Reviews

The Mapmakers by Tamzin Merchant

booksnbrains's review

medium-paced

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

4.0

sprinsjesdag's review

5.0

This book was ✨ wild ✨ for a middle grade. Another masterpiece. The characters, the family and friendship dynamics, the storyline, the writing style, all of it is just so good. This series so far is an absolute 10/10* and overall one of my all-time favorites

321zeggy's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

abbey_marie's review

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

Really enjoyed this book! A great sequel and just as magical as the first! Might be more suitable for older readers, just like the first, since some scenes could be scary or intense for younger readers. If your child is able to handle Harry Potter, this is a bit lighter so they should enjoy this series. Also loved the line, my favorite out of the entire book, “You can’t be brave if you don’t get scared.” I think it’s a great theme in the book, alongside courage, found family, and coming together for a bigger cause. Great read!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent, Violence, Grief, Murder, and Death

Minor: Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Bullying

eni_iilorak's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

The Hatmakers series seems to be growing with its audience: the stakes are higher, the magic darker, the villain more frightening, the plot more complex. The Hatmakers won me over with its charm and sense of humour, but an adult reader will identify the villain at their first appearance. In this sequel, the twists are less forseeable. I loved this quirky, hopeful story about family and the power of friendship.
As in the first book, I loved the wonderfull inventive glossary.

The audiobook read by the author is delightful.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Kidnapping, Grief, Death, Death of parent, Bullying, Confinement, Murder, and Physical abuse

Minor: Animal death, War, and Sexism

librarianlayla's review against another edition

5.0

Whimsical, adventurous and filled with hope.

A wonderful end to this duology - loved every minute of it.

If you love books filled with mystery, magic and friendship- then this duology is for you!

liz_liz's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.75

puddleglum1983's review

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.75

lestaslettering's review against another edition

5.0

The fourth wing, then this. 2023 is weaving the kind of magic 16 year old me discovered a decade ago with all beautiful books and series and the opportunity to read them for the first time. I'm sad this book came to an end and I wish for a short time atleast I could get hit with amnesia just to experience the feeling of reading this series for the first time

skylarkblue1's review against another edition

5.0

Content warnings: grief, light torture

I loved it, got eerily dark at points though aha!

A fantastic continuation of The Hatmakers! If you loved the first you'd be sure to love this one. The character arcs continue nicely too! Sam has grown into such a wonderful character!! I would love to read more about her adventures and journey forward!!

Honestly I would love to see more art and visuals about the watchmakers house, the descriptions where stunningly and lightly steam punk, sounds like a dream house!