Reviews

The Plastic Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

slkwinn's review against another edition

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3.0

More like 3.5 stars. This spinoff of the Paper Magician series was much more enjoyable than the original 3, I think because Alvie was less annoying than Ceony.

nik24's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved this book. Definitely my favorite Charlie N. Holmberg book. Personally I enjoyed this one even more than the three paper magician books before it. I have a soft spot for this series and sincerely hope someday the author may write another book of it.

asl4u's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely as delightful as the first three! - Hope this story will keep going!

jbaby's review against another edition

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3.0

This is a cute story, but it’s lackluster in comparison to The Paper Magician. It just doesn’t have the same level of charm that the original series has. Alvie is a much better character than Ceony because she doesn’t do stupid things. In Ceony’s defense she also wasn’t stupid in the first book.

But the Polymaking is boring in comparison to Folding. I understand that it’s a new discipline and there just isn’t much to work with. But I also think that’s a cop out for Holmberg to not have to come up with some on the same level as Folding. Basically Folding is just origami and there’s plenty of resources on origami. I loved how disability was prominently featured, but it wasn’t done in a negative way. The disabled person isn’t showcased as the villain and she doesn’t hate being disabled. She doesn’t see it as her life being over and I as a physically disabled woman appreciate that.

It was good to see old characters we’ve grown to love.
SpoilerI loved seeing Ceony and Emery! And Bennet has redeemed himself in my book. I didn’t like how he implied Ceony was a whore. Whether or not she slept with Emery is irrelevant. He had no right to judge her.
I loved Ethel!!!!! She was so funny and very good for Alvie. They were good for each other.

I will read the rest of this series if it ever comes to fruition. But Polymaking is going to have to get so much more interesting.

stronkmira's review against another edition

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fast-paced

5.0

cutest shit ever 

laurensustaire's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

akmetz_12's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

4.0

feyley's review against another edition

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5.0

second read:
just as amazing as the first time i read it! just like last time, i read this before re-reading the original series. still waiting for the second book in this series to come out.

first read:
I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN.
However, writing this, I realize that this is the fourth book in the series. Oops. Thankfully it seems this book follows a different person and starts off on a new portion of the series. I will definitely be going back to read the Paper Magician Trilogy, it was already on my put. I absolutely adore Charlie Holmberg's books, they capture my attention every time.
This started off a little slow to draw you into the world, to get a feel for Alvie. Everything after those first few chapters was fast paced, the story never stopped moving. You could feel the momentum of the project they were working on as they were constantly uncovering new forms of magic. The tension grew subtly throughout the book until it finally came to a breaking point and you started to question everyone she knew, who could she actually trust. The love interest is adorable from the beginning, so earnest in his affection and pursuit of Alvie. I hope to see more from him in future books, he brought more to the story than I was expecting.
This is a must-read for anyone who loves magic, especially magical realism.

dcmcclain's review against another edition

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5.0

Great addition

Another wonderful addition to the Paper Magician series! I can't wait to read more of these new characters and see where their adventures take them!

strawverri's review against another edition

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5.0

Another!

BestThor voice, “Another!” As I throw my mug on the floor! (nine more words are required so I am babbling)