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Nevermoor #3
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Middle Grade & Children's (2020)Morrigan Crow and her friends have survived their first year as proud scholars of the elite Wundrous Society, helped bring down the nefarious Ghastly Market, and proven themselves loyal to Unit 919. Now Morrigan faces a new, exciting challenge: to master the mysterious Wretched Arts, and control the power that threatens to consume her.
But a strange and frightening illness has taken hold of Nevermoor, turning infected Wunimals into mindless, vicious Unnimals on the hunt. As victims of the Hollowpox multiply, panic spreads. And with the city she loves in a state of fear, Morrigan quickly realizes it's up to her to find a cure for the Hollowpox, even if it will put her - and everyone in Nevermoor - in more danger than she ever imagined.
But a strange and frightening illness has taken hold of Nevermoor, turning infected Wunimals into mindless, vicious Unnimals on the hunt. As victims of the Hollowpox multiply, panic spreads. And with the city she loves in a state of fear, Morrigan quickly realizes it's up to her to find a cure for the Hollowpox, even if it will put her - and everyone in Nevermoor - in more danger than she ever imagined.
471 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,150 reviews
August 13, 2022
As Morrigan Crow navigates her life in Nevermoor and as a scholar in the elite Wundrous Society, a terrifying illness is spreading from Wunimal to Wunimal, transforming them into vicious unnimals. There is danger around every corner and Morrigan must keep her wits about her if she, and her friends, are going to survive another year.
Diving back into this world after so long felt like that warm piece of clothing you just ironed and put straight on. Despite death, danger and destruction in this third outing, there's still something so wonderfully wundrous about this world that I have this urge to keep starting the series over from the beginning and putting myself in a loop of just reading over and over. It's VERY safe to say that I am simply DYING for Nevermoor 4 now after THAT ENDING!!!!!
I love Morrigan so much. She is the kind of character who feels timeless and I have a feeling she will continue to inspire so many people in the decades to come. Jupiter North is a personal favourite of mine and honestly, the commentary about how Wunimals are treated in Nevermoor felt so important that I couldn't help but feel that this world and these characters are even more real. There are poignant moments of caring for others and standing up for what's right in the face of prejudice and corruption. SO many lessons that I think any person reading - child or adult - will take to heart and learn from. Or at least, that's what I hope, because the world really would be a better place.
The plot was very exciting with the Hollowpox spreading throughout Nevermoor (albeit coincidentally-timed with what's going on in our world). As a matter of fact actually, I never found my mind slipping into what's happening in real life as I was reading, and despite the bizarrely similar circumstances, 'Hollowpox' really did make me forget the world for a minute. I was totally and utterly lost in what was going on on the page, with so many high-stakes action sequences that before I knew it, I reached the end (AND I STILL NEED THE NEXT ONE IMMEDIATELY). Part of me did feel those Zootopia-vibes, which I really enjoy.
The twists and turns were palpable, and there were many - MANY - moments where I had to stop reading and scream OH MY GOD. And not only that, there was also a secondary character moment near the end that really had me screaming OH MY GOD but in the good way. If I could summarise my feelings up about this book, it would be this - OH MY GOD DSKKLSD I LOVED THIS JFSLJFLJS!!!!
The only thing that kills me is that I have to wait for another one... and I have to wait for this one to come out so I can talk about it to everyone. I tried to keep as vague as possible, but hopefully I have made you want to pick up Hollowpox yourself, because it really is the best escapism in a world that feels like it's falling apart. The world of Nevermoor really does make you feel like there's magic in the world and we just have to keep believing in it to see all this through.
Thank you Mog.
Diving back into this world after so long felt like that warm piece of clothing you just ironed and put straight on. Despite death, danger and destruction in this third outing, there's still something so wonderfully wundrous about this world that I have this urge to keep starting the series over from the beginning and putting myself in a loop of just reading over and over. It's VERY safe to say that I am simply DYING for Nevermoor 4 now after THAT ENDING!!!!!
I love Morrigan so much. She is the kind of character who feels timeless and I have a feeling she will continue to inspire so many people in the decades to come. Jupiter North is a personal favourite of mine and honestly, the commentary about how Wunimals are treated in Nevermoor felt so important that I couldn't help but feel that this world and these characters are even more real. There are poignant moments of caring for others and standing up for what's right in the face of prejudice and corruption. SO many lessons that I think any person reading - child or adult - will take to heart and learn from. Or at least, that's what I hope, because the world really would be a better place.
The plot was very exciting with the Hollowpox spreading throughout Nevermoor (albeit coincidentally-timed with what's going on in our world). As a matter of fact actually, I never found my mind slipping into what's happening in real life as I was reading, and despite the bizarrely similar circumstances, 'Hollowpox' really did make me forget the world for a minute. I was totally and utterly lost in what was going on on the page, with so many high-stakes action sequences that before I knew it, I reached the end (AND I STILL NEED THE NEXT ONE IMMEDIATELY). Part of me did feel those Zootopia-vibes, which I really enjoy.
The twists and turns were palpable, and there were many - MANY - moments where I had to stop reading and scream OH MY GOD. And not only that, there was also a secondary character moment near the end that really had me screaming OH MY GOD but in the good way. If I could summarise my feelings up about this book, it would be this - OH MY GOD DSKKLSD I LOVED THIS JFSLJFLJS!!!!
The only thing that kills me is that I have to wait for another one... and I have to wait for this one to come out so I can talk about it to everyone. I tried to keep as vague as possible, but hopefully I have made you want to pick up Hollowpox yourself, because it really is the best escapism in a world that feels like it's falling apart. The world of Nevermoor really does make you feel like there's magic in the world and we just have to keep believing in it to see all this through.
Thank you Mog.
