Jessica Townsendâs Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is a spellbinding and whimsical adventure that transports readers into a world of magic, mystery, and destiny. The first book in the Nevermoor series introduces a fresh and imaginative take on the âchosen oneâ trope, blending the wonder of Harry Potter with the intrigue of Alice in Wonderland and the charm of Percy Jackson. With its richly detailed world-building, clever storytelling, and a heroine you canât help but root for, Nevermoor is a must-read for fantasy lovers of all ages.
The story follows Morrigan Crow, a girl born under a fateful curse that marks her as doomedâblamed for every misfortune in her town and destined to die on her eleventh birthday. But just when her fate seems sealed, she is whisked away by the eccentric and enigmatic Jupiter North, who takes her to the dazzling city of Nevermoor, a place filled with magic, wonder, and impossibilities.
For the first time, Morrigan has a chance at a futureâif she can prove she belongs. To stay in Nevermoor, she must pass four dangerous and mysterious trials to earn a place in the prestigious Wundrous Society. The only problem? Every other competitor has an obvious magical abilityâexcept Morrigan. With no known talent and everything at stake, she must rely on her wits, determination, and courage to survive.
Nevermoor is one of the most vivid and enchanting fantasy worlds in modern middle-grade fiction. Townsendâs descriptions bring the city to life with its Wundrous Society, fantastical creatures, and a hotel that shifts and changes to suit its guests. From the Brolly Rail (a transportation system that lets people fly via umbrellas) to the exhilarating Christmas Eve Battle of the Singing Saint, the book brims with delightful and unexpected magical elements.
The setting feels alive, much like Hogwarts in Harry Potter, creating a sense of home for both Morrigan and the reader. But beneath its whimsical charm, Nevermoor also holds deep secrets, and Morrigan must navigate both the enchantment and the hidden dangers lurking beneath its surface.
At its heart, Nevermoor is a story about belonging. Morrigan, who spent her entire life being told she was a curse, struggles to believe she is worthy of acceptance. Her journey isnât just about passing the Wundrous Societyâs trialsâitâs about discovering who she is and whether she deserves happiness.
Her growing bond with her quirky yet fiercely loyal friend Hawthorne adds warmth and humor to the story, providing the same dynamic, ride-or-die friendship that fans of Harry and Ron will love. Jupiter North, her mentor, is equal parts Dumbledore and Willy Wonkaâa mysterious, wise, and utterly unconventional guardian who sees something special in Morrigan, even when she canât see it herself.
While Nevermoor is filled with humor and lighthearted moments, it also has real stakes. Morriganâs trials are intense, forcing her to think on her feet, prove her worth, and confront fears of rejection. The mystery of her missing ability looms over her, and as she gets closer to uncovering the truth, the tension builds. The villainous Wundersmith is a shadowy presence, hinting at a darker conflict that will unfold in future books.
Townsendâs writing keeps the perfect balance between joy and tension, making Nevermoor an absolute page-turner.
With its breathtaking world-building, lovable characters, and a protagonist who learns that being different doesnât mean being worthless, Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is a magical masterpiece. Itâs perfect for fans of Harry Potter, The School for Good and Evil, and Alice in Wonderland, offering an adventure filled with humor, heart, and just the right amount of mystery. Jessica Townsend has crafted a world that readers will want to revisit again and again.
Jessica Townsendâs Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow shares many of the same elements that made Harry Potter such a beloved series. While Nevermoor has its own distinct voice and imaginative world, it captures the same sense of wonder, magical discovery, and personal growth that made Harry Potter a global phenomenon. Hereâs why fans of Harry Potter will feel right at home in the world of Nevermoor.
One of the most captivating aspects of Harry Potter is the existence of a magical world concealed from everyday life. Similarly, in Nevermoor, Morrigan Crow is taken from her mundane and dreary existence into the breathtaking, hidden city of Nevermoor.
Just like Diagon Alley and Hogwarts, Nevermoor is full of wondrous locations, whimsical inventions, and enchanting creatures.
The magical world of Nevermoor feels alive, with traditions, politics, and a rich history, making it as immersive as the wizarding world.
The way Townsend introduces readers to Nevermoor mirrors the sense of awe and discovery that Harry experiences when he first learns about Hogwarts.
Both Morrigan Crow and Harry Potter grow up believing they are nothing specialâHarry because he is mistreated by the Dursleys, and Morrigan because she is labeled as a cursed child. However, both soon discover they are part of a larger magical destiny.
