A Map of Vanished Things

This book is an imaginative fantasy filled with adventure and a really unique concept. The main character, Neve, is a young woman who lives with her grandmother in a world that doesn’t move. Everything changes when she is sought out by Bram, a man who has traveled across the sea to take her to Wendenhall.

Once there, Neve discovers that her family has a history of living on "The Waking Lands" aka land that is constantly moving. She is sorted into the Order she belongs to, and as she begins her new life at Wendenhall, she uncovers a secret involving her family’s past. Eventually, Neve is faced with a difficult decision; one that could change the fate of many people, including her own.

Wow! The premise of this story is definitely intriguing and fascinating. There is so much going on, and I really enjoyed seeing the world and its unique concept unfold.

That said, I did feel that the writing was sometimes a little disjointed. The transitions from one idea or event to another could be a bit rough, and there were moments when I had trouble following what was happening or understanding how everything connected.

I especially wish there had been more detail about the different Orders (Surveyors, Keepers, Menders, Grainwrights), life in the dormitories, the classes, and the different levels of students, such as first-years and upper-years. I think getting to experience more of Neve’s everyday life at Wendenhall would have made the world feel even more immersive.

One of my favorite parts was the friendships Neve formed with Wick and Rook. I really enjoyed their interactions and appreciated the jokes and lighter moments they shared. Those moments were definitely needed because there was a lot of crying and emotion throughout the story!

I thought the ending was well-written and detailed, and I liked that we knew from the very beginning where Neve ultimately planned on going. It gave the story a sense of direction as everything unfolded.

Overall, this was an interesting and imaginative read with a fascinating premise and a lot of potential. I’d definitely be curious to see what happens in the next book and where the story goes from here.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ / 5

A Map of Vanishing Things is an imaginative fantasy with a fascinating concept and a wonderful friendship at its heart. I especially enjoyed the bond between Neve, Wick, and Rook, as well as the mysterious world of moving and lost lands. The story took a little while to find its rhythm for me, and I would have loved more detail about the world and its magic, but the final part had me completely intrigued. A thoughtful fantasy with memorable characters and an intriguing premise.

This book is not a genre I usually read, and I was very intrigued, very deep at times and took a little time to get into it, had to be in the mood. All in all it was a good book which made me think. Well written! Thank you for the opportunity to be one of the first readers of this book.

I absolutely loved this book. Can't say a bad thing about it apart from it left me wanting more.
The author has a great turn of phrase.
"A voice like gravel poured from a great height"
One of my favourites "an untidy girl who looked as if she had been assembled out of enthusiasm".
"Looks like a blade that learned to walk.
I really liked Neve she is strong but vulnerable and you want things to go well for her.
Everyone deserves a wenhound called Mouse and friends who have your back like Wick, Rook and Bram.
Every so often you pick up a book that won’t let go till the end. This is that kind of book. You are still thinking about the characters after you have finished.
As Dolly Parton said “find out who you are and do it with purpose” that is what Neve does but not alone.
This book is about longing to belong somewhere, friendship and not letting yourself take the easy path. Knowing who to give your trust to.
Remember your never off the Map.
Can’t wait for book 2. Thank you for letting me be in you ARC team.

Downloaded and read Chapter One, now cant wait for the full book launch on 28th Aug!!!