A review by p_knapp
The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

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? It's complicated

3.75

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.