Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow

Wundersmith follows Morrigan Crow as she begins her education at the prestigious Wundrous Society in the magical city of Nevermoor. Following her successful entry into the Society, Morrigan must navigate her new status as a Wundersmith - a rare and feared type of magician with the ability to control the essence of Wunder itself. The story takes place across Nevermoor's 27 boroughs, centered primarily at the grand Hotel Deucalion and the Wundrous Society campus. Morrigan faces challenges both at school and in her broader life as she grapples with her unusual powers and the dark legacy associated with Wundersmiths. Her relationships with her patron Jupiter North, best friend Hawthorne Swift, and the wider Unit 919 evolve as she confronts these obstacles. This second installment in the Nevermoor series expands the richly detailed world established in book one, introducing new magical elements and exploring the complex history of Wundersmiths. The narrative weaves together school life, friendship, and adventure while maintaining an undercurrent of mystery. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the weight of inherited reputation, asking questions about how one's innate nature relates to personal choice and destiny.

Readers cite this sequel's darker tone and deeper world-building compared to book one. Many note it maintains the whimsical elements while exploring heavier themes. Readers praised: - Complex character development, especially Morrigan facing self-doubt - Details about Nevermoor's magic system and history - Supporting character growth and relationships - Plot twists in the final third - Humor balancing serious moments Common criticisms: - Slower pacing in the middle sections - Less action than the first book - Some found Morrigan's self-doubt repetitive - A few readers wanted more scenes with favorite side characters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.47/5 (44,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (2,400+ ratings) BookDepository: 4.5/5 (900+ ratings) "The magic system and world-building expand brilliantly," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another adds: "It's darker than book one but in a necessary way that serves the story."

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani Two friends attend a magical academy where students train to become fairy tale heroes or villains while uncovering dark secrets about their destinies.

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston A girl joins a secret supernatural organization to find her missing brother and discovers she possesses rare magical abilities that others fear.

The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson A young guardian of the dead lives in a walking house and must choose between following her destined path or forging her own future.

The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune A boy attends a school for gifted children while investigating the truth about his powers and his family's connection to a shadowy organization.

Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi A colorless girl in a magical world embarks on a dangerous journey through strange lands to rescue her father and prove her worth to her community.

✧ The author, Jessica Townsend, wrote the first draft of Nevermoor (the series' first book) when she was just 18 years old, though it underwent many revisions before publication. ✧ Before becoming a full-time writer, Townsend worked as a copywriter and coordinated a youth festival on Australia's Sunshine Coast. ✧ The concept of Wundersmiths in the series draws inspiration from various cultural mythologies about powerful magic users who were both revered and feared by their societies. ✧ The book's setting, Nevermoor, blends elements of Victorian London, steampunk aesthetics, and magical worldbuilding, creating a unique atmosphere that has been compared to both Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland. ✧ The rights to adapt the Nevermoor series into a film were acquired by 20th Century Fox before the first book was even published, marking one of the largest children's book deals in Australia's publishing history.