Nevermoor #2: Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

My name is Hawthorne, and my best friend Morrigan is a Wundersmith. Most people fear her because the only other Wundersmith alive is the most evil man known. Wundersmiths control Wunder, the magical energy powering our world, so people fear Morrigan will use it against them. We are the newest members of the Wundrous Society, and our group of nine has a unique mixture of knacks. We've taken an oath to support each other forever, but secret blackmail notes are putting us to the test. Morrigan and I are also very worried about other wuns who've disappeared, and she's discovered the Ghastly Market still exists. We want to help with the investigation, but there's a complication. Wunder seems to be controlling Morrigan, and she fears her destiny may be to become evil. 

You should read The Trials of Morrigan Crow first, as it was a nominee for a 2018 Cybils Book Award.  The story in this second book offered a surprising blend of characters. The group of nine students was supposed to become like brothers and sisters and always have each other's backs. However, one girl was aloof to the others, and most of the group feared Morrigan. The secret notes added a mystery to the plot to go along with the missing wuns. Morrigan's character became more adventurous than the previous book, although outside forces transported her to dangerous locations several times. Her Wundersmith abilities were supposed to make her a super powerful character, but her lack of control made her dangerous to herself and others. Ironically, the first two books in the series have found the most evil character in the world to be her most effective "teacher". He's hinted of an unidentified enemy they both share, so that will be an continuing issue in upcoming books. Overall, I enjoyed the creativity of the setting and the imaginative twists to the story. Magic didn't always behave the way one might expect. The Wunder was treated almost like a sentient being with thoughts, feelings, and intent. I recommend you give it a shot, starting with The Trials of Morrigan Crow.