The Glass Magician (The Paper Magician, #2)

by Charlie N. Holmberg

[lindsey]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit that the first book in this series, The Paper Magician, was not one of my favorites, but I thought the sequel might be better, since there wouldn't be as much world building to go through. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I'm not sure I will read the final book in the trilogy, even though I have leaving series unfinished.

The Glass Magician picks up basically where The Paper Magician leaves off, and it is a fairly smooth transition. Ceony is still training with Magician Emery Thane, and she is also still in love with him, though she's yet to break the student/teacher code. This is one thing that bothers me about this series. Even in modern times, it would seem a bit odd for a girl to live with her male teacher / tutor, but it would definitely have been scandalous during Ceony's time. Yet no one really bats an eye about it. One of the magicians in charge does eventually realize this after she catches the over-familiarity between the two of them, but her power is obviously limited, as she can't make Ceony leave Emery's house and move in with another teacher.

There is a bit more action in this sequel, as opposed to the first book, yet I still found it rather boring. I can't quite put my finger on why it seems so bland, but I had the same problem with The Paper Magician. Something about them is just so dull to me. Maybe it's the main character, Ceony, as she does seem sort of flat, even with her Mary Sue-like qualities.

The premise is unique, and the idea of paper/glass/etc magicians is very fascinating, but there's just something missing.