This sequel brings back many of the characters readers will remember from the first book but also introduces some fun new ones, particularly teachers, since the kids are now in school. The fantasy that's included is choice - for instance, a map class featuring a dollhouse-like facsimile of the city that comes to life, and a secret portal that delivers the students to their own train station and Hometrain to school. And to top it all off, it's gorgeously written.Īuthor Townsend never overwhelms the story with too many fantastic details, ensuring that the reader doesn't have to slog through a bog of invented lore.

It features a misfit girl developing strong magical powers, who has a wry, feisty take on her circumstances, making her a strong female role model. Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow has it all: a well-defined and enchanting fantasy world, page-turning suspense, hairpin story turns, a strong female lead, real emotional resonance, and fresh humor complete with quick, quippy dialogue. Parents need to know that Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow, by Australian author Jessica Townsend, is the very worthy sequel to her best-selling fantasy Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow. Morrigan Crow's come to town, and she and her Wundrous world cast an irresistible magical spell. Morrigan's feelings of insecurity as an outsider will ring true and resonate meaningfully with readers. Unusual for a fantasy, the emotional life of the protagonist is expertly drawn. But there are also plenty of light, playful fantasy elements, making this a fun, enticing world. There's some dark fantasy violence or threat of it, complete with gruesome references to monsters made of graveyard bones, and a head preserved in a bottle. Parents need to know that Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow, by Australian author Jessica Townsend, is the very worthy sequel to her best-selling fantasy Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow. Adult woman in crowd smokes.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Wundersmith by jessica townsend