The most anticipated children's book of 2017
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is the first book in the magical new series Nevermoor. Our staff have been totally captivated by this debut Australian novel for kids aged 9 and up.
‘ Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is a bewitching tale and one of the most compelling books I’ve read all year. This book should come stamped with a warning – be prepared for a marathon read because you’ll be unable to put me down!
I was immediately swept up in our heroine’s plight – she’s doomed until a mysterious and eccentric saviour flies to the rescue. And that’s when a whole other adventure in the magical city of Nevermoor begins! But, at its heart, this story is one we’re familiar with, the search for family, friendship and a place to call home.
A mystery adventure packed with beguiling characters set against a spectacular wonderland of a city – you can’t ask for more!’
– Athina Clarke, children’s book buyer at Readings Malvern
‘This novel is a thrilling journey into an alternate universe populated with magical creatures, awe-inspiring trials, an evil nemesis and best of all, a giant talking cat! Who wouldn’t want to be like the heroine, Morrigan Crow, who is whisked away from certain death by a dapper mentor who lives in his own extraordinary hotel and is a member of a secret society of people with special abilities? Nevermoor is an unforgettable world full of magic and mystery that I could not put down. I need more Nevermoor!
– Angela Crocombe, shop manager at Readings Kids
‘This is one of those fantastic children’s books where someone is swept away from a grim existence to a place that is lavish, and a life that is exciting and empowered. Like Wonka’s chocolate factory or Hogwarts, the city of Nevermoor is filled with so much scrumptious, imaginative detail, and Morrigan herself is a robust, pragmatic and extremely likeable lead. I was up late into the night reading this book and I hope we don’t have to wait too long to find out what happens next.’
– Kim Gruschow, children’s book buyer at Readings St Kilda
‘I was captivated by this immensely readable story of Morrigan Crow. Downhearted and unloved on the eve of her death she is spirited away to Nevermoor, a magical, tantalizing world. Here she must prove her worth to remain, basically to save her life! Protected by the shambolic, mysterious & magical Jupiter, she develops into a memorable & honorable heroine.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is irresistible, fun and imaginative. Kids will dive straight into this riveting story and will, conflictingly, not want it to finish but also be busting to know what happens next. It will be the kids fiction hit of this summer.’
– Alexa Dretzke, children’s book buyer at Readings Hawthorn
‘This is an enchanting and unpredictable adventure, taking place in a fully realised world full of magic and charming wackiness.
Morrigan Crow is the very best sort of heroine, the kind of underdog I can really barrack for. She’s much maligned and wonderfully prickly, but full of versatility, grit and smarts. I loved the series of arduous and odd trials that candidates had to pass to be accepted by the Wundrous Society, and I was right behind Morrigan and her sponsor, the dapper and confounding Jupiter North.
While many of my questions were answered by the end of the book, I‘m already looking forward to the sequel. I have the feeling that the mysteries and revelations are only going to multiply and I’m interested to see how Morrigan handles the competing forces surrounding her.’
– Leanne Hall, children’s and YA specialist at Readings Kids
‘The magic of Nevermoor is shiveringly, thrillingly wonderful. Open this novel’s pages and discover a hotel room that changes to suit your personality, a large talking cat with exactly the right amount of cattitude, and children with awe-inspiring magical abilities. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is an absolute treat.’
– Bronte Coates, digital content coordinator
’ Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow truly feels like a beautiful amalgamation of every book I loved as a child. I haven’t felt this way about reading a book since I first picked up a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as a tiny primary school student – the wonder and magic are all-consuming, and I will never forget Morrigan or Jupiter or Hawthorne or any of the other characters.‘
– Ellen Cregan, Doncaster bookseller