April 17, 2021
A gdzie kolejna?? 😫☹️
April 7, 2022
2021: Poproszę kolejny tom 😭
2022: Absolutnie uwielbiam tę serię. Powrót dał mi mnóstwo radości i upewnił mnie w przekonaniu, że jest to dla mnie jedna z najważniejszych serii młodzieżowych. No i oczywiście, poproszę kolejny tom 😭
2022: Absolutnie uwielbiam tę serię. Powrót dał mi mnóstwo radości i upewnił mnie w przekonaniu, że jest to dla mnie jedna z najważniejszych serii młodzieżowych. No i oczywiście, poproszę kolejny tom 😭
June 4, 2022
"I come bearing cake."
"GREATEST ECOLOGICAL COMEBACK OF ALL TIME"
"I've been asleep for two days."
Nevermoor keeps surprising me. First book was awesome, second was good, but this felt better than both of them. To avoid a lengthy and repetitive review, I'm just going to link the first two reviews here, where everything good about this series is outlined:
Review of Book 1
Review of Book 2
"I'm wearing Whimsé by De Flimsé for Himsé"
"Morrigan Crow, meet the basement nerds."
It turns out Townsend still wasn't completely done with laying the foundation for the series, even by the end of book two, where Morrigan properly become a member of Wunsoc. I had somewhat forgotten about the sub-level nine, and it looks like the final part of this complete introduction is here in book three (at least it looks that way). But this time, (main) half of the story is actually about the first 'mission' Morrigan has to go through. It was full of humor as always, and opened up a number of sub-plots along which the author could expand in later books.
This has been a fun read, and it looks like this series is going to end up as an all-time-favorite for me. Looking forward to get my hands on book four the moment it gets released.
"I'm going to be a librarian."
"GREATEST ECOLOGICAL COMEBACK OF ALL TIME"
"I've been asleep for two days."
Nevermoor keeps surprising me. First book was awesome, second was good, but this felt better than both of them. To avoid a lengthy and repetitive review, I'm just going to link the first two reviews here, where everything good about this series is outlined:
Review of Book 1
Review of Book 2
"I'm wearing Whimsé by De Flimsé for Himsé"
"Morrigan Crow, meet the basement nerds."
It turns out Townsend still wasn't completely done with laying the foundation for the series, even by the end of book two, where Morrigan properly become a member of Wunsoc. I had somewhat forgotten about the sub-level nine, and it looks like the final part of this complete introduction is here in book three (at least it looks that way). But this time, (main) half of the story is actually about the first 'mission' Morrigan has to go through. It was full of humor as always, and opened up a number of sub-plots along which the author could expand in later books.
This has been a fun read, and it looks like this series is going to end up as an all-time-favorite for me. Looking forward to get my hands on book four the moment it gets released.
"I'm going to be a librarian."
December 13, 2020
I am so glad I am alive to experience this amazing series!
April 29, 2021
I genuinely think this series gets better and better with every book, a difficult feet with such a strong start.
This series is the perfect balance of charm, complexity, comfort and even a little bit of creep (I couldn't resist the alliteration aha).
I noticed it more in book two than I had in book one but Jessica Towsend has an aptitude for writing unnerving, creepy and sometimes even genuinely scary scenes in the Nevermoor series. All entirely within the realms of 'suitable for children' (although I think some of the most terrifying literature might be for children, ahem, Roald Dahl). This came through in some of the early world building and new secrets that were revealed at the beginning of Hollowpox. If Jessica Townsend ever decides to write straight up horror I am sure she would be excellent.
The devil is in the details though. There is so much detail to the world building, magic system and characters in these books. No one character is sacrificed for the sake of another's character development - each feels rich and necessary. Sure there are traditional fantasy tropes, recognisable plot devices and nostalgic magic for older readers, but Townsend's own unique offering for children's fantasy is just growing more and more vibrant with each book.
This is one I'd recommend to all ages and I cannot wait to see what is in store for Morrigan and Nevermoor in book four.
This series is the perfect balance of charm, complexity, comfort and even a little bit of creep (I couldn't resist the alliteration aha).
I noticed it more in book two than I had in book one but Jessica Towsend has an aptitude for writing unnerving, creepy and sometimes even genuinely scary scenes in the Nevermoor series. All entirely within the realms of 'suitable for children' (although I think some of the most terrifying literature might be for children, ahem, Roald Dahl). This came through in some of the early world building and new secrets that were revealed at the beginning of Hollowpox. If Jessica Townsend ever decides to write straight up horror I am sure she would be excellent.
The devil is in the details though. There is so much detail to the world building, magic system and characters in these books. No one character is sacrificed for the sake of another's character development - each feels rich and necessary. Sure there are traditional fantasy tropes, recognisable plot devices and nostalgic magic for older readers, but Townsend's own unique offering for children's fantasy is just growing more and more vibrant with each book.
This is one I'd recommend to all ages and I cannot wait to see what is in store for Morrigan and Nevermoor in book four.
January 27, 2021
i’m so glad i re-read the series leading up to my read of this one! i absolutely adore this series and cannot wait to see how it continues to grow with morrigan.
Want to read
March 11, 20201.) Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow ★★★★★
2.) Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow ★★★★★
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2.) Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow ★★★★★
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | Blog | Spotify | Twitch
November 4, 2020
There are very few things i wouldn’t do for these books.
November 4, 2020
I was disappointed that there were no dragons in this one. Just a quick mention by Hawthorne but no actual dragon action. Maybe in the next book.
Nevertheless this was a great read. Lots of action and lots of magic as Morrigan begins to discover the extent of her abilities. My favourite character by far is the hotel where Morrigan lives. When it begins to sulk and locks off rooms and turns out lights - I just loved it! Is this the first sentient hotel in fiction? It is the first I have had the pleasure to meet anyway.
The story builds and builds and ends up with a very exciting finale which sets the scene for the next book. I will be looking forward to it.
