The Recommended Reading Order
For the best experience, we recommend reading the books in their official publication order. Because the narrative follows a strict chronological timeline, reading them in this order ensures you experience the magic system's evolution and the characters' personal growth exactly as the author intended.
- The Paper Magician (2014)
- The Glass Magician (2014)
- The Master Magician (2015)
- The Plastic Magician (2018)
The first three novels form a complete self-contained trilogy following Ceony Twill and her mentor, Emery Thane. The fourth book, The Plastic Magician, acts as a standalone companion novel set in the same universe, shifting the focus to a new protagonist, Alvie Brechenmacher, who studies the emerging art of polymaking (plastic magic) in London.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Fortunately for readers, there is no need to debate timeline placement or navigate complex prequels here. The publication order aligns perfectly with the chronological events of the universe.
The Ceony Twill Trilogy
The original trilogy spans from 2014 to 2015 and takes place chronologically over the course of Ceony's training and its immediate aftermath.
- The Paper Magician (2014): Introduces Ceony Twill, a top graduate of the Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined, who is reluctantly assigned to apprentice under the eccentric paper magician Emery Thane. Just as she begins to appreciate the folding of paper creatures, a dark blood magician (an Excisioner) steals Thane's heart, forcing Ceony on a desperate journey through his physical and metaphorical heart to save him.
- The Glass Magician (2014): Set a few months after the first book. Ceony continues her training under Emery Thane while facing lingering threats from those who practice forbidden blood magic. The story expands the world-building, introducing the rules and dangers of glass magic.
- The Master Magician (2015): The culmination of Ceony's apprenticeship. She prepares for her final trials to become a licensed folder, but old enemies and secrets from Thane's past emerge, forcing Ceony to push the limits of what paper magic can accomplish.
The Standalone Companion
- The Plastic Magician (2018): Set a few years after the events of The Master Magician. This spin-off shifts the narrative to Alvie Brechenmacher, an American inventor who arrives in London to study under Magician Marion Praff. Because plastic is a relatively new invention in the Victorian setting, polymaking is a cutting-edge discipline. The book explores new magical frontiers and introduces new antagonists, functioning as a clean standalone story.
What to Know Before You Start
Charlie N. Holmberg's fantasy series stands out because of its strict, logical magic system. Influenced by advice from Brandon Sanderson, magicians in this universe are restricted to binding their magic to a single man-made material (such as paper, glass, metal, rubber, or plastic). Once a magician bonds to a material, they can never cast magic through another, which shapes their social status, career, and fighting style.
The setting is an alternate Victorian England with distinct historical fantasy and steampunk vibes. The books are relatively short, quick reads that blend whimsical spellcraft, light romance, and darker fantasy elements—specifically the gruesome practices of the Excisioners, who use forbidden blood magic.
While the tone remains generally friendly, light, and romantic, the blood magic elements can get surprisingly dark, including physical mutilation and body horror. This contrast between folding whimsical paper dogs and fighting dark magicians gives the series its unique flavor.
Practical Reading Advice
Here are a few quick tips to get the most out of your journey through the series:
- Start with the beginning: You must read the first book, The Paper Magician, to understand the core rules of the magic system. Starting with The Glass Magician or The Master Magician will leave you thoroughly confused.
- Can you skip to The Plastic Magician? Technically, yes. Because Alvie is a new protagonist, the book explains the basics of magic for her benefit. However, major characters from the original trilogy make appearances and references, so reading the trilogy first will significantly enrich your reading experience.
- Are there any short stories or novellas? No. Unlike many fantasy series, the Paper Magician universe does not have any tie-in short stories, novellas, or co-authored entries. The four main novels comprise the entire published universe.
- Will there be a fifth book? The author has expressed interest in writing a fifth installment that would team up Ceony and Alvie, but there are currently no active publication plans or release dates announced.