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actuallycandy's review
3.0
I would make this a 3 ⭐ read.
This one is a tough one for me. I love the world, the premise and the magic system. But Ceony, the heroine of the story, changed for me. Before diving into my review let's look at the plot itself.
Ceony continues her apprenticeship under Emery Thane as she strives to complete her apprenticeship within the minimum of 2 years. Along the way she has befriended another apprentice Gaffer (glass magician) called Delilah.
Each apprentice of every magical type is to learn about their counterparts. So an excursion to the paper mill is required until a massive explosion occurs. Ceony suspects a foreigner but quickly swipes her suspicion as being racist.
Delilah and Ceony are then dining at a bistro in London when Grath finds her. What does he want? To know how she did it. How did she freeze Lira. At this point we can only suspect that Grath wants to release Lira from Ceonys spell. Right... But this is where things get confusing?
There's also a buggy crash scene... Which in my mind is pointless and adds no value to the plot. Why wouldn't Saraj just finish the job? He after all was ruthless and non-empathetic - Classic signs of a psychopath. But no, the buggy just crashes into a river. Exposing Ceony's greatest fear... Blah blah... Not very interesting.
The story continues as the police, Hughes, Aviosky, Emery, Delilah and Ceony are all basically trying to find Grath and his partner Saraj. But Grath finds them instead through mirrors. Dun dun dun! He is a Gaffer. And so his true intentions are realised. He wants to release his bond to glass to become an Excisioner. This is the point of the story where I thought I knew why he wanted Ceony. I assumed that the purpose of why he kept tracking Ceony was so that her spell could release his bond from glass. A seemingly impossible feat to break a bond from a material, just as it had been impossible for her to freeze an Excisioner. But I was sorely mistaken.
This is where i start to get annoyed. Because when all the magical allies are coming together to defeat the duo Ceony thinks it's a marvellous idea to defeat Grath on her own. The other more experienced magician's have concluded to get rid of Saraj first who posed as a greater threat seeing as Grath was not an Excisioner. But Ceony, the inexperienced Folder has thought she can talk to Grath to what? Sus out his plans? Negotiate? There was no thought into these plans. Which unfortunately led to me to not like our lead character very much. She started making very stupid decisions. This time for no particular reason other than its "her" responsibility. At least in the previous book her rash decision making made sense. She didn't want to fail being a magician, she wanted to save a life of her mentor, she was driven my a sprinkle of love. But here, there was nothing driving the decision. Making her look rather, stupid.
Worse of all she drags Delilah, which of course is just a pawn in the story to teach Ceony about glass spells. Which the character is quickly discarded of with not much backstory. So when the author offed her, I really had no emotion behind it.
All the other scenes where she's stuck in Belgium, the rushed contact scenes with Grath. Pointless...
I'm going to skip to the end scene... The big showdown between Grath and Ceony. Firstly, how silly was it to think that Ceony would be safe in a Gaffers house? One filled with mirrors that Grath could use to track her down? Not that he even needed Ceony anyway. This was the moment I thought he was going to spill his blood and force Ceony to cast her spell. Fell absolutely flat. Instead our villian figured it out all on his own, to disbond from glass! Soooo, what was the point of facing down Ceony? Did he harbour love for Lira and that's why he wanted to seek revenge? Surely it's not so he can force her hand to release Lira. He could have done so countless times. But no it's a simple backwards recital of the bonding spell. And he reveals it to Ceony by draining the life out of Delilah to become an Excisioner. In turn Ceony becomes a Gaffer to kill Grath... How convenient.
Seriously the most interesting part of the book was Emery's POV when he faces down Saraj. I would have loved it if Holmberg incorporated Emery more in the story where his magic made a big impact on what could have been amazing battle scenes. Ceony could have been quick witted with what she knew, Delilah could have countered Graths spells and Emery could have delivered more complicated spells. And surprise, Hugh's and Aviosky spun in last minute to assist when things got grave. But alas this will only happen in my imagination.
