his previous role as immature annoying brother. The young Harry, raised as a privileged heir, finds ways to come into his own, and become the man he needs to be. Even the parents and villagers evolve as they witness the darker aspects written so masterfully into The Skeleth.
It is never too heavy for young readers, but it definitely doesn't gloss over the strife and evil they are facing. It doesn't always turn out so happily for everyone, and each victory is recognized as being only a brief respite in the ultimate battle. It follows the well loved path of dramatic ultimate battles, betrayals, and burgeoning romances, but does it seamlessly, and without pilfering from works that have come before. It's a modern classic, and if the next books follow suit it will hold a place on the bookshelves of fantasy lovers for years to come. ~ George, 5 stars
May 8, 2016
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 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.
July 7, 2016
Check out my other reviews, discussions and link ups at Fantasy of the Silver Dragon.
I received this book for free from Philomel Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I liked the first book a little more than this one. But I still really enjoyed this book as well. One of the things I loved about the last one was the strong friendship between Edmund, Katherine and Tom. And how they worked together to save the children stolen by the Nethergrim. In this book they're separated for a great deal of the story. Tom is away with Katherine's father, and then ends up on a quest of his own. Edmund and Katherine are in the same village still, but they're kept apart by various things.
This book had a much darker feel than the first one. Which makes sense, both because of the friends not being together, as well as because of all the evil that they now know is loose in the world. Offsetting that, there are possible love interests for all three main characters. While it isn't a huge thread for Tom or Edmund, Katherine spends a lot of the book with hers.
We learn more about the magic, including the fact that there are three branches. We get to meet the Revered Elder for one of them. We also learn more about the last time the Nethergrim was active in the land. A little of the history about why she was allowed into the world that time, and how some of her minions were contained.
All three of the main characters are challenged in new ways. When they get back together, and fight the new evil, you can see how they've grown and changed over the course of the book. Edmund has learned a few new tricks with magic. Katherine is even more sure of herself and her abilities. And Tom... Well, you'll see!
This was just as quick a read as the last book. If you haven't read this series yet, you need to do so!
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
I received this book for free from Philomel Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I liked the first book a little more than this one. But I still really enjoyed this book as well. One of the things I loved about the last one was the strong friendship between Edmund, Katherine and Tom. And how they worked together to save the children stolen by the Nethergrim. In this book they're separated for a great deal of the story. Tom is away with Katherine's father, and then ends up on a quest of his own. Edmund and Katherine are in the same village still, but they're kept apart by various things.
This book had a much darker feel than the first one. Which makes sense, both because of the friends not being together, as well as because of all the evil that they now know is loose in the world. Offsetting that, there are possible love interests for all three main characters. While it isn't a huge thread for Tom or Edmund, Katherine spends a lot of the book with hers.
We learn more about the magic, including the fact that there are three branches. We get to meet the Revered Elder for one of them. We also learn more about the last time the Nethergrim was active in the land. A little of the history about why she was allowed into the world that time, and how some of her minions were contained.
All three of the main characters are challenged in new ways. When they get back together, and fight the new evil, you can see how they've grown and changed over the course of the book. Edmund has learned a few new tricks with magic. Katherine is even more sure of herself and her abilities. And Tom... Well, you'll see!
This was just as quick a read as the last book. If you haven't read this series yet, you need to do so!
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
July 7, 2016
Wow. Just wow. I absolutely love this series. I can't wait to read the next book. I'm hoping there will be more than three books in this series, but three seems to be the magic number for series these days, so I'm not holding my breath.
The Skeleth picks up soon after The Nethergrim ends. Edmund, Katherine, and Tom spend most of this book apart from each other. While their adventures are mostly separate, they're interwoven as well. It all comes together beautifully in the end. Edmund continues to grow in his knowledge of magic and gains a teacher that may or may not be trustworthy. Katherine is living at the castle as a maid and continues to learn and plot from her vantage point there. Tom goes with John Marshall (Katherine's father) to search for Tristan, the hero of legend. Meanwhile, a greedy lord is making plans to go to war, using an unpredictable, uncontrollable, and horrific weapon.
This series is perfect for kids in the 10-14 age range. It's a weird stage between middle grade and young adult books where there's absolutely nothing good to read (except for this series). If your tween/teen reader loves fantasy, they'll definitely want to check out these books. They're full of magic, friendship, sword fighting, diabolical plots, wizards, war, and amazing horses. It reminds me of the Chronicles of Narnia, but not in a derivative way. It's original and imaginative.
