This was an amazing book that in the year 2022 hit a little two close to home.  The people of Lille have been subject to to whims of a power-hungry tyrant for over two centuries, with women and girls bearing the brunt of his madness.  Cinderella is dead, and it turns out the story everyone has been told about her is a lie.

This was a beautiful retelling.  So original and thought provoking (considering today's current atmosphere.)  I was completely caught up in the tale.  The characters, even with a few annoying habits, were so likeable.  I was right there in it, fighting with them.  It was well thought out and wonderfully written.   I read along with the ebook, while listening to the audiobook and as usual, Bahni Turpin knocked it out of the park!  She captured the emition of the characters and did amazing distinguishing them with different voices.  This was a 10-out-of-10 would/will read again.

Wherein we meet Ceony, a young Apprentice Magician who is forced into paper magic out of necessity. There are too few Paper Magicians, or Folders, in the country, and from time to time a student has the medium forced upon them to keep it from dying out.

Emery Thane is introduced as Ceony's teacher. An odd man, whose talent for folding is astounding. It doesn't take long for Ceony to develop a grudging like for her strange teacher, and the medium of folding.

Shenanigans ensue when someone from Thane's past attacks him in his home and it's up to Ceony and per paper puppy companion Fennel to save the day.

This book was lovely. The story was original and kept my interested the whole way through. The characters were likable. Fennel was my favorite and must be protected at all costs. I love the fact that though it's the first in a series, this book had a clear ending and was not a cliffhanger. A fun read and the audiobook was wonderful. The narrator did a wonderful job with the voices and her telling of the story kept me attentive.