Nevertheless this was a great read. Lots of action and lots of magic as Morrigan begins to discover the extent of her abilities. My favourite character by far is the hotel where Morrigan lives. When it begins to sulk and locks off rooms and turns out lights - I just loved it! Is this the first sentient hotel in fiction? It is the first I have had the pleasure to meet anyway.
The story builds and builds and ends up with a very exciting finale which sets the scene for the next book. I will be looking forward to it.
May 10, 2021
Perfection. Absolute perfection.
Morrigan goes through SO MUCH in this third installment. We really got to see so much more world building and a BUNCH of behind the scenes action from the Wundrous Society.
First, and most importantly, Rook. Oh my I cannot wait to see more of her next book. Definitely looking forward to seeing her artwork in the final copy and I’m really looking forward to the day she presents herself at a C&D meeting. Baz Charlton is gonna have a fit.
Secondly, THE GHOSTLY HOURS. I cannot stress how fucking cool these are and give me so much joy! I hope we see more and more of these.
Third, The Great Sulk. I’m not gonna spoil this one, but it was hysterical.
Fourth, Nurse Tim. Is it too much to hope him and the Dramatic One get together? Cuz that would be amazing. I can see it now... and it would be *chef’s kiss*. OH! SPEAKING OF QUEER RELATIONSHIPS!!! We get to see a budding/re-budding f/f relationship and it is so cute.
Fifth, that behind the scenes shit is gonna piss you off. You see the truth of Wunsoc and it’s not always pleasant. They did, and continue to do, some shit that puts Morrigan at risk. Let’s just say half of Jupiter’s plot line this book is yelling at the Elders...
Lastly, even though it’s Morrigan’s book it was great seeing more personality from the others in Unit 919. In particular Anah and Lam. Both were virtually nonexistent in Wundersmith (and let’s be honest, the most ignored) so seeing them have a greater place in this novel was perfect. Hell even Heloise’s cameo made me think the girl could grow past her initial hatred (re: fear) of Morrigan.
I’ll also say that there was a lot of crap that came up when the Hollowpox hit the fan. I think a lot of readers will see some clear parallels to Covid-19 so heads up there.
Oh... and if anyone sees unit 920 or 921 let me know 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Morrigan goes through SO MUCH in this third installment. We really got to see so much more world building and a BUNCH of behind the scenes action from the Wundrous Society.
First, and most importantly, Rook. Oh my I cannot wait to see more of her next book. Definitely looking forward to seeing her artwork in the final copy and I’m really looking forward to the day she presents herself at a C&D meeting. Baz Charlton is gonna have a fit.
Secondly, THE GHOSTLY HOURS. I cannot stress how fucking cool these are and give me so much joy! I hope we see more and more of these.
Third, The Great Sulk. I’m not gonna spoil this one, but it was hysterical.
Fourth, Nurse Tim. Is it too much to hope him and the Dramatic One get together? Cuz that would be amazing. I can see it now... and it would be *chef’s kiss*. OH! SPEAKING OF QUEER RELATIONSHIPS!!! We get to see a budding/re-budding f/f relationship and it is so cute.
Fifth, that behind the scenes shit is gonna piss you off. You see the truth of Wunsoc and it’s not always pleasant. They did, and continue to do, some shit that puts Morrigan at risk. Let’s just say half of Jupiter’s plot line this book is yelling at the Elders...
Lastly, even though it’s Morrigan’s book it was great seeing more personality from the others in Unit 919. In particular Anah and Lam. Both were virtually nonexistent in Wundersmith (and let’s be honest, the most ignored) so seeing them have a greater place in this novel was perfect. Hell even Heloise’s cameo made me think the girl could grow past her initial hatred (re: fear) of Morrigan.
I’ll also say that there was a lot of crap that came up when the Hollowpox hit the fan. I think a lot of readers will see some clear parallels to Covid-19 so heads up there.
Oh... and if anyone sees unit 920 or 921 let me know 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
December 15, 2020
In this third book in this fantasy series set in the magical state of Nevermoor, Morrigan Crow has finally been allowed to start mastering the skills she needs to become a Wondersmith. Her teachers are most unusual, but allow her a glimpse of previous Wondersmiths, including the evil Ezra Squall, banished from Nevermore.
However, not all is well in Nevermoor as the magical animals, Wunimals, are being infected by a disease that causes them to attack people and then leaves them hollow, unable to speak and behaving like a wild animal. All of the Wundrous Society are busy looking for a cure or patrolling the streets to prevent attacks and take infected Wunimals into quarantine.
Although dangerous and dangerous events occur in this episode, Jessica Townsend manages to keep the tone light and not too scary. She has a wonderful imagination, as shown by her amazing world building, and also injects much humour into the plot from the teachers and odd characters at the school and hotel, Morrigan's friends, the names she has come up with for some of the classes the students take and the hotel itself which has moods but always knows what Morrigan needs. There were also some interesting insights into Squall and the relationship between Nevermoor and Morrigan's home state of Wintersea (where magical children are considered cursed) that are likely to be further developed in the ongoing series. An excellent series for reading with older children and a lovely, gentle fantasy read for adults.
However, not all is well in Nevermoor as the magical animals, Wunimals, are being infected by a disease that causes them to attack people and then leaves them hollow, unable to speak and behaving like a wild animal. All of the Wundrous Society are busy looking for a cure or patrolling the streets to prevent attacks and take infected Wunimals into quarantine.
Although dangerous and dangerous events occur in this episode, Jessica Townsend manages to keep the tone light and not too scary. She has a wonderful imagination, as shown by her amazing world building, and also injects much humour into the plot from the teachers and odd characters at the school and hotel, Morrigan's friends, the names she has come up with for some of the classes the students take and the hotel itself which has moods but always knows what Morrigan needs. There were also some interesting insights into Squall and the relationship between Nevermoor and Morrigan's home state of Wintersea (where magical children are considered cursed) that are likely to be further developed in the ongoing series. An excellent series for reading with older children and a lovely, gentle fantasy read for adults.
