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Cordelia Hatmaker #2
The Mapmakers
Return to the spellbinding world of Cordelia Hatmaker in this soaring magical sequel to The Hatmakers. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor, A Pinch of Magic and Harry Potter.
Ever since Cordelia discovered the hidden map in her father's precious telescope, she's been searching the streets of London by starlight and trying to uncover its secrets. She's sure that her missing father is out there somewhere, and that if she follows his map, she'll finally discover the truth about his disappearance.
She never expects to stumble upon a secret society of Mapmakers - or to learn that magic isn't limited to the few Maker families, but is instead is all around, if you just know where to look . . .
But danger is lurking around every corner, and Cordelia must convince the rival Maker families to work together for once - not only to bring her father home, but to save the very essence of magic itself . . .
A gorgeous adventure from exceptional new storytelling talent, Tamzin Merchant, featuring beautiful illustrations by Paola Escobar.
Ever since Cordelia discovered the hidden map in her father's precious telescope, she's been searching the streets of London by starlight and trying to uncover its secrets. She's sure that her missing father is out there somewhere, and that if she follows his map, she'll finally discover the truth about his disappearance.
She never expects to stumble upon a secret society of Mapmakers - or to learn that magic isn't limited to the few Maker families, but is instead is all around, if you just know where to look . . .
But danger is lurking around every corner, and Cordelia must convince the rival Maker families to work together for once - not only to bring her father home, but to save the very essence of magic itself . . .
A gorgeous adventure from exceptional new storytelling talent, Tamzin Merchant, featuring beautiful illustrations by Paola Escobar.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2022
59 people are currently reading
3530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
September 12, 2022
Yessss, I loved this!! It was the perfect middle grade read- fun, magical and SO entertaining!! 🥰🥰
The Mapmakers is the sequel to The Hatmakers, which I read last year and really enjoyed. This series is basically about a family called the Hatmakers, who make magical hats. There are also other Makers that make other magical items, like the Glovemakers, Watchmakers, Cloakmakers, etc. I thought this was a great concept and it was executed so well!! This series is a combination of fantasy and adventure, with a pinch of mystery, which were all woven together to create a really engaging story.
Firstly, let's just take a moment to appreciate that cover. Like, the illustrations?? And the colours?? GORGEOUS 🤌🤌 Honestly, I COULD NOT stop staring at it, it's that pretty. Whoever designed it needs a raise. IMMEDIATELY.
Anyway, moving on. I'm gonna talk about the characters first. Our MC in both books and whose perspective we read through is Cordelia Hatmaker. Cordelia is part of the magical Hatmaker family and has magic running through her veins. She's determined and stubborn, and will not rest until she defeats the villain of the series, who is threatening the Maker families and the very existence of magic. There are also loads of side characters, like feisty tomboy Sam, sweet and kind-hearted Goose, our mysterious villain whose identity I won't reveal and, of course, the other Makers. I did enjoy having such a big cast, as they all really added to the story.
Were the characters a little underdeveloped and cliche? .... Yes.
Did I really mind? No!
That's surprising, because cliche characters usually bother me SOO much, but somehow this was NICE cliche. Which makes no sense, but I just found it kinda cute and endearing. And I did like Cordelia- she was a very strong female MC and I was rooting for her throughout the book. I also enjoyed the way all the characters complimented each other and how they all had such different personalities. So, yes, maybe a little 1-dimensional but since it's middle grade and I still thought they were cute, I'll let it slide.
Next, the plot. The plot was actually really good! I feel like there was lots packed in 380 pages, but it never felt rushed or overwhelming. There was actually a surprising amount of action, which made it very fun and I did think the villain was intimidating, if a little cliche. The mystery element was also well-executed, with little twists here and there that surprised me.
And I LOVED the magic system! It was so well thought out and the uniqueness and utter magic of it all just gave me this wonderful fuzzy feeling. I feel like even though there were parts of the magic system explained in Book 1, it was expanded on so much more in this, which was wonderful to see. So, yeah, that was a great part of the story 😁🙌
Lastly, the writing style. Although I liked both the plot and the characters, I think that the writing was definitely the star of the show. Tamzin Merchant's writing style is so magical and lush, with all these gorgeous descriptions that just made my reader heart so happy. It was also so easy to read and made my reading experience so enjoyable overall. I'm sure I would've devoured this in a day or two if life wasn't so busy at the moment. I honestly wish I'd been able to!
Overall, this was a gorgeous book with a gorgeous cover. This middle grade series is a true gem and I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for something cute, fun and magical! Really enjoyed this 🥰🥰
~ 4 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had SUCH a fun time reading this!!! Such a gorgeous and magical book 🥰🥰🤌🤌 RTC!
