The Last Mapmaker
Christina Soontornvat, Author
Candlewick Press, Fiction, Apr. 12, 2022
Pages: 368
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Fantasy, Mapmaking, Explorers, Ship, Adventure, Dragons
Book Jacket Synopsis:
In a fantasy adventure every bit as compelling and confident in its world building as her Newbery Honor Book A Wish in the Dark, Christina Soontornvat explores a young woman’s struggle to unburden herself of the past and chart her own destiny in a world of secrets. As assistant to Paiyoon, Mangkon’s most celebrated mapmaker, twelve-year-old Sai plays the part of a well-bred young lady with a glittering future. In reality, her father, Mud, is a conman. In a kingdom where the status of one’s ancestors dictates their social position, the truth could ruin her.
Sai seizes the chance to join an expedition to chart the southern seas, but she isn’t the only one aboard with secrets. When Sai learns that the ship might be heading for the fabled Sunderlands—a land of dragons, dangers, and riches beyond imagining—she must weigh the cost of her dreams. Vivid, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, this tale of identity and integrity is as beautiful and intricate as the maps of old.
Why I like The Last Mapmaker:
Set in a Thai fantasy world, The Last Mapmaker is a suspenseful and thrilling high-seas adventure that will captivate readers, It will introduce them to some history of early colonizers exploring uncharted countries and staking their claims. And sometimes there are environmental consequences that are detrimental to the country.
Soontornvat’s richly textured novel is original, fast-paced and tightly plotted with surprise twists, secrets, and betrayals that will keep readers engaged. Her prose is lyrical and visual. Readers will experience both the beauty and wrath of the sea, deal with sea sickness, smell the salty air, and enjoy the time in ports.
The diverse cast of characters are complex, messy and real. Sai is a determined and resourceful character who dreams big. She gets her chance when the aging mapmaker, Paiyoon, invites Sai to assist him on expedition to chart and discover the fabled Sunderlands for the Queen. His handwriting has become shaky and Sai can duplicate his writing without anyone knowing — their secret. He is somewhat fatherly toward Sai. The Captain of the ship is a female war hero, Anchalee Sangra, who is professional and aloof. Sai connects with the Captain’s friend Rian Prasomsap, who takes her under her wings, but she has her own agenda. Readers will enjoy seeing women in leadership roles. Sai recognizes a crew member on the ship, Grebe, who could reveal some of her own secrets. And Sai’s relationship with with a colorful pickpocket/stowaway, Bo, could get her in a lot of trouble.
When the Captain suddenly falls ill, the voyage takes a dramatic turn and the captain’s friend, Rian takes command of the ship. She convinces the crew to chart a course for the fabled Sunderlands, a place thought to be beseeched by dragons.
This story deals with some serious themes written in a way that is relatable to middle grade students. It has a contemporary takeaway for readers about being true to yourself and charting the right course in your life when others disagree — much like navigating a course through an unmapped ocean. It is easy to lose yourself in The Last Mapmaker. I highly recommend this story to those who enjoy fantasy, adventure and history. I will be reading this gem again!
Christina Soontornvat is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books for children of all ages, including A Wish in the Dark and All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team, both of which received Newberry Honors. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, two young children and one old cat.
Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
*Review copy provided by Candlewick Press in exchange for a review.
Sounds like my kind of book. Looks like a fun read. Thanks.
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Yes, it is a story I think You’d enjoy! It would touch your senses and your love of travel.
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I enjoy this type of book: a fantasy with some contemporary lessons. Sai sounds like an amazing MC. Thanks for featuring your review on MMGM.
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Yes, you’d find this a story that is so beautifully written. And you can’t put it down!
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I have this on my TBR pile. Soontornvat is a favorite author and I was looking forward to reading this book, but now I am looking forward to reading even more after reading your insightful thoughts about. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, ,she’s a favorite author for me. Loved every moment with this story.
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This sounds like a great book. I’ll need to recommend it to Elliott!
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Yes, I do think Elliott would enjoy this story!
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This sounds a great and unusual story, one that I would really like! Must add to my TBR! Thanks for the review!
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I wasn’t so sure about a seafaring novel, but it turned out to be an exciting read with really great characters and many plot twists.
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This is the second review I’ve seen of this today. Great minds! Will you be joining us for the #MGReadathon on July 14-17? I’m hoping gathering all of the #MGLit bloggers will help increase participation in MMGM.
More details here:
http://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/2022/06/mgreadathon.html
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No, as I’m dealing with family health issues and barely get a review posted. I hope you have a great event.
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What an exciting read!
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I have seen this book around, but haven’t read it. The story sounds compelling. Thanks for sharing your review. 🙂
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I love Christina’s world-building and very realistic characters. Couldn’t put this one down!
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I don’t read much fantasy, but I do love history and adventure. Maybe I will give this a try. You make it sound very tempting. Thanks for the review.
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The fantasy is mild with more emphasis on the high-seas adventure. You would enjoy this story!
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I just love this title. Will any the children today know how to read a map?
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Probably not. Kids will learn about how early maps were made as ships explored new countries. So much cool detail.
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Oooh, I have this one, and I can’t wait to open it and start reading. I LOVED Christina’s A Wish in the Dark!!! Great review, Patricia!
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I couldn’t put this story down. It grabbed my attention immediately! I learned so much about exploration and mapmaking, with a Thai theme.
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