February 1, 2021
“Only need a spark,” she said with a shrug. “Small sparks make big fires.”
While reading this book, I changed my mind many times on the rating I should give to it. Obviously, I wanted this to be a five star read; because of how much I loved the first book in this series. However, after reading book two and having mixed feelings about it, I had my doubts about this one, and those doubts - unfortunately - turned out to be true. And so after the first half, I thought it would be a three star read, then even a one star, then the last part kinda saved the whole thing from being a complete bore so I decided to give it two stars, but I might change my mind again in the future.
I need now to admit to myself that this series is very different to what I've thought - and hoped - it was going to be. I had the impression, after I read the first book, that this was going to go in a completely different direction -much more original and imaginative - than it actually did. But the more it goes on, the more it becomes trite and full of fillers. What a disappointment! I thought I found my new favourite middle grade fantasy series, but I was proven wrong. I am not even sure if I will go on reading it. Oh well, much disappointment but in the end I truly hope I was the only one to feel like this, and I am glad at least that I supported the author by pre-ordering this book when it came out.
While reading this book, I changed my mind many times on the rating I should give to it. Obviously, I wanted this to be a five star read; because of how much I loved the first book in this series. However, after reading book two and having mixed feelings about it, I had my doubts about this one, and those doubts - unfortunately - turned out to be true. And so after the first half, I thought it would be a three star read, then even a one star, then the last part kinda saved the whole thing from being a complete bore so I decided to give it two stars, but I might change my mind again in the future.
I need now to admit to myself that this series is very different to what I've thought - and hoped - it was going to be. I had the impression, after I read the first book, that this was going to go in a completely different direction -much more original and imaginative - than it actually did. But the more it goes on, the more it becomes trite and full of fillers. What a disappointment! I thought I found my new favourite middle grade fantasy series, but I was proven wrong. I am not even sure if I will go on reading it. Oh well, much disappointment but in the end I truly hope I was the only one to feel like this, and I am glad at least that I supported the author by pre-ordering this book when it came out.
June 17, 2022
Star Rating: —> 4 Stars
Morrigan Crow, as a series, is just absolutely brilliant. Morrigan herself is just an utterly brilliant, perfectly imperfect character— ahhbbbsolutely WUNDROUS. 😉
This book wasn't my all time fav of the series, BUT I still think it was PERFECTION!! Probably my second favorite book of the three! I just think a few minor things could've been taken next next level, but they were only next level. Hahaha I know that sounds trivial and honestly it really is... its just that Wunimals were basically ZOMBIES for goodness sake and I felt like that could've been could've been taken a bit further, if that makes any sense. I get that it's a MG book, but i'd still like to feel some more thrill when it comes to zombies!
Also- uhhhhmmm i've said it before, and i'll say it again— literally, I love Fen. Who doesn't love a 6 ft tall, talking, house cat who is, lets be honest, sassy AF (shes a cat 🤷🏼♀️) 70% of the time, ALL the time! The other 30% is her loving, nurturing, & loyal nature. She's amazing as Morrigan's guardian (well one of them anyway). I JUST LOVE HER, OKAY?!
Hahah RTC
_________________
Woohoo! We have a cover & it’s beautiful!
Morrigan Crow, as a series, is just absolutely brilliant. Morrigan herself is just an utterly brilliant, perfectly imperfect character— ahhbbbsolutely WUNDROUS. 😉
This book wasn't my all time fav of the series, BUT I still think it was PERFECTION!! Probably my second favorite book of the three! I just think a few minor things could've been taken next next level, but they were only next level. Hahaha I know that sounds trivial and honestly it really is... its just that Wunimals were basically ZOMBIES for goodness sake and I felt like that could've been could've been taken a bit further, if that makes any sense. I get that it's a MG book, but i'd still like to feel some more thrill when it comes to zombies!
Also- uhhhhmmm i've said it before, and i'll say it again— literally, I love Fen. Who doesn't love a 6 ft tall, talking, house cat who is, lets be honest, sassy AF (shes a cat 🤷🏼♀️) 70% of the time, ALL the time! The other 30% is her loving, nurturing, & loyal nature. She's amazing as Morrigan's guardian (well one of them anyway). I JUST LOVE HER, OKAY?!
Hahah RTC
_________________
Woohoo! We have a cover & it’s beautiful!
November 16, 2020
This series continues to wow and gives me such nostalgia and also such excitement. It's heartwarming and lovely, but also fresh and vibrant and filled with so many fabulous characters and such charm.
This particular book came at a time when Covid-19 is still very wide-spread and so the idea of a mystery illness taking over and infecting the Wun-amals of Nevermoor was surprisingly close to the story of Covid, but the big takeaway here is that the story has a happy ending for the mystery illness, and we hope the same will soon be true for Covid!
I admit that Fen (the cat) and Morrigan remain some of my favourites but there are plenty of characters to love here. So many loving relationships are built in this book and tested and I think it's the start of the world opening up too with a couple of hints at some of the bigger things to come again in later books.
I'm really keen to continue this series and already want the next one!
5*s of course!
This particular book came at a time when Covid-19 is still very wide-spread and so the idea of a mystery illness taking over and infecting the Wun-amals of Nevermoor was surprisingly close to the story of Covid, but the big takeaway here is that the story has a happy ending for the mystery illness, and we hope the same will soon be true for Covid!
I admit that Fen (the cat) and Morrigan remain some of my favourites but there are plenty of characters to love here. So many loving relationships are built in this book and tested and I think it's the start of the world opening up too with a couple of hints at some of the bigger things to come again in later books.
I'm really keen to continue this series and already want the next one!
5*s of course!
