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Reader Reviews | |
Review by Molly Martin (260104) Rating (9/10) Review
by Molly Martin Ilien Woodhill is a boy with a bit of puzzlement to him. While his peasant mother is away from home Ilien is cared for by the elderly Gallund. Using his special pencil Ilien is able to ace his geometry test, however as Gallund his mentor points out, the pencil is not for cheating at math, but rather is for spells. The arrival of Thiessen, an Eastlander soldier, sets in motion events, excitement and episodes Ilien never dreamed possible. Setting out for Evernden on horseback the trio soon are embroiled in confrontation with witches. The NiDemon want to destroy Gallund a Nomadin. After Gallund is taken under the earth by magical grass, Thiessen and a most discouraged Ilien continue on their quest. Not much time passes before Ilien meets a horde of wolfish creatures, believes Thiessen to be dead, and is himself attacked. And this is only the beginning. The book ends with the death of a NiDemon, and the arrival of a special Swan who will carry both Ilien and his Princess friend Windy to rescue the heretofore supposed doomed Gallund. More is coming in book two. Writer Cormier captures the essence of the genre to produce a zestful, fast paced work sure to please kids and parents alike. Comparable to Tolkien and C. S Lewis author Cormier is a fresh voice on the Middle Grades/Young Adult fantasy scene. Cormier’s Main Character Ilien is a kid youngsters everywhere can like. He isn’t the most popular member of his class. In fact the book opens with school bullies ready to clean his clock. Nomadin is filled with all the ingredients readers hope to find. Appealing, resourceful, non-stereotypical characters, well-drawn scenarios, kid friendly dialog all abound in this work offered by talented author Cormier.
Excellent
book for classroom ‘free reading’ use, parent and/or
teacher ‘read-to’ use and pleasure reading for the
11-16 groups. |
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