This was a fairly mediocre middle grade novel. The concept of magical ingredients was interesting, but there wasn't much world-building. I think this is because the author chose to place this story in the real world, in London; I don't see much benefit to that since there are so few references tot he place and none of them are important to the plot. Setting this story in a made-up world would have helped with my suspension of disbelief.

This was a fun whimsical adventure. Cordelia's father is lost at sea but she doesn't believe it. She longs to make hat's like her family does but her Aunt doesn't think she is ready.
This book was longer than I thought it was going to be, but it had fun adventures along the way. The ending was open ended also so I am assuming it's the first in a serious.
I loved the descriptions of the different rooms in the Hatmaker's house and the magical elements throughout.
A fun read that I think middle graders will like.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

This is a really well paced and fun book. The book keeps a fast pace while still providing great world building. I was on the edge of my seat through the last few chapters and loved the ending. I also love the magic system of the makers which combines alchemy and haberdashery for a very fun and creative series of magical clothing items. The main character is from a family of hat makers who used magic imbued trimmings to create hats that help people. I also appreciated that the makers strive to help people and overall used their magic only for good. I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more from this world as a series.

*Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.*

Cordelia Hatmaker’s life has gotten a little complicated lately. Her father has been lost at sea (and lost things can be found, so he is NOT dead, thank you). Her family comes from a long line of Hatmakers, who, like the other guild families, make magical garments for the king. Which is great, except the king is acting absurd, completely unlike himself, and the princess is being pushed into declaring war on France instead of negotiating peace. Oh, and the feud between the guild families is getting worse! Except for Cordelia and her best friend Goose, who just so happens to be a Bootmaker, but don’t tell anyone about that. Add in some twists and turns, some old family secrets, and a whole shop of magical hats, and you’ve got yourself quite a story!

My notes: I don’t know why I had such a hard time with the fact that the family name is “Hatmaker.” It’s a little on the nose, don’t you think? I didn’t dislike the characters, but I also didn’t really care about them one way or the other. I really wanted to love this story, but it was just okay.

What do we all have in common? We are makers. This is an amazing tale of loss, fury, hope, friendship and love. What would you do if your father was said to have drowned and your country was on the verge of war? Cordelia, Goose and Sam will lead the way. A one sitting read that adults and children will love. Hopefully not the end of their story.

A hatmaker in training, magic, a lost father, a mad king, a secret friendship, and chaos all come together in this delightful and fun adventure of a story! It follows Cordelia Hatmaker, a young girl who’s father doesn’t return home from an expedition leaving Cordelia scrambling to find any clue of his survival. She is adament that he is alive and has survived the shipwreck, all the while her family is still continuing their work of creating magical hats. In particular, a hat for the King whom everyone believes has gone mad and without a magical hat to cure him, who knows what will happen next. Cordelia goes on a fantastical journey of navigating a looming war and trying to find her father, she must find out who she can trust and follow her wits to survive.

An enchanting fantasy adventure about the importance of bravery, resourcefulness, and following your heart from a debut author.

Funny, boisterous, and wise, Tamzin Merchant’s spellbinding debut draws readers into a vibrant and captivating new world and introduces a heroine who keeps wildness in her wits and magic in her fingertips.

*Thank you netgalley and W. W. Norton & Company for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I received an advance copy of The Hatmakers by, Tamzin Merchant. This is a weird and whimsical story about The Hatmakers. Its a cute story, I liked the characters.