by
Originally published by Roc in 2003, now available as an ebook for the first time!
Xiao Yen is a paper mage: She folds paper into an animal or a thing, then does magic, so the paper becomes what she's folded. However, she's a woman trying to fill a man's roll during the Tang dynasty, in China, and the only people willing to hire her are foreigners.
Things go from bad to worse for Xiao Yen on her first assignment: She loses her lucky amulet, there are robbers on the trail, as well as treachery among her traveling companions. Before long, Xiao Yen must battle a warlord, attack a rat dragon, and destroy a Taoist immortal.
But even bigger battles await Xiao Yen up ahead...
Praise for "Paper Mage":
—"An enchanting novel, skillfully rooted in Chinese history and myth. . .mythical, unusual, and thoroughly convincing." –Terri Windling, Editor of "The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror"
—"A magical world as solid and believable as our own." –Cecilia Dart-Thorton
—"An exceptional tale by an exceptional writer. . .It doesn't get any better than this." Dennis L. McKiernan