Third in the Nevermoor series, this book deals with the deadly Hollowpox, a disease affecting sentient Wunimals which reduces them to mute, unthinking animals. Morrigan, though she is finally getting training for her unique skills, seems to have a mysterious connection with the Hollowpox and can’t stop worrying over her friends. Townsend does a great job balancing joy with terror for Morrigan, surrounding her with fearful experiences and supportive friends at the same time, so the reader never feels like the angst is too much to keep going. Really interesting political developments towards the end. Looking forward to reading the next book alongside the kids!
Tag: author-jessica townsend
Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow, by Jessica Townsend
Sequel to Nevermoor, in which Morrigan begins classes with the rest of her unit at the Wundrous Society. I love the various ways in which friendship and loyalty are expressed and earned in this book, and how Townsend never leaves Morrigan completely alone to fight her battles. I also like that it’s not just the children in these books who get to learn and grow, but also the adults. The villain also seems to have far more complex motivations than Morrigan can comprehend; I look forward to learning more about what’s driving him. Overall a bit darker than the first book, but just as enjoyable. The kids tell me there’s only one book left before we have to wait for the next to be released.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
Middle-grade fantasy, because my kids said it was cool (and they were right!). Great beginning, in which young Morrigan is attempting to write apology letters to members of the community; it turned out she is a “cursed child,” cause of bad luck to anyone she encounters, and doomed to die on her eleventh birthday. However, at the last moment, she is whisked away to a magical city called Nevermoor, under the wing of a whimsical and secretive man named Jupiter North. In Nevermoor, Morrigan undergoes trial after trial to try to win a place in the magical city, while making friends and enemies, and getting ever closer to the truth of her “curse” and why Jupiter wanted her so badly. Very satisfying adventure fantasy, and Morrigan’s character strikes the right balance of respect, curiosity, and mischief.