Let me talk briefly about the romance. Ceony thinks that the love is one sided. It's obvious that Emery is struggling to keep it professional, after all he is her mentor and she his apprentice. Aviosky attempts a few times to transfer Ceony but she throws a tantrum and says "No!" which is apparently enough for Aviosky to let it be.
Honestly I wouldn't have minded this book being a two POV book. Ceony and Emery. Delilah needed more fleshing out for her character for the reader to actually care about her demise. The villians needed some purpose. Once again I'm left asking, why? What does the Excisioners want exactly? What is there purpose? Just to be evil for the sake of being evil? There is no substance to them.
A quick one to address is the sexism other readers pointed out. Judging by the time period I think it was fitting. As much as people don't want to accept, cooking for men and dressing conservatively was the norm back then. I'm just more annoyed that more time was given to her chores rather than fleshing out a character properly or giving more weight to the plot.
I just wanted more from this book. There was sooo much potential. And because I'm so passionate about the world and magic, I think that's why I'm so critical of this story. Once again with only a mere 200 pages in this book I wonder if Holmberg could have done more if it were longer. Who knows?
I will finish this trilogy. But this book left me with so much wanting... Hopefully the last book can redeem these characters. I desperately want to like Ceony again. I want to see more of Emery and his abilities. And more fleshed out characters!
This one is a tough one for me. I love the world, the premise and the magic system. But Ceony, the heroine of the story, changed for me. Before diving into my review let's look at the plot itself.
Ceony continues her apprenticeship under Emery Thane as she strives to complete her apprenticeship within the minimum of 2 years. Along the way she has befriended another apprentice Gaffer (glass magician) called Delilah.
Each apprentice of every magical type is to learn about their counterparts. So an excursion to the paper mill is required until a massive explosion occurs. Ceony suspects a foreigner but quickly swipes her suspicion as being racist.
Delilah and Ceony are then dining at a bistro in London when Grath finds her. What does he want? To know how she did it. How did she freeze Lira. At this point we can only suspect that Grath wants to release Lira from Ceonys spell. Right... But this is where things get confusing?
There's also a buggy crash scene... Which in my mind is pointless and adds no value to the plot. Why wouldn't Saraj just finish the job? He after all was ruthless and non-empathetic - Classic signs of a psychopath. But no, the buggy just crashes into a river. Exposing Ceony's greatest fear... Blah blah... Not very interesting.
The story continues as the police, Hughes, Aviosky, Emery, Delilah and Ceony are all basically trying to find Grath and his partner Saraj. But Grath finds them instead through mirrors. Dun dun dun! He is a Gaffer. And so his true intentions are realised. He wants to release his bond to glass to become an Excisioner. This is the point of the story where I thought I knew why he wanted Ceony. I assumed that the purpose of why he kept tracking Ceony was so that her spell could release his bond from glass. A seemingly impossible feat to break a bond from a material, just as it had been impossible for her to freeze an Excisioner. But I was sorely mistaken.
This is where i start to get annoyed. Because when all the magical allies are coming together to defeat the duo Ceony thinks it's a marvellous idea to defeat Grath on her own. The other more experienced magician's have concluded to get rid of Saraj first who posed as a greater threat seeing as Grath was not an Excisioner. But Ceony, the inexperienced Folder has thought she can talk to Grath to what? Sus out his plans? Negotiate? There was no thought into these plans. Which unfortunately led to me to not like our lead character very much. She started making very stupid decisions. This time for no particular reason other than its "her" responsibility. At least in the previous book her rash decision making made sense. She didn't want to fail being a magician, she wanted to save a life of her mentor, she was driven my a sprinkle of love. But here, there was nothing driving the decision. Making her look rather, stupid.
Worse of all she drags Delilah, which of course is just a pawn in the story to teach Ceony about glass spells. Which the character is quickly discarded of with not much backstory. So when the author offed her, I really had no emotion behind it.
