Silver born: The mystery of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Jessica Townsend is a wonder-worker with word-wizardry! In this, the fourth book in the Nevermoor series, she wields more mystery and wonder into the life of Morrigan Crow, whose early background has been tarred and dusted with want and sadness. Now that Morrigan has found her place learning how to wield her own Wundersmith power, and with friends like siblings, and being cared for by her mentor Jupiter, she is delivered a twist when she discovers a personal family connection to the Silverborn. The Silverborn are elite, wealthy, extravagant and so different to all that she has known about her past. In this world of excess and dragon contests and parties, a murder takes place on the night of a wedding celebration. Morrigan and her friends must solve the mystery to protect her from suspicion and to keep her secrets safe. Will her past destroy her future and can she protect all that she has come to cherish? 

This series is wondrous and compelling. Although the series was initially quite dark in intensity, this book is somewhat lighter, but will be adored by the fantasy lovers who have discovered Morrigan and the complexities of her life. I love the way Townsend twists our expectations and introduces unexpected paths along the way in the story. The magical fantasy world enters into challenges of extreme ‘wealth’ and pleasure-seeking and makes subtle commentary about its dangers. But this is also a murder mystery with young protagonists as investigators and with magical possibilities and permutations. And it seems that this won’t be the last in the series…. There will be great rejoicing from all Nevermoor fans aged 11-Adult!

Themes: Magical fantasy, Truth and lies, Dragons, Murder mystery, Friendship.

Carolyn Hull