The headline says Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend is set to be a worldwide phenomenon, and after reading the book, it isn’t hard to see why.
The author takes you deep into the amazing world of Nevermoor – so deep you don’t ever want to leave.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is about Morrigan, whom everyone believes to be cursed because of the day on which she was born. If a cat dies, it is Morrigan’s fault. If someone’s jam isn’t up to scratch, it is Morrigan’s fault. If someone loses a contest, it is Morrigan’s fault.
You get the picture.
Morrigan’s family is so tired of it all that they are actually looking forward to Eventide – Morrigan’s birthday and also the day she is set to die. Bracing for her imminent demise, Morrigan is surprised when an eccentric man named Jupiter North appears and takes her away, saving her from the black-smoke hunters who are coming to kill her.
Jupiter takes Morrigan to the land of Nevermoor, a Free State that isn’t known to anyone outside of its realm, where he has chosen her to compete in Nevermoor’s most coveted organisation – the Wundrous Society. But in order for her to join, she has to succeed in four dangerous trials that prove her honesty, determination and bravery. The final trial, however, is Morrigan’s biggest problem. Candidates are supposed to showcase their talents and skills to the Society’s elders, yet Morrigan doesn’t have any at all.
The even bigger problem is that if Morrigan doesn’t become a member of the Wundrous Society, she’ll be kicked out of Nevermoor – back into the arms of the hunters trying to kill her.
The Trials of Morrigan is one of those books you will not be able to put down. It takes you through an adventure down the rabbit hole, spins you around a couple of times before pulling you back up for a big breath of fresh air. You will fall in love with its protagonist and her friends: Jupiter, the charming all knowing sponsor; Jack, the dragon-riding mischief; and Fez, the Magnificat who is a reminder of the cat bus in My Neighbour Totoro.
Readers will be amazed by the unique world that the author has created. The details are so well written you can actually see it being made into a movie. The story’s antagonist is worthy of comparison to the dark Lord Voldermont; The Wundersmith is all powerful and all evil and Morrigan facing this enemy is akin to Darth Vader asking Luke to join him in the dark side.
The Trials of Morrigan Crow is a beautiful story about finding the strength inside yourself to keep going, despite years of being made to believe that you don’t matter. Morrigan is a great role model for kids who sometimes feel like they are alone in the world. Definitely looking forward to book two.
Kristyn M. Levis is a freelance writer, author and photographer based in Sydney. She is currently the managing editor of Her Collective. Her first novel, The Girl Between Two Worlds, was published in 2016. Book two is set for release next year.