Content: Fantasy violence
Source: I received an advanced readers copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My blog: Batch of Books
The Skeleth picks up soon after The Nethergrim ends. Edmund, Katherine, and Tom spend most of this book apart from each other. While their adventures are mostly separate, they're interwoven as well. It all comes together beautifully in the end. Edmund continues to grow in his knowledge of magic and gains a teacher that may or may not be trustworthy. Katherine is living at the castle as a maid and continues to learn and plot from her vantage point there. Tom goes with John Marshall (Katherine's father) to search for Tristan, the hero of legend. Meanwhile, a greedy lord is making plans to go to war, using an unpredictable, uncontrollable, and horrific weapon.
This series is perfect for kids in the 10-14 age range. It's a weird stage between middle grade and young adult books where there's absolutely nothing good to read (except for this series). If your tween/teen reader loves fantasy, they'll definitely want to check out these books. They're full of magic, friendship, sword fighting, diabolical plots, wizards, war, and amazing horses. It reminds me of the Chronicles of Narnia, but not in a derivative way. It's original and imaginative.
Content: Fantasy violence
Source: I received an advanced readers copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My blog: Batch of Books
May 4, 2016
The Skeleth is the second book in The Nethergrim series by extremely talented author Matthew Jobin. In book 2, as the characters learn more of the wider world, we readers are also immersed deeper into the world and we are introduced to more of the surrounding people and lands. The characters jump to life from the pages, so vividly real and well drawn they are. As in book 1, the second book in the series features characters refreshingly real and inspiring. The heroes are believable real people who strive to be the best people they can be.
Compared to book 1, The Skeleth is faster-paced - it features very skillfully interwoven plot-lines that prevented me from putting the book down. The synopsis gives you the main idea, I certainly don't want to give anything away at this stage. New characters are introduced - intriguing, interesting characters!
Fans of The Nethergrim will be delighted to see the heroes grow, and to discover more about what's "off the edge of the map" in book 1. For those who have not yet read book 1, I urge you to pick it up and continue directly on to The Skeleth!
Compared to book 1, The Skeleth is faster-paced - it features very skillfully interwoven plot-lines that prevented me from putting the book down. The synopsis gives you the main idea, I certainly don't want to give anything away at this stage. New characters are introduced - intriguing, interesting characters!
Fans of The Nethergrim will be delighted to see the heroes grow, and to discover more about what's "off the edge of the map" in book 1. For those who have not yet read book 1, I urge you to pick it up and continue directly on to The Skeleth!
Want to read
June 4, 2015Oh man... The stakes seem to be so much higher in this one. I am so excited. SO, SO EXCITED.
May 12, 2016
This is my favorite new series, I can't wait for the next book!
June 20, 2016
In this second volume, we return to the world of the Nethergrim, an ancient evil that was determined to conquer and destroy. Thanks to the efforts of Tom, Kathrine, and Edmund, the heroes of the previous story, the Nethergrim was vanquished and the world made safe again. Or was it?
Our heroes return in this adventure. A little older and a little wiser. But it seems that the destruction of the Big Bad from volume one, may not have been the only danger to threaten the lands. During an early battle at the keep of Tristan, one of the adult mentors from the first book, something strange and hideous rears its ugly head.. The Skeleth - They Who Crawl Below!
"Something drifted near, something that was there and yet not there - the blinking, melting image of a fire impressed on the eyes after they have shut, a nightmare that would not resolve into a shape..." thus Tom is introduced to the evil that upsets his life , Katherine's world, and Edmund's plans.
The author, Matthew Jobin, in just his second book, looks to be a fantastic new voice in the world of fantasy. He has created a rich world with the breadth and feel that will rival many of today's best storytellers and world builders. Jobin breathes life into wonderful characters and the emotions, desires, and fears of those who are living in a world threatened by creatures supernatural.
You can read this book as a stand alone story, as the story thread from the first book is picked up well in this sequel, but, don't deprive yourself of being immersed in the fun and excitement of a world not our own.
Our heroes return in this adventure. A little older and a little wiser. But it seems that the destruction of the Big Bad from volume one, may not have been the only danger to threaten the lands. During an early battle at the keep of Tristan, one of the adult mentors from the first book, something strange and hideous rears its ugly head.. The Skeleth - They Who Crawl Below!
