Just Finished Reading: Paper Mage by Leah R Cutter

Not one of Xiao Yen’s family could have suspected where her active imagination would take her. When she’s spotted by a great teacher of paper magic he persuades her family to allow her to train as a mage. Isolated by the fact that she is the only girl in the group and shunned by most of her relations she has little choice but to concentrate on her studies. When she becomes one of the most talented students of the magic school she is sent on her first escort mission travelling hundreds of miles towards the border populated by hostile barbarians. When a Goddess pleads for her assistance in freeing her sister’s soul from the clutches of an evil immortal warlord, Xiao Yen must put her fears aside as she embarks on an adventure that could bring her everlasting fame or leave her in an unmarked grave.

This was an unusual, and therefore interesting, variation on a fairly common theme. The main character is withdrawn from her family at an early age because of her natural talent. She must cope with the taunts of her schoolmates and disapproval of a patriarchal society which increases her isolation but also makes her free. She must then face a challenge before she is fully ready which will change her life as well as that of anyone she comes into contact with. So far it’s pretty standard stuff. What made this book stand out was that the action took place in Ancient China against a background of social upheaval within a deeply rigid society. A nice touch I thought was the type of magic employed – Origami – paper folding. The descriptions of the creatures that come alive after they are folded into existence is very interesting and I have read nothing quite like it before. Cutter is an excellent storyteller and despite a few very minor wobbles has produced a very accomplished first novel. I shall be looking out for more of her work. If it’s anywhere near as good as her first attempt I know I’ll be in for a treat.