I don't know why I even bother reading young adult novels. I mean, I am a young adult and I loved books like The Hunger Games because they have depth and revolve around important issues that don't involve only love triangles. The Paper Magician seems to be something in-between. Yes, it's quite entertaining, but very short and when I finished it I felt like so much was still missing. I know, I know, it's a trilogy, but I just like trilogys that could make stand-alone books and where the second and third part only adds to the story, instead of completing it. 
 I mean, I liked Ceony, her character is sweet and determined, but other than her and Thane, her teacher, the story doesn't present many other people. It just felt incredibly narrow and... lazy? I know, that's not the right word and it's quite harsh, but it just felt like everything around Ceony and Thane only serves the purpose to build the minimally required world and nothing more. The world and story just feel very flat. 
 Maybe that will change with the second book, I will definitely give it a chance. Don't get me wrong, I liked the book, I just don't think it's an outstanding work of art.