Nomadin

Shawn P. Cormier

10/28/2003

Review by Molly

Nadae has been a nice peaceful land from the time Reknamarken the necromancer was restrained into a specially bound book by the Nomadin. The miscreant vows that a Nomadin child will be born and ultimately bring his release. In an effort to prevent such a misadventure the Nomadin forbid the birth of any Nomadin child.

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 one of those who causes Ilien so much problem, and with the arrival of a special Swan who will carry both Ilien and his Princess friend Windy to the next part of the adventure.

And this is just the beginning.

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.

Nomadin presents an engrossing tale of mysterious, enchanting characters catapulted by powerful motivations moving against a backdrop of richly drawn settings designed to pull the reader right into the narrative. Humor abounds as writer Cormier fits metaphor, pun and downright whimsical into the tale. Effective dialog carries the reader along on a breathless adventure as the three stalwarts endeavor to outwit the enemy. The reader is easily caught up in the account as Ilien faces danger and his burgeoning use of mysterious powers he never realized were his. Conflict is plentiful and deftly resolved. At every turn Ilien meets near catastrophe, adversity and heart rending upset before he learns that everything is not always as he had first thought. Hooks and twists to suit the most demanding reader. And, the best of all, book two is on it’s way.

Excellent book for classroom ‘free reading’ use, parent and/or teacher ‘read-to’ use and pleasure reading for the 11-16 group.

You can find more about this book at .

Nomadin
NiDemon
Necromancer