The Mapmakers is the sequel to The Hatmakers, which I read last year and really enjoyed. This series is basically about a family called the Hatmakers, who make magical hats. There are also other Makers that make other magical items, like the Glovemakers, Watchmakers, Cloakmakers, etc. I thought this was a great concept and it was executed so well!! This series is a combination of fantasy and adventure, with a pinch of mystery, which were all woven together to create a really engaging story.
Firstly, let's just take a moment to appreciate that cover. Like, the illustrations?? And the colours?? GORGEOUS 🤌🤌 Honestly, I COULD NOT stop staring at it, it's that pretty. Whoever designed it needs a raise. IMMEDIATELY.
Anyway, moving on. I'm gonna talk about the characters first. Our MC in both books and whose perspective we read through is Cordelia Hatmaker. Cordelia is part of the magical Hatmaker family and has magic running through her veins. She's determined and stubborn, and will not rest until she defeats the villain of the series, who is threatening the Maker families and the very existence of magic. There are also loads of side characters, like feisty tomboy Sam, sweet and kind-hearted Goose, our mysterious villain whose identity I won't reveal and, of course, the other Makers. I did enjoy having such a big cast, as they all really added to the story.
Were the characters a little underdeveloped and cliche? .... Yes.
Did I really mind? No!
That's surprising, because cliche characters usually bother me SOO much, but somehow this was NICE cliche. Which makes no sense, but I just found it kinda cute and endearing. And I did like Cordelia- she was a very strong female MC and I was rooting for her throughout the book. I also enjoyed the way all the characters complimented each other and how they all had such different personalities. So, yes, maybe a little 1-dimensional but since it's middle grade and I still thought they were cute, I'll let it slide.
Next, the plot. The plot was actually really good! I feel like there was lots packed in 380 pages, but it never felt rushed or overwhelming. There was actually a surprising amount of action, which made it very fun and I did think the villain was intimidating, if a little cliche. The mystery element was also well-executed, with little twists here and there that surprised me.
And I LOVED the magic system! It was so well thought out and the uniqueness and utter magic of it all just gave me this wonderful fuzzy feeling. I feel like even though there were parts of the magic system explained in Book 1, it was expanded on so much more in this, which was wonderful to see. So, yeah, that was a great part of the story 😁🙌
Lastly, the writing style. Although I liked both the plot and the characters, I think that the writing was definitely the star of the show. Tamzin Merchant's writing style is so magical and lush, with all these gorgeous descriptions that just made my reader heart so happy. It was also so easy to read and made my reading experience so enjoyable overall. I'm sure I would've devoured this in a day or two if life wasn't so busy at the moment. I honestly wish I'd been able to!
Overall, this was a gorgeous book with a gorgeous cover. This middle grade series is a true gem and I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for something cute, fun and magical! Really enjoyed this 🥰🥰
~ 4 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had SUCH a fun time reading this!!! Such a gorgeous and magical book 🥰🥰🤌🤌 RTC!
June 20, 2022
This is a Middle Grade Historical Fiction Fantasy, and this is the second book in the Cordelia Hatmaker series. I have read and reviewed the first book in this series, and I do feel that this is a series you really need to read in order. I really enjoyed being with these characters again. This book was very fun and had a lot of action. I really love the magic in this series. I found this book to be a fun magical read. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Puffin) or author (Tamzin Merchant) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 17, 2022
Cordelia continues the story from the hat makers, trying to investigate what the items left from her dad are. She has lots of adventures, finding a mapmaker and making new maker friends and trying to get all of the makers back together again to destroy an evil person who can not be defeated without everyone working together.
This book was just as good as the first book. The books are very thick but worth reading. I'd recommend.
This book was just as good as the first book. The books are very thick but worth reading. I'd recommend.
April 22, 2022
I loved this even more than the first book! This is middle grade at its best. I love all the different magic. The characters are fantastic. It's about friendship and working together. So heartwarming!
Thank you to Net Galley for the e-arc.
Thank you to Net Galley for the e-arc.
March 1, 2022
Such a wonderful story, everything from the world to the writing is spellbindingly beautiful. An excellent follow-up to the last one, both are well worth a read, regardless of your age.
October 6, 2023
Un tome 2 à la hauteur du premier ! 🎩👒
J’ai trop aimer retrouver Cordelia et sa petite bande dans la suite de ses aventures. On approfondie complètement l’univers de la magie des artisans et les autres familles sont d’autant plus présentes ce qui m’a véritablement plu.
L’intrigue manquée du 1 est enfin bien présente dans le 2 avec la recherche de son père porté disparu en mer 🌊 !