September 2, 2020
It was SUCH a delight to return to the world of Nevermoor and go on all new (mis)adventures with Mog and her friends!! I absolutely CAN’T WAIT to see what comes next, especially after that ending!!!! All the stars!!!
October 13, 2020
Morrigan Crow and her friends, with Miss Cheery, the conductor travelled into the Wundrous Society where they all went to their separate classes. Morrigan’s excitement at learning the Wretched Arts, and of being able to control the Wunder which was inside her would see her facing a terrible infliction on the Wunimals in Nevermoor. As more Wunimals were attacked by what seemed to be some kind of virus, and were turned into vicious weapons, Morrigan knew that the answer to the Hollowpox lay with her. Her patron, Jupiter North, and all the Elders, couldn’t find a cure – Morrigan knew what she would have to do…
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow is the 3rd in the Nevermoor series by Aussie author Jessica Townsend, and once again it was brilliant! Intriguing, fascinating, mystical and magical – it was a long wait for this one, but well worth it. There was a little bit of everything, and a lot of Wunder in Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow and I loved it! Highly recommended to Young Adults and Fantasy fans, and just about anyone else as well! They should be read in order of publication though 😊
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow is the 3rd in the Nevermoor series by Aussie author Jessica Townsend, and once again it was brilliant! Intriguing, fascinating, mystical and magical – it was a long wait for this one, but well worth it. There was a little bit of everything, and a lot of Wunder in Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow and I loved it! Highly recommended to Young Adults and Fantasy fans, and just about anyone else as well! They should be read in order of publication though 😊
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2023
4.5 stars - the third book in the series and this one is my favourite so far. We already know all the characters by now along with their personalities and knacks which for me makes this a very enjoyable read. This book manages to re-cap the other two so well, it isn't really drawn out and it doesn't effect the flow of the book either its just sneaked in there through dialogue.
I thought the descriptions were more vivid in this book and the writing overall felt better developed. The stakes are getting higher in the third book but as a reader we are still pretty assured that no one is going to get hurt too badly.
Our main character is becoming more of her own person and developing really well. The side characters were written better too, I can see them becoming a bigger part of each book and really coming into there own which I am really looking forward too. I do wish we could of had some more scenes with dragons, but I feel like that is coming fingers crossed anyway.
I can see why people compare this to Harry Potter but I don't see that as a bad thing, this book still manages to stand alone and bring something new to the genre. I still love Miss Cheery, but Jupiter would infuriate me because he's always just all over the place. The author really knows their audience we have a magical library which is like another world, rules about dog-eared pages and breaking spines of books not to mention books that fight back - brilliant.
I always like chapters with Jack too, I think he is a really lovely character and his relationship with Mog is really well done. We did get a little Christmas scene to which is a huge win - no matter the time of year Christmas spirit will always make me smile. There are some really touching moments in this book about found family and love, but it also has some really funny moments too. Fen is becoming one of my favourites - so feisty!
I think the pacing of this book was much better than the last two. We learn more about our 'bad guy' and he is getting more and more interesting. I really can't wait to see where this series goes. I hope this series continues into Mog's teenage years and we might see some of these books creep into the YA genre.
I thought the descriptions were more vivid in this book and the writing overall felt better developed. The stakes are getting higher in the third book but as a reader we are still pretty assured that no one is going to get hurt too badly.
Our main character is becoming more of her own person and developing really well. The side characters were written better too, I can see them becoming a bigger part of each book and really coming into there own which I am really looking forward too. I do wish we could of had some more scenes with dragons, but I feel like that is coming fingers crossed anyway.
I can see why people compare this to Harry Potter but I don't see that as a bad thing, this book still manages to stand alone and bring something new to the genre. I still love Miss Cheery, but Jupiter would infuriate me because he's always just all over the place. The author really knows their audience we have a magical library which is like another world, rules about dog-eared pages and breaking spines of books not to mention books that fight back - brilliant.
I always like chapters with Jack too, I think he is a really lovely character and his relationship with Mog is really well done. We did get a little Christmas scene to which is a huge win - no matter the time of year Christmas spirit will always make me smile. There are some really touching moments in this book about found family and love, but it also has some really funny moments too. Fen is becoming one of my favourites - so feisty!
I think the pacing of this book was much better than the last two. We learn more about our 'bad guy' and he is getting more and more interesting. I really can't wait to see where this series goes. I hope this series continues into Mog's teenage years and we might see some of these books creep into the YA genre.
August 20, 2021
Back in the day, when I first dove into the Harry Potter series and watched the movies as they came out, I liked them. Note I didn't love them, but I moderately liked them. Over time, I somehow aged into loving them. Now my hubby and I pull out the movies every December and watch through them again (they are Christmas movies- right there next to Die Hard. Fight me on this.).
When I first heard about this trilogy, something in me went, "hmmm. I'm going to like those. A lot." And I did something I never do. I bought the first book off the shelf. I don't buy books without already knowing if I Iike them.
I immediately had a reaction to these books stronger than I did initially for Harry Potter. In fact, I think I had the same reaction that most people said they had when they initially read Harry Potter. I love them.
This series is a blend of the Slytherin house and Wicked (the Broadway show. Not the abomination that was the book). I endorse both of these concepts, strongly.
Something else that was interesting was the timely analogy to what's happening in our own world. Curfews, fear, personal attacks, people using righteous indignation as an excuse to harm others and destroy property... this is why I love fantasy. Not because it tries to convince us that dragons are real, but that our dragons can be slain. And this book gave me hope so many dragons bringing turmoil to the world can be slain.
Is it odd to say that I'm proud of Jessica Townsend? This amazing, young author with a beautiful smile and even more beautiful mind getting to share her story with the world...it doesn't get better than that. I said it in my book two review, and I'll say it again. I want to be her friend! Good for you, Jessica. I can't wait to see what she does next. I hear rumors these may be in the works for movies... until then, I'll be occasionally re-reading the books.
