The Cartographers
ISBN: 9781398705425
Description
Nell Young has lived her life in and around maps. Her father, Dr. David Young, was one of the most respected cartographers in the world. But this morning he was found dead - or murdered? - in his office at the New York Public Library. Nell hadn't spoken to her father in years, ever since he fired her after an argument over a seemingly worthless highway roadside map. A map which was mass-produced - and every copy of which is now being found and destroyed. But why? To answer that question, Nell will embark on a dangerous journey into the heart of a conspiracy beyond belief, the secrets behind her family, and the true power that lies in maps.
Reviewed on 24th December 2022
I picked this up after seeing it both in a shop and marketed online. It’s not quite what I was expecting.
This is the story of a young map expert who has been ostracised from her community following an argument several years ago - and when she is pulled back into that world she finds herself exploring a mystery that reveals a surprising amount.
I think I was expecting more of a fantasy novel - whereas this feels much more of a mystery novel with minor fantasy elements in it.
I found the first half of the novel slow going - there’s a lot of set up. The structure is interesting, with sort of aside chapters that start to fill in the background little by little. But then I raced through the second half.
I’d be interested in reading more in this world - there seems to be plenty of opportunity to explore more stories set around this fantasy setting.