Old maps, a mystery and a premise so intriguing, I just knew I would love this one.
I don't know where it went left? I should have raced thru it but it took 10 days and half of that time I just didn't have the desire to get back to it.
I still LOVE the premise. The "phantom settlement" idea that the right map would provide an entry portal into a place no one could find without it, is nothing short of magical. In that way the book reminded me faintly of 'The Ten Thousand Doors of January' with it's hidden doors to other worlds. The fact that the town of Agloe actually existed for a period of time, simply because it was put on a map, was a brilliant jump off for a novel. Kudos to the author for being inspired by it.
I had never heard the term 'phantom settlement' prior to reading this book but as an artist familiar with protecting copyright, it makes sense cartographers would necessarily have to build in protections for their work too.
The story itself was interesting, it was just missing something?? I'm not sure if all the viewpoints were distracting, the main character Nell was too lackluster??? Maybe it will come to me??
If I was a teacher grading 'The Cartographers,' I'd certainly give it an "A" for originality/idea. "C" for execution. First book I've read by this author. I would definitely give another a try.
To me that equals 3.5 Stars.
