Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Magical teen becomes target in thrilling, imaginative world.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HOLLOWPOX: THE HUNT FOR MORRIGAN CROW finds Morrigan and her classmates at the Wundrous Academy—having survived the events of Book 2—eager for a new year of learning. Morrigan in particular, who's learned that she's a Wundersmith with the power to control magical forces, has much to discover, skills to learn, and lots to look forward to. But a mysterious plague starts attacking Wunimals—animal beings with human intelligence—who, when infected, go berserk, attack humans, and finally are left as living but mindless shells, Morrigan and her friends race to protect their Wunimal friends and find a cure. Various humans, some driven by fearful hysteria, others by seizing power for themselves, would prefer to imprison or even exterminate the Wunimals. And it's much the same for Morrigan, who's turning 13 and becoming an attractive target for unknown forces who want to exploit her powers. Luckily, her friends and protectors have her back.
Is It Any Good?
Jessica Townsend continues a brilliantly envisioned, emotionally rich, ethically complex tale of a magical teen snatched from death in one world and destined for greatness in another. Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow follows its characters for another year at the Wundrous Academy in Nevermoor—and pits them against a plague that's destroying their friends. Who's behind it all, and whether they're good or evil, are ongoing mysteries, and as the teens battle monsters and other lethal forces along the way, a lot of self-serving politics and murderous power grabs put them in danger. It's a thrilling, imaginative, relatable tale that richly defines its own world while resonating a lot with ours, and it enticingly sets up the finale.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of orphaned children with unusual destinies, magical powers, or something else that sets them apart and defines their lives. Why do you think it's such a popular theme in storytelling, and how do you think the Morrigan Crow series compares with other stories like this?
If you had a magical power, what would it be and how would you use it? And what would your friends think?
Have you seen people being mean to others because they were different? What was happening, and what did you do? Does it take courage to stand up to hurtful behavior? Where do the characters in this book get their courage? Where do you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jim Madsen
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Integrity , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : October 27, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 560
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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