title: Paper Mage
author:  Leah R. Cutter 
description: *Starred Review* Young Xiao Yen's life veers dramatically from the ordinary after her aunt, Wang Tie-Tie, head of the family, sends her to train with a local magician whose particular talent is creating magic with origami. As a mage's apprentice, Xiao Yen is an embarrassment to the rest of her family. Magery is "man's work," after all, and will likely make her undesirable as a mate. Although torn between her love for magic and her familial duty, Xiao Yen nevertheless accepts, out of respect for her aunt, a commission to escort two foreigners and their valuable cargo through the dangerous remote territory of the Middle Kingdom. Leaving her beloved family, she embarks upon a journey that will change her completely. For soon she is approached by the goddess Bei Xi, who is traveling in disguise as a member of Xiao Yen's party. She asks Xiao Yen's help in vanquishing a powerful oppressor of the Middle Kingdom--one who will soon bring war and destruction to the land. In an absolutely enchanting coming-of-age tale, Cutter's story and her elegant and precise writing beautifully and skillfully conjure what feels like the essence of ancient Chinese culture. <i>Paula Luedtke</i><br /><i>Copyright  American Library Association. All rights reserved</i>
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  [Dedication](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_002.html#filepos1413)
  
  
  For Jane
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Contents
  
  
  > [Cover](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_069.html#filepos1234615)
  
  
  > [Title Page](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_000.html#filepos183)
  
  
  > [Dedication](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_001.html#filepos383)
  
  
  
  
  
  > [Without
  > Whom](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_003.html#filepos17727)
  
  
  
  
  
  > [Chapter 1](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_006.html#filepos20299)
  
  
  [Monday 14th
  November](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_007.html#filepos25864)
  
  
  > [Chapter 2](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_008.html#filepos26062)
  
  
  > [Chapter 3](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_009.html#filepos57761)
  
  
  > [Chapter 4](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_010.html#filepos86152)
  
  
  > [Chapter 5](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_011.html#filepos109458)
  
  
  > [Chapter 6](CR%210YH9TDBP8X71Q9TAQ3FX3AEM375M_split_012.html#