Morrigan is invited to compete for a spot in the Wundrous Society, a prestigious and secretive organization, despite believing she has no special ability.
Similarly, Harry is accepted to Hogwarts, only to learn that he is famous in the wizarding world because of a past he doesnât fully understand.
Both stories revolve around a central mystery surrounding the protagonistâHarryâs connection to Voldemort and the prophecy, and Morriganâs unknown ability and connection to the Wundersmith.
Hogwarts is one of the most beloved aspects of Harry Potter, offering a structured magical education filled with challenges, rivalries, and magical discoveries. While Nevermoor doesnât have a traditional school, it has something similar:
The Wundrous Society Trials â Morrigan must pass four difficult and dangerous trials to earn her place in the Society. These trials test her intelligence, bravery, and adaptability, much like how Hogwarts classes, house competitions, and the Triwizard Tournament challenge Harry.
Just as Hogwarts Houses create a sense of community and rivalry, the Wundrous Society selects only the best applicants, creating an intense competition that adds tension and excitement to Morriganâs journey.
The structure of these trials makes Nevermoor feel like a magical school setting, even though it isnât quite the same as Hogwarts.
One of the most beloved characters in Harry Potter is Albus Dumbledore, the wise, quirky, and often mysterious headmaster of Hogwarts. In Nevermoor, Jupiter North plays a similar role in Morriganâs life.
Jupiter, like Dumbledore, is a powerful and enigmatic mentor who doesnât reveal everything at once but encourages Morrigan to find her own path.
He provides guidance, protection, and a touch of humor, much like how Dumbledore supports Harry.
He sees potential in Morrigan when no one else does, which echoes how Dumbledore always believed in Harryâs abilities even when Harry doubted himself.
Jupiterâs larger-than-life personality and secrets make him one of the most intriguing characters in Nevermoor, much like Dumbledoreâs mysterious and playful nature in Harry Potter.
A major theme in Harry Potter is the power of friendship and found familyâHarry, Ron, and Hermione form an unbreakable bond, helping each other survive through trials and dangers. Nevermoor shares this heartwarming theme:
Morrigan and Hawthorne â Hawthorne, a fellow competitor in the Wundrous Society trials, becomes Morriganâs closest friend, much like how Ron becomes Harryâs. Their loyalty, humor, and support for each other make their friendship one of the highlights of the book.
The Hotel Deucalion as a Found Family â Just as Hogwarts and the Weasleys become Harryâs real family, Morrigan finds a home at Hotel Deucalion, where a cast of quirky, warm-hearted characters accept her for who she is.
These relationships create the same heartfelt emotional depth that makes Harry Potter so special.
A great fantasy story needs a compelling antagonist, and Nevermoor delivers with the mysterious figure of Ezra Squall, the Wundersmith.
Like Voldemort, Squall is a dark, dangerous figure whose history is tied to the protagonist in ways Morrigan doesnât yet fully understand.
Squall, much like Voldemort, operates in the background for most of the book, making his presence ominous but subtle, setting the stage for greater conflicts to come.
The sense that Morrigan is connected to something much larger and possibly dangerous mirrors Harryâs connection to Voldemort and his past.
This lingering mystery and the tension of an unseen villain add depth and stakes to Morriganâs journey, much like they do in Harry Potter.
One of the best things about Harry Potter is its balance of adventure, magic, humor, and heartwarming moments. Nevermoor captures this same playful yet mysterious tone:
Morriganâs snarky and intelligent personality makes her instantly relatable, just like Harryâs sarcasm and wit.
The humor in Nevermoor, especially from Jupiter North and the quirky inhabitants of Nevermoor, is reminiscent of the fun, whimsical moments in Harry Potter.
The blend of lighthearted fantasy with serious themes (facing oneâs fears, finding self-worth, and uncovering hidden truths) makes both books emotionally rich and deeply engaging.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow offers the same sense of wonder, magic, and self-discovery that made Harry Potter a beloved classic. While it has its own unique world and lore, it captures the magic of finding a hidden world, discovering one's true potential, and forming deep, meaningful friendships.
For readers looking for their next magical adventure with a strong, relatable protagonist, a quirky yet heartfelt mentor, thrilling trials, and a mysterious villain, Nevermoor is the perfect read. If you loved Harry Potter, thereâs a good chance youâll fall in love with Morrigan Crow and the world of Nevermoor too!