BOOK REVIEW: The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

All it takes is one good book.

Let me be real for a moment: I did not expect to post a book review within a week of my previous post.

However, I've had The Paper Magician sitting on my shelf for a few months--since March, I believe--and I finally picked it up last Friday. A colleague recommended the book to me, saying it held mystery, magic, and a little romance--the triad of some of my favorite books.

Opening up the first page, I thought I had made a mistake, and almost shut the cover. The novel doesn't begin with big action, like you're always told should happen in the first page or two of novel writing, instead, it builds upon Ceony and Thane's paper magic, and their bond.

And then I remembered why I loved writing and reading: each author can make their own world and write the way they want. Just because a few people don't like my writing style, doesn't mean other people won't. Charlie N. Holmberg's novel gave me hope that non-formula writing is still desired.

WHAT I LIKED: The big mystery, Ceony having to navigate Thane's literal heart only adds to the mystery and romance. You see, Ceony is a paper magician, meaning she is bonded to creating magic only through paper, and Thane is her teacher. However, an evil magician, who uses illegal magic, steals Thane's heart, Ceony is on her own to recuse Thane, and her education. Once she finds his heart, Ceony is in for an adventure of a lifetime as the same evil magician traps her inside of Thane's heart, and she must navigate each chamber of Thane's memories.

Furthermore, the setting was great! It was early 1900s in London, and was easy to picture with Charlie N. Holmberg's imagery. I read a few reviews that complained the setting and voice weren't true to history, but I'm actually okay with that. Adding in modern day slang, and American voice can help reluctant readers enjoy the novel.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Going from chamber to chamber of Thane's heart got a little repetitive, but I understand the reason why it was needed for the story, and there were many parts that added to the backstory of each character. However, I don't know how the author could have changed this, so my minor criticism is just that, minor.

RATED: 5 Stars

I liked this book so much that I ordered the next two books in the series, and am considering other books by Charlie N. Holmberg.

Once again, Charlie N. Holberg gives me hope that other writing styles may become mainstream, and I hope she continues to write!

NOTE: This review is also posted on Goodreads. Additionally, I bought and paid for the book on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.