Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Series: Nevermoor #1

Released: 10th October 2017

Published by: Hachette

Genre: MG Fantasy

Source: Publisher

Pages: 449

My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Goodreads | QBD | Booktopia

A breathtaking, enchanting new series by debut author Jessica Townsend, about a cursed girl who escapes death and finds herself in a magical world--but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination.

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.

Nevermoor is a delightfully enchanting read which captures a sense of adventure on every page. Australian author Jessica Townsend's debut certainly has met the hype which came with her release, with comparisons made to Harry Potter that set the bar high. This new series does have the potential to become the stuff of legend for today's young readers, standing on its own as a uniquely imagined world of wonder and excitement with a protagonist who pushes past her vulnerabilities and is willing to 'step boldly'. 

She thought of the night before - of the wonderful moment when Jupiter had shown up at Crow Manor, the joy she'd felt at the break of dawn when she'd landed safely in the forecourt of the Hotel Deucalion. She'd believed a whole new world had opened up to her. 

This is a story which you can't help but be drawn to from the very first page. Even the most reluctant readers are sure to be hooked as they learn of Morrigan Crow's doomed fate and the dramatic circumstances which could change her life forever. What gives Nevermoor its charm is the world which Townsend has so intricately created. The idea of the Wundrous Society and telling of each trial which stands between Morrigan and her curse are all crafted in vivid detail which brings the plot to life. Although I would say this novel isn't as dark as Harry Potter, it still maintains a balance between the real danger following our protagonist and the fun of new experiences such as staying at the Hotel Decaulion and meeting a 'Magnificat'. At its heart, even when you take away the fantastical elements of this book, there is a message which readers both young and old will appreciate, about finally seeing what makes you special, and having the confidence to embrace it. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Nevermoor has enough charm to appeal to people of any age, capturing the enchantment of a world where what hides behind the shadows is no match for the magic which lies within. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series!

Mini Dual Reviews: Glenn Maxwell Cricket Series & Giveaway

Lucky Break by Glenn Maxwell/Patrick Loughlin
Series: Glenn Maxwell #1
Released: 1st December 2014
Genre: MG Contemporary/Sport
Source: Publisher
Pages: 167
Goodreads | Bookworld

The first Glenn Maxwell book finds a young cricket player hoping to survive a sports training camp where one of the best players is also his rival

Will Albright is a 12-year-old batting whiz and captain of his local cricket team, The Kew Rangers. But when his coach nominates him to attend a T20 Training camp, Will soon discovers that standing out in a sea of young cricket talent won’t be easy. Especially when Darren "Killer" McKinnon, a super quick pace bowler, has taken a deadly dislike to him. Luckily Will’s hero, Glenn Maxwell, is on hand to provide some much needed cricket advice. If Will can survive Killer’s bouncers long enough, he just may have a shot of making it through the camp alive and gaining a place at the brand new T20 Youth Academy.

Academy All-Stars by Glenn Maxwell/Patrick Loughlin
Series: Glenn Maxwell #2
Released: 1st December 2014
Genre: MG Contemporary/Sport
Source: Publisher
Pages: 154
Goodreads | Bookworld

In the second Glenn Maxwell book, an up-and-coming junior cricketer is mentored on his journey by a star Australian cricket player.

Talented young batsmen Will Albright has earned himself a place at the brand new T20 Youth Academy, but in order to prove himself worthy of playing for Victoria, he will first have to face everything the academy can throw at him—including more bone rattling bouncers from his arch nemesis, Darren "Killer" McKinnon. To make things even more challenging, Will must compete with his best mate Shavil for the highly sought-after opening batsmen spot. Can Australian T20 all-rounder Glenn Maxwell help Will adjust his game and earn a spot on the State team without losing his friend—or his head? .

Thank you to Random House Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The first two books in this new series by Australian cricketing legend Glenn Maxwell, in collaboration with author Patrick Loughlin, are sure to be a hit with middle-grade readers who are looking for something with a sporty theme. The great thing about these novels is that they not only stay true to the facts of the sport itself, but also have a positive message at their core. 

With a glossary at the back and profile of Glenn Maxwell himself at the end of the books, even children who play other sports will have exposure to a cricket-education. The cricket-buffs among young readers will also be able to take home some advice from Glenn with his own tips on batting and other skills which he learnt playing in the T20. In all, alongside the narrative itself it was nice to have these extra bonuses which add to the value of the books. 

Another positive element was the fact that these books aren't really bias towards either gender. Although the cover images may suggest that the stories are targeted towards boys, there are some prominent female characters as well who are outstanding cricketers themselves (and definitely put the boys to the test!). Glenn features as a character in the plot, which is an interesting twist which fans of his should appreciate. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

This series would be a promising kick-start to get kids reading if they aren't bookworms already. I'd definitely recommend it to any young hopefuls who are passionate about cricket, and are looking for a story that features an activity they are passionate about.

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