Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Since early childhood Morrigan has been blamed for every bad thing that has befallen the people of her village: from her mother dying in childbirth to people tripping over or even wishing someone a good day.  Because she was born on Eventide night she is doomed to die at the same time on the night she turns 11; unfortunately that date is fast approaching.  However before this date there is the annual ‘bid’ ceremony where children are chosen to attend different types of education. Morrigan is allowed to attend as an observer and is shocked when someone bids for her. When the eccentric Jupiter North offers her the chance to train for the Wundrous Society in the secret city of Nevermoor, Morrigan jumps at the opportunity to escape her fate, but is it ‘out of the frying pan’?

This is a truly magical story that has taken the publishing world by storm.  The heroine is engaging, full of determination and a real role model for young girls.  The world that she finds herself in has been beautifully created and feels so real that we are quite at home.  Jupiter North is a fascinating and odd character who takes delight in breaking many of the rules that surround him; however he is absolutely on the side of good and is determined to prevent evil from winning. This evil comes in the form of a character called Ezra Squall who wants to use magic for his own ends and a character called Inspector Flintlock who is the epitome of a ‘job’s worth’. I particularly love the way that Morrigan grows as a person and learns to believe that she is not responsible for all the bad events that happen.  She discovers that she has a value as a human being and that her innate goodness makes friends and helps her through hard times.  This is a very strong message and one that resonates with young people today.  I really look forward to reading more of her adventures and would really recommend this title to those who want a little magic in their lives.