Mapmakers and the Lost Magic:

Mapmakers #1

by Cameron Chittock, Amanda Castillo

A young girl finds herself faced with an impossible choice--run away from her beloved valley, or unleash a hidden magic and become a Mapmaker to save her home from its new overlords.

For centuries, the Mapmakers kept peace in the Valley, but they've long since disappeared. Now the Night Coats hold power with an iron grip--there are only rules, punishments, and consequences. Until one night, on the run from the Night Coats (again), after breaking another rule (again), Alidade stumbles upon a secret door leading to a magical hideaway that belongs to the Mapmakers. There, she finds a map of her home and accidentally brings to life Blue, a magical creature called a memri who is meant to protect the Valley. Blue needs Alidade's help to find the Mapmakers and save the Valley from the Night Coats!

But the Mapmakers are long gone.

Alidade has a choice: leave the Valley like she's always wanted...or become a Mapmaker and save the only home she's ever known.

This is the first book in a thrilling series of adventures where Alidade discovers the world around her as she goes on a fantastical journey.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Comics, Fiction, Childrens, Magic

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2022

About the author

Cameron Chittock is a writer of comics and graphic novels including the Mapmakers trilogy and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things. When he’s not scribbling down ideas, he enjoys coaching basketball, reading comics of all kinds, and exploring New England with his family.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t as good as I was anticipating. The world was interesting, but as a reader I felt like I had no grasp of it. We don’t have any background information the townspeople or why the Night Coats have taken over. I’m guessing that it’ll be covered in later volumes, but for a fantasy based graphic novel I feel like that’s something that should have been covered early on. The artwork was great and I think the tying together and mapmaking, magic, and environmentalism is amazing, but this needed a lot more substance/development. I’m not sure if I’ll be continuing with the series just yet.

[Keisha | A Book Like You · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ticking off another middle grade graphic novel from my list! This wasn’t a new favorite by any means, but it was a good story. The illustration style was beautiful. I enjoyed the exploration of friendship and community. But I do feel like this one could have had a bit more depth. I will probably continue reading the series when the next book comes out, but it is likely I will just loan it from my library.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm, I wasn't a fan of this middle grade graphic novel. The world was one dimensional, and the story needed a lot more to give it depth. I like the story's premise, and the art is good.

[Rowena Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mapmakers and the Lost Magic was a book I wanted to read the moment I heard about it – they had me at mapmakers, and there was a lot to love about this graphic novel. One of course is the artwork – you just need to see the cover to know its going to be amazing, and the style and colouration, especially to capture the different settings were absolutely fantastic and did a great job of capturing the feel of nature and exploration and discory that is so central to this book, while being cute and engaging for younger readers as well.

The core ideas of Mapmakers are also great. There is very much that focus on exploration and discovery, and has a very natural, eco-centric heart to the story – with Alidade learning a lot about the land and its inhabitants as she explores, and how to treat that with care. An important message, and this is a great way to broach that topic with the target audience of this graphic novel in a way that’s engaging as well as educational. There is also a much more personal and emotional aspect to the story, with Alidade dealing with loss, and also in trying to find her place in the world and learning as much about herself as the world around her. I really liked Alidade as a character, and her relationships with those around her, and how important those ties were and she was a compelling reason for following along with the story.

Those aspects were all fantastic, and honestly I would have loved to have just followed Alidade’s story and spent more time exploring and learning about the Mapmakers ideals of artistry and accuracy. It was the rest of the plot that I felt was not as satisfying, and while this is middle-grade, but I would say it leans towards the younger end because the depth wasn’t there – and I found myself with more questions than answers, and I think children would be the same. There is a simplicity to the villains – The Night Coats and the conflict, and aspects like the magic system are left with little explanation, and I found that part of the book too simplistic and not particularly gripping. This was very much countered by the parts where the focus was on exploring and the mapmakers.

Overall, this is a beautiful, fun graphic novel which offers the possibility of more and while the plot could have been stronger, I think it’s charm and the important core ideas will make this a popular book, and it’s also a lovely introduction to fantasy and dystopia for younger readers.

[Lys · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was pretty cute, a middle-grade graphic novel about magic, maps, and friendship. Don't look too much into the plot tho - but it is a first volume, so maybe we'll have some more context with the next one?