"Something drifted near, something that was there and yet not there - the blinking, melting image of a fire impressed on the eyes after they have shut, a nightmare that would not resolve into a shape..." thus Tom is introduced to the evil that upsets his life , Katherine's world, and Edmund's plans.
The author, Matthew Jobin, in just his second book, looks to be a fantastic new voice in the world of fantasy. He has created a rich world with the breadth and feel that will rival many of today's best storytellers and world builders. Jobin breathes life into wonderful characters and the emotions, desires, and fears of those who are living in a world threatened by creatures supernatural.
You can read this book as a stand alone story, as the story thread from the first book is picked up well in this sequel, but, don't deprive yourself of being immersed in the fun and excitement of a world not our own.
June 24, 2021
I absolutely love this series! This book especially. It shaped my childhood understanding of the fantasy genre. I've reread it multiple times over the years. It deserves more popularity!
April 13, 2016
The Skeleth by Matthew Jobin
As I said on my review of Jobin's first book, The Nethergrim , this is billed as a YA book. I would suggest the upper end of YA as there is considerable violence and death. Do not take that as a criticism, merely as a caution that I would not recommend the book for 10 year olds.
The trio of Katherine, Edmund and Tom return in this book to confront the continuing threat of the Nethergrim, an ancient evil.
Jobin creates a situation that tests each character and further hones them into laudable young heroes. There are a lot of adults in the book who illustrate the worse aspects of human nature.
I particularly liked the way Jobin crafted a solution to the deprivations of the Skeleth which will remain a mystery until you read the book.
This book shows the quality of the first book was not a fluke as that same high quality continues in this book. Some of Jobin's lines are crafted so adroitly that they are poetic. "Evening slipped inside and found itself a welcome guest." I read that line multiple times and marveled at Jobin's talent. Well done!
I highly recommend.
Web Site: http://matthewjobin.com/
As I said on my review of Jobin's first book, The Nethergrim , this is billed as a YA book. I would suggest the upper end of YA as there is considerable violence and death. Do not take that as a criticism, merely as a caution that I would not recommend the book for 10 year olds.
The trio of Katherine, Edmund and Tom return in this book to confront the continuing threat of the Nethergrim, an ancient evil.
Jobin creates a situation that tests each character and further hones them into laudable young heroes. There are a lot of adults in the book who illustrate the worse aspects of human nature.
I particularly liked the way Jobin crafted a solution to the deprivations of the Skeleth which will remain a mystery until you read the book.
This book shows the quality of the first book was not a fluke as that same high quality continues in this book. Some of Jobin's lines are crafted so adroitly that they are poetic. "Evening slipped inside and found itself a welcome guest." I read that line multiple times and marveled at Jobin's talent. Well done!
I highly recommend.
Web Site: http://matthewjobin.com/
June 2, 2016
This is quite simply a fantastic book, the second in a great new series in process. Can hardly wait for the next installment to come out, but we'll have to bide our time till then. Well imagined and beautifully written. The story is gripping and compelling from start to finish. It rolls and builds like thunder, at times profound and frequently though-provoking. Very realistic and believable fantasy, but no less charming and captivating. The telling of the tale is exquisite, neither cumbersome nor overdone, but crisp and natural. The descriptions are vivid, the characters are well developed, and the dialogue breathes very naturally and easily. Appropriate to middle grades or junior high on up. Adults will be engaged and gathered in no less, for it is not a childish piece of work. Really, one of the most elegant things I've read in recent years. I'd locate it somewhere between the Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Prydain, and would perhaps compare it favorably to some of the Chronicles of Narnia.
July 14, 2016
I waited over a year for the continuation of this story and it was worth it! It was awesome to touch bases with Katherine, Edmund and Tom again. I began to wonder at times if they might secretly be members of the Stark family due to some of the peril they experienced in this book. Who or what are the Skeleth? Where did they get such a cool/frightening name? When is there going to be a movie of this series? I want to see this in real life! Especially a few of the new magic related characters introduced in this, Book 2. Now I must experience the sadness of knowing that I have to wait another year for the next book!
July 12, 2016
Classic fantasy, vividly told
Fantastic second book in the Nethergrim series. Just as I had hoped, in this volume we start to see more of the politics and systems of magic in this world and it is all so detailed that it seems utterly real. I can't wait for book 3!
This series is great for tweens/teens who aren't ready for Song of Ice and Fire and other adult series, but still want a story with great pacing, compelling characters, and real stakes. The darker elements of life in a fantasy universe are not glossed over here, and the plot is sophisticated enough that I had to cross-reference the map more than once.
