DanKoboldt

This was an impressive debut from Charlie Holmberg, introducing us to an alternate version of British history, in which magicians train in a cool, materials-driven magic system. The protagonist comes reluctantly to study as a paper magician under one of the few resident masters of that art. He's patient and kind and mysterious enough to engage her very quickly, but there's not a lot of master-apprentice time before the crap hits the fan.

Pros: Cool magic system, very tight point of view around a sympathetic protagonist

Cons: I wanted more magic and wider intrigue; there were hints at complex political landscape about the role of magicians in society that weren't explored. Most of the book follows essentially a single quest to save someone's life.

I look forward to the next one, and was pleased to learn that 47North has agreed to publish the third installment as well.