Warrior Genius

Gr 4–7—Giacomo is newly acquainted with his creative powers and is on a mission to find the second of three Sacred Tools. By his side are a group of fellow young artists and their Geniuses—avian creatures which embody the creative spirit. Their powerful artistic abilities pose a threat to Nerrezza, the tyrannical ruler of Virenzia who seeks to destroy all Geniuses and harness the power of the Sacred Tools herself. DiMartino has created a fascinating and innovative world in which the creative spirit and its diverse manifestations equates to literal strength; a greatly empowering message for readers. The author's straightforward writing style makes this complex world accessible. Familiarity with the first book is necessary to catch all of the concepts, characters, and events referenced. Featured throughout, Giacomo's sketches depict his observations and the development of his talent while illustrating key geometric concepts in the narrative. The portrayal of the relationship between art and math, without a hint of didacticism, is one adults and children alike will appreciate.