Rebel Genius (Geniuses #1)
by
Michael Dante DiMartino
My rating: 5 of 5
A world created by the co-creator of one of my favourite fantasy worlds of all time – centred around artists and creativity? Yes please.
This was my reaction when I first came across this book. I had to try it.
The tale carries many vibing hallmarks of DiMartinos’ iconic Avatar animated series and the world it has spawned: A vast new world, a fascinating new interpretation of familiar concepts and a well rounded ensemble centered around a group of young people and intriguing premises to carry the narrative.
Unlike the world of A:tLA, this time DiMartino delves into the world of artists and creativity and draws from influences from Renaissance era Italy, with some sprinklings of ideas influenced from Buddhism and more, especially with ideas based around Sacred Geometry that are a part of numerous philosophies and religions in our history and art.
Young orphan Giacomo hides in the sewers of his home city, the capital of a despotically ruled kingdom where all art is stifled and allowed only under the dispensation of their murder-friendly Queen Nerezza. One night he nearly dies but is miraculously saved and finds himself bonded with a new “Genius”, a tiny creature (which are seemingly all birds of varying types) that is the embodiment of his artistic skills and a link of sort between him and the source of all creative power in the universe – this concept of the external creature as an extension of the artist being central to the mythos of this world. Now outlawed by the Queen who is the only one allowed to possess one, Giacomo is now in even more danger than ever because if caught, his Genius will be killed, leaving him a shambling, lifeless shell that will eventually wither and die.
But then he is found by others like him and as they all live in secret and train their skills, Giacomo is drawn into a larger challenge and conflict that his own survival. Different sides are seeking out the Sacred Tools of the worlds’ Creator and the consequences could be world changing in many ways, depending on who finds them first.
Making many new friends and enemies along the way, our protagonist has to struggle against his own nature, build relationships and learn many new things about the very world he inhabits and what it means to be an artist.
It is a fascinating new world. In it I could see shades and aspects reminiscent of many other books and stories I have loved, like Golden Compass, Inkheart and of course, Avatar: The Last Airbender. But beyond the most surface familiarity, DiMartino really did a wonderful job by making every concept and execution feel unique and have a vibe all its own. The pacing is not rushed yet never feels like like a plod even for a moment; everychapter, event and interaction feels like it adds something either to the story or to the characters involved or both. There is a feeling throughout that the voice telling the story feels strongly about and has really put a lot of thought and heart into the ideas and philosophies being pondered between the lines.
Overall, it is one of the most distinct and interesting fantasies I have read in a really, really long time. It does not waste time trying to pander to the very cliched tropes and types of the burgeoning YA novel market, nor does it take any easy ways out and draw on familiar fantasy/myth elements like obvious religious ones or Tolkien-esque elements. Like his other work, regardless of any similarities, it is something that stands strongly on its own feet and it is a world I would love to spend a lot more time exploring – which allowed me to feel happy and relieved when I saw that this is not a standalone but is planned to have at least one sequel novel, which I eagerly look forward to reading.
One Happy Monk 
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