Episode 90: Nevermoor LoveFest
Summary: For the final episode before our hiatus, it is only fitting that Holly and Devin get to spend an hour gushing about one of their favorite middle grade series, Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend. Written by a queer Australian, these books bring middle grade fantasy into technicolor from black and white. With rich world building, a menagerie of friends, foes, and frights this series will make the hearts race for readers of any age.
Reminder: Holly is a new mom! While she spends some time with her evolving family, we’ll be taking a hiatus from the podcast through the summer and fall. As we have updates we will share them. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to review our back-log of episodes in the meantime.
Topics Discussed:
Series Summary (4:37):
Morrigan Crow is a young girl born on Eventide, the unluckiest day of the year. Cursed to die on her eleventh birthday, she’s blamed for every misfortune in her town and her parents dismiss her - her fate is sealed. However, when the day arrives she is whisked away by the enigmatic Jupiter North, who brings her to the secretive and magical city of Nevermoor. There, Morrigan learns of the Wundrous Society, an elite organization for those with extraordinary abilities. To gain entry, Morrigan must complete four trials - even when she’s not sure what her own magical “knack” is…
Key Themes (13:28):
Rich World Building with Complex Characters: Nevermoor is a vividly crafted city, teeming with magical elements, unique customs, and a diverse cast of characters, offering readers an immersive experience. Beyond Morrigan, the series boasts a range of well-developed characters, each with their own backstories and motivations, adding depth to the narrative.
Identity and Self-Worth: Morrigan's journey is a profound exploration of self-identity. Branded as cursed and unworthy, she struggles with feelings of inadequacy. Through her experiences in Nevermoor and the trials she faces, Morrigan begins to redefine her sense of self, discovering her intrinsic value beyond societal labels.
Belonging and Found Family: The series emphasizes the importance of finding one's place in the world. Morrigan's relationships with characters like Jupiter North and her fellow society members highlight themes of chosen family and the comfort of belonging, contrasting her earlier experiences of isolation.
Prejudice and Acceptance: Morrigan's status through the series exposes her to fear and discrimination, reflecting broader themes of prejudice. Townsend uses Morrigan and other characters and plotlines to challenge characters and readers alike to confront biases and embrace understanding and acceptance.
Courage and Resilience: Facing daunting trials and societal rejection, Morrigan's resilience is a central theme. Her determination to persevere, even when the odds are stacked against her, serves as an inspiring testament to inner strength.
The Nature of Power and Authority: The series delves into the complexities of power, particularly through the lens of Morrigan's abilities. It poses questions about the ethical use of power and the responsibilities that come with it.
Hot On the Shelf (28:00):
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (32:43):
Holly: Andor Season 2
Devin: Friendship with Holly <3
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