Reviews

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

katiesuelovesyou's review against another edition

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3.0

Three stars because 1/3 of this book is really great! Another third of it is pretty good, kind of mild. But the last third just FALLS APART through plot holes and predictability.

I wanted to like this story so much, especially when we get past the bones and skin into the juicy bites! The magic is so sweet, though sadly the logic that supports it just doesn’t have much grounds to stand on. It’s easy to spot the “mystery” antagonist far too early and I can’t help but shake my head at the so called justification it all rests on in the final 25 pages.

Le sigh. A disappointment for what could have been a full 5 stars, but still an enjoyable read for the most part!

carolehto's review against another edition

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4.0

Such a unique story. I love maps! A magical map allowing one to travel to hidden places is so intriguing.

sfallon's review against another edition

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3.0

It was fine. Somewhat predictable.

mmgohman99's review against another edition

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

4.0

dani_lbriggs's review against another edition

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5.0

Not gonna lie…started out not catching my attention but in the end I was fully hooked. You will never look at a map the same. Think National Treasure meets Da Vinci Code.

mollison's review against another edition

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

2.0

extrabees's review against another edition

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

4.0

Pros:
- Nell is one of the less annoying ‘mousey plain looking girl’ magical realism protagonists I’ve come across this year
- Really well paced, never felt like the story stalled at all

Cons:
- Come on you can’t use the same mysterious character reveal twice in one book
-
It’s 2024, your emotional death scene can’t involve “Save…” as a character’s last words

juliemowat's review against another edition

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3.0

I didn't love the writing of this book. I found it confusing. The story was good though-intriguing.

emilyree's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious

4.5

liz_anderson's review against another edition

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2.0

poor, unbelievable dialogue and pacing. also, for a book about maps you would think the author would have have known Rochester NY is in MONROE County not the non existent Rochester county....