The Paper Magician Series

The Paper Magician Series follows Ceony Twill, a young woman studying to become a magician in an alternate Victorian England. Magic in this world requires bonding to human-made materials like paper, metal, glass, or rubber - a bond that, once made, lasts for life. Ceony begins her apprenticeship with Magician Emery Thane, learning the art of paper magic despite her initial resistance to this path. The series chronicles her training in paper folding magic while she faces threats from those who practice forbidden magic with human flesh. Through four books, the story moves between London's cobblestone streets, magical workshops, and supernatural realms as Ceony develops her abilities and uncovers dark plots. Her relationship with her mentor and interactions with other magicians form the backbone of her journey from student to full-fledged magician. The series explores themes of choice and destiny, suggesting that limitations can become strengths when viewed from new perspectives. It presents magic as both an art and a science, embedding it within a society that mirrors the industrial and social changes of the Victorian era.

Readers describe a unique magic system and charming Victorian setting but note pacing issues across the series. The romance between Ceony and Emery draws both praise and criticism - some found it sweet while others called it rushed and unrealistic. Liked: - Creative paper magic concept - Historical London atmosphere - Clean romance suitable for YA readers - Quick, easy reading pace Disliked: - Inconsistent character development - Repetitive internal monologues - Later books don't match quality of first - Some found protagonist immature Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (90k+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (13k+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (900+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Great premise but doesn't reach its full potential" Multiple reviewers noted stronger world-building in book one compared to sequels. Several praised the unique magical elements but wanted deeper exploration of the system and side characters.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Two rival magicians train their students in a mysterious Victorian-era circus where paper comes to life and impossible things happen through intricate folding magic.

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson A librarian apprentice discovers books can come alive and must protect magical grimoires in a world of sorcerers and demons during the Victorian era.

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman A professional spy travels through alternate worlds to collect important books for a mysterious library that maintains the balance between chaos and order.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune A caseworker at the Department of Magical Youth encounters unique magic users and paper-based spells while investigating an orphanage by the sea.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab A magician uses blood magic to travel between four parallel Londons where different forms of magic exist and ancient spells come to life.

🎩 Charlie N. Holmberg wrote The Paper Magician while participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), completing the first draft in just 30 days. 📜 The magic system in the series was inspired by the author's fascination with origami and the historical significance of paper in various cultures. ✨ The series was optioned for film rights by Disney in 2016, with producers Allison Shearmur and Deborah Jelin Newmyer attached to the project. 🌟 Before becoming a full-time writer, Holmberg studied editing at Brigham Young University and worked as a freelance editor. 📚 The Paper Magician was initially rejected by traditional publishers before being picked up by Amazon's 47North imprint, where it became a Wall Street Journal bestseller.