The Paper Magician is the first in a series of steampunk historical sci-fi books by new author American Charlie Holmberg. (Charlie is a woman.) There are three in the series as of now (4/15) and I expect more will come. The Paper Magician is another take on the wizard school concept, but it original and fresh, with a romantic component. The book isn't classified as young adult but it should be - although it is classified as a "romance", it is a classical romance taking the long view. Meaning, not physical romance, but the chaste development of mutual fondness and then love. This, with the clever magical devices putting this truly in the fantasy/sci-fi camp, makes the Paper Magician series one to read and Holmberg one to watch.

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Wherein we meet Ceony, a young Apprentice Magician who is forced into paper magic out of necessity. There are too few Paper Magicians, or Folders, in the country, and from time to time a student has the medium forced upon them to keep it from dying out.

Emery Thane is introduced as Ceony's teacher. An odd man, whose talent for folding is astounding. It doesn't take long for Ceony to develop a grudging like for her strange teacher, and the medium of folding.

Shenanigans ensue when someone from Thane's past attacks him in his home and it's up to Ceony and per paper puppy companion Fennel to save the day.

This book was lovely. The story was original and kept my interested the whole way through. The characters were likable. Fennel was my favorite and must be protected at all costs. I love the fact that though it's the first in a series, this book had a clear ending and was not a cliffhanger. A fun read and the audiobook was wonderful. The narrator did a wonderful job with the voices and her telling of the story kept me attentive.

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