Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were some of your favorite surprises in the book? Were there plot twists you saw coming?

2. Who is your favorite character in the book? What do you like about them?

3. How have Morrigan’s character and world evolved since the earlier installments in the Nevermoor series, including The Trials of Morrigan Crow, Wundersmith, and Hollowpox?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. How do Morrigan’s struggles with family and finding a home compare to your own experiences? Have you observed similar tensions between biological and found families?

2. What did you think about Morrigan’s reflections on life in the Silver District? Would you find this lifestyle alluring, or would you feel stifled, as Morrigan does?

3. Have you experienced conflict with someone who has your best interests at heart, like Morrigan experiences with Jupiter? Do you have an Ezra Squall in your life—someone who pushes you to be better?

4. Did the dynamics among Morrigan and her friends and classmates feel familiar to you? What qualities drew you to your current friend group?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel pits various social groups against one another: Concerned Citizens versus the Wundrous Society, the Wintersea Republic versus the Free State, the Silver District versus Ogden Town, etc. What does the novel suggest these differences are based on? What parallels do you see to the real world?

2. The novel stresses the importance of cultivating talents in young people and giving them opportunities and responsibilities. How does this idea compare to contemporary societal practices? Are there areas where adolescents should be entrusted with greater responsibility—or, perhaps, sheltered more than they currently are?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What roles do you see the premise of the magical academy playing in this book? You might compare Townsend’s Wundrous Society to other fantasy novels aimed at middle-grade and young adult readers, like Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, or The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.

2. What is the lesson Morrigan learns about truth and secrets? Where do you see this motif of secrets appearing elsewhere in the novel?

3. The novel contains several metafictional references to other literary genres. What do these add to the book? For instance, why do you think the novel gently satirizes murder mysteries?

4. Characters like Cadence, Noelle Devereaux, and Vesta Rinaldi serve as foils for Morrigan. How does interacting with these characters help Morrigan through her character arc?

5. What role do you see the Guiltghast playing in the story? How does this relate to Morrigan’s evolving understanding of what it means to be a Wundersmith?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Create a small guidebook of instructions for your favorite fantastical element in the novel. You might consider the Wunderground, Gossamer Line, brolly line (transport via umbrella), nightbeacons, or others.

2. Draw or create a 3D model of the version of Room 85 that you would most like to inhabit. Feel free to populate it with your favorite characters. Which of your favorite aspects of the book does your model reflect?

3. Recreate Louis’s map of the lintel network. Add your own lintels if you like, and discuss how they fulfill the purpose for which the network was created.

4. Write or draft a short story or extra scene featuring one of your favorite minor characters. You might consider showing more of the private life of Holliday Wu, Rook, one of Morrigan’s teachers, Bertram, or a member of the St. James family.

5. Write or draft a scene of confrontation between Jupiter North and Ezra Squall, relying on what you know of these characters and their role as mentor and guide for Morrigan.