Lessons from imagined world
Jessica Townsend's debut children's novel Nevermoor swept the world into a frenzy. Hailed as the next Harry Potter, it did not disappoint and neither will the eagerly anticipated second instalment, Wundersmith, whose magic and mystery holds readers in its grasp until the very last page.
Having passed a series of dangerous trials, 12-year-old Morrigan Crow has been accepted into the prestigious Wundrous Society, along with nine other children with extraordinary talents, who together form Unit 919.
Finally, she can escape the shackles of life as a Cursed Child and find her place in the world with new friends. But it seems prejudice has followed Morrigan to the city of Nevermoor; her new-found powers as a Wundersmith are too frightening for her new teachers and classmates. With her patron Jupiter endlessly away on important Wunsoc business, Morrigan is left alone to navigate her troubled feelings: anger at being left out and confusion about her true identity.
In a series of fast-paced and nail-biting scenes, Morrigan faces real danger as Wunsoc members go missing, ghostly creatures made of bones stalk her and the fragile loyalties of her new friends are tested when someone starts blackmailing Unit 919. As her burgeoning power grows unchecked, Morrigan is tempted by the most evil Wundersmith in history, the only one who seems to understand her predicament.
As in Townsend's first novel, lessons and allegories are expertly woven into the plot. Townsend plays on themes of injustice and prejudice, friendship and loyalty, as Morrigan struggles with moral quandaries, discovers that even those in positions of authority can be flawed and learns to trust her inner compass.
This is children's literature at its best. It offers young readers a chance to grapple with complex issues and experience troubling scenarios through a character they identify with and within the safety of a fictional story.
Once again, Townsend has created a richly imagined world. Almost a character itself, the city of Nevermoor is brought to vivid life as more of its history and secrets are revealed. The reader is swept into a haphazard and quixotic journey with laneways that morph and change, skyscrapers made entirely of water, as well as a delightfully sinister underbelly.
Wundersmith has a darker edge than
Nevermoor but absurd humour and Townsend's trademark wit always offer comic relief.
Wundersmith skilfully sets up readers for revelations that may come in future instalments, leaving us hungry to know what ingenious surprises Townsend has planned for us.