The new YA novel from Toronto-based writer, poet, and musician Robert Priest is a complex, perhaps overly ambitious tale of magic and politics that combines fantasy and horror elements within the context of a classic coming-of-age story.

The novel begins when teenage Xemion finds a sword-shaped stick. This would hardly be the stuff of high drama, but on Phaer Isle – conquered generations before by the Pathan – possession of anything even resembling a sword is punishable by death. Xemion, though, has studied books of forbidden sword lore, and he takes the stick home, paints it, uses “pine pitch to attach a copper bowl for a hand guard,” and fashions himself a scabbard.

The “sword” changes everything, and Xemion finds himself drawn into a thrilling escape and epic quest in the company of Saheli, a mysterious girl he rescued from drowning several months before, and two friends, children of Kwislings (traitors who have collaborated with the Pathans).

Priest demonstrates considerable skill in creating his fantasy world: magic is real and spells can cross-react, producing such bravura set pieces as the city without friction (things are literally unable to rub together). Unfortunately, the same care isn’t apparent with characterization or narrative development. The characters are flat, more a collection of responses and behaviours than fully formed individuals, while the story is too fast-paced to build tension or suspense.

The Paper Sword is the first novel in a series, and readers should prepare themselves – the ending is sudden and largely unresolved. Despite its weaknesses, the depth of the world-building – with its complex history and politics – is cause enough to look forward to future volumes.