Charlie N. Holmberg

Charlie N. Holmberg is an American fantasy author known for blending elements of romance, magic, and young adult themes. Her breakthrough came with The Paper Magician series, published in 2014, which earned significant recognition and led to Disney purchasing the film rights in 2016. Holmberg's work spans multiple series and standalone novels, including the Numina trilogy, Spellbreaker duology, and Star Mother duology. She has received multiple Whitney Awards for her works including The Fifth Doll, The Will and the Wilds, Star Mother, and Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. Born in 1988 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Holmberg graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in English. Her writing career began following her graduation, and she has since established herself as a prolific author in the fantasy genre. Holmberg continues to expand her literary portfolio while co-hosting the podcast Your Mom Writes Books. Her recent work The Hanging City was recognized as a 2023 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist, demonstrating her ongoing contribution to contemporary fantasy literature.

Readers consistently point to Holmberg's creative magic systems and unique world-building concepts across her works. The Paper Magician series maintains a 4.0/5 rating on Goodreads (150,000+ ratings), with fans highlighting the Victorian-era atmosphere and distinctive paper-based magic. Readers appreciate: - Fast-paced, easy-to-read writing style - Clean romance elements that don't overpower plots - Original magic concepts - Historical fantasy settings Common criticisms: - Character development sometimes feels rushed - Plots can be predictable - Romance elements too simple for some adult readers - Shorter book lengths leave some wanting more depth On Amazon, her books average 4.3-4.6 stars. The Paper Magician series has sold over 1 million copies. Recent releases like Star Mother (4.3/5 on Goodreads) and Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (4.1/5) maintain similar ratings. One reader notes: "Her magic systems are always inventive, but I wish she'd spend more time developing the characters." Another states: "Perfect for when you want light fantasy with a dash of romance."

The Paper Magician - Set in Victorian England, this novel follows Ceony Twill as she learns the art of paper magic after being assigned to this branch of magic against her wishes.

The Fifth Doll - In a remote village, shopkeeper's daughter Matrona discovers a collection of nesting dolls in her neighbor's house that mysteriously connect to the villagers' lives.

The Glass Magician - The second installment in the Paper Magician series follows Ceony as she faces dark magicians who threaten her mentor.

The Master Magician - Ceony prepares for her magician's exam while confronting escaped criminals from her past in this third Paper Magician novel.

The Plastic Magician - A companion novel to the Paper Magician series follows American Alvie Brechenmacher as she apprentices in the field of plastic magic.

Spellbreaker - Set in Victorian England, the story follows Elsie Camden, an illegal spell breaker who becomes entangled with an aristocratic spell master.

Spellmaker - The conclusion to the Spellbreaker duology continues Elsie's journey as she navigates magical conspiracies and romance.

Star Mother - A young woman agrees to birth a star for the night sky and finds herself navigating the celestial realm.

Star Father - The sequel follows a man tasked with caring for dying stars while dealing with both earthly and cosmic challenges.

The Hanging City - In a world of floating cities, an illusionist bride uncovers dark secrets while adapting to her new aerial home.

Patricia C. Wrede writes fantasy with practical female protagonists and incorporates humor into her magic systems. Her Enchanted Forest Chronicles features similar creative worldbuilding and romance elements to Holmberg's work.

Diana Wynne Jones created fantasy worlds that blend ordinary life with complex magic systems. Her books like Howl's Moving Castle share themes of personal growth and magical discovery found in Holmberg's novels.

Naomi Novik combines historical settings with magical elements and strong character development. Her Temeraire series and standalone novels like Uprooted feature similar romantic subplots and detailed magic systems.

Rachel Aaron writes fantasy focusing on magical training and character relationships. Her Nice Dragons Finish Last series contains comparable elements of romance and magical worldbuilding to Holmberg's work.

Sharon Shinn creates fantasy worlds with detailed magic systems and romance plotlines. Her Twelve Houses series features similar combinations of magic, romance, and character development found in Holmberg's books.