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popthebutterfly 's review for:
Mapmakers and the Lost Magic
by Amanda Castillo, Cameron Chittock
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Mapmakers and the Lost Magic
Author: Cameron Chittock, Amanda Castillo (Illustrator)
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, graphic novel, fantasy, environmentalism
Publication Date: April 26, 2022
Genre: MG Graphic Novel Fantasy
Age Relevance: 9+ (totalitarian government, environmentalism, parental death, grief, hurt animal)
Explanation of Above: The book features an army that has taken over a town and is inflicting a totalitarian ran government on the native people. There is environmentalism shown and explained, as well as humans place in the ecosystem. There are mentions of parental death and grief, and there is are animals (a crane and some worms) hurt in the book.
Publisher: Random House Graphic
Pages: 256
Synopsis: 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.
Review: The book is a new favorite of mine! I loved the story and how environmentalism was tied into the story, as well as how simple it was explained so children reading the book could understand it. The book also went into oppressive government control and how that can impact native inhabitants of an area. The book has amazing character development and the world building was amazing. The illustrations were well done and I loved it so much. I am hoping for a sequel so I can help save more Memris!
The only issue I had with the book is that I thought some of the scenes were a bit quicker paced than others, but I think this would be perfect for a younger middle grade reader, especially one that is interested in the environment or natural science.
Verdict: I absolutely loved this book! Highly recommend!
Book: Mapmakers and the Lost Magic
Author: Cameron Chittock, Amanda Castillo (Illustrator)
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, graphic novel, fantasy, environmentalism
Publication Date: April 26, 2022
Genre: MG Graphic Novel Fantasy
Age Relevance: 9+ (totalitarian government, environmentalism, parental death, grief, hurt animal)
Explanation of Above: The book features an army that has taken over a town and is inflicting a totalitarian ran government on the native people. There is environmentalism shown and explained, as well as humans place in the ecosystem. There are mentions of parental death and grief, and there is are animals (a crane and some worms) hurt in the book.
Publisher: Random House Graphic
Pages: 256
Synopsis: 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.
Review: The book is a new favorite of mine! I loved the story and how environmentalism was tied into the story, as well as how simple it was explained so children reading the book could understand it. The book also went into oppressive government control and how that can impact native inhabitants of an area. The book has amazing character development and the world building was amazing. The illustrations were well done and I loved it so much. I am hoping for a sequel so I can help save more Memris!
The only issue I had with the book is that I thought some of the scenes were a bit quicker paced than others, but I think this would be perfect for a younger middle grade reader, especially one that is interested in the environment or natural science.
Verdict: I absolutely loved this book! Highly recommend!