Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Morrigan Crow is destined to die on her 11th birthday.  She is a cursed child, born at the stroke of midnight on Eventide.  She and the other unlucky children are widely considered to be the cause of any number of problems from a failed math test to a broken leg to ruined crops.  To make matters worse, her father is a wealthy politician who is angry and ashamed of his only daughter.

Just before she is supposed to die, a strange man named Jupiter North appears offering Morrigan an escape from her horrible family and from her impending death.  Pursued by a terrifying and ghostly hunt, Jupiter and Morrigan escape to the secret and magical city of Nevermoor where Morrigan learns Jupiter has selected her to try for a position in the prestigious Wundrous Society.

She'll have to pass a series of difficult tests to make it, but the alternative is to be deported back to her terrible family and certain death.  Morrigan has more than just her pride and a desire to make Jupiter North proud on the line.

During her year of trials and preparation, rumors that the deadly Wundersmith has returned after more than one hundred years.  How can this be true?  And what does it mean for Nevermoor and Morrigan Crow if it is?

Jessica Townsend's series opener is a delightful fantasy romp with wonderful world building and fabulous characters.  I especially enjoyed the Magnificat, a giant (large enough for a person to ride on her back) grumbling feline.  The story is reminiscent of Harry Potter in some ways but quite original in others, and the issue of an illegal immigrant fleeing certain death is timely in the real world.  Highly recommended!