Magic's Child

Magic's Child
written by Justine Larbalestier



First of all, I really did like the title of the thrilling conclusion to the trilogy. I really did, as usual with this series by Larbalestier, enjoy the writing and interaction between the characters. I think the most interesting aspect of this comes up with a really frank and open discussion regarding the connection between religion and magic. I loved that Larbalestier was able to fairly show two differing opinions through her characters without sounding preachy or carrying a bias. One bone I do have to pick was the changing points of view. I am usually a fan of this if done well, but really, that bothered me a bit in this book. I don't think it fit in well with the rest of the novel. The final face off was fantastically well done, and really, I don't think I've ever read a book series that would translate so well to film. I hope one day this happens. All in all, it's a slow-paced read, but in a comfortable way, and the ending totally justifies all the preceding events.

Rating: 4/5

Also by Justine Larbalestier:

Magic or Madness (Book 1, Magic or Madness)
Magic Lessons (Book 2, Magic or Madness)

Liar

I got this book from...:Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Magic Lessons

Magic Lessons
written by Justine Larbalestier



Magic Lessons starts off strong, asking lots and lots of exciting new questions, building suspense, as any good book does. This, however, gets overdone. By the time the reader is in the denser middle section, there are too many questions and not enough answers and a lot of frustration. I'm still extremely ticked off that Sarafina doesn't show up at all in the book, as she is my favorite character and the one I would love to learn more about, so it's frustrating, and I'm really hoping the third book sheds more light on this intensely interesting woman. Magic Lessons does a great job of combining realism with a greater dosage of fantasy than seen in Magic or Madness, and it does so with perfect balance. Reason's dilemma at the end of the book was painfully obvious, though, and I was disappointed--it was the one part of the book that definitely lacked the suspense the rest of the book upheld. There are still questions left unanswered, but since it's a trilogy, I expect they will be answered shortly! The one thing that left me most gleeful was the SPAGBOL reference--hooray for married authors!

Rating: 4/5

Magic or Madness

Magic or Madness
written by Justine Larbalestier



This book, like many others I've recently read, was difficult to get into, but once the reader familiarizes themselves with the tone, reads wonderfully. There is heavy description in places, and that got extremely distracting, but the story itself is a good one. There is suspense, although one could easily argue that there is far too much suspense, leaving the reader to want answers more than the main character herself! The sometimes-alternating POV is confusing and probably not entirely necessary, as the story moves along great when Reason is the one telling it. Some things still make very little sense, and I'm hoping they are explained in the later books. I feel like Reason's mom should have gotten more time on the page, and again, there's something I hope is remedied in Magic Lessons. The end leaves the reader still not entirely sure who to trust and desperately hoping to see what happens next. There is heavy foreshadowing, and I really do hope, as suggested, that Reason does have more options than just the very bleak ones she is currently being offered. Looking forward to Magic Lessons and hopefully more intriguing revelations!

Rating: 4/5