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars! Thank you Netgalley for the arc. This graphic novel follows 2 kids and they make an uprising against a town government that has been oppressing them. It has been done before, and better. It was fine. Nothing remarkable. The magic left a lot to be desired.

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a magical adventure of a graphic novel. For centuries, the Mapmakers kept peace in the Valley, but they've long since disappeared. Now the Night Coats hold power with an iron grip--there are only rules, punishments, & consequences. Until 1 night, on the run from the Night Coats (again), after breaking another rule (again), Alidade stumbles upon a secret door leading to a magical hideaway that belongs to the Mapmakers. There, she finds a map of her home & accidentally brings to life Blue, a magical creature called a memri who is meant to protect the Valley. Blue needs Alidade's help to find the Mapmakers & save the Valley from the Night Coats! But the Mapmakers are long gone. Alidade has a choice: leave the Valley like she's always wanted...or become a Mapmaker & save the only home she's ever known. Great themes of friendship & community. There wasn't that much depth, so maybe that will be better in the next one, but I had a great time. The BEAUTIFUL artwork by Amanda Castillo is just the best though. Loved.💜

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

MAPMAKERS AND THE LOST MAGIC is a little book about some big topics. Through loveable characters, expert worldbuilding, and inventive plotting, Chittock and Castillo explore friendship, colonialism and resistance, and the seemingly opposing desires to leave home and explore the unknown on the one hand, and to establish roots and settle among those who know you. In the end, you will perhaps question whether those two desires are mutually exclusive. How can Alidade Rose save her town from the tyrannous Night Coats, explore the world in a quest to liberate it, and maintain her connection to her family and friends? Readers of all ages will enjoy finding out.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this on my tbr for awhile and I'm so happy I finally picked it up!! It's full of adventure, exploring, nature and shows the importance of both community and how you don't have to just accept how things are done. I loved Alidade and Lewis and how they balanced each other out. Plus the STYLE!!!! The art style was absolutely amazing and made me feel immersed in the world. I'm eager to pick up the second one!

If you like Lightfall I think you'll really like this 😄

#IndigoEmployee

[Léa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un bon moment de lecture! J'ai beaucoup aimé tous les différents thème abordés; qui sont importants. La nature notamment y tient une très grande place.
J'ai également apprécié le dessin ainsi que l'histoire principale.
Les personnages sont attachants et on a envie de connaître la suite de leurs histoires.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful story about magic and friendship and life! I loved it so much and I can't wait to read more!!

[Patricia Q · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt like a rough draft that needed a lot more work.

[Jess Witkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mapmakers and the Lost Magic is a delightful graphic novel that blends nature/climate change themes with the fantasy genre. There's some simple worldbuilding around mapmakers and their magical guides called memris, but the story is grounded in observing the world around you, how all things are intertwined and play a part, and good practices to being an explorer.

Some of the theme's messaging might be a little on the nose - more than once it's referenced by the magical creature that humans are the most destructive beings, but you can't argue that's a valid statement and we have changes ahead of us if we want to turn things around. While that sentiment might feel harsh to some, take care that the memri comes around to also acknowledge attributes like friendship and hope.

Loved the illustrations and the details grounded in the actual outdoors and how to be an earth friendly explorer. Additional themes cover topics of identity, friendship, and community. Awesome backmatter pages with more nature content, recipes, and a sketch series perfect for kids interested in art and storytelling of their own. A solid read!

[Felicia Harris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this at all. Sadly I found it to be really boring. I felt like the story dragged on and not a lot was happening. The art was beautiful and the plot was solid but it just went on for way to long. I stopped caring very quickly and just wanted the book to end.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters might keep you interested in Mapmakers and the Lost Magic where the complete lack of world-building and by-the-numbers plot will not.

Who are the Mapmakers? When was magic lost? It's certainly not clear from this first volume in what promises to be a series. Teens Alidade and Lewis are eager to leave their rural small town, but are mysteriously trapped within the borders by the Night Coats. Who are the Night Coats? Why are the people trapped? Again, unclear.

