Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor, #1)

by Jessica Townsend

“The Hunt of Smoke and Shadow—why were they chasing us?” “They weren’t chasing us, they were chasing you. And they weren’t chasing you. They were hunting you. They hunt all the cursed children. That’s how cursed children die. Good grief, I’m famished. Wish we had time to stop for breakfast.” Morrigan’s mouth had gone dry. “They hunt children?” “They hunt cursed children. I suppose you could call them specialists.”

“You asked me if your talent is being cursed? If you have a knack for ruining things? Hear me when I tell you this: You are not a curse on anyone, Morrigan Crow. You never have been. And I think you’ve known that all along.”

You had to go through all four trials, because I needed the Elders to know what sort of person you are, in the hope…” He paused, swallowing, and then quietly finished, “In the hope they’ll continue to see you as a person first, and a Wundersmith second.”