On ne s’ennuie pas et enquête et révélations s’enchaînent parfaitement ! Hâte de lire le tome 3 🥰
J’ai trop aimer retrouver Cordelia et sa petite bande dans la suite de ses aventures. On approfondie complètement l’univers de la magie des artisans et les autres familles sont d’autant plus présentes ce qui m’a véritablement plu.
L’intrigue manquée du 1 est enfin bien présente dans le 2 avec la recherche de son père porté disparu en mer 🌊 !
On ne s’ennuie pas et enquête et révélations s’enchaînent parfaitement ! Hâte de lire le tome 3 🥰
July 30, 2023
Who are The Mapmakers? What power do they have? Can they save London from the Evil Lord Witloof, who has managed to escape execution? Can she convince all the "warring" mapmakers to band together to defeat Lord Witloof?
November 15, 2022
We return to the magical England Tamzin Merchant introduced us to in book one, "The Hatmakers". Cordelia Hatmaker lives with her family of magical hat makers, the Hatmakers, and there are rival families, the Glovemakers, the Bootmakers, the Cloakmakers, and the now disreputable Canemakers. Each family has a Royal charter, and after a falling out years earlier, refuse to even talk to another member of a magical family.
Cordelia's father was reported missing by his colleague Witloof at book one's outset, and we find out at this book's open that Cordelia has been slipping out after dark to look for clues regarding her father's disappearance; she's still the only one of her family who is convinced he is not dead. She needs to find him to reverse the family's dwindling fortunes, and though caught by Sam, the orphan the Hatmakers took in in the last book, Cordelia is reluctant to share the purpose of her nightly hunts.
Cordelia ends up stumbling on a major secret her father has kept from the rest of his family: he's a member of the Secret Society of Mapmakers. The Mapmakers create and maintain maps, often to magical locations, and it's vital that now that Cordelia is also one of them, according to the Mapmakers' librarian Peregrine, she must maintain the Society's secrets. At the same time, Witloof has escaped the King, and he is on the hunt for specific magical locations. Cordelia finally acknowledges she'll have to bring Sam into the secrets, and Goose, too, and all of them will have to find a way to bring all the Makers back together if they are to defeat Witloof.
This book was fun! Cordelia is energetic, and super determined. Though I wish she had opened up to Sam earlier, Cordelia is seemingly tireless at trying to find her father, despite her family's disbelief. I loved how she, Sam and Goose finally got people to begin working together, though it did take things getting pretty bad for all Makers for that to happen.
The story wraps up nicely, though I would love it if Merchant returned to this world, as Cordelia is a fun character, and I liked this alternate take on English history.
Thank you to Netgalley and to W.W. Norton & Company for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Cordelia's father was reported missing by his colleague Witloof at book one's outset, and we find out at this book's open that Cordelia has been slipping out after dark to look for clues regarding her father's disappearance; she's still the only one of her family who is convinced he is not dead. She needs to find him to reverse the family's dwindling fortunes, and though caught by Sam, the orphan the Hatmakers took in in the last book, Cordelia is reluctant to share the purpose of her nightly hunts.
Cordelia ends up stumbling on a major secret her father has kept from the rest of his family: he's a member of the Secret Society of Mapmakers. The Mapmakers create and maintain maps, often to magical locations, and it's vital that now that Cordelia is also one of them, according to the Mapmakers' librarian Peregrine, she must maintain the Society's secrets. At the same time, Witloof has escaped the King, and he is on the hunt for specific magical locations. Cordelia finally acknowledges she'll have to bring Sam into the secrets, and Goose, too, and all of them will have to find a way to bring all the Makers back together if they are to defeat Witloof.
This book was fun! Cordelia is energetic, and super determined. Though I wish she had opened up to Sam earlier, Cordelia is seemingly tireless at trying to find her father, despite her family's disbelief. I loved how she, Sam and Goose finally got people to begin working together, though it did take things getting pretty bad for all Makers for that to happen.
The story wraps up nicely, though I would love it if Merchant returned to this world, as Cordelia is a fun character, and I liked this alternate take on English history.
Thank you to Netgalley and to W.W. Norton & Company for this ARC in exchange for my review.
July 31, 2022
When Cordelia Hatmaker helped stop Lord Whitloof from causing a war, she thought things would be a breeze. Instead, she’s left with the mystery of the hidden map she’s recently discovered in her father’s telescope. Then she finds herself the newest addition to the Mapmakers, a discovery she’s forced to keep secret, leaving her with yet another mystery on her hands. Just when things are at its hardest, it’s up to Cordelia to get the Maker families to work together or face letting Lord Whitloof destroy magic.
