Justine Larbalestier

Justine Larbalestier is an Australian writer of young adult fiction best known for her Magic or Madness trilogy and the novel Liar.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Magic Or Madness

    This novel follows the story of fifteen-year-old Reason Cansino, who has spent her life on the run with her mother, Sarafina, from their family in Australia. They are fleeing from Reason's grandmother, Esmeralda, whom Sarafina claims is a witch. However, after Sarafina succumbs to madness, Reason is sent to live with Esmeralda in Sydney. Here, Reason discovers a shocking truth: magic is real, and her family is deeply entwined with it. As she navigates this new world, she learns that using magic comes with a grave cost, and she must make a choice between embracing her magical heritage or facing dire consequences. The story is a compelling blend of contemporary life and fantastical elements, exploring themes of family, identity, and the heavy price of power.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Liar

    In this gripping psychological thriller, readers are introduced to Micah, a compulsive liar who struggles to tell the truth even when her life depends on it. As the narrative unfolds, Micah finds herself entangled in a web of deceit following the mysterious death of her classmate and secret boyfriend, Zach. The story is a masterful exploration of identity and truth, as Micah's unreliable narration challenges readers to discern reality from fiction. With each twist and turn, the boundaries between truth and lies blur, leaving readers questioning the very nature of honesty and trust.