In an alternate Georgian London, Cordelia is the youngest member of the family of Hatmakers. When her father disappears at sea, and war threatens between England and France, Cordelia must find out who is attempting to sabotage the peace talks in order to prevent war and save the Makers.
In an alternate Georgian London infused with magic, there are five different families belonging to the Makers’ Guild – the Hatmakers, the Bootmakers, the Glovemakers, the Cloakmakers, and the Watchmakers – all use a variety of enchanted ingredients to create items to help people. Cordelia is the youngest member of the family of Hatmakers. She is desperate to make her first hat, but then her father disappears at sea. As well as this, war threatens between England and France.
Cordelia starts trying to find her father, but witnesses and clues vanish. Then the magical apparel, designed to help Princess Georgina make peace, is stolen from each of the Makers’ houses along with enchanted ingredients, and Cordelia realises that someone is secretly using the Maker’s skill to try and start a war.
Cordelia must find out who is attempting to sabotage the peace talks. She is helped by a street urchin called Sam and her friend, Goose. They embark on a perilous quest to prevent war and save all the Makers.
This book entices and delights. It is full of imaginative descriptions and the wonder of a created magical world which is set in an evocative historical past. The characters are engaging and the gender reversals keep its characterisation thoroughly up to date. It is a mesmerising read and the dynamic plot will keep you engrossed from start to finish.
A wonderful fantasy and adventure book, perfect for 10 year olds and up.
I really enjoyed this book as it mixed fantasy with an intense feeling of longing. I loved the portrayal of friendship and the way that LGBT ideas were brought into it.
The Hatmakers is a fantasy, adventure book for 8+ about perseverance and believing in yourself. I would rate this 10/10.
The Hatmakers is a story about a young girl Cordelia, who when she hears the news of her father lost at sea, finds her life falling apart.
Her magical family, unlike her, seem to brush past it and accept he's gone though Cordelia will stop at nothing to find her Father.