Why I Absolutely Loved The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Title: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Series: Nevermoor #1
Author: Jessica Townsend
Publication Date: October 31st, 2017
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Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.

But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.

It's then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart--an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests--or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.

Review

If you want to read any Middle Grade novel this year, (before the year comes to an end eeeppp), The Trials of Morrigan Crow is the one to dive into. 

1. The world is spectacular 

Any fantasy novel that draws me in, is one with a vivid and expansive world, that encompasses various elements to make it believable. I felt like I was transported into The Trials of Morrigan Crow with Morrigan and really, truly wanted to be there. There is a magic in it that escapes from the pages purely just by reading about Nevermoor and its history and the city’s make up. Townsend has created a intricate and exciting world that, much like Narnia and Hogwarts/Hogsmeade, you can’t help but want these places to exist so that you can be there as well. 

2. It's perfect for all ages

The Trials of Morrigan Crow carries the tone of a Middle Grade novel but has layers that have built a strong story line. It was straightforward enough to understand for any reader, but kept up the suspense and plot twists to keep me entertained and engaged. It was quite exciting really, between the trials and Morrigan’s integration into Nevermoor. I liked the pacing and am really glad that this is pretty much an all-age read.

3. Townsend was made to be a writer

This is Jessica Townsend’s debut novel and already her first piece has been such a strong and admirable read. Townsend’s writing delivers a strong world and solid plot that has me anticipating not only the sequel to Nevermoor, but her future works. She’s made me remember why I absolutely love reading Middle Grade to this day. There’s a kind of emotion attached to it, like I’m reliving my childhood, going through the kiddish excitement from reading about a magical adventure and experiencing the feeling of really being there. 

The Trials of Morrigan Crow is a win for all ages and I cannot wait to continue this adventure with Morrigan. 

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Learning To Find Yourself With Looking For Alibrandi

Title: Looking For Alibrandi
Author: Melina Marchetta
Publication Date: October 5th, 1992
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Josephine Alibrandi is seventeen, illegitimate, and in her final year at a wealthy Catholic school. This is the year her father comes back into her life, the year she falls in love, the year she discovers the secrets of her family's past and the year she sets herself free.

"I'll run one day. Run from my life. To be free and think for myself. Not as an Australia and not as an Italian and not as an in between. I'll run to be emancipated."

Review

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked Looking For Alibrandi, more so because I thought it would be enjoyable but I actually found it to be very memorable and touching. Thoughts below!

Rating

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Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts

Title: Shantaram
Series: Shantaram #2
Author: Gregory David Roberts
Publication Date: 2003
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Shantaram is narrated by Lin, an escaped convict with a false passport who flees maximum security prison in Australia for the teeming streets of a city where he can disappear.

Accompanied by his guide and faithful friend, Prabaker, the two enter Bombay's hidden society of beggars and gangster, prostitutes and holy men, soldiers and actors, and Indians and exiles from other countries who seek in this remarkable place what they cannot find elsewhere.

(Source: Goodreads)

Review 

Shantaram really deserves some sort of spotlight, because I feel like it has a lot to offer. It's a massive read, but the writing is beautiful and easy to read. I just wanted to add in some things I missed in the video, because this novel seriously had so much going on.

I loved the vibrant setting and how realistic it was. But more than that, I loved the connection the characters had towards the country. There is a lot of praising of India, which can be overwhelming sometimes because it felt like Roberts was giving all the positives but disregarding all the negatives that also come with the country. However, I could really believe that he loved the country as much as he portrayed it. The characters themselves were amazing. They all had their own voices and stories that were memorable. I pretty much loved all of them even if they weren't all "good characters" and managed to develop some attachments. 

 It's definitely a hate it or love it read but see what else I thought about it!

P.S Shantaram is actually the only novel published in the planned quartet despite it supposedly being the second book. Roberts has the sequel coming out very soon, before the prequel to this is released. I know it's confusing.  