Alidade opens a door in a tree, discovering a map and a small blue heron who can talk. From there, the adventure kicks off, but I couldn't really explain what Alidade's tasks are. Eventually, there's a confrontation with the Night Coats, the town rallies, etc. It's all rather satisfying in a functional way, I just wish I'd ever been excited about the vaguely fantastic world the authors put together.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun! We follow two kids, Alidade and Lewis, who live with their families in the village of Alden. Alidade wants to explore and have adventures, but no one is allowed to leave the village according to the Night Coats. One day while running from them Lewis and Alidade stumble upon a door carved into a tree. They go through the door and find themselves inside some kind of lodge. They find out that it belongs to the Mapmakers. While they are there they find an old map of their village and awaken Blue, a memri who is supposed to help protect the village. Blue enlists Alidade's help in remaking the map and saving the village.

This was a really cute graphic novel. I really enjoyed the artwork as well. I loved the colors that were used. If you're a fan of a fun adventure then you should definitely check this out!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fascinating story about a young girl named Alidade who is determined to be a Mapmaker and get out of her area known as the Valley which is constantly being guarded by the Night Coats who have their own set of strict rules.

She stumbles upon a door in a tree while trying to hide from the Night Coats when they see her out past curfew and she finds not only a map but brings to life a mysterious magical bird-like creature called a Memri who goes by Blue who was meant to originally protect the Valley. With Alidade's help, he can hopefully recover his magic, bring peace back to the Valley and hopefully get the Night Coats to go away.

With a bit of determination and team work, Blue and Alidade may soon get their wishes.

Highly recommend this book and the artwork was wonderful!

Trigger warnings: death of a parent, oppression, some violence, bullying

[Abby Alquicira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aesthetically pleasing book! Alidade is a curious kid. She often gets caught by the Night Coats and reprimanded for leaving area borders. But upon finding a magical hideaway for mapmakers, she must decide to either run away or make a change for her town, Alden.

The story moved in perfect pace with the pages. The artwork was perfect. This graphic novel displayed how you can make mistakes, apologize, and become stronger. I cannot rave about this enough!

v-l, s-n, l-n

[Starr ❇✌❇ · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: colonization & prejudice

This was an interesting story of colonization and change. I do wish there was more world building at play, but I enjoyed seeing this society refind itself, and I liked watching Alidade focus her energy. The color palette of this was also nice, and I particularly like the way the aspects of nature are drawn.

[Nicole (bookwyrm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really enjoyable Middle Grade graphic novel. Without going into the plot, I really enjoyed the way this story looked at how people and nature interact. I felt the art blended with the text of the story perfectly, too. I highly recommend this one!

[Alba · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Un premier tome plutôt sympa, même si l'histoire est un peu fumeuse ? Peut-être qu'il y aura plus d'explications dans les prochains tomes ! J'ai bien aimé tout le concept de lien avec le territoire et la nature :)

[Mady · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐

[Erica Pehrson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very cute! I liked the tenants of mapmaking -

" Mapmakers bring us to life so we might guide humanity to live in harmony with the natural world. We are protectors of the land and peace."
" First, the ingredients. The quail, the ink, the parchment- All of it- must come from the land being mapped.
Second, the artistry. The map must be illustrated in a style authentic to the people.
And finally, the accuracy. The map must properly convey its land down to the detail."
" If any one of the tenets is not precise, the map is useless."

What a beautiful magic. She uses the resources the land gives freely, inspiration from the love and people around her for the art, and her first hand experience exploring her whole life to build this map.

Though this works great as a standalone, I would love to read the second one when it comes out! I'll check my library!

[Eimear · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool concept with a good environmental message. Artistry and accurate are both essential in mapmaking: showing balance of the right and left brain.

[O.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Soft lovely art. Story is interesting, characters are a bit hard to associate with or get attached to, and leaves a few questions open ended but hopefully they will be answered in book 2.

[Hadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked the art-style. The story was cute too, but not something that'll stay with me for a long time.

[Emperor Ember]

I love the art

[Bexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful colors and cute characters. Gives the sense of adventure and finding one's own place in the world. Felt like there could be more explanation of what happened to the valley and why they're all stuck working for the Night Coats. Alidade and Lewis are fun characters and each have their own personality, even if it's a stereotypical personality (rebel adventure vs. village homebody). As much as I enjoyed this, I'm not sure it will appeal to a lot of middle schoolers. There's some great imagery, but the story doesn't grip you. It is only an introduction though, so maybe book two gets better.

