This book is a compelling fantasy adventure that explores a young woman's struggle to unburden herself from her past and a world of secrets that lie ahead. This book explores different cultures and also the lives of various kingdoms, while offering entertainment. ( )

From ALSC: "A mapmaker’s apprentice, Sai joins a group of explorers on a journey to map unexplored territories. Filled with secrets and double-crossing, this seafaring adventure follows Sai as she charts a new path to her destiny." From ReadingMiddleGrade: "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."

Adventure on the sea. Nicely woven YA. 3.75 ( )

The Last Mapmaker describes a world where family history and relationships determine one's social standing and future. As assistant to Mangkon’s most celebrated mapmaker, twelve-year-old Sai pretends to be well-bred young lady in the hopes that she can escape her common roots and chart her own path. Her plan begins to unravel and Sai seizes the chance to join an expedition to chart the southern seas in the hopes she can start a fresh life somewhere else.

But the adventure she embarks on is much more than a simple expedition of discovery, and she discovers she he 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 a new life.

I enjoyed the Thai influences in the world Soontornvant builds. It's a fun fantasy with a bit of quasi-historical and high-seas adventure mixed in. I really liked Sai she is smart and a risk-taker. Thought The Last Mapmakers was a fun read and the ending was suspenseful. ( )

A young girl lives in a tiny, rundown set of rooms with her shiftless/shifty father and his partner in petty crime. They think she works a menial job at the docks market, but she secretly has managed to become an apprentice to a mapmaker, and she’s exceptionally good at the trade. When the chance presents itself for her to follow her boss on a sea voyage to discover unknown lands, which may or may not be inhabited by dragons, she jumps at the opportunity to free herself from her father’s clutches and possibly change her lowly stars. The expedition is not without dangers and troubles, though, and no one on the ship seems to be who they claim to be, with hidden lives and motives everywhere.

It's…okay. It’s a nice story, and the couple of little twists at the end are interesting and fun. I also think certain members of its intended audience (this is a middle grade novel) would have a great time with it. I just don’t feel that something extra, though, to make it Newbery Honor Book worthy. *shrug* ( )