Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Paper Magician

I wish I could like this book more than I do, however, there are a lot of small flaws that built up to the point it really dragged down the experience for me.

The magic system is very interesting and quite unique from what little we get to see of it, and for the first quarter of the book thats the main focus- we're along for the ride as our heroine learns to work magic with paper. If there was more of that I would love this book.

Quite quickly however it launches into the main plot that includes MANY flashbacks that almost feel like exposition dumps and the hint of a romance that felt forced and sudden- appearing out of nowhere with little apparent chemistry between the leads.

Its short enough that if you've any interest in the premise theres no harm in reading it, but it was a bit of a let down.

Hopefully other books in the series will expand on the magic system and be more worth the time.

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buxomfloozy's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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dodie_sullivan's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This book started out strong. The magic system is cool, and I feel like it had good potential. That being said, I got bored once

Ceony goes to retrieve Emery’s heart. Witnessing his happiest memories, hopes, worst moments, and doubts was a cool way to explore Thane’s character but it felt like a shift away from the stuff that made me want to read the book in the first place.

Ceony was an okay character. I kept forgetting that Ceony was 19 because she acted liked a young teen. It would have been a four with all that but then the romance thing started. She, a nineteen-year-old, likes Thane (her teacher who is in his thirties) and while she doesn’t actively encourage, Ceony doesn’t do anything to stop. Thane does not initiate encounters or reciprocate the feelings in this book. At the end of the book, it’s implied that

they’ll get together and have kids.

I’m not sure I want to read to the other ones due to this.

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kat1105's review

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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bash5617's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful 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? No

4.25

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writingcaia's review

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

Reread: and, have little else to add to my original review. Only that we have a brave and sassy female MC that really carries the story with her wittiness and good heart.

I can't understand such bad reviews. This is a well thought fantasy story with intriguing and super creative magic, world building, and characters, whom although not extensively introduced still made me feel close to them, especially as the book goes. It is a short book and maybe could have been more descriptive to introduce more details and depth however I still really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next one.

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