The Mapmakers

Free Netgalley book for review ~~ Just as fun as the first book! I’d highly recommend this series. If there’s a sequel as I will definitely read it.

In many ways this has reminded me of Magicians of Caprona, a much older book by Diana Wynne Jones of Howl’s Moving Castle fame—mainly because of the different families with their magics and each seems to have their own “place” in the city—but this book has its own charms and I would have loved it just as much as a kid. (That’s petty high praise from me; DWJ is top tier fantasy.) I can just imagine Chrestomanci stepping into this world, too. In fact if anyone WANTED to write me crossover fanfiction I wouldn’t be opposed at all.~~~

Anyway, there’s the usual shenanigans and friends helping each other despite their families not getting along at all, Sam and Goose continue to be awesome, and the search for Cordelia’s father continues. We get to learn more about the villain and what he wants and why.

The magic is brilliant and nicely integrated into the world, which, if you’ve read the first book, you already know—but there’s some cool reveals I won’t spoil here.

A lot of things tie up nicely in this particular book so if it’s the end if the series I wouldn’t be sad—but I am hoping for more, because there’s definitely room to follow Cordelia and Co. as they age up, too.

This book is a sweet follow up to THE HATMAKERS. It is full of whimsical magic and charm and sweet characters. It is definitely going to be of the greatest interest to younger middle grade readers since upper middle grade readers are generally reading edgier material. However, this book is a breath of fresh air of sweetness for kids who want a fun magical adventure.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, W. W. Norton & Company, and Norton Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.

Merchant does it again! I loved being back in Cordelia Hatmaker's London and this sequel does not disappoint. The narrative is woven perfectly together and there are some REALLY good lines in THE MAPMAKERS (along with strong messages for kids that are delivered in an honest way). Merchant's magical system is impeccable and intriguing. I want to wear clothing made my Maker families!

Further adventures await readers and Merchant does not hold back, THE MAPMAKERS does not suffer the usual setbacks that the second book in a series typically have. This builds upon the first book, the stakes are higher, Cordelia has to be even more clever and brave and we get to know Sam and Goose more - along with meeting some more Maker children.

The conflict between the Makers and Witloof is great... and there are some surprises that I did not see coming, but that add so much to this world and story. I wanted to go back into this world as soon as I finished reading!

This is a solid Middle Grade fantasy series and I can't wait to read more from Merchant!

For the past two months, Cordelia Hatmaker has been struggling to come to terms with the disappearance of her father. Those around her believe Prospero Hatmaker to have died in the shipwreck that took the Jolly Bonnet down, but Cordelia refuses to believe it. Instead, she continues her work as a hatmaker, creating beautiful and magical hats for the residents of London. By night, however, Cordelia seeks to interpret a message left for her in her fathers’s last moments that can only be viewed by starlight. Each day brings Cordelia closer to understanding the cryptic verses her father shared, and Cordelia must team up with a host of companions in order to bring down the evil Witloof before it is too late.

This second installment of the Hatmakers duology gives eleven-year-old Cordelia a chance to find her own strength and forge a path for herself as an independent person. Even if readers have not read the first book, this story can easily stand alone as its own adventure. Enough reminders of what happened in the previous novel provide context for readers without hampering the forward momentum of the story, and the action is neatly woven into a narrative that feels both supplemental and complete at the same time. History and magic are expertly blended in this plot line, inviting readers to contemplate alternate meanings to events that have taken place throughout time.

Readers of all ages will appreciate the way this book inserts magic into an older version of London. A map at the beginning and an extensive glossary at the end help connect readers to Cordelia’s world, and occasional illustrations throughout the novel provide visual respite while helping specific moments leap from the page. Accessible in its presentation, this book is especially well-suited to mid-level middle grade readers who appreciate a wholesome narrative that includes some complexity and a mystery that must be solved. This charming and uplifting story is one that will invite readers into a fully developed, magical world that they will want to return to again and again. It is an excellent addition to libraries for middle grade readers.

This return to the world of Cordelia Hatmaker is another delightful, whimsical romp through a magical version of historic London. Despite the events at the ending of the first book, Maker families are still largely at odds. Something dark and mysterious is destroying magical sites, and Cordelia is still holding onto hope that her father is alive. We are introduced to the mysterious Mapmakers, a fantastical library, a sentient river, and the darker side of Making. The illustrations throughout add wonderful depth to scenes and help the world of The Hatmakers to come to life. I hope Tamzin Merchant continues to return to this world, because the adventures of Cordelia, Sam, and Goose are charming and such an easy recommendation to make to young fantasy readers.

The gorgeous cover art of The Mapmakers was what first caught my attention. Then I realized this was the sequel so I found the first on audio and ahhh, the joy of a book that is just as delightful as it's cover. The Mapmakers was just as charming and fanciful as its predecessor, The Hatmakers. This series adds some magical flair to The Enlightenment, a period which the characters found here within would argue was actually a step back in discovery. Because in the dark ages that preceded it, England had Makers of all sorts, who wove magic into the objects they created. Now, only five maker families remain, highly regulated and charged to make articles of clothing (like hats!), particularly for royalty.

In this follow up, the Maker families need to unite in order to successfully vanquish the foe from book one. Another layer of magic is introduced involving a library with no books! I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope that Tamzin Merchant keeps writing middle grade.

Cordelia Hatmaker continues to search the map that her father sent her to find him. Meanwhile, Witloof manages to escape his execution and start destroying hidden magical places. Cordelia must bring together the other Maker families if they have any hope of defeating him. I loved this book! It's always satisfying when a villain get what they deserve.

I loved this even more than the first book! This is middle grade at its best. I love all the different magic. The characters are fantastic. It's about friendship and working together. So heartwarming!