I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

The Hatmakers is a middle grade book by actress Tamzin Merchant that has its charms. This is a regency London filled with whimsy and hidden magic, wherein Maker families specialize in garb such as hats, boots, and cloaks embodied with powers to enhance the paying public and the royal family. However, its silly aspects lurch more toward ludicrous, with a plot that is far too easy and predictable for readers of all ages. I cannot help but wonder how much the author has actually read in the genre.

The magic aspect of the book, I loved. There's something undeniably charming about taking various magical items and Making them into a cohesive, empowering accessory. Cordelia is a good heroine to follow, too, a smart girl who insists that her father wasn't just killed at sea, but is surely alive somewhere out there. Meanwhile, her eccentric family struggles to fulfill a royal commission. King George is mad, his daughter is being manipulated, and a war with France is looming. The Maker families of London are all to make garb that will help the princess radiate peace during negotiations with France, but their efforts are stolen and sabotaged, and Cordelia stumbles upon a most dreadful plot that will make her family and all of England suffer.

Cordelia is the only character who is really developed (though I am left wanting to know more about her ancient great aunt). The others feel straight out of Central Casting, terribly cliched, from the thief with a transparent secret to a villain with zero nuance and intelligence to some truly wince-inducing French accents. The plot is easy and convenient, such as how Cordelia easily listens in on a royal conversation from a neighboring theater box to a weird brief masquerade as highway robbers. No adults listen to her (or if they start to listen, they are interrupted); it's frustrating when too many complications happen because basic communication doesn't happen, repeatedly.

It's not a terrible book, but any means, but neither does it feel clever or original. It's a fluffy romp--and sometimes, a fluffy romp is exactly what a reader needs. Child readers are smart, though, and I can't help but think of myself at age 10 reading this and thinking, "Well, that seems a bit too easy for her," and "that was predictable" over and over again. ( )

‘’It was a wild and lightning-struck night. The kind of night that changes everything. Jagged forks of light ripped across the sky and thunder rolled in tidal waves over the rooftops and spires of London.’’

Georgian London. Cordelia is the youngest member of the honourable family of the Hatmakers, one of the Makers ‘’Houses’’ that are entrusted with the duty of creating the clothes of the royal family. This is a turbulent time. Cordelia’s father, Prospero, is lost at sea and the threat of a war between England and France is always looming. King George is...well, king George, and the duty of the protection of the country has fallen on the shoulders of the kind Princess Georgina. Treachery and revenge have set a dangerous game in motion and our Cordelia is at the heart of this magnificent adventure.

‘’Isn’t keeping secrets sort of what got everyone into this big mess in the first place?’, Cordelia asked. Goose shifted in his boots. ‘My aunt told that the seventh star in the Makers’ crests means we’re stronger when we all work together; we’re best when we’re united.’’

This is the first instalment in a series of adventures centred around Cordelia Hatmaker, one of the most brilliant child-protagonists you’ll ever meet. Tamzin Merchant has created an absolutely beautiful, magical story of a world where hats can help people or harm them in terrible ways, where the mood and intentions of each are reflected on each creation. Where family, loyalty and peace have to stand firm against greed, despair, treachery and war, the greatest Malice of all. Where one can understand that you are never too young to set things right.

This was an amazing reading journey, perfect for Christmas and beautiful wintry nights. Written in beautiful language, full of elegant, smart, refreshing humour. The scene of Sir Hugo’s visit to the Hatmakers’ shop was pure perfection and I was delighted to see a sentence in perfect Modern Greek. The atmosphere of London was brilliantly depicted and the marvellous twists and surprises won’t disappoint you. Sprinkled with Shakesperean references, beautiful illustrations by Paola Escobar and including a Glossary of the magic Ingredients and a very serious note of caution of their menacing cousins, this book is an unforgettable adventure.

I can’t wait for Spring 2022.

‘’Forgotten magic is like a flower in winter. It disappears down into the depths of the person, and anyone looking could be forgiven for thinking it has gone away completely. But it hasn’t gone - it just has to be woken up again.’’

Many thanks to Penguin Random House Children’s UK and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/ ( )