Discussion

I touched upon the things that I enjoyed and had issues with in the video but I do feel like I want to offer something more. Like I said, I didn't enjoy the glorifying of the mob/gangsters. Lin dives into this world and even though you get to see the violent, bloody battles, there's still a lot of emphasis about wealth and comfortable living. The gangsters are revered in the story and whilst everyone knew they were working around the law, the community - including authority - turned a blind eye because the profit and advantages outweighed the damages. It's a very conflicting portrayal, especially with the constant mention of doing "wrong for the right reasons". It raises questions about whether it is justifiable to kill, steal or other criminal acts if the act was for the "right" reasons. Does that essentially mean some acts can be above the law and deemed acceptable? I found that very interesting but not entirely something I support. It does show though, that the world is very gray. There is no black or white, right or wrong, good or bad. That's where Shantaram excels - in pushing ideas and concepts that make you question yourself and really think.

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All The Bright Places - Jennifer Niven

Title: All The Bright Places
Author: Jennifer Niven
Publication Date: January 6th, 2015
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Theodore Finch constantly fantasises about dying, especially his death. Standing on the ledge of the school tower, he's surprised to find Violet Markey on the other side. Their brief encounter leads Finch to pair himself up with Violet for a school project.

As they discover the wonders around them, Finch and Violet find that they can rely on each other to heal and grow. But as Violet begins to let go of her grief and fears, Finch is slowly slipping away from the world.

Review

Trigger warnings: suicide, depression, abuse.

All The Bright Places has to be the most hyped book for this year, at least so far. After constantly hearing rave reviews about it I decided to give it a chance. Unfortunately, it's now part of the most over-hyped books I've ever read.

The first half of the novel is quite light, which did seem to trivialise the read for me a little but made it easy to ease into the plot.  The characters are introduced and whilst I liked Finch right off the bat, the same can't be said for Violet. In fact I wasn't particularly fond of her character at all. I sympathised with her situation, particularly with her conflict between enjoying life and grieving for her sister. However, the wall that she builds to push everyone away falls abruptly. I didn't really think that was realistic, and whilst it's not a total reverse in character, it did feel like it was too easy and sudden. I did liked that at the end though, at Violet tried hard to be strong for bother Finch and her sake and that she found positivity in the worst situation. It really drives the message that there is always help and support from the people around you, in both times of happiness and suffering.

Finch was a witty and intelligent, both of which he used in his banter towards Violet - something I really enjoyed from their relationship. He is a very realistic character and Niven does a great job conveying the emotions of a person going through a mental disorder. There are glimpses of his "problem" at the beginning and the mystery behind it pushed me to keep reading. But even right at the end there is no explicit or further explanation to what was being alluded. I eventually understood his situation but I really wanted to hear Finch maybe discuss his disorder and the triggers or reasons behind it happening. Although perhaps because he could never share his worries with anyone, it was hard for him to grasp it as well. I just was left unsatisfied at the end because I had so many unanswered questions.

The ending was heartbreaking and very unexpected. It's definitely not an easy read but I don't want to say anything more because this is something that should probably be read without prior knowledge. The ending was definitely the highlight of the novel though, and I was left breathless. Riding down from that high though, I don't think it was as spectacular as what everyone said it would be. I really appreciate Niven for delving into an area that is rarely addressed in YA books, and bringing light to the seriousness of the issue and how it should be dealt with. However, I don't exactly think it was executed in the best way. It was a great read with a strong message, but I'm glad I gave myself time to mull over it to discover what I did and didn't like. It also didn't help that I had just finished a stronger read before this, with a lot of philosophical aspects, so I guess this just seemed a little smaller on the scale. I do think you should read it though because I guess there's a reason why everyone else seems to love it!

I learned that there is good in this world, if you look hard enough for it. I learned that not everyone is disappointing, including me.

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Fairytale for Wilde Girls - Allyse Near

Title: Fairytales for Wilde Girls
Author: Allyse Near
Publication Date: June 23rd, 2013
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Isola's always seen things other people haven't, especially in the woods. Nothing's ever bothered her until she finds the dead girl in the bird cage. Instead of leaving her alone, the girl follows her home and threatens her.

