I would like to share two dark fantasy books with you this week. I got the chance to read them back-to-back and knew you would like them, too.
A map of skin etched in blood.
A world under threat from the Borderlands.
A young woman who must risk the shadows to save her family.
When her Grandfather is murdered under mysterious circumstances, Sienna Farren inherits his map shop in the ancient city of Bath, England. Once there, she discovers that her family is bound up with the Ministry of Maps, a mysterious agency who maintain the borders between this world and the Uncharted.
With the help of Mila Wendell, a traveller on the canals, Sienna discovers her own magical ability and a terrifying place of blood that awaits in the world beyond.
But when she discovers a truth about her past and the Borderlands begin to push through the defenses, Sienna must join the team of Mapwalkers on their mission to find the Map of Shadows – whatever the cost.
In a place written out of history, a world off the edge of the map, Sienna must risk everything to find her father … and her true path as a Mapwalker.
This dark fantasy novel is the first in the new Mapwalker series.
My Review:
A grimdark tale of what could be hiding in the shadows. A thrilling read. I found the Borderlands to be very dystopian in nature.
I couldn’t bond with Sienna, though. Not knowing why she was aimless and unhappy to work in an awesome library left too many unanswered questions. The sudden romance in the last chapter made no sense to me. Perhaps more Deep POV (sharing Sienna’s feelings and thoughts throughout the story) would have made this an amazing read.
Great worldbuilding. And the twist!
I like the idea of different powers, the whole mapwalking thing, and that they have to be careful of using their powers.
Perry, with his fire magic, is my favourite character.
A great urban fantasy read. Great cover!
Trigger warnings: slavery, rape, forced pregnancies, genocide, blood sacrifice (including children), thoughts of self-harm/suicide, murder and other atrocities that might be a trigger for some.
Shelves: books that should have a trigger warning, dark fantasy, fantasy, mental health, urban fantasy, speculative fiction.
A city threatened by an ancient plague.
A love across borders.
A desperate choice that could break their worlds apart forever.
When a fragment of a deadly map is recovered from a medieval plague pit in London, the Mapwalker team must cross over into the Borderlands once more.
In a race against time, they must find the remaining pieces of the map in a journey across long-lost cities before the Shadow Cartographers wield it against Earthside in a devastating attack.
Can Sienna resist the call of the Shadow as she struggles to save her home? Will Finn take a risk on love across borders or leave the Earthsiders to their fate?
Map of Plagues is book 2 of the Mapwalker fantasy series.
My Review:
Everyone has their own agenda and things they want from their magic and the world.
This time we travel deeper into the Borderlands with a lot of magic, mystery, adventure, wonder and danger. I especially liked the Library of Alexandria, the city beneath the water and the city in the air.
The way the maps keep themselves alive with the Illuminated Cartographer… Dark Fantasy at its best!
Mila was once again the character that I understood best. Sienna stays a little standoffish IMO, though her magic and how it draws her is quite vivid. I like Jari, despite everything, and find myself wondering about her past… Perry is still my favourite character.
This grimdark tale might not be for everyone, but if you like history, magic and maps, you will enjoy this book.
Trigger warnings: slavery, rape, forced pregnancies, genocide, blood sacrifice (including children), thoughts of self-harm/suicide, murder and other atrocities that might be a trigger for some.
Shelves: books that should have a trigger warning, dark fantasy, fantasy, mental health, urban fantasy, speculative fiction.
There you have it! Go check out this exciting new series.
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Sounds really good. Love the covers.
The covers are gorgeous!
I read Map of Shadows too. A little trouble connecting myself but the world and adventure is great. Have not read the second book yet, but plan to read. I did a review of the first one.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who had problems with connecting with the MC. The world and adventure is amazing!
This sounds like an interesting fantasy world and problem. Though I worry about not connecting with the character. Thanks for sharing what you thought of these.
You’re welcome, Natalie 🙂 Yeah, the fantasy world and problem is what drew me in and kept me turning the pages.