A review by sourpatchsims
The Mapmaker's Apprentice by C.J. Archer

adventurous lighthearted mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I am so thoroughly addicted to this series at two books in. Honestly, I was pretty sure I would be after the first book but as soon as I finished the second I started looking to see 1. if the series is finished in the hopes that I wouldn't have any wait (it is at 13 books with a sequel series in progress) and 2. if there's a box set so I can buy them all at once (I borrowed the first two from the library). I'm always a sucker for Victorian England and a Victorian era fantasy novel is right up my alley so it wasn't a hard sell to begin with but I'm very much enjoying the unveiling of the magic system which is, to this point in the series, tantalizingly unclear but showing glimpses of itself and loving the characters, who are complicated enough to feel real without being so complicated that the book loses the appeal of escapism. I can't wait to start the next one (and fortunately don't have to as I was able to borrow it immediately upon completion of this one). I will note that the series does need to be read in order as there is an ongoing storyline, at least through these first two. 
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