The Paper Magician, by Charlie N. Holmberg

Ceony has just finished her studies at the Tagis Praff School for the Magically inclined. It has been decided (much to her horror) that her area of specialty should be the use of paper in magic, so she is apprenticed to Emery Thane.

A dark figure from Emery's past soon appears leaving it to Ceony to try and safe them both.

Let me start by saying the imagery used in this book is absolutely beautiful and reminded me of reading Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy. The fantasy version of London painted by Holmberg is one of my favorite parts of this book.

Ceony is a very well rounded and relatable character and was very easy to invest in as a reader.

The rest of the characters in this book were a little predictable to be honest, but as this book is part of a series I'm hoping that they will get a little more interesting in the future titles. I also found the story of the interactions between the characters a little predictable.

However, the personal stories and histories of the characters told largely in flashbacks is where the real beauty of this book lies, and the magic that is described is very original and intriging, this is no small feat in a genre that has been done to death sine the arrival of Harry Potter.

I enjoyed this book and will be reading the rest of the series.

Lily Rating: 4/5

Off to Be the Wizard, by Scott Meyer

Martin Banks is a normal guy, doing a boring job, who occasionally likes poking around other peoples computer files with some low key hacking. Nothing malicious, just boredom driven nosiness really. However, one day that all changes. Martin discovers a file that controls reality, suddenly able to control his life and reality in new and brilliant ways, he does what most people would do... something stupid.

He decides to flee the consequence of his ill-advised actions by jumping back in time to the Middle Ages, and soon finds out he isn't the only one.

This book is just hilarious, there are not many books that make me laugh out loud the way this one does, it's packed full of pop culture (and slightly geeky) references that fit the story line and the characters perfectly. The writing doesn't rely n this to hold your attention though, the story itself is unique, fast paced and incredibly readable.

I can't think of enough good things to say about this book, just read it!

Lily Rating:5/5

The Woodcutter, by Kate Danley

The Woodcutter, is the guardian of the twelve kingdoms, in a realm where magic, folklore and myth come to life. He must keep the realms of magic and the realms of the ordinary separate and at peace.

The story begins with the killing of a young princess, and it soon turns out this is not an isolated incident and something evil is on the loose. The Woodcutter begins his quest to find out what it is, how to stop it, and who unleashed it. It's not long before he finds himself battling for the very existence of the world in which he lives.

This book is absolutely packed full of the classic storybook characters we all know and love, as well as some from less well know folklore. Everyone from Snow White to Baba Yaga ends up embroiled in trying to save the twelve kingdoms. The way their stories are cleverly weaved together is a joy to read and a real treat to any avid folklorist.

Although the story line of this book is entirely none predictable, and very fast paced with dozens of little side-plots, the characters are somewhat more predictable. There were no big surprises with how the characters react to each situation they found themselves in,

I enjoyed this book a lot, and I think anyone who loved fairy tales as a child would.

Lily Rating: 4/5