Mapmakers and the Enchanted Mountain

(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley.)

When we parted ways with our protagonist and fledgling Mapmaker Alidade (in MAPMAKERS AND THE LOST MAGIC), she and her posse - bestie Lewis and Memri Blue - were saying goodbye to their beloved Valley. Embarking on a grand adventure to find more Mapmakers, so that they could free their Memri, the trio hoped to defeat the dreaded Night Coats - and restore harmony between humans and the natural world.

In MAPMAKERS AND THE ENCHANTED MOUNTAIN, Alidade and her friends journey to the Mountain, only to find a rock seemingly barren of human life. That is, until they stumble upon a boy named Cado. An artist and aspiring Mapmaker, Cado left the safety of his hidden Mountain show more home in search of help. A strange sickness is sweeping through his village, one against which they have no defenses. Cado is convinced that only a fabled Memri can help.

Trouble is, the Mountain dwellers - including his father, Director Stride - are highly suspicious of outsiders, and rightfully so. Like they did in the Valley, the Night Coats invaded the Mountain, promising its residents protection - but bringing only suffering and misery. Most of the Mountain folk were driven from their home; those who remained built a sprawling, hidden city within the mountain itself. Secrecy is their key to survival. But what happens when they need outside help?

MAPMAKERS AND THE ENCHANTED MOUNTAIN is a marvelous sequel to MAPMAKERS AND THE LOST MAGIC, every bit as magical and imaginative as its predecessor. As always, the Memri steal the show; Blue is as cranky and cantankerous as ever, though he does seem to be warming up to his human companions (and perhaps even humanity it general). Lewis is an engaging and all-too-relatable supporting character, giving off strong Dawn Summers vibes (see, e.g. "Potential"), especially when his insights help save the day. Cado is a lovely addition to the cast (was that a crush on Vann I detected? PLEASE say yes!), and the Mountain setting truly is spectacular (just wait until you see the Mapmakers' lounge!).

Chittock continues to sow the animal- and environmentally-friendly themes planted in the first book; here, Alidade is shocked to find that she can communicate with nonhuman animals, leading to a genuinely heart-rending denouement. (Chills, you guys, CHILLS.)

Sophomore efforts are notoriously HARD, but you wouldn't know it from reading MAPMAKERS AND THE ENCHANTED MOUNTAIN. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series - even if it sees our heroes going off on their own separate journeys. show less

This was a wonderful sequel. I loved the world of the caves, everything about this world is magical and beautiful and unique. I love the personality and design of the forest memri. The character design in this series is just outstanding and I love the memris in particular. This was a really strong "middle" book.