I absolutely loved the first book, so I was very excited when I got to start the second installment. Like before, we follow Cordelia on her adventures in friendship, family, and magic as the youngest Hatmaker. Now she has her new sister, Sam, at her back along with her best friend. I love that the Hatmaker family accepted Sam as one of their own and took her under their wings. As new sisters, the pair discover that magic is all around them and inside everyone, including Sam herself.
When Lord Whitloof escapes and tries to destroy magic all around, it’s up to Cordelia, Sam, Goose, and the rest of the youngest members of Makers to put their heads together and defeat him. The adventures that Cordelia and company go on is so much fun to follow and demonstrates that everyone is strong and that there’s strength in numbers. I also love that we got to learn more about other Makers along with how deep magic really runs through the world. It was really exciting when Cordelia came across the Mapmakers, which led me to wonder how many Makers are members of more than one Maker family or group.
I love that this series is all about family, friends, and working together. While it is a fantasy series with real magic alive and well in the world it’s set in, it teaches readers that magic is everywhere. In fact, a little bit of magic can be found in each reader, which is a great message for the target audience. I also love that it shows that family isn’t always blood, and that family bonds can be just as strong even if you aren’t blood related to each other. All in all, I loved the book and I am looking forward to seeing what else the author publishes in the future.
I absolutely loved the first book, so I was very excited when I got to start the second installment. Like before, we follow Cordelia on her adventures in friendship, family, and magic as the youngest Hatmaker. Now she has her new sister, Sam, at her back along with her best friend. I love that the Hatmaker family accepted Sam as one of their own and took her under their wings. As new sisters, the pair discover that magic is all around them and inside everyone, including Sam herself.
When Lord Whitloof escapes and tries to destroy magic all around, it’s up to Cordelia, Sam, Goose, and the rest of the youngest members of Makers to put their heads together and defeat him. The adventures that Cordelia and company go on is so much fun to follow and demonstrates that everyone is strong and that there’s strength in numbers. I also love that we got to learn more about other Makers along with how deep magic really runs through the world. It was really exciting when Cordelia came across the Mapmakers, which led me to wonder how many Makers are members of more than one Maker family or group.
I love that this series is all about family, friends, and working together. While it is a fantasy series with real magic alive and well in the world it’s set in, it teaches readers that magic is everywhere. In fact, a little bit of magic can be found in each reader, which is a great message for the target audience. I also love that it shows that family isn’t always blood, and that family bonds can be just as strong even if you aren’t blood related to each other. All in all, I loved the book and I am looking forward to seeing what else the author publishes in the future.
March 20, 2022
I enjoyed this, but there were also parts that frustrated me immensely. For one, the cast of characters was way too big (I did not care about any characters outside of Cordelia, Goose and Sam), and Witloof was nothing more than a comical villain with sketchy reasons for being evil. I also thought the conclusion was rushed, and I wished that a certain side-plot concerning Sam and a background character featured more on the foreground, rather than being magically fixed in less than two pages. A bit of a let-down after a pretty good part one.
February 7, 2024
2024 update: still wild still a 10 ⭐️
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 🌱
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 🌱
December 8, 2022
This book is whimsical, fun and creative. I found it a bit slow and struggled to get through it at times but I did enjoy reading it.
December 7, 2022
Ponownie powracamy do magicznej Anglii stworzonej przez Tamzin Merchant, gdzie wraz z Kordelią i jej przyjaciółmi odkryjemy kolejne skrywane tajemnice. “Strażnicy Map” to zdecydowanie więcej magii, tajemnic, niespodziewanych plot twistów i jeszcze więcej historii Rodów.
Ta część była bardzo dobra! Kolejny raz Kordelia dała się poznać, jako energiczna, rezolutna i odważna dziewczynka. Bardzo podoba mi się w niej to, że walczy do końca o swoje przekonania. Jednak szkoda, że tak późno otwiera się przed innymi i szuka u nich pomocy czy wsparcia. Ale gdy już do tego dochodzi, to nawet najzagorzalsi przeciwnicy nie mają nic do powiedzenia. 😛
W “Strażnikach Map” pod względem fabularnym dzieje się zdecydowanie więcej niż w “Kapelusznikach”, jednak nie musimy się obawiać, że zostaniemy przytłoczeni akcją. Autorka stopniowa nas w nią wprowadza i do samego końca trzyma wszystkie karty przy sobie. Co prawda już od samego początku znamy głównego złola, ale jego pokonanie wcale nie będzie takie łatwe. 😛 Tak jak w pierwszym tomie, tak i w tym całkowicie ujął mnie system magiczny. I chociaż większą część samej struktury magicznej poznaliśmy w “Kapelusznikach”, to autorka jeszcze bardziej i dogłębniej przedstawiła go w “Strażnikach Map”.