Isola's friends try to protect her, but she must find the reason behind the girl haunting her before the threats become real.

Review

The contents within Fairytales for Wilde Girls is as beautiful as its cover. I thoroughly enjoyed Allyse Near's writing, which made me feel like I was transported into a magical world. It had both a very whimsical and innocent feel, but also carried a dark and mysterious tone. These elements together displayed what I found to be the perfect example of a fairytale; mirroring something like the Grimm's brothers tales.

I liked the underlying creepiness, delivered subtly, and kept me on edge. The mystery surprisingly had a lot more depth than the usual fantasy/supernatural stories. At times it did drag on a little, but the pace was quick and intense that I flew through it pretty easily - after two tries that is, but don't worry because once the plot reached its conflict it captivated me instantly.

What I loved was that each character had their own voice, making them identifiable and memorable. I  also loved that the two characters, Isola and Edgar, were named after popular historical figures. Their personalities are influenced by the previous Isola Wilde and Edgar Allen Poe. However, my favourites would have to be the magical creatures who circulate Isola and protect her. Each one of them were fascinating in characteristics and appearance. In fact the book also has illustrations of each character and they look absolutely stunning!

The ending was heartbreaking and nothing I ever expected. It carried a deep and heartwarming message, which I appreciated. Fairytales for Wilde Girls is a clever story, combining elements of fantasy and mystery along with relatable themes such as relationships amongst friends and family, trust and loyalty. Give it a read!

"And they lived ever after, whether they were happy about it or not"

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The Minnow - Diana Sweeney

Title: The Minnow
Author: Diana Sweeney
Publication Date: May 28th, 2014
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In a flood that takes her family's lives, Tom is the lone survivor and finds herself living with Bill in an old shed. When she finds herself pregnant, Tom moves away from Bill in order to look after her baby - The Minnow.

She begins to rely on the closest people to her: Jonah, his grandfather and her Nan but memories of her family keeps cropping up. As The Minnow's birth approaches, Tom learns of pain and grief, and hope and love.

Review

The Minnow lays down a touching, coming of age story covering various complex topics spanning from teenage pregnancies to family ties and role models - just to name a few. It has a level of depth that develops as the plot progresses, coming across relatable but isn't a totally perfect read.

Sweeney writes in a whimsical, almost too "airy" feel and for all its poetic-ness (yes I just made up a new word), there were instances where I started to out of touch with the intended purpose. I can see it as a reflection of Tom's mindset and her sense of feeling uncertain and unstable, but it was hard to read at times. I do know that some people found it all beautiful though, and I can recognise bits of that as well. What was more confusing though, was the progress of the plot, which used flashbacks to link different events. The transitions sometimes jumped quite strangely and I couldn't quite get it.

It did send across a powerful message about developing and strengthening positive relationships, which I really appreciated. I found that the parallels between Tom surrounding herself with positive influence compared to negative influences really portrayed how important it is to keep the right people in life as a support group - reliable and trustworthy. Relationships plays a huge part in this novel actually, revolving around family and friends, and that was one of my favourite parts. It also explored the complexity of emotions and its affect on relationships, which was realistic and relatable. Especially for Tom who's still trying to find her footing and identifying herself, I could really understand her conflict in trying to comprehend her feelings towards the people in her life and the effect it had on her.

The characters were unique and left a good impression, but Tom was written in a really eccentric way. I don't entirely understand the purpose of having her being able to speak to fish or dead people, but at the age of 14 I guess that was her method of coping with her traumatic experience. Personally, I fell in love with Nan and her no nonsense but affectionate nature.

The Minnow addresses various relatable themes, but does stretch the plot over many issues so whilst having depth it was a little too complex to really grasp the entire meaning; at least for me. I liked it for being emotionally engaging and thought provoking, and did finish it relatively fast so my difficulty in reading it wasn't too extreme. I do like supporting Australian authors and am glad it won two awards. Its positivities though do make up for the smaller problems that niggled me.

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