Book Review: The Master Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

The Master Magician
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Series: The Paper Magician, Book 3
Publication: 47North (June 2, 2015)

Description: Throughout her studies, Ceony Twill has harbored a secret, one she’s kept from even her mentor, Emery Thane. She’s discovered how to practice forms of magic other than her own—an ability long thought impossible.

While all seems set for Ceony to complete her apprenticeship and pass her upcoming final magician’s exam, life quickly becomes complicated. To avoid favoritism, Emery sends her to another paper magician for testing, a Folder who despises Emery and cares even less for his apprentice. To make matters worse, a murderous criminal from Ceony’s past escapes imprisonment. Now she must track the power-hungry convict across England before he can take his revenge. With her life and loved ones hanging in the balance, Ceony must face a criminal who wields the one magic that she does not, and it may prove more powerful than all her skills combined.

The whimsical and captivating follow-up to The Paper Magician and The Glass Magician, The Master Magician will enchant readers of all ages.

My Thoughts: Ceony is busy preparing for her examinations to become a Magician when the villain of the last book - Siraj - escapes from prison. Ceony is afraid that he will target her family again. She also wants to stop him before he can hurt her mentor and beloved - Emery Thane.

Emery has determined to have her tested by another paper mage so that no one can accuse them of favoritism because of their relationship. Unfortunately, he chooses Pritwin Bailey. The same Pritwin Bailey that he bullied when they were students together. Bailey hasn't gotten over it and still has a grudge against Emery and by extension Ceony.

Ceony also has a surprising secret. Though it is thought that once a person pledges to a kind of magic that is the only magic they can use, Ceony is able to bond to any kind of magic. She is able to use every kind of magic but refuses to ever use blood magic which requires a death to activate. Siraj does use blood magic.

I liked the clever spells that Ceony creates for her examination and I like the way she and Emery work together as equals. Each is eager to protect the other but respects their abilities anyway. And it does take to two of them, working together, to defeat this villain.

This is the concluding book of a trilogy and nicely ties up loose ends while leaving options for more stories in the world. It was a fascinating story will engaging characters.

Favorite Quote:

"It makes me sick to think about it, Ceony. Lira, Grath . . . It's like you have a checklist for dangerous criminals tucked in your pocket, and you won't be satisfied until you've had a personal encounter with each."

I bought this one for my Kindle. You can buy your copy here.