Fantastic second book in the Nethergrim series. Just as I had hoped, in this volume we start to see more of the politics and systems of magic in this world and it is all so detailed that it seems utterly real. I can't wait for book 3!
This series is great for tweens/teens who aren't ready for Song of Ice and Fire and other adult series, but still want a story with great pacing, compelling characters, and real stakes. The darker elements of life in a fantasy universe are not glossed over here, and the plot is sophisticated enough that I had to cross-reference the map more than once.
June 6, 2016
I loved The Nethergrim. . . but The Skeleth: I LOVED!! Whether or not readers have read the predecessor to The Skeleth, they will truly enjoy the rich world of this story, its genuine and human characters, and its style of prose only found among the greatest of authors of this genre, such as Tolkien and Lewis. This is the rare kind of book that you will read once, and then proceed to read a second and third time, because it may very well be your favorite. I hope that this will someday be made into a film (which captures the true quality of this work).
June 25, 2016
Wat een spannend boek! Het duurde even voor ik in het verhaal zat, ik had niet helemaal helder wie wie was in het eerste boek. De taal in het boek is best moeilijk en soms wat filosofisch, geschikt dus voor een lezer die een uitdaging aan durft te gaan.
April 25, 2016
Soooo good! Can't wait for the next one!
July 20, 2016
Looking forward to the next one.
October 15, 2024
Nuh uh.
Dit boek begon saai, was saai in t midden en is saai geëindigd. First of all, er worden 200 ingewikkelde namen gegeven van mensen die onbelangrijk zijn. Dit boek had bijna geen connectie met boek 1, alleen kleine dingen. Daarna is er ook 0 verbetering in de hoofdpersonen en dan… ‘oh mijn goddd~~~ liefde is de oplossing van alles~~ liefde moet geschonken worden~~~~’ HOU OP IK KOTS😭😭 NEE STOP
Ik wilde dit boek zelfs 1 ster geven maar 2 sterren, omdat er wel momenten van spanning in zat
Dit boek begon saai, was saai in t midden en is saai geëindigd. First of all, er worden 200 ingewikkelde namen gegeven van mensen die onbelangrijk zijn. Dit boek had bijna geen connectie met boek 1, alleen kleine dingen. Daarna is er ook 0 verbetering in de hoofdpersonen en dan… ‘oh mijn goddd~~~ liefde is de oplossing van alles~~ liefde moet geschonken worden~~~~’ HOU OP IK KOTS😭😭 NEE STOP
Ik wilde dit boek zelfs 1 ster geven maar 2 sterren, omdat er wel momenten van spanning in zat
March 10, 2022
3,5 ster
October 3, 2016
*This book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
The sophomore curse does not occur in the follow up book by Matthew Jobin. His consistency with the world he built and the characters he developed from his first book is awe inspiring. Jobin's series can rival any of his fantasy peers writing!
The Nethergrim is free and awake!! It's evil is no longer a children's bedtime nightmarish story but reality. The Nethergrim offers the promises power to those evil enough to align their souls with it.
The nightmarish tales does not stop young Edmund the innkeeper’s son and would-be wizard from trying to vanquish the Nethergrim. Along with his best friends Katherine the trainer of war-horses and Tom the runaway slave they embark on a tale noteworthy of future songs!!
The Skeleth grabs your attention and holds it until the very end!! 4 stars and a tip of my Nerd Girl hat!!
*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official
The sophomore curse does not occur in the follow up book by Matthew Jobin. His consistency with the world he built and the characters he developed from his first book is awe inspiring. Jobin's series can rival any of his fantasy peers writing!
The Nethergrim is free and awake!! It's evil is no longer a children's bedtime nightmarish story but reality. The Nethergrim offers the promises power to those evil enough to align their souls with it.
The nightmarish tales does not stop young Edmund the innkeeper’s son and would-be wizard from trying to vanquish the Nethergrim. Along with his best friends Katherine the trainer of war-horses and Tom the runaway slave they embark on a tale noteworthy of future songs!!
The Skeleth grabs your attention and holds it until the very end!! 4 stars and a tip of my Nerd Girl hat!!
