Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow (Nevermore, book 4)
By: Jessica Townsend
My Rating: FIVE out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 12 and up

Silverborn: The Next Harry Potter Grows Up!

Another one of my favorite middle-grade series is back, and I’m happy to say that after four books, things are looking pretty great for Morrigan Crow. I’ll tell you this: if someone came from the future and told me Morrigan Crow is the next Harry, I’d believe them. Jessica Townsend has done it again, delivering a fantastic new installment that fits in wonderfully with the rest of the series and carries the story along perfectly.

What’s the series about?

The journey begins with Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, the story of a Cursed Child who is destined to die on her eleventh birthday. When she is whisked away to the magical city of Nevermoor by a mysterious stranger, she finds herself competing for a spot in the Wundrous Society. She doesn’t know what makes her so special, but her benefactor clearly sees something in her that no one else can. The series continues to explore this wonderful world, with Morrigan’s great friends and great flaws, and the dials for creativity and imagination turned to 11. It’s a world with living hotels, giant talking cats, vampire dwarves, and dragon riding, where something new and incredible is around every corner!

What did I love about Book 4?

After a long wait, Silverborn is finally here. It’s a chunky read at over 600 pages, but it’s absolutely worth every minute. This book dives headfirst into a murder mystery that’s equal parts classic detective novel and wild adventure. We learn even more about Morrigan’s past that connects her to Nevermore in ways I never expected. It’s a fantastic story about found family and discovering your roots.

I loved seeing Morrigan grow in this book; she’s still brave and strong, but now with a fun, teenage-dramatic flair that’s a joy to read. Her apprenticeship scenes with the dour Ezra Squall are a highlight, filled with her unmatched sass and wit. The series continues to expand its world in creative ways, too, with competitive dragon riding and an exploration of Nevermoor’s wealthy Silver District. This book delivers a necessary and compelling deep dive into the past, laying the groundwork for a future of great things to come.

There are between six and nine books planned for the series, and while I can’t wait for book five, I appreciate Jessica Townsend taking the time she needs to do Morrigan right.

Sensitive Content: No content concerns.

Should you read it?

This is a fantastic series, and Silverborn is a worthy addition to it. If you’re looking for a magical adventure with a strong, brave, and flawed hero, then you’ve found your next read. This dad says Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow is best for 12 and up.

Happy Reading!