Jestem wielką fanką tej serii i to nie tylko dlatego, że po raz pierwszy zapamiętuje nazwiska bohaterów. Tamzin Merchant stworzyła cudowną historię o rodzinie, przyjaźni i magii. Pokazuje, że magię możemy znaleźć w sobie, bo są nią więzy, które tworzymy z najbliższymi nam osobami.
Opinia powstała dla grupy @fantastyka.na.luzie.
Ta część była bardzo dobra! Kolejny raz Kordelia dała się poznać, jako energiczna, rezolutna i odważna dziewczynka. Bardzo podoba mi się w niej to, że walczy do końca o swoje przekonania. Jednak szkoda, że tak późno otwiera się przed innymi i szuka u nich pomocy czy wsparcia. Ale gdy już do tego dochodzi, to nawet najzagorzalsi przeciwnicy nie mają nic do powiedzenia. 😛
W “Strażnikach Map” pod względem fabularnym dzieje się zdecydowanie więcej niż w “Kapelusznikach”, jednak nie musimy się obawiać, że zostaniemy przytłoczeni akcją. Autorka stopniowa nas w nią wprowadza i do samego końca trzyma wszystkie karty przy sobie. Co prawda już od samego początku znamy głównego złola, ale jego pokonanie wcale nie będzie takie łatwe. 😛 Tak jak w pierwszym tomie, tak i w tym całkowicie ujął mnie system magiczny. I chociaż większą część samej struktury magicznej poznaliśmy w “Kapelusznikach”, to autorka jeszcze bardziej i dogłębniej przedstawiła go w “Strażnikach Map”.
Jestem wielką fanką tej serii i to nie tylko dlatego, że po raz pierwszy zapamiętuje nazwiska bohaterów. Tamzin Merchant stworzyła cudowną historię o rodzinie, przyjaźni i magii. Pokazuje, że magię możemy znaleźć w sobie, bo są nią więzy, które tworzymy z najbliższymi nam osobami.
Opinia powstała dla grupy @fantastyka.na.luzie.
September 4, 2025
Un libro che ho amato, senza riserve. Sebbene pensato per un pubblico giovane, La casa delle mappe magiche è uno di quei rari romanzi “per ragazzi” capaci di conquistare anche lettori adulti, grazie al suo mix riuscitissimo di avventura, magia e tanto cuore.
Il mondo costruito dall'autore è ricco, affascinante, pieno di dettagli immaginifici e oggetti magici che stimolano la fantasia e fanno venire voglia di tuffarsi tra le pagine. La trama è ben ritmata, incalzante, e tiene viva l’attenzione dall’inizio alla fine.
Oltre alla componente fantastica, ciò che colpisce davvero è la profondità delle tematiche trattate: l’amicizia, l’aiuto reciproco, la collaborazione — tutti valori universali che emergono in modo naturale, senza mai risultare forzati o didascalici. Il tono è sempre caldo, accogliente, cozy nel senso più pieno del termine.
Insomma, una lettura che sa di magia, di avventura e anche un po’ di casa. Un libro che, se avesse una trasposizione cinematografica, potrebbe diventare un mondo perfetto in cui rifugiarsi anche sul grande schermo. Sogno già il film, con ambientazioni spettacolari e personaggi che prendono vita.
Consigliatissimo, per piccoli e grandi lettori.
Il mondo costruito dall'autore è ricco, affascinante, pieno di dettagli immaginifici e oggetti magici che stimolano la fantasia e fanno venire voglia di tuffarsi tra le pagine. La trama è ben ritmata, incalzante, e tiene viva l’attenzione dall’inizio alla fine.
Oltre alla componente fantastica, ciò che colpisce davvero è la profondità delle tematiche trattate: l’amicizia, l’aiuto reciproco, la collaborazione — tutti valori universali che emergono in modo naturale, senza mai risultare forzati o didascalici. Il tono è sempre caldo, accogliente, cozy nel senso più pieno del termine.
Insomma, una lettura che sa di magia, di avventura e anche un po’ di casa. Un libro che, se avesse una trasposizione cinematografica, potrebbe diventare un mondo perfetto in cui rifugiarsi anche sul grande schermo. Sogno già il film, con ambientazioni spettacolari e personaggi che prendono vita.
Consigliatissimo, per piccoli e grandi lettori.
July 12, 2023
Ohhh que j’ai aimé retrouver les artisans de la maison Chapelier. Ça faisait si longtemps que je n’avais pas lu de fantasy, j’ai adoré retrouver toute cette magie. Quel bel univers! Je l’ai trouvé encore meilleur que le premier. Est-ce la fin? Y aura-t-il une suite? Difficile à dire parce que le dénouement résout pas mal tous les noeuds d’intrigue.. on verra bien! Mais je ne dirai pas non à retrouver Cordelia et toute la bande!
