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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
This book just didn't do it for me. The emotional development of the characters felt forced and unrealistic, the characters themselves felt hollow, and the tiny details scattered about the expositionary chapters that were needed to push the story forward in later in the book were clunky and obvious (I remember groaning to myself, "Oh, I can bet where THIS is going!"). I rolled my eyes at a few sections. There was absolutely no nuance to this book at all. That said, the story idea is a cute-enough one. I'll probably read the subsequent books because, although lacking depth, they are quick and mindless in an enjoyable-enough way.
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Paper Magician is a interesting take on magic, where magic users can only bond to a single material of man-made origins. Paper is quickly becoming an outdated and non-interesting medium, with other man-made creations coming to life through things like ceramics, alloys, and even plastic. At least, that's what it COULD have been.
Holmberg is an expert at creating unique and interesting magic systems, but fails to really deliver on making them feel like a necessary or even organic part of her worlds. With a focus in Victorian-era fantasy and a love of romance, these intricate and often intriguing magic systems take a side step to the romantic plot. This does get remedied to be less egregious in Holmberg's other works, but given The Paper Magician is her first, it's the most apparent.
Still, the story is interesting enough to stay engaged. Holmberg has no qualms about playing with gore and the grotesque for her plot and world building. Having the character traverse through literal chambers of a heart was an interesting touch.
The biggest failing of The Paper Magician is its main character, Ceony Twill. Having been built up as a stubborn, hard-headed woman with a penchant for quick learning, Ceony quickly becomes... less that. While I understand that this is leading into a romance later in the series, it would have been a stronger book overall if the concept of romance between Ceony and her mentor were left out. Ceony saving her mentor not because of romance, but because in one month, he's been a kind and patient person that has help Ceony shift her disappointment over not being a Smelter to a comfortable enthusiasm in being a Folder would have been far more interesting and would allow the series to benefit from a much-needed slow burn that fits the overall pacing of the book.
Still, despite its faults, it's a fun read with interesting magic that does have me interested in the rest of the series.
Still, the story is interesting enough to stay engaged. Holmberg has no qualms about playing with gore and the grotesque for her plot and world building. Having the character traverse through literal chambers of a heart was an interesting touch.
The biggest failing of The Paper Magician is its main character, Ceony Twill. Having been built up as a stubborn, hard-headed woman with a penchant for quick learning, Ceony quickly becomes... less that. While I understand that this is leading into a romance later in the series, it would have been a stronger book overall if the concept of romance between Ceony and her mentor were left out. Ceony saving her mentor not because of romance, but because in one month, he's been a kind and patient person that has help Ceony shift her disappointment over not being a Smelter to a comfortable enthusiasm in being a Folder would have been far more interesting and would allow the series to benefit from a much-needed slow burn that fits the overall pacing of the book.
Still, despite its faults, it's a fun read with interesting magic that does have me interested in the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Fun story, I like how the world is set up. Looking forward to reading the next in the series!
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
I found parts of this book interesting but ultimately this dragged toward the end and I just wanted it to be over. Started skimming the pages for a whole section because nothing was happening. I enjoyed the beginning and end well enough but wish it had been better overall. I don't think I can justify spending time on the sequel.
Only the fact that I was reading it for book club could have induced me to finish this book. Bleh. Blargh. Painful. Anything that might have been vaguely interesting (like how paper magic actually works or what was going on politically amongst the magicians’ leadership) was glossed over in favour of trite, unengaging and unconvincing, bad YA novel romance guff. And if you’re going to set a story in turn of the 20th Century London, even if it is an alternate and magical London, then you bloody well have to make an effort not to litter the text with stuff that clashes badly with that setting. Another for the not my thing pile.
2.5 stars but only because the magic was interesting. About halfway through I realized this had to be written for a YA audience because ... Well, I don't write reviews with spoilers but trust me. I found little motivations for why anything happened in this book and felt like I was being told a story rather than experiencing it through the character. I'm not a fan of the YA genre so to be fair others may love this book. I need more meat and layers to keep me interested. I would recommend it to my 13yo daughter.
I'm the wrong demographic for this book. My tween would likely love it. Short and sweet and not my cup of tea. It doesn't surprise me that Disney bought the rights. Skip this one unless you are a fan of fluffy middle grade trying to appeal to a YA audience (unless that describes your taste and who would probably love it. )