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p_knapp 's review for:
The Glass Magician
by Charlie N. Holmberg
adventurous
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
This second instalment in the series really solidified how much I enjoy the magic system in this world. The idea of material-specific magic remains one of the most creative spins on magical discipline I’ve read, and I loved how this book expanded beyond paper into the darker, sharper territory of glass—or more precisely, mirror magic. There’s something both elegant and threatening about it, and Holmberg leans into that duality with real flair.
Ceony’s journey continues here with a slightly more impulsive edge. While in the first book there was a genuine urgency driving her recklessness, this time around she often charges into danger without much justification, making me occasionally wish she’d waited for some backup. Still, her drive to prove herself is consistent, and the plot, though occasionally a little thinner than I’d hoped, is punctuated with strong scenes of magical tension. The action sequences—particularly in the barn and later in the basement—were genuinely nerve-wracking. Holmberg has a knack for writing these moments in a way that makes me forget I’m just reading and not actually in mortal peril myself. And once again, Ceony’s creative use of magic at the climax left a strong impression—equal parts clever and disturbing.
The romance between Ceony and Emery is also very present here, albeit complicated by the age gap and teacher-student dynamic. At times it feels a bit questionable, especially considering the power imbalance and Ceony’s ongoing apprenticeship. That said, I still find their dynamic compelling, in large part because they’re both so awkward and bad at communicating their feelings. The emotional whiplash Ceony experiences—reading so much into his smallest gestures, only to have him retreat behind his professional mask again—is quite believable and oddly endearing. There’s a lot of slow-burn tension, and while I wouldn’t say it’s the book’s strongest element, it does add a sweet, if messy, human layer to the magical adventure.
What I loved most, though, is the tone: there’s a kind of magical whimsy laced with real stakes. Yes, the relationship drama sometimes edges into melodrama, and yes, these books are undoubtedly romance-forward fantasy, but to dismiss them as just that is to overlook the creative worldbuilding and the sheer fun of the concept. Mirror magic, villainous Excisioners, glass shattering inside bodies, blood-soaked spells—there’s a surprising amount of darkness here, which contrasts nicely with the cosy Edwardian setting and Ceony’s more innocent internal monologue.
The addition of Emery’s point of view was a real treat. Getting to see him at work with his paper magic, as well as witnessing his thoughts about Ceony, offered some emotional grounding that was missing in the first book. It’s a small thing, but it helped balance the story, making Ceony feel a little less isolated in her emotional experience.
I wouldn’t say the series is flawless—there are things that still feel underexplored (the rules of bonding, the education system at Tagis Praff, how exactly the different disciplines compare in power and flexibility). But I’m definitely hooked, and this sequel proved that the concept has plenty of room left to grow. It’s fantasy candy: sweet, satisfying, with the occasional bite. I’m excited to see how everything unfolds in the final instalment.