An Enchanting Start: A Review of Neverthorn (Of Quirks and Curses #1)
When I first stumbled upon Neverthorn by Melissa De La Cruz, the whimsical cover and tantalizing premise immediately drew me in. Let’s be real: who can resist a magical tale rife with quirky curses and secrets waiting to be unraveled? As someone who’s been knee-deep in fantasy recently—having just jumped into the Providence Falls series—it was like a cosmic crossover waiting to happen. Imagine my surprise when I found a character named Liam O’Connor pop up in Neverthorn! O’Connor multiverse confirmed! It felt like the universe was playing a cheeky little joke on me.
From the very first pages, Neverthorn evokes a sense of nostalgic adventure, reminiscent of the Elder Scrolls games. The glossary at the start set my imagination ablaze. I couldn’t help but chuckle at how familiar some names sounded—like Dwimmer channeling that Dwemer vibe. And then there’s Daygon, which had me doing a double take, whispering, “Is that a nod to the Daedric Prince?” The book’s worldbuilding truly captivates, creating an environment as rich and intricate as the finest tapestries.
In the beginning, my mind often drifted to the halls of Hogwarts, as indications of magical academies and diverse houses unfolded. Sure, J.K. Rowling may have paved the way, but it’s refreshing to see new narratives emerge in the realm she opened up. Neverthorn provides a delightful alternative for those seeking that magical school experience without walking the well-trodden path—if you’ve ever wanted a new home among wizards, this is your spot.
Still, I have to confess it took me a moment to acclimate to the story; the first half was almost jarring in its familiarity. Harlow, our plucky protagonist, is often endearing yet behaves younger than her stated age of 29. I found this puzzling. With her mishaps and anxieties, it felt like the narrative was straddling a peculiar line between New Adult and Young Adult. I often wondered if making her younger would have better suited the story’s dynamics. Similarly, Typhon felt out of place for someone claiming to be a seasoned 32-year-old.
The romance didn’t quite hit the mark for me either. The chemistry with Typhon? Sparse at best. But then we have Liam, who kept popping up like a fleeting spark. I found myself rooting for him and wishing he had more screen time—Harlow could have really benefitted from those bonding moments that make a connection feel genuine.
Despite these quirks, I absolutely adored the worldbuilding and the witty introductions—especially the endearing trash panda that stole my heart. Harlow’s fierce protectiveness over her adoptive sister and friends adds a sweet depth to her character, leaving me curious about the enigmatic wraith she encounters. And then there’s Nocta, who sparks intrigue with every page turn; will he turn out to be the ally Harlow never expected?
As the book closes, it takes a daring leap into a cliffhanger, leaving me on the edge of my proverbial seat. July can’t come soon enough! But I’m also okay with waiting; it means more time for the suspense to simmer and for me to digest the layers of this story.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a spellbinding tale with memorable characters, a sprinkle of romance, and a rich magical universe, Neverthorn just might be the adventure you’re seeking. While it has its quirks—like our characters occasionally acting younger than their years—you’ll find that the charm of the world and the plot will draw you in. Personally, I came away feeling excited about what’s next, and I’d recommend this to anyone yearning for a magical escape. Who knows? You just might find your own little piece of magic waiting in Neverthorn.
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