All the other scenes where she's stuck in Belgium, the rushed contact scenes with Grath. Pointless...
I'm going to skip to the end scene... The big showdown between Grath and Ceony. Firstly, how silly was it to think that Ceony would be safe in a Gaffers house? One filled with mirrors that Grath could use to track her down? Not that he even needed Ceony anyway. This was the moment I thought he was going to spill his blood and force Ceony to cast her spell. Fell absolutely flat. Instead our villian figured it out all on his own, to disbond from glass! Soooo, what was the point of facing down Ceony? Did he harbour love for Lira and that's why he wanted to seek revenge? Surely it's not so he can force her hand to release Lira. He could have done so countless times. But no it's a simple backwards recital of the bonding spell. And he reveals it to Ceony by draining the life out of Delilah to become an Excisioner. In turn Ceony becomes a Gaffer to kill Grath... How convenient.
Seriously the most interesting part of the book was Emery's POV when he faces down Saraj. I would have loved it if Holmberg incorporated Emery more in the story where his magic made a big impact on what could have been amazing battle scenes. Ceony could have been quick witted with what she knew, Delilah could have countered Graths spells and Emery could have delivered more complicated spells. And surprise, Hugh's and Aviosky spun in last minute to assist when things got grave. But alas this will only happen in my imagination.
Let me talk briefly about the romance. Ceony thinks that the love is one sided. It's obvious that Emery is struggling to keep it professional, after all he is her mentor and she his apprentice. Aviosky attempts a few times to transfer Ceony but she throws a tantrum and says "No!" which is apparently enough for Aviosky to let it be.
Honestly I wouldn't have minded this book being a two POV book. Ceony and Emery. Delilah needed more fleshing out for her character for the reader to actually care about her demise. The villians needed some purpose. Once again I'm left asking, why? What does the Excisioners want exactly? What is there purpose? Just to be evil for the sake of being evil? There is no substance to them.
A quick one to address is the sexism other readers pointed out. Judging by the time period I think it was fitting. As much as people don't want to accept, cooking for men and dressing conservatively was the norm back then. I'm just more annoyed that more time was given to her chores rather than fleshing out a character properly or giving more weight to the plot.
I just wanted more from this book. There was sooo much potential. And because I'm so passionate about the world and magic, I think that's why I'm so critical of this story. Once again with only a mere 200 pages in this book I wonder if Holmberg could have done more if it were longer. Who knows?
I will finish this trilogy. But this book left me with so much wanting... Hopefully the last book can redeem these characters. I desperately want to like Ceony again. I want to see more of Emery and his abilities. And more fleshed out characters!
readwithmekt's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Ceony has continued on with her studies after saving Emery. Things seem to be progressing well that is until a vengeful man from Emery’s past re-emerges and believes that Ceony has all the answers to the questions that he has been asking. Now faced with having to save innocent lives Ceony must make hard choices. Will Ceony and Emery be able to save the day?
I loved the second installment in this series! Ceony is incredible. Between her quick thinking, and determination she makes a strong FMC. I loved how she is determined to stay with Emery no matter what others are saying. The sense of loyalty and being sure of her future is wonderful to read.
The continued/developing relationship between Ceony and Emery is so wholesome and lovely. The way they are written and the way their story is unfolding is an absolute joy to read. The fact that it wasn't all 100% sunrise and roses this time is something that I really enjoyed. I felt that I was given a chance to see more of both of these characters that I adore.
The challenges that they had to face in this book were incredibly thought out. I loved reading through each battle scene. I wasn't sure that the first book's adventure was going to be able to be topped but this was a great way of building on and changing things up.
It was amazing to get the chance to learn more about a different type of magic. While Folding is really interesting and unique, I loved that this time we got to learn more about glass magic. I don't want to give too much away but the scenes with the glass magic in relation to mirrors was so cool to read and I loved the mental images the words brought to life.
