Of Myths & Magic: The Cartographers Review

The review

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd takes readers on an enthralling exploration of cartography through the eyes of Nell Young, a skilled cartographer. Set in contemporary times, the story revolves around Nell and her complicated relationship with her father, Dr. Daniel Young, a renowned figure in the field. Their bond is shattered when Nell is unjustly fired at the bequest of her father, which results in her being shunned from the field of cartography over a seemingly insignificant map she finds hidden away. Set in New York, we find Nell in her new position at a shop called “Classic,” which sells replicas of maps. The abrupt and unexpected notification that her dad has been found dead in his office at the New York Public Library propels Nell to discover what caused her father’s death. As she investigates, she stumbles upon the same gas station map that caused her firing, hidden in his desk, and begins a new investigation into the map.

Her intrigue with the map and investigation into her father’s death leads her into an entanglement with an unknown collector attempting to destroy all existing copies of the map and eliminate anyone in their way. As she dives further into the secrets of the map and her dad, she uncovers secrets about her parents that redefine everything she thought she knew about her past. The greatest development of the story is Nell’s confidence in herself and acknowledgment of her skills, despite her removal from the academic world of cartography that occurs at the beginning of the book. She also re-establishes old relationships, both of her own and her parents, and her growth as a character becomes evident as she navigates treacherous paths, overcoming formidable challenges to protect herself and the coveted map. The map’s significance in their lives and its secrets tie together the themes of family, loss, and discovery central to this story.

Personal thoughts

The Cartographers offers a unique blend of genres, including mystery, adventure, family drama, and magical realism, making it a captivating and engrossing read for those seeking a literary experience that is both imaginative and thought-provoking. The story’s complexity makes it an enthralling read that is hard to put down, as you can never quite guess what will come next for Nell and the map, unlike any other book I have read this year. I’m also impressed by the world-building in this book, as it inspired ideas of two worlds and two separate but intertwined stories, all within a single book. This book is a great pick if you’re interested in modern mysteries and real-world fantasy settings that don’t follow the typical script of many genres and encourage re-evaluating your relationships and perspective on life.

Book details

Author: Peng Shepherd

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery

Length: 392 pages

Series: Stand-alone

Tropes: N/A

Rating: 💡💡💡💡💡

Spice rating: N/A

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