From the Bookshelf of The Perks Of Being A Book Addict…

The Cartographers

Peng Shepherd

Start date: August 1, 2022

Finish date: August 31, 2022

Discussion: Group Books of the Month (BotM)

Why we're reading this: Chosen by members as our August 2022 BotM.
[close] Chosen by members as our August 2022 BotM.

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Showing 2 of 20 topics — 693 comments total

Group Books of the Month (BotM)

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What Members Thought

Jun 16, 2022 Trisha rated it really liked it

"What's the purpose of a map?"

Just suspend disbelief. Go in to this one just for the sheer adventure of it. I know little about map making but I did know that many original map makers left their own little mark on maps, little "mistakes" that made the map absolutely theirs (and so no one could reproduce it). How unique to turn that knowledge in to such a fun fantasy story.

I liked Nell. She's your MC most of the time and I liked getting to know her and her world. I loved the twist of her working ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Apr 23, 2025 Meera rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: bookmarks-magazine, magical-realism, fantasy, book-of-the-month

This started off strong where I was interested in where it was going and couldn’t really predict what was going to happen. But as the book went on, I began to wish for stronger characters or at least characters I could feel connected to and a better plot. The fantasy part of this intriguing but I didn’t feel invested in what was happening by the end.

1 like · Like · see review

Apr 01, 2022 Nicole rated it it was amazing

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book blurb that so startlingly preserves the story, and I’ll try to do the same.

I was almost instantly enamored with this book - the flawed main character was relatable and grounded. In fact for the first half of the book I was thrilled with what I thought this was - a thriller, or perhaps a mystery with a hint of murder, centered around history and maps. And then it takes a very strange turn to the fantastic and somehow evolves seamlessly to do that just as well. ...more

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Mar 16, 2022 J. Lynn Else rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Such a cool story. Maps, mysteries within maps, map exploration, and secrets societies! This is an enjoyable mix of past mistakes catching up with the present. The joy of cartography is felt within the characters and exudes this excitement onto readers.

While Wally's identity wasn't a surprise, there's lots to discover! Though I did think the Wally-identity-reveal thing went on a bit too long (when your audience knows, don't drag it out). The list of suspects unwilling to tell Nell what they kne ...more

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