Reviews - The Paper Magician

2.73k reviews for:

The Paper Magician

Charlie N. Holmberg

3.5 AVERAGE

jenniesthreads's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I've read other book by this author and really enjoyed them. This one was just as good until she entered a human heart and then it was a bit weird. Might consider the next book in the series as its an easy quick read and a good yarn.

colerush91's review against another edition

2.0

I'm torn after finishing this one. The first third had me hooked. The Paper Magician begins where any other novel would end: protagonist Ceony Twill has graduated from Tagis Praff school of magic and beginning an apprenticeship that will bind her to paper magic--not her choice. The story that follows is intriguing, but it moves and an incredible pace that leaves much of the oomph to the imagination.

The final third had me scratching my head a bit--Ceony's circumstances change drastically after a flurry of unfortunate events, and the limits of certain types of magic are tested. At the very least, my interest was piqued, but it did feel a bit obtuse.

The jury's still out on whether I'll head for the sequel. I think I need to let it stew for a bit before diving back into this world.

p_knapp's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous 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: Complicated

This was a great book, with an intriguing new twist on magic. Set in an alternate historical England, where magicians bond with manmade materials to wield their power, The Paper Magician introduces a Victorian-flavoured world filled with whimsy, danger, and inventive enchantments. Ceony Twill, newly graduated and full of ambition, finds herself unexpectedly apprenticed to the reclusive paper magician Emery Thane, rather than the metal magic she had hoped for. Initially disappointed, she soon discovers that paper magic—known as Folding—is far more intricate and beautiful than she ever imagined.

The strongest part of the novel is, without question, the magic system itself. The mechanics are delightful—magical steps are literal origami folds, enchanted paper dogs spring to life, illusions emerge from the pages of books. All of it is a sheer delight to read. At the same time, the introduction of blood magic is genuinely unsettling. The description and demonstration of Excision is eerie and disturbing to witness, reinforcing why it is forbidden in this universe. There’s a compelling contrast between the delicate, almost poetic magic of paper and the visceral violence of blood magic.

The plot follows a relatively narrow arc, focusing on Ceony’s journey—both literal and metaphorical—into Thane’s heart after a malevolent magician attacks him. While this structure provides room for imaginative sequences and some emotional depth, it also limits the book’s scope. I found myself wishing the story had taken more time to explore the broader magical world. We learn tantalising hints about this system, but many questions are left unanswered. Is magic something you’re born with? How are materials chosen? What drew Ceony to metal magic in the first place? These threads are barely touched and made me wish for a wider view of the world.

Still, the book’s charm and creativity carried it. The writing style is engaging and vivid, and the slow-burn mentor-student relationship between Ceony and Thane is handled with nuance. The emotional resolution feels earned, and the imaginative concept of literally travelling through someone’s memories is one of the more original uses of fantasy I’ve seen in a while. It’s not without flaws, but The Paper Magician is a promising and inventive start to a unique magical series.

mikavon's review against another edition

3.0

Two stars feels a bit harsh, but two stars means "it was okay", and that's how I feel about this book. Though I'll probably read the sequels, so fine, I guess I'll give it three stars...

I wasn't entirely comfortable with the age difference between the two main characters, but I suppose a 10 year gap was more common in the 1800s so I'll let it slide. The fact that the main character had a photographic memory seemed a bit unnecessary and unrealistic, but it didn't really give her too much of an advantage so I'll let that slide as well.
I still don't understand why the audiobook narrator spoke with an american accent for all the non-dialogue parts, it was odd. The whole thing in Emery's heart was weird and not really explained, I felt like the magic system was a bit undefined--it could do whatever they needed it to do in a given situation.

Meh, overall, it was okay. I won't read it again, but I might stick around for the sequels.

ajfeuerman's review against another edition

3.0

It was ok. It was enjoyable enough. Much was rushed (relationships, the villain), much was too slow (the battle, the recovery).

chemistbee's review

4.0

Such a strange and unique book! I absolutely loved it and couldn’t put it down (except when forced for dinner and walks)

I love the characters and it makes me want to fold paper

Totally buying the next book right now!

aliyyahj's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

steph_hasty's review

5.0

What a delightful book...

Creepy enough to cause my heart to skip many beats. Easy enough to read in one sitting. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. And. I really want a paper dog.