August 7, 2025
What a GREAT adventure this was!!! I read aloud with 9 & 7 year old and we were invested from page 1! At one point my 9 year old said “there’s so many secrets and surprises!” Seriously so many twists and turns. I couldnt have guessed where this book was going to go after reading the first book. We LOVE LOVE LOVED it! A great fantasy adventure for kids!
September 16, 2022
I really enjoy this world of Makers. Hats, boots, cloaks, watches, each has a family that trains with magic to make these items. Cordelia is feisty and unwilling to give up the search for her father. Now that she discovered a map he sent her, she's balancing learning how to make hats alongside her new sister Sam and looking for clues for her father at night.
The friendship is cute and Cordelia, Sam, and Goose make a cute trio. They're always there for each other and don't let feuds between the families stop them. The mystery was fun and I was rooting for Cordelia to get her father back safe. I'm excited that a third book has been announced and will be on the lookout for it!
The friendship is cute and Cordelia, Sam, and Goose make a cute trio. They're always there for each other and don't let feuds between the families stop them. The mystery was fun and I was rooting for Cordelia to get her father back safe. I'm excited that a third book has been announced and will be on the lookout for it!
February 23, 2023
3,5
Bo brakowało mi tej magii, która była w ,,Kapelusznikach".
Ale tak czy siak - już tęsknię za Kordelią i jej przyjaciółmi.
Świat w tej książce rozgrzewa serca.
,,- Rozgrzałaś na nowo moje serce! - wyznała. (...). Nikt kto używa magii do rozpalania serc, nie powinien być więziony."
Bo brakowało mi tej magii, która była w ,,Kapelusznikach".
Ale tak czy siak - już tęsknię za Kordelią i jej przyjaciółmi.
Świat w tej książce rozgrzewa serca.
,,- Rozgrzałaś na nowo moje serce! - wyznała. (...). Nikt kto używa magii do rozpalania serc, nie powinien być więziony."
June 3, 2022
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!
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!
April 7, 2022
Free Netgalley book for review ~~ Just as fun as the first book! I’d highly recommend this series. If there’s a sequel as I will definitely read it.
In many ways this has reminded me of Magicians of Caprona, a much older book by Diana Wynne Jones of Howl’s Moving Castle fame—mainly because of the different families with their magics and each seems to have their own “place” in the city—however this book has its own charms and I would have loved it just as much as a kid. (That’s petty high praise from me; DWJ is top tier fantasy.) I can just imagine Chrestomanci stepping into this world, too. In fact if anyone WANTED to write me crossover fanfiction I wouldn’t be opposed at all.~~~
Anyway, there’s the usual shenanigans and friends helping each other despite their families not getting along at all, Sam and Goose continue to be awesome, and the search for Cordelia’s father continues. We get to learn more about the villain and what they want and why.
The magic is brilliant and nicely integrated into the world, which, if you’ve read the first book, you already know, but there’s some cool reveals I won’t spoil here.
A lot of things tie up nicely in this particular book so if it’s the end if the series I wouldn’t be sad. I am hoping for more, because there’s definitely room to follow Cordelia and Co. as they age up, too.
In many ways this has reminded me of Magicians of Caprona, a much older book by Diana Wynne Jones of Howl’s Moving Castle fame—mainly because of the different families with their magics and each seems to have their own “place” in the city—however this book has its own charms and I would have loved it just as much as a kid. (That’s petty high praise from me; DWJ is top tier fantasy.) I can just imagine Chrestomanci stepping into this world, too. In fact if anyone WANTED to write me crossover fanfiction I wouldn’t be opposed at all.~~~
Anyway, there’s the usual shenanigans and friends helping each other despite their families not getting along at all, Sam and Goose continue to be awesome, and the search for Cordelia’s father continues. We get to learn more about the villain and what they want and why.
The magic is brilliant and nicely integrated into the world, which, if you’ve read the first book, you already know, but there’s some cool reveals I won’t spoil here.
A lot of things tie up nicely in this particular book so if it’s the end if the series I wouldn’t be sad. I am hoping for more, because there’s definitely room to follow Cordelia and Co. as they age up, too.
February 19, 2025
An exciting, sweet, heartwarming, cosy, suspenseful follow-up to The Hatmakers. I like this series more now that I know it's written by Georgiana Darcy.
August 14, 2025
Не мога да опиша колко много ми хареса тази книга! Начинът на писане на Тамзин Мърчант е невероятен! Харесва ми това, че тя толкова реалистично е описала всеки един от персонажите в книгата, както и обстановката! Мисля, че имам нова любима поредица!
April 14, 2024
Mam trochę problem z wątkiem egzekucji w książce dla dzieci… 👀 Pomijając to, całkiem przyjemne, ale bez chwytania za serce.
