Synopsis:

Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she’s blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks–and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.
But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.
It’s then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city’s most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart–an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests–or she’ll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.

Review:

I loved every single aspect of this book, the writing style, the characters, the plot, the mystery, everything! This book was a cross between so many wonderful classics and legendary books that Jessica (a bloody Aussie legend) captured and it was beyond enjoyable.  There was obviously the magic, a powerful enemy and breathtaking creatures, what legendary book series has that? Harry Potter of course! Travelling by the means of a magical umbrella why that would be Mary Poppins! The children having magical abilities, well that can come from a few different fantasy books but the one that really sprung to mind was of course the Percy Jackson series! And what about transporting from a gloomy normal world to a world of wonder? Yep you guessed it, Alice in Wonderland! That’s just a few examples of amazing stories that have come to life in Nevermoor.  This middle grade book was a fun read, I found myself giggling one nearly every page and I was unable to put it down. Nevermoor is definitely one of my favourite books I devoured in 2017!

The book is centred on Morrigan Crow, who is cursed and targeted by the town for any misfortune that falls upon the town and the town’s occupants. Miss Crow’s father believes in this curse and spends most of his time covering up any misfortune that takes place with money and treats Morrigan terribly because of it.  But that’s not the kicker – any cursed children die on their 11^th birthday. Morbid right? Wonderfully morbid in my opinion, finding this out at the beginning of the book had me hook, line and sinker. However, at the right moment a quirky and mysterious stranger Jupiter arrives and charges Morrigan’s miserable and bleak destiny and takes her to another world where she has the chance to compete for a position at the Wunderous Society.
I loved Morrigan crow, most likely cause I found a lot of myself in her, with her quick tongue, witty remarks and love for wearing all things black! Miss Crow is like a mini me and I love it!!!! I also found that as a young child that her reactions were realistic to difficult, different and unusual situations. The curiosity, confusion and courage were well written and I cannot wait to see where this amazing adventure takes us next.
I highly enjoyed this book and I have and will continue to recommend this delightful tale to any middle grader, young adult as well as adults. Brilliant work Jessica, bring on the next book!!!

ISBN: 9780734418074

Publisher: Hachette Australia 

Rating: 4.5/5