Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun a medieval fantasy world from the forests of his childhood—meet Matthew Jobin! A Ph.D.-holding anthropologist turned Young Adult fantasy author, Jobin has enchanted readers with his Nethergrim trilogy, a saga brimming with magic, adventure, and heart. His knack for weaving anthropology into spellbinding narratives makes him a standout in the genre, inviting readers to lose themselves in worlds both thrilling and deeply human.
The Making of Matthew Jobin
Born just outside Toronto, Canada, Matthew Jobin’s imagination was sparked by exploring the lush forests near his home. These early adventures laid the seeds for his fantasy worlds, where landscapes pulse with life and mystery. Armed with a Ph.D. in anthropology from Stanford University, Jobin dove into studying human cultures, a passion that would later shape his storytelling. He began crafting the Nethergrim’s universe as a boy, spending 25 years refining its lore before sharing it with the world. Now a lecturer at Santa Clara University, he lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Tina, balancing academia with his love for epic tales.
Matthew Jobin’s Unforgettable Stories
Jobin’s debut, The Nethergrim (2014), kicked off his acclaimed trilogy with a bang. Set in the village of Moorvale, it follows Edmund, a budding wizard, Katherine, a sword-wielding heroine, and Tom, a wise servant, as they battle the sinister Nethergrim. The book’s rich world-building and avoidance of genre clichés earned it a finalist spot for the 2015 Monica Hughes Science Fiction and Fantasy Award. The Skeleth (2016) deepens the saga, introducing eerie, unstoppable beings and a medieval atmosphere that feels vividly real. The Darknot (2017) wraps up the trilogy with an epic showdown, blending action with emotional depth. Jobin’s style—elegant, suspenseful, and grounded in anthropological insights—creates worlds that feel lived-in, with characters who grow through courage and friendship.
Beyond the trilogy, Jobin penned The Book of Deeds (2019), a collection of stories expanding the Nethergrim universe. His writing emphasizes intelligence and resolve over raw magic, drawing comparisons to Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, yet tailored for younger readers. Reviewers praise his ability to craft logical villains and metaphysical magic, making his tales both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Matthew Jobin Matters
Matthew Jobin’s work resonates because it bridges the gap between scholarly depth and accessible adventure. His anthropological lens infuses his stories with authentic cultural textures, appealing to fantasy fans craving something fresh. The Nethergrim trilogy has inspired young readers to embrace bravery and teamwork, earning accolades like a New York Public Library Best Book for Teens nod. Jobin’s dedication to his craft—25 years of world-building!—sets a high bar for the genre, proving that even lesser-known authors can leave a lasting mark.
- Born: Canada, near Toronto
- Key Works: The Nethergrim (2014), The Skeleth (2016), The Darknot (2017), The Book of Deeds (2019)
- Awards: Finalist, 2015 Monica Hughes Science Fiction and Fantasy Award
- Fun Fact: Jobin named every frog in a creek in The Nethergrim, crowning himself their Overlord!
Ready to embark on a magical quest? Snag The Nethergrim and dive into Matthew Jobin’s epic fantasy world today!