Mapmakers have always held a fascination for people, as they are the creators of our navigational tools. Throughout history, mapmakers were revered for their skill and knowledge in creating accurate and detailed maps that could guide travelers across land and sea. However, there is a notion that has circulated for centuries - the idea that mapmakers possess secret knowledge or even a lost magic. This belief stems from the intricate and mysterious nature of maps themselves. Maps have long been associated with secrecy and hidden treasures, often fueling the imagination of those who come across them. The idea that mapmakers themselves possess a sort of mystical power has captivated the hearts and minds of many.
The idea that mapmakers themselves possess a sort of mystical power has captivated the hearts and minds of many. The notion of lost magic tied to mapmakers can be traced back to ancient times. In ancient civilizations, maps were considered to hold great power.
Mapmakers and the Lost Magic: (A Graphic Novel) (Paperback)
This is book number 1 in the Mapmakers series.
- #2: Mapmakers and the Enchanted Mountain: (A Graphic Novel) (Paperback): $13.99
- #3: Mapmakers and the Flickering Fortress: (A Graphic Novel) (Paperback): $13.99
A young girl finds herself faced with an impossible choice—run away from her beloved valley, or unleash a hidden magic and become a Mapmaker to save her home from its new overlords.
For centuries, the Mapmakers kept peace in the Valley, but they’ve long since disappeared. Now the Night Coats hold power with an iron grip—there are only rules, punishments, and consequences. Until one night, on the run from the Night Coats (again), after breaking another rule (again), Alidade stumbles upon a secret door leading to a magical hideaway that belongs to the Mapmakers. There, she finds a map of her home and accidentally brings to life Blue, a magical creature called a memri who is meant to protect the Valley. Blue needs Alidade’s help to find the Mapmakers and save the Valley from the Night Coats!
But the Mapmakers are long gone.
Alidade has a choice: leave the Valley like she’s always wanted. or become a Mapmaker and save the only home she’s ever known.
This is the first book in a thrilling series of adventures where Alidade discovers the world around her as she goes on a fantastical journey.
Cameron Chittock is a writer from northeast Ohio. He grew up surrounded by siblings, wildlife, and comics of all kinds. Cameron’s writing is possible thanks to patient teachers, encouraging friends, and a supportive family. His favorite stories are those of heroes and friendship. Cameron previously edited comics, including titles such as Mech Cadet Yu, the Eisner Award–nominated graphic novel New World, and Jim Henson’s The Power of the Dark Crystal. He now lives in New England and works in education. When he’s not writing, he enjoys coaching basketball, reading giant fantasy books, and sitting by the pond with his family. Mapmakers and the Lost Magic is his debut graphic novel.
Amanda Castillo is a comic artist, illustrator, and storyteller, born and raised in the Bay Area in California. Having grown up inspired by piles of manga, games about friendship and adventure, and the endless wonders of the California outdoors, Amanda went on to study illustration to hone a skill set to tell warm and heartfelt stories that could be enjoyed and remembered by someone like you! After getting into the comics world through working with Youth in Decline, Amanda has since contributed to publishers such as BOOM! Studios, Lion Forge, and now Random House Graphic. In addition to making comics, Amanda has shown work in galleries domestically and helped judge annual comics awards. When not making comics, Amanda enjoys spending time with friends and loved ones, making warm and hearty meals, learning to tend to plants, and taking in the lovely moments the world has to offer. Mapmakers and the Lost Magic is their debut graphic novel.
- Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels
- Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Action & Adventure
- Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy
"A quaint tale of courage and friendship brimming with a fruitful sense of whims. Intriguingly good." –Kirkus Reviews
"This is a debut graphic novel for both author and artist, and readers will look forward to the continuation of this new series." –Booklist
They were believed to be able to guide individuals on spiritual journeys, connecting them to the divine. Mapmakers were seen as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds, as they were responsible for creating maps that could lead individuals to sacred places or mythical realms. As time progressed, the belief in mapmakers possessing lost magic persisted. In medieval Europe, for example, mapmaking was closely tied to alchemy and astrology. Mapmakers were not just skilled cartographers but were also believed to possess knowledge of the cosmos and the ability to unlock hidden secrets of the universe. One reason for the belief in lost magic may be the intricate and intricate nature of mapmaking itself. Creating a map requires a deep understanding of geography, mathematics, and aesthetics. It is a complex process that requires both technical skill and artistic intuition. This proficiency in an esoteric craft may have contributed to the idea that mapmakers held a secret knowledge or lost magic. Another reason for the association between mapmakers and lost magic may lie in the way maps can shape our perception of the world. Maps have the power to define territories, establish boundaries, and shape our understanding of the physical and social landscape. In a sense, mapmakers have the power to create worlds. This ability to shape reality may have led to the belief that they held a special kind of magic. In reality, mapmakers are highly skilled individuals who dedicate their lives to the art and science of cartography. They use sophisticated tools and techniques to create accurate and detailed maps that aid in navigation and understanding of the world. While the belief in lost magic may be rooted in myth and imagination, there is no denying the profound impact that maps and mapmakers have had on human history and culture..
Reviews for "The Enchanted Atlas: Mapmakers and the Resurgence of Lost Magic"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Mapmakers and the lost magic" based on the description, but it didn't live up to my expectations. The pacing of the story was really slow and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. The characters were also quite one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. Overall, I found the plot to be predictable and uninspiring.
2. John - 1 star - "Mapmakers and the lost magic" was a huge disappointment for me. The writing style was very flat and lacked any sort of depth or creativity. The world-building was also very weak, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected from the story. The overall plot seemed disjointed and poorly thought out. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book.
3. Emily - 3 stars - While "Mapmakers and the lost magic" had an intriguing premise, the execution fell flat for me. The writing felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the character development was lacking and I found it hard to care about their fates. The concept was interesting, but I feel like it could have been executed much better. Overall, it was an okay read, but not one that I would highly recommend.
4. David - 2 stars - "Mapmakers and the lost magic" had so much potential, but it ultimately failed to deliver. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the plot was filled with unnecessary filler and tangents that didn't contribute much to the overall story. The world-building lacked depth and detail, leaving me feeling disconnected from the setting. I was hoping for a thrilling adventure, but instead, I was left bored and disinterested. Would not recommend.