Plastic does not often appear in magic novels, so I was intrigued. I liked the magic system. The heroine was spunky. I haven't read the other books in the series (though i am sure some of the characters were referenced or had cameos), but i might. ( )

This felt like was an unnecessary continuation of the world and not the original story. With all new characters, except Bennett, it was a shock to the system after having three previous books dedicated to a specific storyline and cast of characters. I totally get the love for the world and not wanting it to end, but I probably could have done without this one. I purchased it without actually reading a description because I was adding to a series I had already begun collecting.

All that being said, it wasn't a bad story. Alvie was an interesting protagonist, and it was nice seeing Bennett fleshed out, however slightly. I still find the magics of the world fascinating and this time around it was focused on Polymaking, which is plastics, the newest of the magic disciplines. I think I find Folding more interesting, but I love the work the author put into creating the magic.

The story had intrigue, but it was lacking the action and adventure of the previous story. It was almost like a slice-of-life with a teeny bit of shenanigans thrown in. Not to say slice-of-life isn't highly in my wheelhouse. It was just so different from the previous novels. The storytelling definitely took a left turn. The minor--and I do mean minor cameo from Ceony and Emery was almost insulting. There was just no need for it. I got so excited to see their names and then within a paragraph or two they were gone.

Honestly, if I had read that it was based on new characters, I probably would have skipped it, but I don't think I have any serious regrets. I'm invested in the world if not the characters. And as much as I hate the changing of the major characters in series, I would probably read another novel based in this world, especially if it is focused on another of the magical mediums. In my opinion, it's better to create a series where the world is the same and the characters might interact, but every novel stars different protagonists/antagonists. It's harder to reconcile having the main characters from several novels swapped for new ones after you've invested in them. ( )

This read was very cute. These Paper-Magician series books are meant to be YAs, I found out; not my natural grazing grounds. I assure you it is in the genre on the sweeter end; but it doesn't seem to be explicitly stated anywhere that Author Holmberg is very much a Mormon and very committed to its Manichean dualism. Good girls aren't simpering idiots, but they sure as heck aren't going to third base, still less all the way; I think there's exactly no one QUILTBAG in this universe.

I don't think I'm drawn to read the others in the series, but wouldn't say that anyone else shouldn't. Of course, I'm not warbling my fool lungs out to encourage you to do so. It's just fine. Really fun, fairly obvious, very predictable, and pleasantly dense in its magical world. So much fun to imagine Magician Praff's "The Imaginarium", a key plot point that doesn't feel freshly invented but rather like something Author Holmberg developed earlier in the series. And I like the way the author uses the honorific "Magician" without gender reference. In this book, Alvie refers to her mentor as "Mg. Praff" which also gave me a happy smile.

Pretty much perfect for today's sensibilities, as witness the film option that Disney+ took out in 2016. It's still in pre-production, but that's not surprising when there's this much f/x work to do. I hope they stay with Allison Shearmur as producer, she of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, to get the women's point of view right. This is a series I'd encourage parents of tween daughters to casually mention.

I read [Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet] a few years ago. Like this read, it was just fine...not superb, but certainly not sub-par, and pretty much perfect for light, undemanding, yet involving reading. It suited me well for Fantasy February. ( )

While I completely loved [b:The Paper Magician|20727654|The Paper Magician (The Paper Magician, #1)|Charlie N. Holmberg|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1405618531s/20727654.jpg|40051132] universe, The Plastic Magician was flat and unmemorable. Certainly a noble premise behind the plot in working to help people with disabilities; however, I found the characters to be rather boring. A cute story, but overall, definitely not up to par with its counterparts in the series. ( )

The Plastic Magician
The Paper Magician, Book 4

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the Series

The Characters:

Alvie Brechenmacher: American from Ohio sent to study Polymaking in London under Marion Praft
Marion Praft: Genius Polymaker, son of the founder of Praft School of Magic
Bennet Cooper:Future folder, devoted brother, paramore.
Emma Cooper, Magician Ezell

The Story:

A great new adventure. While Alvie doesn’t seem to find trouble the way Ceony does she’s definitely up for the challenge when she does. Alvie is smart and talented and I hope we get to see more of her.

The Random Thoughts:

4 Stars ( )