February 15, 2022
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!
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 a connection to Merlin and 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?
What culminates is a riveting race to save magic AND those closest to her.
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.'
And this wider scope of theme, tied-in to Merlin, the history of magic, and Cordelia's family, makes this adventure not just bigger and bolder, but essential. A captivating read.
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 a connection to Merlin and 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?
What culminates is a riveting race to save magic AND those closest to her.
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.'
And this wider scope of theme, tied-in to Merlin, the history of magic, and Cordelia's family, makes this adventure not just bigger and bolder, but essential. A captivating read.
February 23, 2023
Okay, this sentence is pure gold:
"A tall rusty gate, bared like rotten teeth over the river. It was like a mouth trying to drink the river. It's gullet choked with weeds. Cordelia guided her boat into the iron jaws."
The number one thing I love about this series is the writing. Tamzin Merchant really creates such beautifully imagery in her writing. I love how charming this series is and the characters are so fun to follow.
With all of that being said, honestly, I wasn't the biggest fan of this sequel. I just didn't feel the same spark or magic that I felt from "The Hatmakers". I did still get some enjoyment from this but I felt like the driving plot and story of this installment was not as fun or engrossing or whimsical as the first book.
Overall, despite enjoying portions "The Mapmakers" just fell a bit flat for me.
"A tall rusty gate, bared like rotten teeth over the river. It was like a mouth trying to drink the river. It's gullet choked with weeds. Cordelia guided her boat into the iron jaws."
The number one thing I love about this series is the writing. Tamzin Merchant really creates such beautifully imagery in her writing. I love how charming this series is and the characters are so fun to follow.
With all of that being said, honestly, I wasn't the biggest fan of this sequel. I just didn't feel the same spark or magic that I felt from "The Hatmakers". I did still get some enjoyment from this but I felt like the driving plot and story of this installment was not as fun or engrossing or whimsical as the first book.
Overall, despite enjoying portions "The Mapmakers" just fell a bit flat for me.
March 2, 2024
Special thank you to my friend Katie (that's Katie Daysh, the talented author of LEEWARD) for gifting me with this incredibly warm and uplifting children's story.
Cordelia Hatmaker is back, and she's matching wits with the sinister Lord Witloof. This story takes place in a magical version of London where special families can create magic out of everyday garments such as hats, gloves, boots, etc. Cordelia and her best friends, Goose and Sam, are only children, but they are fearless, loyal, and imaginative, and in the end they save the magic of their city and the people they love best!
It's difficult to describe how magical this book is. The plot is not original, (a quest, a fight against evil, a girl who wants to save her father) but Tamzin Merchant has such an engaging and original narrative voice. Her descriptions carry you along like a magic carpet. In every paragraph and almost every sentence there's a playful phrase or a poetic image that is guaranteed to make you smile. She teaches so many wonderful lessons about friendships, change, and letting go, but her touch is always feather-light and she never, ever takes herself too seriously.
It's really interesting to compare the LEEWARD series by Katie Daysh to the Makers books by Tamzin Merchant. Both these authors are women, English, and still relatively young in years. Yet both of them write with such wisdom and have an uncanny ability to bring past eras of English history to life. Both of them have a deep love for England's heritage, which shines on every page. Yet the sensibility of both authors is modern, tolerant, and inclusive, so much so that their books feel more vibrant, more alive, more contemporary than many books that are set in the real world today. LEEWARD celebrates the courage and humanity of men at war (some of whom happen to be gay) and the Makers series celebrates the courage and imagination of creative people (who happen to be children.) But in both series there's a feeling of magic that comes just from the author's ability to celebrate change and diversity in ways that feel fresh and inspiring but never preachy or sentimental.
Katie Daysh and Tamzin Merchant are two brilliant young authors to watch!
Cordelia Hatmaker is back, and she's matching wits with the sinister Lord Witloof. This story takes place in a magical version of London where special families can create magic out of everyday garments such as hats, gloves, boots, etc. Cordelia and her best friends, Goose and Sam, are only children, but they are fearless, loyal, and imaginative, and in the end they save the magic of their city and the people they love best!
It's difficult to describe how magical this book is. The plot is not original, (a quest, a fight against evil, a girl who wants to save her father) but Tamzin Merchant has such an engaging and original narrative voice. Her descriptions carry you along like a magic carpet. In every paragraph and almost every sentence there's a playful phrase or a poetic image that is guaranteed to make you smile. She teaches so many wonderful lessons about friendships, change, and letting go, but her touch is always feather-light and she never, ever takes herself too seriously.
