The Skeleth
Author: Matthew Jobin
Series: The Nethergrim (Book 2)
Publisher: Philomel Books
Hardcover: 400 pages
Age Range: 10 and up
Release Date: May 10, 2016; $17.99 US/$23.99 CAN; 9780399159992
Discover for yourself why reviewers are comparing The Nethergrim to Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and Ranger’s Apprentice! The next great epic fantasy is here . . .
For the lords of the north, land is power. The Nethergrim, now awoken and free to wreak its evil upon the world, offers the promise of victory to those ruthless enough to accept its foul bargain. One ambitious lord, eager for the chance to conquer and rule, succumbs to temptation and helps to free the Skeleth — eerie, otherworldly beings said to be unstoppable in battle. The Skeleth merge with the bodies of their victims, ruling their minds and turning them into remorseless killers. Worse yet, to kill the man inside the Skeleth only frees it to seize a new host, starting a cycle of violence that has no end.
Such chilling tales are not enough to stop young Edmund, innkeeper’s son and would-be wizard, from seeking for a way to turn back the oncoming tide of destruction. Along with his best friends — Katherine the trainer of war-horses and Tom the runaway slave — Edmund searches for a magical weakness in the Skeleth, something that might allow him to break their never-ending curse. The three friends join with the legendary hero Tristan in a battle of courage, wisdom, wits, and sacrifice to stop the Skeleth from ravaging their homeland and all they hold dear.
This adventurous tale that marries earthly greed to otherworldly evil is perfect for fans who enjoy the epic worlds of John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice, Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, and George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. Discover for yourself why so many are making the comparisons!
About The Author
A native of Canada, Matthew Jobin holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from Stanford University. He lectures in anthropology at Santa Clara University. The idea for The Nethergrimcame to Matthew as a young boy exploring the forest surrounding his home. Intent on telling the story of this fantasy world, he’s been developing it and its inhabitants ever since. Matthew lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Tina.
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