I'd rate this book a PG-13 for some violence and scary situations and darker thematic elements.
When I first heard about this trilogy, something in me went, "hmmm. I'm going to like those. A lot." And I did something I never do. I bought the first book off the shelf. I don't buy books without already knowing if I Iike them.
I immediately had a reaction to these books stronger than I did initially for Harry Potter. In fact, I think I had the same reaction that most people said they had when they initially read Harry Potter. I love them.
This series is a blend of the Slytherin house and Wicked (the Broadway show. Not the abomination that was the book). I endorse both of these concepts, strongly.
Something else that was interesting was the timely analogy to what's happening in our own world. Curfews, fear, personal attacks, people using righteous indignation as an excuse to harm others and destroy property... this is why I love fantasy. Not because it tries to convince us that dragons are real, but that our dragons can be slain. And this book gave me hope so many dragons bringing turmoil to the world can be slain.
Is it odd to say that I'm proud of Jessica Townsend? This amazing, young author with a beautiful smile and even more beautiful mind getting to share her story with the world...it doesn't get better than that. I said it in my book two review, and I'll say it again. I want to be her friend! Good for you, Jessica. I can't wait to see what she does next. I hear rumors these may be in the works for movies... until then, I'll be occasionally re-reading the books.
I'd rate this book a PG-13 for some violence and scary situations and darker thematic elements.
January 2, 2021
Wow! Ich habe erwartet, dass ich auch Band 3 der genialen Reihe rund um Morrigan Crow mögen werde und wurde auf keiner einzigen Seite enttäuscht!
Eine genial wundersame Welt mit solche tollen magischen Elementen, dass ich nicht nur einmal mit offenem Mund und staunenden Augen vor meinem aufgeklappten Buch saß.
Auch war ich mehr als erstaunt, wie präzise Jessica Townsend die aktuelle Weltlage in dieses Buch schreiben konnte, und das schon vor 2020 - Verrückt!
Die Geschichte war spannend, wendungsreich, humorvoll, kreativ, herzerwärmend und das alles mit so vielen wichtigen gesellschaftlichen und auch politischen Themen, dass ich nur jedem diese Reihe ans Herz legen kann (...und muss!) Kommt mit nach Nevermoor!
Meine Vorfreude auf Band 4 (...und alle folgenden) steigt täglich!
Eine genial wundersame Welt mit solche tollen magischen Elementen, dass ich nicht nur einmal mit offenem Mund und staunenden Augen vor meinem aufgeklappten Buch saß.
Auch war ich mehr als erstaunt, wie präzise Jessica Townsend die aktuelle Weltlage in dieses Buch schreiben konnte, und das schon vor 2020 - Verrückt!
Die Geschichte war spannend, wendungsreich, humorvoll, kreativ, herzerwärmend und das alles mit so vielen wichtigen gesellschaftlichen und auch politischen Themen, dass ich nur jedem diese Reihe ans Herz legen kann (...und muss!) Kommt mit nach Nevermoor!
Meine Vorfreude auf Band 4 (...und alle folgenden) steigt täglich!
May 24, 2021
A strong continuation of the series, much darker and with high stakes
We don't ignore bigotry, Jack. That's how cowardly bigots turn into brave bigots
Morrigan’s addiction to knowledge takes centre stage in Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow; after a slow start which feels a lot like the earlier book, this volume finds its own much darker tone.
Panic about an illness, alienation between citizens, curfews, populism, references to normal, hardworking citizens. The societal effects of the hollow pox from the title are very recognisable and much more terrifying than any magic. Also sensation press/paparazzi are being commented upon (Greed is more powerful than fear) and the elders protecting Morrigan show that they are far from infallible or 100% devoted to ethics.
In this context it is very accomplished how Jessica Townsend makes us understand Morrigan is still a child in a scene about her left behind toy 🧸
I loved brother Tim his sarcasm and the library introduced in this book. If I would have any critique it would be that the network Morrigan uses towards the end is overpowered or at least overly convenient, but the new hint of an antagonist being introduced is very exciting and I am very curious to see how the series carries itself forward in new instalments. Highly recommended and great fun :-)
We don't ignore bigotry, Jack. That's how cowardly bigots turn into brave bigots
Morrigan’s addiction to knowledge takes centre stage in Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow; after a slow start which feels a lot like the earlier book, this volume finds its own much darker tone.
Panic about an illness, alienation between citizens, curfews, populism, references to normal, hardworking citizens. The societal effects of the hollow pox from the title are very recognisable and much more terrifying than any magic. Also sensation press/paparazzi are being commented upon (Greed is more powerful than fear) and the elders protecting Morrigan show that they are far from infallible or 100% devoted to ethics.
In this context it is very accomplished how Jessica Townsend makes us understand Morrigan is still a child in a scene about her left behind toy 🧸
I loved brother Tim his sarcasm and the library introduced in this book. If I would have any critique it would be that the network Morrigan uses towards the end is overpowered or at least overly convenient, but the new hint of an antagonist being introduced is very exciting and I am very curious to see how the series carries itself forward in new instalments. Highly recommended and great fun :-)
October 9, 2020
First of all, these books aren't particularly original. The similarities to Harry Potter are notable and obvious. That hasn't really mattered because the stories are well written and entertaining.
But Hollowpox doesn't really offer anything. It's kind of like The Order of the Phoenix in the Harry Potter series. Unnecessary. It doesn't really advance the story just fluffs around and then ends.
I love this series and I love these characters, and hopefully the next book is a return to form because if it isn't I'll probably walk away.
But Hollowpox doesn't really offer anything. It's kind of like The Order of the Phoenix in the Harry Potter series. Unnecessary. It doesn't really advance the story just fluffs around and then ends.