With a medium pace and chapter lengths that varied this was a book that I really enjoyed reading. I am super excited and sad to read the third book. I want to know how it will end. I'm so glad I found Charlie N Holmberg books. I have really enjoyed all of them that I have read so far. If you enjoy alternate magic worlds and sweet romances this is definitely a series that you should check out!
martakdestler's review
4.0
That Not So Short Review — @thatshortwriter on IG
| Recensione in italiano dopo quella in inglese
4 ★
The story picks up more or less where it left off in the first book and, unlike the latter, we begin to see how other types of magic work: in particular we meet the "Gaffers", those who manipulate glass in all its shapes, including mirrors. We also get to know some new characters who interact with Ceony.
The latter does not seem to learn from her mistakes: she continues to put herself in danger with the excuse of not involving the people she loves, but she only worsens the situation... until a death. Now, this won't change even in the last book and I'm sorry because, as much as I understands her motivations, she is at times just silly. Asking for help is sometimes an act of incredible courage, especially if there are authorities who have the means to do so; going forward and falling every time does not make her a fearless heroine, but only a naive one.
At the end of the book Ceony makes a discovery that can change the magical world to the ground and it’s obvious for the story to continue in the third and final volume. But. There is a but. It could stop with the second. I will explain why in the review of The Master Magician.
TW: violence, torture, blood, death.
If you want to read a mini review of the other two books in the trilogy, you can find them on Goodreads here for The Paper Magician (4.5 stars) and here for The Master Magician (3 stars).
| ITALIANO
La storia riprende più o meno da dove è terminata nel primo libro e, a differenza di quest’ultimo, iniziamo a vedere come funzionano gli altri tipi di magia: in particolare scopriamo i “Gaffer”, coloro che manipolano il vetro in tutte le sue forme, compresi gli specchi. Conosciamo anche qualche personaggio nuovo che interagisce con Ceony.
Quest’ultima non sembra imparare dai suoi errori: continua a mettersi in pericolo con la scusa di non coinvolgere le persone che ama, ma peggiora solo la situazione... e ci scappa anche il morto. Ora, questo non cambierà nemmeno nell’ultimo libro e la cosa mi dispiace perché, per quanto capisca le sue motivazioni, a momenti è proprio sciocca. Chiedere aiuto, a volte, è un atto di coraggio incredibile, soprattutto se ci sono autorità che hanno i mezzi per farlo; andare avanti e cadere ogni volta non fa di lei un’eroina senza macchia né paura, ma solo un’ingenua.
Alla fine del libro Ceony fa una scoperta che può rivoluzionare il mondo magico come lo conosce ed è normale che la storia continui nel terzo e ultimo volume. Ma. C’è un ma. Poteva fermarsi con il secondo. Vi spiegherò perché nella recensione di The Master Magician.
TW: violenza, tortura, sangue, morte.
Se volete leggere una mini recensione sugli altri due libri della trilogia, potete trovarle su Goodreads qui per The Paper Magician (4.5 stelle) e qui per The Master Magician (3 stelle).
| Recensione in italiano dopo quella in inglese
4 ★
The story picks up more or less where it left off in the first book and, unlike the latter, we begin to see how other types of magic work: in particular we meet the "Gaffers", those who manipulate glass in all its shapes, including mirrors. We also get to know some new characters who interact with Ceony.
The latter does not seem to learn from her mistakes: she continues to put herself in danger with the excuse of not involving the people she loves, but she only worsens the situation... until a death. Now, this won't change even in the last book and I'm sorry because, as much as I understands her motivations, she is at times just silly. Asking for help is sometimes an act of incredible courage, especially if there are authorities who have the means to do so; going forward and falling every time does not make her a fearless heroine, but only a naive one.
At the end of the book Ceony makes a discovery that can change the magical world to the ground and it’s obvious for the story to continue in the third and final volume. But. There is a but. It could stop with the second. I will explain why in the review of The Master Magician.
TW: violence, torture, blood, death.
