Reviews

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

emilyb_chicago's review against another edition

2.0

I was really disappointed in this book. The premise starts off so cool and the characters are relatable and clearly described. But about a third of the way through, the characters started veering away from believable actions. Without any spoilers, I found the character progression completely unbelievable. I did not for a moment believe that a real person would have done the things required to make this story. In addition, every single thread of the story was wrapped up. For me the bow was too perfect, but if you enjoy that in your books then this is a book that will work for you.

sohearn's review against another edition

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.5

agrinczel's review against another edition

3.0

I give this 3.25 stars. The reading experience was a 4.5, it felt like a fun ride, but the content just feel a bit flat for me, so 2. I didn’t know this was speculative fiction and that was fine, but so much of the story around the fantasy was ready silly to me. It was a thriller, fantasy, love story all mixed into one, but all of the story lines were pretty flat.

I think the original story that the author used as a basis was way more interesting

kellya23's review against another edition

2.0

Was promising but eventually degenerated into melodrama.

hookineye's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

carrot_cake's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

lottiegasp's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

This was an enjoyable thriller and mystery. I found the twist satisfying. The writing wasn't amazing and the dialogue was often forced. I also didn't always understand or agree with the stakes or the characters' behaviour, for example

why was it reasonable for Felix to ghost Nell when they were LIVING together after her Dad fired him, and then 7 years later he's the one guilting her?? And then he was apparently a viable romantic interest for her? And I didn't understand why everyone was so certain that Wally would stop at nothing to keep Algoe to himself (at the time of the fire he had committed robbery but not assault or murder) and why the parents would prioritise Algoe over Nell having a mother and a loving father and being safe from Wally (i.e. just destroy the last map or give it to Wally so they could just live their lives?)

Nevertheless as long as I suspended my disbelief on those details it was a largely enjoyable read and the kind of easy and thrilling reading I need right now, so I think I'll read more from this author

adhithyan15's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

nate_maulding's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

This book had a very cool concept. I was disappointed by how basically it was written. This book felt like the equivalent of an NPC. I enjoyed it well enough to read it but it was nothing special. Frankly, the flashback chapters to the young versions of the older characters were the best parts.

lisbethwhite's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0