TOWNSEND, Jessica. Nevermoor. The Trials of Morrigan Crow. Illustrated by Jim Madsen. NY: Little, Brown [2017]. 12mo, xiv 465pp. Purple boards with spine stamped in gold. Illustrated chapter headings in b&w. A fine copy in original color pictorial dust jacket. Signed “Step Boldly!” by the author, Jessica Townsend.

First US edition, having been simultaneously released in the US, UK, and Australia. Morrigan Crow is cursed. Born on Eventide, the unluckiest day to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks – and, worst of all, the curse means she is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday. But on just before that fateful moment, Morrigan is whisked away to the magical city of Nevermoor by a mysterious patron named Jupiter North, who sponsors her to compete for a spot in the prestigious Wondrous Society. While all the other applicants have extraordinary talents, Morrigan is sure she has none. But Jupiter assures Morrigan that she has the most extraordinary talent of all. If she passes the tests, she’s in, but if she fails, she must leave and face certain death. The first volume in a international best-selling series.