Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Books, including Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow |
Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow is a fantasy novel from Australia authored by Jessica Townsend, representing the second book in The Nevermoor series. Initially released by Lothian Books in Australia on October 30, 2018, it was subsequently published by Orion Books in the UK and Little, Brown in the US. The story follows Morrigan Crow as she adapts to her education in Nevermoor, her involvement with the esteemed Wundrous Society, and her emerging identity as a Wundersmith—a rare magician capable of manipulating Wunder energy.
Setting
The narrative unfolds within the enchanted city of Nevermoor, where elements like speaking animals, extraordinary abilities, and steampunk-inspired technology coexist. Prominent settings include the Hotel Deucalion, residence of Jupiter North and Morrigan; the Wunsoc campus, headquarters of the Wundrous Society; and the Ghastly Market, a volatile black market central to the storyline.
Characters
- Morrigan Odelle Crow: a young Wundersmith rescued from death by her patron Jupiter North.
- Jupiter North: Morrigan’s guardian, proprietor of Hotel Deucalion, member of the Wundrous Society, and a 'Witness' with distinctive perceptual talents.
- Hawthorne Swift: Morrigan’s closest companion and adept dragon rider affiliated with Unit 919.
- John Arjuna Korrapati: nephew to Jupiter and fellow Witness, unaffiliated with the Society.
- Ezra Squall: an exiled Wundersmith who seeks to mentor Morrigan.
- Angel Israfel: a singer whose voice deeply influences those who hear it.
- Dame Chanda Kali: Society member capable of summoning animals through song; also a resident at Hotel Deucalion.
- Baz Charlton: patron to Cadence Blackburn and leader of the antagonistic Charlton Five.
- Miss Cheery: conductor of Unit 919’s private train service to Wunsoc campus.
- Ms Dearborn/Murgatroyd: Scholar Mistress with shape-shifting abilities; oversees both Mundane and Arcane Arts schools.
- Hemingway Q. Onstald: anthropomorphic tortoise educator specializing in Wundersmith history with time-manipulation powers.
- Members of Unit 919 include:
- Francis John Fitzwilliam: a gastronomist who evokes emotions through culinary arts.
- Mahir Ibrahim: linguist proficient in 39 languages.
- Thaddea Millicent Macleod: combat expert.
- Lambeth Amara: short-range oracle.
- Anah Kahlo: student medic.
- Cadence Lenore Blackburn: mesmerist wielding mind-control abilities that cause others to forget her; only Morrigan remains unaffected.
- Archan Tate: skilled pickpocket.
- Henry Mildmay: geography instructor possessing an undisclosed knack.
Plot
Jupiter North, acting as Morrigan Crow's patron and protector, invites her to witness a performance by Angel Israfel and requests Israfel to join as the ninth and final signatory on a safeguard agreement. This pact is essential for Morrigan, as the newest Wundersmith, to legally reside in Nevermoor under the Wundrous Society’s protection.
Jupiter reveals plans for a low-key twelfth birthday celebration for Morrigan. However, upon arriving at his establishment—the Hotel Deucalion—he finds that his employee Frank has transformed it into an elaborate theatrical event attended by staff and guests. Having never experienced a birthday party before due to her label as a "cursed child" in her homeland, Morrigan is overjoyed.
Unit 919 is formally inducted into the Wundrous Society, receiving gold pins symbolizing their membership. The High Council of Elders summons Unit 919’s patrons and scholars for a private discussion concerning Morrigan’s status as a Wundersmith. Despite some members’ apprehension and resistance, Jupiter asserts that being a Wundersmith is not inherently malevolent. Elder Quinn cautions that any disclosure of Morrigan’s knack will result in expulsion for both her and Unit 919.
The following morning, Morrigan discovers a new door in her hotel room that leads directly to a train station reserved exclusively for Unit 919. They are introduced to the two branches of the Wundrous Society’s educational system: The School of Mundane Arts and The School of Arcane Arts. Morrigan is assigned to the School of Mundane Arts, which causes her frustration. A planned tour led by Professor Paximus Luck is canceled due to his disappearance.
Scholar Mistress Ms Dearborn modifies Morrigan’s schedule so she attends only one course: A History of All Heinous Wundrous Acts, taught by Professor Hemingway Q. Onstald. He lectures on the immoral nature attributed to Wundersmiths and declares Morrigan beyond redemption. After one week, Jupiter returns from a League of Explorers expedition and reassures her that Onstald's views are mistaken, though she remains doubtful. Jupiter successfully negotiates with Ms Dearborn to introduce an additional geography class titled Decoding Nevermoor, instructed by Henry Mildmay.
Morrigan becomes subject to harassment from the Charlton Five, who pressure her into revealing her knack despite the Elders’ prohibition. A threatening note demands Unit 919 comply with certain conditions or face public exposure; suspicion falls upon Morrigan. During map class, they learn about Tricksy Lanes—dangerous shortcuts throughout the city—and embark on a field trip to Devilish Court where Morrigan overhears two men discussing the Ghastly Market, an illegal black market dealing in rare materials and Wunimals previously believed mythical. When she reports this information to authorities, the lane disappears.
Further investigation leads Morrigan to suspect that missing individuals may have been taken there. The blackmail strains trust within Unit 919 toward her. A member of the Charlton Five assaults Morrigan over Alfie’s disappearance; Miss Cheery intervenes but Heloise wounds her, triggering Morrigan’s involuntary fire-breathing which sends Heloise to hospital.
The Elders prohibit Morrigan from attending campus physically; she participates in classes remotely. While exploring Nevermoor Bazaar, she accidentally enters the Ghastly Market herself and confirms its existence. There she rescues Alfie Swann who has lost his knack.
For a mapping assignment, Morrigan becomes lost in Nevermoor but is found by the Hunt of Smoke and Shadow who escort her to Squall. He trains her in mastering control over her Wunder abilities.
Back at Hotel Deucalion, Jupiter cautions her to exercise care when using her powers after learning about her progress.
On Hallowmas Eve, Morrigan confronts Professor Onstald regarding his misleading teachings; when threatened with exposure, he employs his “Timekeeper” knack to briefly halt time. The Black Parade event is canceled as Onstald is removed from duty. Squall reveals that members of Unit 919 are being trafficked through the Ghastly Market along with Onstald and Angel Israfel.
At the Ghastly Market it emerges that Lambeth is a deserter from Wintersea Republic—a capital crime there. Utilizing her Wundersmith abilities, Morrigan destroys the market and rescues her friends; Onstald sacrifices himself by remaining behind.
During a gathering at the Wundrous Society assembly, Morrigan faces blackmail demanding she disclose herself as a Wundersmith or risk Lambeth’s secret being exposed with fatal consequences for her. Opting for honesty, she reveals her identity; it turns out this blackmail was orchestrated as a trust-building exercise for Unit 919 designed to strengthen their cohesion.
Reception
The book garnered favorable feedback on platforms such as Common Sense Media and Goodreads, with numerous reviewers highlighting its connection to Harry Potter and the introduction of a darker narrative thread in Morrigan's journey, accompanied by increased tension. A critique from Booking In Heels labeled it as exhibiting "Middle Book Syndrome," noting that while the storyline does not progress dramatically, it still offers an engaging reading experience.
Sequels
The third volume, titled Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow, was revealed on May 31, 2019, serving as a continuation of the initial novel, Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow. Released in late 2020 throughout Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Hollowpox achieved widespread critical praise. Additionally, a fourth book has been confirmed, with author Jessica Townsend envisioning a nine-part series, although only six books have been publicly announced to date.