Book Review: "The Paper Magician" by Charles N. Holmberg
The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an absolutely delightful story! “The Paper Magician” is probably one of the most imaginative tales I’ve come across in quite some time. I certainly can’t think of any other books in which the main character actually journeys through the physical heart of another character.
Ceony Twill is a magician’s apprentice - not a stage magician, but someone who can create real magic using specific materials. In her case, she uses paper. Shortly after being assigned to a her mentor, he is attacked and his heart is removed from his chest. She quickly uses her magic to give him a paper heart in the hopes that it will keep him alive while she goes to track down the thief. Upon finding the thief, however, Ceony finds herself suddenly thrown - literally - into her mentor’s heart where she must journey through all four chambers - each containing the secrets of his life - to reach the other end and exit before the thief catches up with her.
The imaginative and inventive ways that Ceony and her mentor are able to use paper to create a variety of spells - from bringing a written story to life to animating life-like creatures, and so much more - is amazing, and the detail of the journey she takes through her mentor’s heart is beautifully written, easily visualized and quite moving.
Quite simply, this is an absolutely charming book with well-rounded characters, a light sense of humor, strong dramatic scenes and well-crafted plotting. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a bit of whimsy and wonder in the world.
View all my reviews