The Last Mapmaker

I saw The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat on a list of newish books that could be possible 2022 Newbery winners and decided to give it a read since I enjoyed other books by the author. The book description reads, "As assistant to 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 is a conman—and 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."

This was a great story. It was a little bit of a slow read for me, and it wasn't until the very end that I actually couldn't put the book down. The rest of the book, I wasn't especially engaged and so had to kinda encourage myself to keep reading. But I definitely loved the characters (Sai, Paiyoon, even Mud) and enjoyed the story, especially how things came together in the end and the lessons Sai learns about herself. The author created a whole new world, which made it a fun fantasy and adventure book.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)