BOOK REVIEW: The Master Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

WARNING: If you haven't read The Paper Magician or The Glass Magician, do not read further. There will be spoilers from those books.

The conclusion of The Paper Magician trilogy was a quick read, and entertaining. However, I would be remiss to call it a spectacular ending, because there are some plot issues.

Nearly two years after The Glass Magician, Ceony Twill is getting ready to take her final examinations to become a paper magician. Seeing as though Emery and Ceony's relationship has evolved, Emery decides he shouldn't be the paper magician to test Ceony, to deter an accusation of favoritism.

So, off to Emery's archenemy from school does Ceony go. And, while there is some conflict between Prit (Emery's nemesis) and Ceony, the story doesn't revolve around them, or evolve. I would have liked to see more character building for Emery on this issue and how he resolved being a bully towards Prit as a teen.

Meanwhile, Saraj breaks out of confinement on the way to his execution. Even though Criminal Affairs is on the case, and Ceony should be studying, she decides to go after the excisioner.

WHAT I LIKED: The world that Charlie N. Holmberg has created is interesting, and I have come to care about the characters. Interestingly, I came to enjoy Mg. Aviosky and the wry humor she possessed.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Ceony continually put herself into danger without thinking about the consequences. I wanted to reach into the book and shake her on multiple occasions because she went after Saraj without backup, or without reason. She didn't need to seek him out on her own! It shows foolishness, not bravery.

Furthermore, I have to admit I'm irritated that we don't have a definitive answer as to what happened with Lira. She was the cause of most of the misery in the book, and we don't know if she's alive, frozen, or in some other state. This issue should have been resolved with Ceony and Emery having an epiphany moment regarding magic.

RATED: 3 Stars

I wanted to love this book, but I just "liked" it. The part about Lira annoyed me as I read, because I wanted to see more of a battle, I wanted Ceony and Emery to fight Lira, to prove that love does conquer all, and good does win.

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.