One Sentence Synopsis

Morrigan Crow, a cursed child who has been told her whole life that she will die on Eventide, finds herself whisked away to the enchanting world of Nevermoor and competing in a trial that could change her life.

Favorite Quote

“Death is boring. Life is much more fun. Things happen in life all the time. Unexpected things. Things you couldn’t possibly expect because they’re so very… unexpected.”

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If you’ve been anywhere around the bookternet recently, you’ve probably heard of Nevermoor. At least, if you follow anyone who talks about middle grade books you have! I’ve been curious about it for ages as I’ve never heard anything but stellar reviews! I kept putting it off, though… a fate that many of the books I’ve been interested in due to hype have suffered. Thankfully, fate (and a poll) stepped in when this book was chosen as the Middle Grade Marvels book pick for June! I bought a copy, settled in, and finally got to see what all the hype was about.

Well, I can now with confidence that the hype surrounding this book is well-placed! Oh my goooooood, this book was incredible! I found it very hard to stick to the planned reading schedule for the book club as I read it. I honestly could have consumed this book in one sitting! It is just so readable and whimsical and fun!

We follow the story of young Morrigan Crow, a cursed child who is doomed to die on her eleventh birthday. For her entire life, her family and everyone else in town has blamed Morrigan for any misfortune due to her curse. But, when Eventide and the date of her pre-ordained death rolls around, a mysterious man shows up and whisks Morrigan away to a strange and magical city called Nevermoor. Once there, she is entered into a trial to gain entrance into one of the most prestigious groups in all the Free States: The Wunderous Society. Now, if Morrigan doesn’t want to get shipped back to a certain death, she must somehow fight her way through these trials and come out on top.

I’d have to say, though I had a lot of aspects I loved about this book, my favorite has to be the characters. I loved them all! Well… that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but I found that even the characters I wanted to smack in the face were just so compelling. Morrigan is an absolute doll. Seriously. I love her and will fight anyone who makes her sad! Jupiter North, her strange and secretive patron, is incredible and oh so sweet, even if there were a few times I wanted to strangle him. Even the Big Baddie had me utterly intrigued! I suppose what I’m trying to say is that this author knows how to write a group of characters that make you care and that is something I always appreciate.

Now we know the characters are incredible, but what about the story? Rest easy because the story is a freakin’ joy! As you’re reading, you’ll wish you could stay at the Hotel Deauclion, watch the Black Parade, and hang out in the Smoking Parlor sniffing vanilla smoke (“to soothe the senses and bring happy dreams”) right alongside Morrigan. The story sucks you in and at no point do you want to leave. It’s been awhile since I’ve read such an engaging book and I can’t wait to pass it down to my kids so they can fall in love with it, as well!

I will say that certain aspects of the plot made me shake my head. Like all the freakin’ SECRETS! I could feel Morrigan’s frustration because it was mine, as well! And, when all is revealed at the end, it seemed like something Morrigan should have absolutely been told way beforehand. Of course, that wouldn’t make for nearly as enthralling of a story, so I get it. But hoooo-boy did I want to shake a few people right alongside poor Morrigan 😂

Final thoughts: This is about as whimsical and heart-warming as any middle grade comes! Are you looking for found family? Check! Are you looking for a trial set around a series of challenges? Check! Do you like your heroine a little sarcastic? Morrigan’s your girl! This is a fun, intensely readable book and I can’t wait to pick up the sequel!