I went into the novel not knowing much. I barely read the synopsis and I didn't read any early reviews. I think that is how it should be read so that the story unfolds free of "spoilers". So if you are reading this right now, just stop and go read the book! I highly recommend it.

---Review, mild spoilers---
I really enjoyed this book! It was a wonderful example of magic realism at its finest. I think that the characters' actions and motivations were believable. The pacing was wonderful - it felt a little slow at the beginning but then it gradually picked up speed as you learned more alongside Nell. Nell was an interesting main character. I find it entertaining that at the beginning she is motivated by "vengeance" and "redemption" of a sort against her father after the "Junk Box Incident" but then it morphed into her wanting to understand her parents and finding her purpose as a cartographer. Her motivations might have been selfish at times but I empathized with her.

I don't know if there will be another book after this but I hope so! I love the "magic" of the world and would love to see more phantom settlement adventures.

That being said I am extremely content with the ending. I thought the story came full circle and it fit just right. I let myself imagine what happens after the end...if we get another book it would be great but I am happy as it is.

I definitely recommend this book if you are fans of mystery, magic realism, libraries/map/history, secret history, found family, family drama then this is the book for you!