I love this series and I love these characters, and hopefully the next book is a return to form because if it isn't I'll probably walk away.
February 26, 2023
“The thing about numpties, Mog, is that they can always find plenty of other numpties to believe their numpty nonsense. You know what they say: you’re never more than six feet away from a numpty.”
.
.
.
I think Jessica Townsend may be a genius as well as a sage. Hollowpox, the third instalment of her Nevermoor series, is perhaps even better than the first two. Not only that, written well before the Covid-19 pandemic, she writes about Hollowpox, a virus that infects the Wunimals of Nevermoor. All of the things that we’ve seen happen in our own societies; lockdowns, quarantine, protest marches and event cancellations, they all appear in the pages of Hollowpox
I’ve been escaping into YA fiction and fantasy a little more than normal this year. You’d imagine that reminders of our current global situation wouldn’t be much of an escape, but this book is such a joy. Not since I first read Harry Potter have I been able to immerse myself so completely into another world. Some of my favourite things from Hollowpox are
💙The Gobleian Library - Bookfighters are promoted to full Librarians who set out on tours of duty across the Library armed with handcuffs and chocolate
💙The Deucalion Hotel - it’s sulks and it’s magical transformations from wooded forest to pink swimming pool complete with water slides
💙The Wundrous Arts - watching Morrigan as she starts to learn more about Weaving, Veiling and Inferno
💙Fenestra the Magnificat - magnificently stroppy, Fen is the perfect feline balance of intelligence and sheer laziness
I was very excited to read on @booktopiabooks that Jessica Townsend is planning NINE books in the series and I shall be first in the queue for every. single. one…..
This would be a perfect Christmas middle-grade read as the opening chapters contain the annual Battle of Christmas Eve between Saint Nicholas and the Yule Queen. If you want to rediscover some child-like joy in the world read this series
.
.
.
I think Jessica Townsend may be a genius as well as a sage. Hollowpox, the third instalment of her Nevermoor series, is perhaps even better than the first two. Not only that, written well before the Covid-19 pandemic, she writes about Hollowpox, a virus that infects the Wunimals of Nevermoor. All of the things that we’ve seen happen in our own societies; lockdowns, quarantine, protest marches and event cancellations, they all appear in the pages of Hollowpox
I’ve been escaping into YA fiction and fantasy a little more than normal this year. You’d imagine that reminders of our current global situation wouldn’t be much of an escape, but this book is such a joy. Not since I first read Harry Potter have I been able to immerse myself so completely into another world. Some of my favourite things from Hollowpox are
💙The Gobleian Library - Bookfighters are promoted to full Librarians who set out on tours of duty across the Library armed with handcuffs and chocolate
💙The Deucalion Hotel - it’s sulks and it’s magical transformations from wooded forest to pink swimming pool complete with water slides
💙The Wundrous Arts - watching Morrigan as she starts to learn more about Weaving, Veiling and Inferno
💙Fenestra the Magnificat - magnificently stroppy, Fen is the perfect feline balance of intelligence and sheer laziness
I was very excited to read on @booktopiabooks that Jessica Townsend is planning NINE books in the series and I shall be first in the queue for every. single. one…..
This would be a perfect Christmas middle-grade read as the opening chapters contain the annual Battle of Christmas Eve between Saint Nicholas and the Yule Queen. If you want to rediscover some child-like joy in the world read this series
July 15, 2023
I LOVE this series.
This is joining Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,The Princess Bride, and Ella Enchanted as my go-to comfort books. The world is awesome; the knacks (powers) are fun; the characters are great; the plots are ridiculous. It's perfect.
I heard the 4th one is coming out next year, and I can't wait to read it!
This is joining Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,The Princess Bride, and Ella Enchanted as my go-to comfort books. The world is awesome; the knacks (powers) are fun; the characters are great; the plots are ridiculous. It's perfect.
I heard the 4th one is coming out next year, and I can't wait to read it!
April 27, 2021
3.5 stars - While I continue to feel like these are a bit long, I do find most of the elements of the story highly enjoyable. There is also a level of prescience to this particular story, given that is about a pandemic and Nevermoor's response to that pandemic and was published in 2020. Intrigued by the ending, still interested in the series
January 23, 2021
Another riveting adventure for Morrigan Crow!
Gavin grinned shiftily, an amused little twinkle in his eyes. “Oh yes. Oh YES, my friends, the most wonderful time of the year is coming on fast—that special day we all look forward to—ladies and gentlemen, you know it and you love it…”
He paused to fiddle with the equipment, and a moment later, a huge, moving, three-dimensional image of the ugliest creature Morrigan had ever seen in her life was projected upward into the vast space. She felt herself physically recoil from it, and she wasn’t the only one.
“… that’s right, it’s the short but magical breeding season of the NEVERMOOR SCALY SEWER BEAST!”
Morrigan had heard of the Nevermoor Scaly Sewer Beast, but she’d never seen it before, and truthfully, she’d never been certain it was real. The image was of a strange, yellow-white serpentine creature with transparent eyelids covering milky red eyes. Its bulbous belly hung low to the ground and it had six lizardlike legs ending in long, sharp claws. Its scales were rough and patchy, and entirely absent in random spots, revealing raw pink skin underneath. It had a long, powerful-looking tail that snapped back and forth in a threatening fashion. Its jaws opened wide to reveal a mouth full of far too many sharp curving teeth to be reasonable, and a forked, blackish-blue tongue.
“All right then, all right,” Gavin continued, holding up his hands for quiet. “You know the drill, people. The Scaly Sewer Beast breeding season brings many hundreds of nasty little baby beasts with their nasty little venomous teeth into our sewer system, and if we don’t control the population growth we’ll find Nevermoor overrun with these gigantic mummy and daddy versions”—he pointed at the picture—“in just a few short months, cos they grow up quick, the precious little blighters.
