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

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • 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

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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