The Paper Magician

The Paper Magician is a legendary YA novel that roots itself in magic realism. I know, you're probably thinking "we've heard it before...so much!" - No. No you haven't. This, for me, has sparked a new cult following - not one person I have given this book (and trilogy) to - or borrowed to, or even suggested this book to have come back and said anything bad. All ages, all reading types and all types of people can enjoy this book with a good imagination. 

Characters:

My favourite character is Ceony. Ceony Twill is the next great heroine of literature. She's brilliantly three dimensional and gets to make all the shocking decisions - even though some important decisions are made for her. She requires the confidence and ability to take up challenges she previous knew to be impossible - and all of her knowledge is challenged when she almost loses a game she didn't even know anything about at the beginning of the book. 

Themes:

I love the theme of magic realism here. We are required to accept Ceony Twill's magic abilities and those of her tutor. She not only makes us accept magic, but she has to accept her own position - she also asks us to accept the fact that she challenges the impossible. Not only can she do magic, but she asks us to believe the impossible through her constant seeking for adventure. Even though she doesn't talk to us directly - we can still see her thoughts. As if we have the powers ourselves. 

Storyline:

Ah! As we think the whole book is about Ceony's life - I guess we are wrong! It is about Ceony's acceptance of her new life - through the teachings of a man called Emery Thane. (As I believe), Ceony must accept her new (and only) magic - she also must learn to use it properly. This is because she will be asked to do so - sooner than she thinks...

Verdict:

This book gets a 10/9 - Yes, 10 out of 9

100% for characters: Ceony Twill > All other heroines. Read the book and you'll think so too. This woman needs a following. 

100% for themes: Magic realism is only good if done well. Here, Holmberg didn't do it well - she did it BRILLIANTLY! 

100% for storyline: At first I was skeptical about the whole YA genre and the storylines sounding a bit cheesy. But, then I found The Paper Magician - which was different and restored my faith in the YA novel and all its diversity. (It really is a brilliant book - I'm not exaggerating!) 

NB: Please! If you're trying to get into reading - those of you who don't read enough already - please! Read The Paper Magician and its trilogy. It will definitely get you into reading! I guarantee it!