I remember trying to read a book by Isaac Asimov called The Fantastic Voyage when I was a youngster. I never was able to complete it. This story reminded me every so slightly of that book. You'll see why, a little later in this review. For starters Ceony Twill has aspirations of being a magician. There are many different types of magicians, some more exciting than others. Unfortunately, when Ceony graduates she is assigned to apprentice as a Paper Magician. Believe you me, paper magic and folding paper as a career sounded as boring to me as it did to the main character. It made me fearful I was going to dislike this book as much as Ceony didn't want to be a paper magician. I was wrong. This is the strangest book I've read in a very long time. Its very different and quite unique. Paper magic is all about folding paper and the main character, Ceony and readers alike, both find it boring in the beginning. 
 As the story progresses, we see just how powerful, folding paper can end up being. 
 Pacing is quite slow at the start. I encourage readers to stick with it though and you're soon to find out paper magic is also about using your intelligence to figure out how this magic can be used against an enemy. Plus about one third of the way through the story really picked up. Believe it or not, MOST of the book is set INSIDE someone's heart. (Ok that's the part that reminded me of The Fantastic Voyage, as mentioned above). Writing is descriptive, fairly easy to follow. Occasionally, the diction is strange when the author choses words like "albeit" and "wont". I guess this was supposed to be reminiscent of the times (the early 18th century I believe) but it was still a little weird. This one is told in a third person narrative from the perspective of the Paper Magician apprentice in training: Ceony Twill. 
 Ceony is a very charismatic, perceptive and intelligent character. She's also very adept at reading people, their thoughts and feelings, just by looking at expressions and body language. In the beginning she's a little judgmental, but she even calls herself out on it. Ceony is a quick learner, she graduated from her university in just one year, with a photographic memory, she has a strong desire to learn. Plus, she's a pleaser, she wants to succeed and have people be proud of her. I liked Ceony, she seemed genuine and caring. 
 Mg. Thane is the Paper Magician Ceony is sent to train under. He seemed like a senile old bat at the start of the book. As the story unfold, the reader finds this isn't the case at all. In fact he's far younger than he originally seems, which ends up being a lot closer to Ceony's age than I initially thought. Magicians can treat apprentices poorly, but right from the get go, even though Mg. Emery Thane was stern he seemed warm and inviting, especially after he made Ceony her paper dog ( since she had to leave her dog at home because of his allergies). That was such a kind gesture and really won my heart. 
 The villainess in this story is Lira. She's dabbles in black magic and is called an "Excisioner". It doesn't take long before readers understand what this type of magic involves and what true evil Lira and other Excisioners are capable of. I will say one thing, Lira feels as if she's a woman scorned. She's motivated by a vendetta. She's manipulate and conniving. I didn't find any redeeming qualities in this woman. She was even to the bone. 
 Overall, this is a unique, crafty and creative story. The different types of magicians are fun to read about. I've never heard of excisions before and then when I did find out about them, I deem them quite creepy. Paper magicians and their ability to create spells from folding paper ends up being a lot more exciting then I would have ever thought. Ceony learns some very simple but powerful spells. One of my favorite additions to the story was the little paper dog Fennel. He definitely lightened the mood with his adorable antics as the story moved forward. Believe it or not this story has a strange take on how it blends in the romance into the plot. I can't really explain is without spoiling things, but its pretty crazy how Ceony ends up falling in love. The integration of Emery's flashbacks, dreams, aspirations, hopes and fears throughout the book was done in the most creative way possible. This book holds plenty of tension, action and suspense. In the end, there is a great battle scene and may the best magician win. Even though this is book one of a series, it definitely could be read as a stand alone. The ending is complete and satisfied me. 
 I recommend this book to fantasy readers looking for something completely different and unique. There is small bits of blood and violence in this one, but no foul language or cuss words. In the mood for a story that's premise will "blow" you away, literally, this is the book to pick up and start reading.