I always approach sequels with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, especially a sequel to a book I absolutely loved. When I finished Nevermoor a few weeks ago, I quickly requested this book from the library and couldn't wait to start it and find out what happened next. I was also worried that the first book, the author's debut novel, had taken years to write, but this one came out a year later and was another 500+ page book. Was the first book a fluke? I'm happy to report that it wasn't. Jessica Townsend has proven herself to be a storyteller at the absolute top of her game.
by Jessica Townsend
(Lothian, 2018)
In the follow-up to Nevermoor, the young Wundersmith (a powerful person with the terrifying ability to manipulate the very particles that make up life) is ready to embark on her new life as one of the newest members of the Wundrous Society. On the first day of school at the academy, Morrigan is hopeful that she has finally found a place where she fits in.
Her hopes are quickly dashed as she learns that the Society views her as something to be feared and that her so-called brothers and sisters eye her with suspicion. It doesn't help that her patron, and adoptive father figure, Jupiter North, is caught up in a growing mystery of disappearing Society members and spends most of his time away from the magical hotel they call home.
Things in the city of Nevermoor continue to get stranger as the year goes on. Unsettling events seem to take place at an alarming rate, leaving Morrigan to wonder if her new life is any different from her "cursed" childhood. Is she to blame for everything is going wrong? Is she really the horrible creature her instructors claim? The truth turns out to be far more complicated.
A masterpiece of storytelling, this expansive tangle of elements is woven together with amazing care to reveal a bigger picture in page turning excitement and overwhelmingly satisfying in its conclusion. Easily one of the best stories I've ever encountered.
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