The Mapmakers

By Tamzin Merchant 
Illustrations by Paola Escobar 
Published by Puffin Books 
Ages 8 and upwards

'The Mapmakers' delves deeper into the magic and Maker world that we are introduced to in book 1. It is darker, but also includes cute fireflies!

What a beautiful, beautiful cover - from the colours to Tudor houses!

Cordelia's search for her father in this story (using the starlight map from book 1) not only reveals a river that responds to human commands - amazing - but crucially, a Secret Society of Mapmakers!!! This has an important connection to Merlin of Arthurian Legend - which I love! At the same time, an evil villain is let loose, causing storms and threatening ALL magical places. Cordelia needs to find a way to stop him and help the Mapmakers. Will the other Makers help her? Where is the vital secret map hidden? What is the winged monster appearing in the storms? Who is the mystery woman all in black?

This all culminates in a riveting race for Cordelia to save magic AND those closest to her. Her perseverance and bravery throughout is inspiring, but only with her friends can she do the crucial things to help fight the villain.

What I loved about 'The Hatmakers' was the emphasis on creativity with magical ingredients. This second book is an exploration of Maker magic itself, both light:
'Magic brings joy - but it goes deeper than that, deeper than clothes. It goes right to our souls.'
And dark: '...be used to destroy rather than to create.'
This wider scope of theme, tied-in to Merlin, the history of magic and Cordelia's family makes Cordelia's adventure not just bigger and bolder, but essential. A captivating read.

(P.s Also - lols to the Elizabeth I Armarda story featured in this book!)




Buy from Waterstones


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