3.5 stars

It isn't very often that we get a uniquely plotted book anymore, stories, especially young adult ones, are becoming more and more clichéd and predictable. Its frustrating. The Paper Magician however was a breath of fresh air. The magic lore was unlike any that I have read about - in the best possible way, of course.

The originality wasn't the only thing that worked for me though. It was the characters that had me going. They were so simplistic but yet oddly complex at the same time. They were both relatable and realistic - well, as far as magicians can be described as "realistic".

What let this down was the unexpected plot turn and the resulting weird middle part of the story. It was just well... peculiar. Too peculiar for my liking and rather tedious. The ending was far better however and the book ended on such a joyful tone that you could almost forget the last thirty or so percent of the book where you were catching yourself from falling asleep... almost.

Regardless, I think this was a fantastic debut and I eagerly seek out The Glass Magician.

Note: a copy was provided courtesy of [a:Charlie N. Holmberg|7801879|Charlie N. Holmberg|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1391280524p2/7801879.jpg] and 47North through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given or taken during this process.