Copy provided by NetGalley and publisher.

[Jessica | madameratou ♡]

« Tu m’as rappelé ce qui fait de vous des gens dignes d’intérêt. Votre courage. Votre gentillesse. Votre amitié. Aussi longtemps qu’il y aura des personnes comme vous deux, le monde gardera toutes ses chances. Et pour cela, je vous suis vraiment reconnaissant. »

En toute honnêteté, j’ai voulu découvrir cette histoire dès l’instant où j’ai vu à quoi ressemblait la couverture, autrement dit, avant même de savoir de quoi ça parlait. Quelle ne fut pas ma surprise de découvrir au cours du mois de décembre que j’avais été sélectionnée parmi tant d’autres pour en obtenir un exemplaire ! Et pour ça, on remercie l’opération masse critique de Babelio.

Sans transition, entrons dans le vif du sujet. Depuis longtemps déjà, le village d’Alden est sous la coupe des Manteaux Noirs, un groupe puissant. Ces derniers exercent leur contrôle d’une poigne de fer et n’hésitent pas à punir ceux qui osent désobéir. Alidade, notre héroïne, fait partie de ces personnes qui leur tient tête — malgré son jeune âge. En effet, depuis la mort de son père, elle se sent oppressée dans ce coin qui l’a vue grandir et qu’elle a toujours connu. Elle rêve de s’en aller, de partir loin et de découvrir de nouveaux horizons. Malheureusement, le règlement imposé par ceux qui ont la mainmise sur sa communauté l’interdit formellement. Elle se plait donc à enfreindre les lois et s’éloigner de sa vallée, quitte à attirer des problèmes aux voisins qui n’ont rien demandé et à mettre tout le monde en danger. Mais un jour, elle découvre par hasard, en pleine forêt, une porte qui mène à un endroit secret : et plus précisément, à un refuge de Mapmakers. Elle y rencontrera Blue, une créature magique qui changera le cours de sa vie.

Autant vous prévenir tout de suite, j’ai passé un très bon moment de lecture — même si deux choses m’ont un petit peu gênée. Tout d’abord, ce premier tome est introductif. Nous n’avons donc pas beaucoup d’explications sur le fonctionnement de la magie, les Mapmakers, les Memri ou leurs ennemis. Ensuite, j’ai eu du mal à apprécier Alidade au début du récit. Certes, je l’ai trouvée aussi attachante que touchante, pleine de volonté et désireuse d’aider son nouveau compagnon, mais son penchant pour les ennuis m’a agacée. Non seulement il lui arrive de s’attirer les foudres des Manteaux Noirs, et en plus elle se moque éperdument des répercussions que ses actions pourraient avoir sur son entourage. Oui, c’est une enfant qui ne va pas forcément bien, je le conçois. Seulement, non, ce n’est pas un comportement acceptable. Lewis, en ce qui le concerne, est plus en retrait, calme et mignon comme tout.

Sur une touche plus positive, je tiens à dire que les graphismes sont sublimes. Le travail réalisé par l’illustratrice est de qualité et son style, sa patte artistique (si je puis dire), rendent l’intrigue encore plus immersive. Un vrai régal pour les yeux ! Également, l’ouvrage aborde diverses thématiques, comme l’amitié, l’oppression, les régimes autoritaires, la conservation de la nature, le changement, la famille, la communauté. C’était très intéressant, et je suis curieuse de voir quelle tournure prendront bientôt les événements. Quant aux extras présents dans les toutes dernières pages, ç’a été une excellente surprise. Je ne m’y attendais pas du tout, et j’ai pris plaisir à les feuilleter.

Conclusion, vous l’aurez compris, je suis contente d’avoir eu l’occasion de découvrir ce magnifique roman graphique. C’est une série en trois tomes et la suite est prévue pour cette année, mais quand précisément, quelle période ou quelle mois, je ne le sais pas. Tout ce dont je suis sûre, c’est que j’ai hâte de me la procurer et de retrouver les protagonistes. Bref, affaire à suivre ! Enfin, merci aux éditions Kinaye et à Babelio (opération masse critique) pour l’envoi de ce livre et pour la confiance qui m’a été accordée. ♥