It's really interesting to compare the LEEWARD series by Katie Daysh to the Makers books by Tamzin Merchant. Both these authors are women, English, and still relatively young in years. Yet both of them write with such wisdom and have an uncanny ability to bring past eras of English history to life. Both of them have a deep love for England's heritage, which shines on every page. Yet the sensibility of both authors is modern, tolerant, and inclusive, so much so that their books feel more vibrant, more alive, more contemporary than many books that are set in the real world today. LEEWARD celebrates the courage and humanity of men at war (some of whom happen to be gay) and the Makers series celebrates the courage and imagination of creative people (who happen to be children.) But in both series there's a feeling of magic that comes just from the author's ability to celebrate change and diversity in ways that feel fresh and inspiring but never preachy or sentimental.
Katie Daysh and Tamzin Merchant are two brilliant young authors to watch!
October 21, 2024
Although this book is aimed at a younger audience than myself, it was a great read. The magic felt palpable through its description. I love kids books like this as they are written to enchant. The Mapmakers gives you that childlike wonder again. It encourages you to be curious and enamoured by the world around you. My favourite parts of this book were the descriptions. For example, “swirling with fragments of darkness like pieces come loose from a nightmare” and “The very air was sugared: it was sweet to breathe.” These descriptions bring the book alive. It allows the book to swallow and envelop you from start to finish. It feels cozy and magical, like basking in a sunrise. I also liked the folklore components (Merlin, Guinevere and Freckle constellations) and the poignant insights the characters gave into the power of magic and life itself. I hope to find a strangely shaped rock and get a certain twitch in my nose myself. Overall a 4⭐️ read and one of my favourite so far this year.
This is book 2 and I haven’t read any others in the series, but I didn’t feel lost and hopefully can delve into the rest of the series! I already want to re-read and feel the magic again.
This is book 2 and I haven’t read any others in the series, but I didn’t feel lost and hopefully can delve into the rest of the series! I already want to re-read and feel the magic again.
May 18, 2022
If you loved The Hatmakers as much as I did, you need to pick up the sequel The Mapmakers by Tamzin Merchant a fabulous middle grade series. Following the capture of Lord Whitloof, our beloved Cordelia Hatmaker and her friends Goose Bootmaker and Sam Lightfinger are terrified to discover that he has escaped the gallows leaving a trail of destruction in his wake that threatens to rid the world of all of its magical wonders. Cordelia discovers through a series of clues left by her Father using the Starlight Map from the first book, that he was part of a secret society of Mapmakers who help to find and preserve magic all around the world. The location of the Mapmakers hideaway provides a perfect nod to the history of publishing in London. With magic being destroyed, Cordelia and her friends hatch a plan to try to bring peace between the makers that they can harness their collective powers as the only way to save their magic and defeat Lord Whitloof once and for all. This is much easier said than done with years spent being sworn enemies. Cordelia continues to hold out hope that she will find her Father, though no one else seems to believe that it is possible but her. Join Cordelia, her friends, family, and all the fun makers they meet along the way as they help solve the mysteries of magic and help the makers start to see that by working together they can help defeat a common enemy. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
A sensation sequel, that dives further into the wonderfully magical world of makers!
Merchant's imagination is fantastic and creative! All of the characters she has created become fast favourites in your heart. There were surprising twists and revelations along the way. Every thing flows together from the pace, to the story, to the character development. The illustrations are delightful, perfectly capturing the story's essence.
I found this read to be a lot more thrilling than it's predecessor, more action, stakes and magic! I have to admit that towards the end I got misty eyed, it's so heartfelt and full of love with really invigorating morals for younger readers. The author has found her calling as a children's author, full of heart, wit and magic to make the perfect middle grade historical fantasy.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good story filled with pure magic. An absolute romp of an adventure, I cannot wait for Cordelia's next magical adventures!
Merchant's imagination is fantastic and creative! All of the characters she has created become fast favourites in your heart. There were surprising twists and revelations along the way. Every thing flows together from the pace, to the story, to the character development. The illustrations are delightful, perfectly capturing the story's essence.
I found this read to be a lot more thrilling than it's predecessor, more action, stakes and magic! I have to admit that towards the end I got misty eyed, it's so heartfelt and full of love with really invigorating morals for younger readers. The author has found her calling as a children's author, full of heart, wit and magic to make the perfect middle grade historical fantasy.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good story filled with pure magic. An absolute romp of an adventure, I cannot wait for Cordelia's next magical adventures!
April 18, 2022
I absolutely adored The Mapmakers. The sequel I’ve been desperate to read since I finished The Hatmakers. The first book was amazing; this one made me gasp, laugh, cry and I raced through it in a matter of hours. I’d love to see more from this world of magic, friendship and hope. I loved being back with the characters, the incredible descriptions and the wonder of this world.
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