'That includes you, Cordelia Hatmaker. You're most definitely a Troublemaker!'
It doesn't happen all too often, but this series just keeps getting better and better! It starts off with the cover, which is simply fantastic and even more beautiful than both Books 1 and 2. The drawings, the colours, the whole vibe of it, it simply breathes adventure. Also, I've got the hardcover now (my previous two books are the paperbacks) and it has extra drawings and maps on the cover as well. So terrific!
The story arc regarding Lord Witloof has been closed off in Book 3, but there's new adventure looming on the horizon in the form of the Troublemakers, which have been mentioned briefly in The Mapmakers already. But there is so much more to this story. Yes, the Troublemakers are at the heart of it, but apart from that this book is about pirates, stealing, all kinds of Maker magic, and so much more. It's over four hundred pages of pure bliss, the story never slows down.
The world is expanded even more than before, with all kinds of new Maker magic introduced, and I also love the descriptions Tamzin Merchant provides, they sound so... alive. You can feel her and Cordelia's enthusiasm, wonder and love for this world coming off the page. It's simply a joy to read how everything works, and you just want to dive into this world and see and experience it all for yourself. The concept of the Island of Lost Souls was also very well-thought of.
Cordelia once again steals the show, and she definitely develops a lot in this book. She's become more knowledgeable, more self-assured too, and more courageous as well. She doesn't hesitate a moment to dive into dangerous business if it means that's the way through, and she'll get out of it too. Her time with the Troublemakers definitely changes her as well - even more for the better, that is. I absolutely adore her!
Sam and Goose are great as well, especially with Sam and her lights. Goose is just a bit less enticing. And to be honest, I don't really care much about Prospero - it doesn't feel as if he contributes that much to the story now that he's arrived on-scene. The Troublemakers themselves are fantastic to read about as well, and I especially liked Thorn, obviously. She has a beautiful story arc as well.
There are a couple of surprises waiting, especially regarding the Troublemakers' pasts and the people who are really behind everything that's going wrong. My mind didn't exactly get blown, but I didn't see some revelations coming either.
The writing style is simply marvellous, with tens of beautiful sentences of all kinds regarding the characters, the world, the plot inserted. It makes you smile and re-read them, it's as simple as that.
All in all, this is a great series. I'm not sure if there will be following any more books, since Book 3 was clearly a stand-alone, but I definitely hope there's a Book 4 in the works!
8.7/10