“Now I know this is nobody’s favorite job—plenty of us have been injured in the annual sewerfest, and the smell takes days to leave the old nostrils—but someone’s got to put their hand up to help us trap, tag, and relocate these wee beasties outside of the city. There are sixteen of us in the Beastly Division, and I reckon we’ll need another dozen helpers. If I don’t get enough volunteers, some of you might just get voluntold. So, show of hands, please: Who’s keen to rid Nevermoor’s sewers of their scaliest scourge?”
********
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend is the third installment in the highly entertaining and addictive Nevermoor series!
Because it's the third book, I won't get into the "meat" of this storyline as this is a series that has to be read in order to appreciate the entire adventures of Miss Morrigan Crow.
What I will say with absolutely no hesitation is that you don't want to miss out on this incredibly clever series!
Just look at the cover for goodness sake! How can you resist?
I've been left with the satisfaction of having thoroughly enjoyed another story by the talented and entertaining Jessica Townsend and with a series longing for the next in this series! Please hurry Jessica!
While the written editions are great, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook versions, narrated by the amazing Gemma Whelan! Gemma seamlessly brings the scenes off the pages, and creates full bodied, multdementional visions for your mind to devour!
Her characters are rich and full of life. Each character personalities become bright and realistic. She effortlessly speaks for each character using different accents and cadences so each one is easily identifiable throughout the audiobook. I promise you won't easily forget many of these characters!!
She's a phenomenal narrator and I could listen to her all day!
Don't wait! Begin with The Trials of Morrigan Crow then follow it up with Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow before moving on to this one.
I hope you enjoy these books/audiobooks as much as I do! I've already backtracked and listened to books one and two again before diving into this one! I'll certainly listen to them all AGAIN & AGAIN!
Gavin grinned shiftily, an amused little twinkle in his eyes. “Oh yes. Oh YES, my friends, the most wonderful time of the year is coming on fast—that special day we all look forward to—ladies and gentlemen, you know it and you love it…”
He paused to fiddle with the equipment, and a moment later, a huge, moving, three-dimensional image of the ugliest creature Morrigan had ever seen in her life was projected upward into the vast space. She felt herself physically recoil from it, and she wasn’t the only one.
“… that’s right, it’s the short but magical breeding season of the NEVERMOOR SCALY SEWER BEAST!”
Morrigan had heard of the Nevermoor Scaly Sewer Beast, but she’d never seen it before, and truthfully, she’d never been certain it was real. The image was of a strange, yellow-white serpentine creature with transparent eyelids covering milky red eyes. Its bulbous belly hung low to the ground and it had six lizardlike legs ending in long, sharp claws. Its scales were rough and patchy, and entirely absent in random spots, revealing raw pink skin underneath. It had a long, powerful-looking tail that snapped back and forth in a threatening fashion. Its jaws opened wide to reveal a mouth full of far too many sharp curving teeth to be reasonable, and a forked, blackish-blue tongue.
“All right then, all right,” Gavin continued, holding up his hands for quiet. “You know the drill, people. The Scaly Sewer Beast breeding season brings many hundreds of nasty little baby beasts with their nasty little venomous teeth into our sewer system, and if we don’t control the population growth we’ll find Nevermoor overrun with these gigantic mummy and daddy versions”—he pointed at the picture—“in just a few short months, cos they grow up quick, the precious little blighters.
“Now I know this is nobody’s favorite job—plenty of us have been injured in the annual sewerfest, and the smell takes days to leave the old nostrils—but someone’s got to put their hand up to help us trap, tag, and relocate these wee beasties outside of the city. There are sixteen of us in the Beastly Division, and I reckon we’ll need another dozen helpers. If I don’t get enough volunteers, some of you might just get voluntold. So, show of hands, please: Who’s keen to rid Nevermoor’s sewers of their scaliest scourge?”
********
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend is the third installment in the highly entertaining and addictive Nevermoor series!
Because it's the third book, I won't get into the "meat" of this storyline as this is a series that has to be read in order to appreciate the entire adventures of Miss Morrigan Crow.
What I will say with absolutely no hesitation is that you don't want to miss out on this incredibly clever series!
Just look at the cover for goodness sake! How can you resist?
I've been left with the satisfaction of having thoroughly enjoyed another story by the talented and entertaining Jessica Townsend and with a series longing for the next in this series! Please hurry Jessica!
While the written editions are great, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook versions, narrated by the amazing Gemma Whelan! Gemma seamlessly brings the scenes off the pages, and creates full bodied, multdementional visions for your mind to devour!
Her characters are rich and full of life. Each character personalities become bright and realistic. She effortlessly speaks for each character using different accents and cadences so each one is easily identifiable throughout the audiobook. I promise you won't easily forget many of these characters!!
She's a phenomenal narrator and I could listen to her all day!
Don't wait! Begin with The Trials of Morrigan Crow then follow it up with Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow before moving on to this one.
I hope you enjoy these books/audiobooks as much as I do! I've already backtracked and listened to books one and two again before diving into this one! I'll certainly listen to them all AGAIN & AGAIN!
April 24, 2022
Jak ja przeżyję czekanie na kolejne tomy 😭 to jedna z najpiękniejszych serii jakie czytałam.
January 28, 2021
was it wild to read a book about a pandemic during a pandemic? most definitely. did I enjoy it immensely? you bet. I love Morrigan, I love seeing her learn more about Wundersmith's history and her own abilities. this book felt darker than the previous two, as the story grows with its characters and readership. I really appreciated it. (4.75)
October 8, 2020
The third book in the Nevermoor series is definitely an improvement from the second one for me. We finally get to find out more about Wundersmiths and there is an interesting dynamic in Unit 919. And in general, there were enough exciting events to make this 500-page book fly by very fast. I'm definitely looking forward to new books in this series!
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