*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official
May 16, 2016
I've been waiting and it's everything I hoped it would be, as a sequel to The Nethergrim. I just could not put the book away, had to keep reading. Full of action, adventure, and an introduction to fascinating medieval language, that won't disappoint the reader! The characters, I loved from Book One have come alive again, with many new and interesting characters, that kept this FA reader turning the pages. I don't want to spoil anything, so that's all I'll say. This author's ability to weave a fantasy adventure, truly shines in The Skeleth. Bravo!
August 5, 2016
Deel 2 van de Nedergrim doet niks onder voor het eerste deel. Lekker spannend, mooie magie en een paar hoofdpersonen waar zowel jongens als meisjes zich goed in kunnen verplaatsen. Met de filosofische ondertoon ook nog eens een boek waar je wat mooie gedachten aan kunt overhouden. Voor alle fantasie-fans vanaf 11 jaar.
September 28, 2016
Edmund may be the son of the village's only innkeepers, but he was enough of a wizard to beat back the Nethergrim and rescue most of the children stolen. He knows, though, his puny knowledge is nowhere near enough. So when a wizard arrives with a visiting party of lords, he thinks he's finally found a teacher . . .
Tom was hoping to escape the grasp of his former master, but that plan quickly goes awry when Tristan's castle turns out to hold unpleasant surprises. Now hunted by man and monster, he's got to step up and be a hero, because there's no one else. . .
Katherine is shocked when the absence of her father strips her of everything she once enjoyed. Now a servant in the house of her lord, she struggles to find a place in her new life. But conspiracies are unfolding, threatening both lord and land . . .
I wanted to like this more than I did, because the first book was excellent. This one retains the solid use of detail and characterization, with very good worldbuilding, credible and dangerous villains (all except the older wizard woman, who never got enough backstory), and the bravery and resourcefulness of three teenagers willing to put everything on the line. It's also got that rarer sense of generations, with the older gentleman like John Marshall and Tristan offering their perspectives.
The problem was that I spent most of the story incredibly frustrated at Edmund and Katherine. Tom's sections were the only thing drawing me to actually finish the book. I think what I dislike about both of their roles is the same, although it manifests in different ways: they're incredibly passive about what's going on. Edmund's temptation wasn't as big a problem for me as the fact that he ignores several very clear warnings (the worst of which was when he finds a door with three different languages spelling out: "Do not open this door." Guess what happens next). And he's not even thinking very hard about them. He just lets himself get drawn along. Katherine's warning should have given him a special reason to pause, since he ought to know exactly what she was talking about---but he'd rather believe the person he just met than the one he's known his entire life.
Katherine is worse because I would just get so angry reading her segments. She's pushed from a strong, independent young woman into someone browbeaten by Lady Isabeau's petty tyranny (and only calls her out on it too near the end to make a difference). What's baffling is both how quickly they press her into service, along with how ready they are to declare her father a traitor instead of, I don't know, figuring that he might actually want to warn one of the original foes of the Nethergrim that said eldritch horror is back? Or sending some rider to Tristan to check? And Katherine doesn't insist on verification, either, or try to verify it herself, nor does anything rebellious beyond run to the stables a few times to cry in Indigo's shoulder. Harry's behavior, at least, I expected, based on who he showed himself to be in the first book.
So that spoiled the otherwise strong writing for me. I can't quite bring myself to rate it as low as possible because it did swing up at the end, but I don't think I'll ever read this again. I rate this book Neutral.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
Tom was hoping to escape the grasp of his former master, but that plan quickly goes awry when Tristan's castle turns out to hold unpleasant surprises. Now hunted by man and monster, he's got to step up and be a hero, because there's no one else. . .
Katherine is shocked when the absence of her father strips her of everything she once enjoyed. Now a servant in the house of her lord, she struggles to find a place in her new life. But conspiracies are unfolding, threatening both lord and land . . .
I wanted to like this more than I did, because the first book was excellent. This one retains the solid use of detail and characterization, with very good worldbuilding, credible and dangerous villains (all except the older wizard woman, who never got enough backstory), and the bravery and resourcefulness of three teenagers willing to put everything on the line. It's also got that rarer sense of generations, with the older gentleman like John Marshall and Tristan offering their perspectives.
The problem was that I spent most of the story incredibly frustrated at Edmund and Katherine. Tom's sections were the only thing drawing me to actually finish the book. I think what I dislike about both of their roles is the same, although it manifests in different ways: they're incredibly passive about what's going on. Edmund's temptation wasn't as big a problem for me as the fact that he ignores several very clear warnings (the worst of which was when he finds a door with three different languages spelling out: "Do not open this door." Guess what happens next). And he's not even thinking very hard about them. He just lets himself get drawn along. Katherine's warning should have given him a special reason to pause, since he ought to know exactly what she was talking about---but he'd rather believe the person he just met than the one he's known his entire life.
