adamsbookshelf's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I loved the idea of this novel and the overall plot was well executed. However there was something about this novel that just couldn't keep my interest. It just felt so long and I had to force myself to keep reading by locking my phone in the other room. Maybe my attentions span is the problem here? Who knows.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Murder, and Stalking
bookworm247's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, and Kidnapping
mari_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love a good mystery in a museums/library with ancient relics. This book clearly draws inspiration from A Secret History. I thought the story was fast paced, with an interesting cast of characters and a plot that kept you hooked. The only areas I thought the book kind of got distracted were in explaining Additionally I didn’t love the magic realism part of the book - some of that was probably lost on me just trying to understand the dynamic between the different characters. Didn’t feel Felix was super useful either….he just didn’t seem developed
Spoiler
Wally’s motivation for wanting to keep the map a secret. And killing so many people?? And in the letter from Nell’s parents which just tried to spell out why Tam lived in the secret town for 30 years which seemed clumsy especially after all the careful retelling of the other Cartographers pov.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, and Blood
honeywine's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Loved this story and the use of liminal spaces. I found myself glazing over some parts but I enjoyed it overall. As a geography person, I loved all the maps.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death of parent, Grief, Toxic friendship, Gun violence, Death, Stalking, Confinement, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Abandonment and Kidnapping
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