If you want to read a mini review of the other two books in the trilogy, you can find them on Goodreads here for The Paper Magician (4.5 stars) and here for The Master Magician (3 stars).
| ITALIANO
La storia riprende più o meno da dove è terminata nel primo libro e, a differenza di quest’ultimo, iniziamo a vedere come funzionano gli altri tipi di magia: in particolare scopriamo i “Gaffer”, coloro che manipolano il vetro in tutte le sue forme, compresi gli specchi. Conosciamo anche qualche personaggio nuovo che interagisce con Ceony.
Quest’ultima non sembra imparare dai suoi errori: continua a mettersi in pericolo con la scusa di non coinvolgere le persone che ama, ma peggiora solo la situazione... e ci scappa anche il morto. Ora, questo non cambierà nemmeno nell’ultimo libro e la cosa mi dispiace perché, per quanto capisca le sue motivazioni, a momenti è proprio sciocca. Chiedere aiuto, a volte, è un atto di coraggio incredibile, soprattutto se ci sono autorità che hanno i mezzi per farlo; andare avanti e cadere ogni volta non fa di lei un’eroina senza macchia né paura, ma solo un’ingenua.
Alla fine del libro Ceony fa una scoperta che può rivoluzionare il mondo magico come lo conosce ed è normale che la storia continui nel terzo e ultimo volume. Ma. C’è un ma. Poteva fermarsi con il secondo. Vi spiegherò perché nella recensione di The Master Magician.
TW: violenza, tortura, sangue, morte.
Se volete leggere una mini recensione sugli altri due libri della trilogia, potete trovarle su Goodreads qui per The Paper Magician (4.5 stelle) e qui per The Master Magician (3 stelle).
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
I just finished The Glass Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg. The Glass Magician picks up three months after The Paper Magician ended. Magician Emery Thane is healed from his attack by the Excisioner and back to teaching Ceony how to become a Folder. Emery and Ceony are also growing closer as they learn more about each other.
Then a magician comes after Ceony. He believes that Ceony knows a secret about magic. This secret that will change everything for magicians. This magician (he is bonded to glass) will do whatever it takes to find out what Ceony knows. Ceony must find a way to keep the people she cares about safe while getting rid of the rogue glass magician and his Excisioner partners.
This is a very enjoyable book. I like books that have no foul language and no graphic sex. This book could easily be read by a young adult. I love this author’s different take on magic. I look forward to the next book by Charlie N. Holmberg The Master Magician.
Then a magician comes after Ceony. He believes that Ceony knows a secret about magic. This secret that will change everything for magicians. This magician (he is bonded to glass) will do whatever it takes to find out what Ceony knows. Ceony must find a way to keep the people she cares about safe while getting rid of the rogue glass magician and his Excisioner partners.
This is a very enjoyable book. I like books that have no foul language and no graphic sex. This book could easily be read by a young adult. I love this author’s different take on magic. I look forward to the next book by Charlie N. Holmberg The Master Magician.
meg_elyse's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sofia_santana's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
klparmley's review
2.0
I would like this better if there was less gushing over her instructor. A 19 year old apprentice infatuated with her 30-ish teacher, and his returning the sentiment, is gross. The adventure part is fun, though.
I intend to finish the series. But, probably won't read anything else by this author.
I intend to finish the series. But, probably won't read anything else by this author.
linzthebookworm's review
4.0
I was really hesitant to read The Glass Magician. I previously read The Paper Magician, and didn't care for it enough to continue with the series. I had been thinking about the magic in Paper Magician a lot lately, which prompted me to give this series another shot. I'm really glad that I was able to get over my qualms with Paper Magician because The Glass Magician is really delightful. I really love the imagination that goes into all of the spells for this series. I think that is probably my favorite part of these books. The plot made sense to me, and it was a nice light read. I find the story to be very whimsical, and I look forward to see what else is in store for Ceony and Emery.
krhodes's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0