Katherine is worse because I would just get so angry reading her segments. She's pushed from a strong, independent young woman into someone browbeaten by Lady Isabeau's petty tyranny (and only calls her out on it too near the end to make a difference). What's baffling is both how quickly they press her into service, along with how ready they are to declare her father a traitor instead of, I don't know, figuring that he might actually want to warn one of the original foes of the Nethergrim that said eldritch horror is back? Or sending some rider to Tristan to check? And Katherine doesn't insist on verification, either, or try to verify it herself, nor does anything rebellious beyond run to the stables a few times to cry in Indigo's shoulder. Harry's behavior, at least, I expected, based on who he showed himself to be in the first book.
So that spoiled the otherwise strong writing for me. I can't quite bring myself to rate it as low as possible because it did swing up at the end, but I don't think I'll ever read this again. I rate this book Neutral.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
December 15, 2017
I loved this book and thought it was a fantastic sequel to the first. Now the hard part is waiting for Book 3 but such is life...
Sometimes I felt the book was a bit disjointed because the three main characters were all doing their own things do switching between points of view would break my immersion a bit.
It was fun watching the characters grow and mature as individuals and go through their own struggles.
This book is quite dark for its age group and the political aspect definitely makes me question how appropriate it is for 9-12. I definitely feel like it's more YA than juvenile fiction.
Overall the book was great and I eagerly wait for the next one to come out.
Sometimes I felt the book was a bit disjointed because the three main characters were all doing their own things do switching between points of view would break my immersion a bit.
It was fun watching the characters grow and mature as individuals and go through their own struggles.
This book is quite dark for its age group and the political aspect definitely makes me question how appropriate it is for 9-12. I definitely feel like it's more YA than juvenile fiction.
Overall the book was great and I eagerly wait for the next one to come out.
October 31, 2021
I liked the way the book had 3 different story lines going at the same time, marrying for the ultimate finale. Catherine, Edmund, and Tom are all strong characters and compliment each other well.
With Edmund's magic and insight, Tom's level headedness and Katherine's knowledge of horses and battle strategies they make a great team. Lord Wolland didn't know what he was getting himself into when he came to town.
I love the horse, Indigo! He always knows what the characters need.
My library system does not have the third book so I'll see if they can import it from out of state.
With Edmund's magic and insight, Tom's level headedness and Katherine's knowledge of horses and battle strategies they make a great team. Lord Wolland didn't know what he was getting himself into when he came to town.
I love the horse, Indigo! He always knows what the characters need.
My library system does not have the third book so I'll see if they can import it from out of state.
February 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and I think it may even be better than the first book, the Nethergrim. I enjoyed the pacing of this book because, to me, it felt perfect for the slowly rising action. I also liked the way the book was written. I can always understand and visualize what is going on in the book at any given time. In addition, I like the way the story switches perspectives, it makes me feel like I'm reading 3 completely different stories and they all contribute to one story. If you like fantasy, medieval, or even romance books, then I recommend that you read this.
March 5, 2018
A worthy successor to the dark and gritty Nethergrim. The action is less intimately local this time, as larger politics--and war--descend upon the domain of the three protagonists. The world-building continues to revolve around their growth as characters, and it makes for another intriguing and exciting tale.
May 24, 2021
The characters remain likeable, and continue to develop and grow - suffering, primarily, but also displaying courage, teamwork, and how (and whom) to trust. It's a quick read - over before you know it, honestly - and the book ends on a cliffhanger. Great way to continue the series and I'm looking forward to the next one.
January 22, 2026
I really liked this one. There was time given to connect more with the main characters which I enjoyed, and I also liked how there were kind of two plots to follow that merged into one: the Skeleth and the war with Wolland. It was easy to read and lots of fun throughout. Some things were predictable which took away a little bit from the mystery and thrill, but overall I liked the story.
June 19, 2017
Edmund is troubled by terrible nightmares, at the same time,
a new threat called: the Skeleth(they are similar to zombies) are
threatening the kingdom.
There is a strong influence of both C.S. Lewis and Tolkien in the story.
a new threat called: the Skeleth(they are similar to zombies) are
threatening the kingdom.
There is a strong influence of both C.S. Lewis and Tolkien in the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews