What do you think?
Rate this book
Liar's Test
A gripping YA fantasy with a deadly contest to win a crown, a fierce heroine determined to right the wrongs done to her people, and a smoldering love story that could change everything...
I didn’t want to rule the Risen. Wreak a little havoc upon them, though? That was something else entirely.
Bell Silverleaf is a liar.
It’s how she’s survived. It’s how all Treesingers have survived, after they were invaded by the Risen and their gods. But now—thanks to some political maneuvering—Bell is in the Queen’s Test. She’s one of seven girls competing in deadly challenges to determine who rules for the next twenty-five years. If Bell wins, she’ll use the power to help her people and get her revenge on the Risen.
But Bell doesn’t know how much she’s been lied to. She’s part of a conspiracy stretching back generations, and she’s facing much bigger dangers than the Queen’s Test. She’s up against the gods themselves.
Getting hold of that crown might just be the least of her problems.
Aboriginal writer Ambelin Kwaymullina has created a fast-paced, twisty narrative and an unforgettable heroine inspired by the strength and power of Aboriginal women.
I didn’t want to rule the Risen. Wreak a little havoc upon them, though? That was something else entirely.
Bell Silverleaf is a liar.
It’s how she’s survived. It’s how all Treesingers have survived, after they were invaded by the Risen and their gods. But now—thanks to some political maneuvering—Bell is in the Queen’s Test. She’s one of seven girls competing in deadly challenges to determine who rules for the next twenty-five years. If Bell wins, she’ll use the power to help her people and get her revenge on the Risen.
But Bell doesn’t know how much she’s been lied to. She’s part of a conspiracy stretching back generations, and she’s facing much bigger dangers than the Queen’s Test. She’s up against the gods themselves.
Getting hold of that crown might just be the least of her problems.
Aboriginal writer Ambelin Kwaymullina has created a fast-paced, twisty narrative and an unforgettable heroine inspired by the strength and power of Aboriginal women.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 21, 2024
About the author
Ambelin Kwaymullina
40 books345 followersAmbelin Kwaymullina belongs to the Palyku people of the eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia. She is a writer, illustrator and law academic who works across a range of genres including YA, science fiction, verse and non-fiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 1, 2024
There's a lot going on here, and it's up to the reader to keep up.
Love all the work around secrets, truth and lies and the connections to what's happening in our world.
Lively, well plotted with complex characterisation.
Love all the work around secrets, truth and lies and the connections to what's happening in our world.
Lively, well plotted with complex characterisation.
May 19, 2024
Thank you to GetUnderlined for the free ARC.
I AM SO CONFUSED.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
This book confused me. There wasn’t enough world building for me to understand anything and I was constantly in a state of befuddlement as I tried to piece together the land, the rules, and the magic system.
The summary even mentions a romance, there is no romance. There is one kiss, with no relationship buildup.
I guess I kind of liked the side character friends Bell had?
And the writing style didn’t work for me. There was a severe lack of dialogue for much of the book and it made it hard to connect with characters.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: kiss
- Violence: low-moderate
I AM SO CONFUSED.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
This book confused me. There wasn’t enough world building for me to understand anything and I was constantly in a state of befuddlement as I tried to piece together the land, the rules, and the magic system.
The summary even mentions a romance, there is no romance. There is one kiss, with no relationship buildup.
I guess I kind of liked the side character friends Bell had?
And the writing style didn’t work for me. There was a severe lack of dialogue for much of the book and it made it hard to connect with characters.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: kiss
- Violence: low-moderate
Read
June 8, 2024DNF at 18%
I'm not in the mood for a contest.
I'm not in the mood for a contest.
Read
August 2, 2024The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of Liar's Test
‘Intriguing and layered worldbuilding that draws on the author’s Australian Indigenous culture steals the show in this serpentine fantasy adventure.’
Publishers Weekly
‘Tucked into a twisty, fast-paced narrative that explores legacies of colonialism are subtle messages about the ever-changing, symbiotic web of life. Intriguing and imaginative.’
Kirkus Reviews
‘A genre-bending, non-stop adventure foregrounding First Nations lifeways, the power of resistance and the multi-generational harms wrought by colonialism and empire. Bell Silverleaf is the kick-arse First Nations heroine we have longed for.’
Rebecca Lim
‘A fresh and far-reaching tale brimming with adventure, bravery and resistance—this is must-read Australian YA fantasy!’
Kate Murray
‘A high-action, thematically rich fantasy with a gutsy, intuitive protagonist...Kwaymullina's character development is strong, and she has created a rich lore full of beauty and complexity…Fierce and deeply imaginative.’
Books+Publishing
‘This fantasy thriller set in a rich and sophisticated world deserves a wide audience. The tests of faith, strength and cleverness are thrilling, with themes of colonialism, religion and abuse of power providing deeper complexity. Highly recommended for ages 14+.’
Angela Crocombe, Readings Monthly
‘Earnestly told through the eyes of 15-year-old orphaned Bell Silverleaf, the book is a fine example of contemporary Indigenous futurism and the ways it can reflect the horrors of Australia’s colonial past…The novel pays homage to the strength one derives from ancestral lineage. In Bell, we witness a strongly developed character, moving closer to her essence.’
Jessie Tu, Age
‘A fascinating exploration of resistance, multi-generational trauma, the fallibility of historical narrative, and the effects of colonisation—all within a high-action fantasy packed with unexpected plot twists. Fans of Kwaymullina’s previous YA novels, as well as Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, will relish this story.’
StoryLinks
‘Bell is a memorable protagonist inspired by the strength and power of Aboriginal women…With themes of resistance and power, as well as exploring the inter-generational harm caused by colonialism, Liar’s Test is a fast-paced adventure fantasy with an important story to tell.’
Magpies
‘Liar’s Test is distinctive in its rich world-building detail, including how an oppressive society can be created and manipulated by shadow actors and the power of a minority’s next generation in creating change. A fascinating exploration of resistance, multi-generational trauma, the fallibility of historical narrative, and the effects of colonisation—all within a high-action fantasy packed with unexpected plot twists. Fans of Kwaymullina’s previous YA novels, as well as Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, will relish this story.’
StoryLinks
‘Intriguing and layered worldbuilding that draws on the author’s Australian Indigenous culture steals the show in this serpentine fantasy adventure.’
Publishers Weekly
‘Tucked into a twisty, fast-paced narrative that explores legacies of colonialism are subtle messages about the ever-changing, symbiotic web of life. Intriguing and imaginative.’
Kirkus Reviews
‘A genre-bending, non-stop adventure foregrounding First Nations lifeways, the power of resistance and the multi-generational harms wrought by colonialism and empire. Bell Silverleaf is the kick-arse First Nations heroine we have longed for.’
Rebecca Lim
‘A fresh and far-reaching tale brimming with adventure, bravery and resistance—this is must-read Australian YA fantasy!’
Kate Murray
‘A high-action, thematically rich fantasy with a gutsy, intuitive protagonist...Kwaymullina's character development is strong, and she has created a rich lore full of beauty and complexity…Fierce and deeply imaginative.’
Books+Publishing
‘This fantasy thriller set in a rich and sophisticated world deserves a wide audience. The tests of faith, strength and cleverness are thrilling, with themes of colonialism, religion and abuse of power providing deeper complexity. Highly recommended for ages 14+.’
Angela Crocombe, Readings Monthly
‘Earnestly told through the eyes of 15-year-old orphaned Bell Silverleaf, the book is a fine example of contemporary Indigenous futurism and the ways it can reflect the horrors of Australia’s colonial past…The novel pays homage to the strength one derives from ancestral lineage. In Bell, we witness a strongly developed character, moving closer to her essence.’
Jessie Tu, Age
‘A fascinating exploration of resistance, multi-generational trauma, the fallibility of historical narrative, and the effects of colonisation—all within a high-action fantasy packed with unexpected plot twists. Fans of Kwaymullina’s previous YA novels, as well as Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, will relish this story.’
StoryLinks
‘Bell is a memorable protagonist inspired by the strength and power of Aboriginal women…With themes of resistance and power, as well as exploring the inter-generational harm caused by colonialism, Liar’s Test is a fast-paced adventure fantasy with an important story to tell.’
Magpies
‘Liar’s Test is distinctive in its rich world-building detail, including how an oppressive society can be created and manipulated by shadow actors and the power of a minority’s next generation in creating change. A fascinating exploration of resistance, multi-generational trauma, the fallibility of historical narrative, and the effects of colonisation—all within a high-action fantasy packed with unexpected plot twists. Fans of Kwaymullina’s previous YA novels, as well as Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, will relish this story.’
StoryLinks
June 9, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Children's for the copy in exchange for an honest review. It's a solid 3.5 stars.
Fair warning: Although this book is marketed as a romance it is NOT primarily a romance. There's literally a tiny little sliver of romance and it's almost nonexistent.
What a fun read! It's fast-paced with lots of world-building that you must pay attention to to understand. Bell is a fun and compelling protagonist and you can't help but side with her. I feel like the book suffered from being short, oddly enough, I think another hundred pages would've helped expand some of the world-building. I was surprised it ended so quickly.
Tricks was my favorite character, what a sweetie!
(I would've rounded this up to 4 stars but I feel like it needed another round of editing and more pages to help space things out--I genuinely thought things were going way too fast to keep up and I had to re-read sections to really understand what the heck was going on!)
Fair warning: Although this book is marketed as a romance it is NOT primarily a romance. There's literally a tiny little sliver of romance and it's almost nonexistent.
What a fun read! It's fast-paced with lots of world-building that you must pay attention to to understand. Bell is a fun and compelling protagonist and you can't help but side with her. I feel like the book suffered from being short, oddly enough, I think another hundred pages would've helped expand some of the world-building. I was surprised it ended so quickly.
Tricks was my favorite character, what a sweetie!
(I would've rounded this up to 4 stars but I feel like it needed another round of editing and more pages to help space things out--I genuinely thought things were going way too fast to keep up and I had to re-read sections to really understand what the heck was going on!)
Want to read
November 6, 2023mmm not a huge fan of the cover but the blurb is still intriguing me!
Read
May 27, 2024If you’ve been around Rich in Color for a while you know that I love reading books from around the globe, so when the request to read a YA novel by an Aboriginal writer came, I jumped at the chance. The story sounded interesting and as a fan of fantasy I was looking forward to it. I was not disappointed. The story drew me in and with its fast paced storytelling kept me intrigued right up to the end.
The highlight of the book, aside from an awesome and likable character in Bell, is the world-building. It was very clear that Kwaymullina took her time creating Bell’s world as the rules of her society, the different religions, the mythologies, and even the supernatural aspects of the world was so clear that Risen society felt completely real. I fully understood Treesinger beliefs and their ways of life which gave Bell her strength to survive in such a hostile environment. What also was impressive to me was the complete history of the world that was slowly revealed through the story as Bell figured out the truth behind her own personal heritage. Each chapter was a mix of revealing more of this complex world while mixing it with a story that had political intrigue, a mystery that needed to be solved, and an overthrow the government type of thriller.
The heart of the novel is Bell Silverleaf, who when we meet her is dying but is brought back to life through a supernatural power. We realize she is someone special but because she is trapped inside a temple, she has been oppressed for much of her childhood. Bell survives by lying to who oppressors, pretending to share their religious beliefs, but by holding fast to the beliefs of her Treesinger people. She is courageous and thoughtful and really rises to the occasion when she is entered into the Queen’s Test against her will. Since she is such a survivor, she leans on those skills in the test but also discovers how much of a leader she can truly be and how much she actually really cares not just for her Treesinger people but for people as a whole. The growth that Bell went on as she learned to lean into her power was what really connected me to her. I enjoyed going on the journey with Bell and wanted to continue on her journey after the end of the novel (I don’t know if there is a sequel, but I hope there will be).
I really enjoyed Liar’s Test as it was a fun, immersive read that allowed me to escape into to another complex world for a brief moment. The story was full of plot twists that kept me guessing and drew me deeper into the story. This novel was so different than so much other fantasy and it is a world that I would love to visit again and again.
The highlight of the book, aside from an awesome and likable character in Bell, is the world-building. It was very clear that Kwaymullina took her time creating Bell’s world as the rules of her society, the different religions, the mythologies, and even the supernatural aspects of the world was so clear that Risen society felt completely real. I fully understood Treesinger beliefs and their ways of life which gave Bell her strength to survive in such a hostile environment. What also was impressive to me was the complete history of the world that was slowly revealed through the story as Bell figured out the truth behind her own personal heritage. Each chapter was a mix of revealing more of this complex world while mixing it with a story that had political intrigue, a mystery that needed to be solved, and an overthrow the government type of thriller.
The heart of the novel is Bell Silverleaf, who when we meet her is dying but is brought back to life through a supernatural power. We realize she is someone special but because she is trapped inside a temple, she has been oppressed for much of her childhood. Bell survives by lying to who oppressors, pretending to share their religious beliefs, but by holding fast to the beliefs of her Treesinger people. She is courageous and thoughtful and really rises to the occasion when she is entered into the Queen’s Test against her will. Since she is such a survivor, she leans on those skills in the test but also discovers how much of a leader she can truly be and how much she actually really cares not just for her Treesinger people but for people as a whole. The growth that Bell went on as she learned to lean into her power was what really connected me to her. I enjoyed going on the journey with Bell and wanted to continue on her journey after the end of the novel (I don’t know if there is a sequel, but I hope there will be).
I really enjoyed Liar’s Test as it was a fun, immersive read that allowed me to escape into to another complex world for a brief moment. The story was full of plot twists that kept me guessing and drew me deeper into the story. This novel was so different than so much other fantasy and it is a world that I would love to visit again and again.
May 23, 2024
Kwaymullina covers the same scope and breadth of her peers on the YA SFF shelf in what feels like half the time, and certainly fewer pages. Does this mean she's abbreviated some of the world- and relationship-building, yes, and I think it works as well as her longer counterparts (who just as often rely on the reader to make similar leaps). The world and its lore is incredibly rich, the relationships satisfactory. There is a lyricism that maintains a rhythm and pace that is clearly well-edited and lovely and easy to read.
I was surprised by how quickly we were in and through most of the Trials. The pacing in this novel lingers only where it needs to and this may mean the reader may need to pay attention more. Also, it is a pretty twisty plot. That said, if you get confused, just be patient because Bell does pause to reflect and congregate her findings. Those more familiar with Science Fictional worlds/media will find this easier to follow; also, video-gamers.
I picked this up to read an Aboriginal writer and I was wise to do so. The conversation on post-colonialism is stellar. These moments were the only place I found the plot gaining weight (for good and less good ala heavy moralizing). All in all, a fantastic read and well worth the time. This would be a crowd-pleasing read for any book club or syllabus.
It brought Donna Barba Higuera's work to mind, especially that SF shift; which is a good thing.
With gratitude for the eARC from the publisher and Edelweiss+
I was surprised by how quickly we were in and through most of the Trials. The pacing in this novel lingers only where it needs to and this may mean the reader may need to pay attention more. Also, it is a pretty twisty plot. That said, if you get confused, just be patient because Bell does pause to reflect and congregate her findings. Those more familiar with Science Fictional worlds/media will find this easier to follow; also, video-gamers.
I picked this up to read an Aboriginal writer and I was wise to do so. The conversation on post-colonialism is stellar. These moments were the only place I found the plot gaining weight (for good and less good ala heavy moralizing). All in all, a fantastic read and well worth the time. This would be a crowd-pleasing read for any book club or syllabus.
It brought Donna Barba Higuera's work to mind, especially that SF shift; which is a good thing.
With gratitude for the eARC from the publisher and Edelweiss+
June 17, 2024
“His eyes were focused on mine, wide and shocked. He breathed, “It’s you.”
…
“One step, two steps, three steps, four
Turn to the right and step some more
When you reach the place of eight
Step left and left and then step straight
Now you’re almost done, my love
Just once more left and then above”
…
This fast-paced YA fantasy novel was a pleasure to read, full of intricate world building that requires you to really tap into your imagination and is very open to interpretation. I loved the take on indigenous culture in the story with mention of ancestors and passing on traditions through family as well as the deep connection with nature with Treesinger families being so closely related to different types of trees. Sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a fantasy book that isn’t full of romance and I really loved the small bit of romance that blooms between two big characters (not saying too much here😊). I’m all about big female lead characters that are courageous, brave and not afraid to stand their ground so I loved that about the main protagonist, Bell Silverleaf, she suffers abuse and is discriminated because of her background but throughout the book, Bell develops into a really strong heroine. The friendship that forms between Bell and two of the competitors is heartwarming and wholesome. Can we also just talk about how cute Tricks is!!
…
Thank you @text_publishing for sending me a copy!✨🥰
…
“One step, two steps, three steps, four
Turn to the right and step some more
When you reach the place of eight
Step left and left and then step straight
Now you’re almost done, my love
Just once more left and then above”
…
This fast-paced YA fantasy novel was a pleasure to read, full of intricate world building that requires you to really tap into your imagination and is very open to interpretation. I loved the take on indigenous culture in the story with mention of ancestors and passing on traditions through family as well as the deep connection with nature with Treesinger families being so closely related to different types of trees. Sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a fantasy book that isn’t full of romance and I really loved the small bit of romance that blooms between two big characters (not saying too much here😊). I’m all about big female lead characters that are courageous, brave and not afraid to stand their ground so I loved that about the main protagonist, Bell Silverleaf, she suffers abuse and is discriminated because of her background but throughout the book, Bell develops into a really strong heroine. The friendship that forms between Bell and two of the competitors is heartwarming and wholesome. Can we also just talk about how cute Tricks is!!
…
Thank you @text_publishing for sending me a copy!✨🥰
May 19, 2024
💙🖤 Liar’s Test ARC Review 💙🖤
Thank you so much to Ambelin Kwaymullina, Knopf books and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book
Liar’s Test is a YA fantasy. Bell is an expert liar - she has to be because it’s how her people have survived. When she finds herself participating in the deadly Queen’s Test, she realizes that she’s surrounded by more liars than she ever imagined
Overall this was an enjoyable read with strong characters. I feel like there was a lot of lore and world building all at once and I struggled a little bit to keep up, but this got a little better as the book went on. This was an interesting story and I enjoyed it overall, I just felt overwhelmed in a few places because it seemed like there was a lot going on - but that’s a “me” issue and not a book issue
This was a solid three star read for me. This book has some darker elements, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book had hints of a romantic subplot but it didn’t really go anywhere, so no ratings will be given for spice
If you’re a fan of YA fantasy with complex world building, intricate lore and strong characters, then absolutely pick this one up!
Thank you so much to Ambelin Kwaymullina, Knopf books and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book
Liar’s Test is a YA fantasy. Bell is an expert liar - she has to be because it’s how her people have survived. When she finds herself participating in the deadly Queen’s Test, she realizes that she’s surrounded by more liars than she ever imagined
Overall this was an enjoyable read with strong characters. I feel like there was a lot of lore and world building all at once and I struggled a little bit to keep up, but this got a little better as the book went on. This was an interesting story and I enjoyed it overall, I just felt overwhelmed in a few places because it seemed like there was a lot going on - but that’s a “me” issue and not a book issue
This was a solid three star read for me. This book has some darker elements, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book had hints of a romantic subplot but it didn’t really go anywhere, so no ratings will be given for spice
If you’re a fan of YA fantasy with complex world building, intricate lore and strong characters, then absolutely pick this one up!
June 10, 2024
Kwaymullina is a master of complex story arcs. Just when you think you’ve got her world sorted it changes, expands, becomes more real.
She explores the theme of lies as a way to protect truth from being distorted or used to harm others. The technologically superior but morally inferior majority population is fought by Kwaymullina’s hero, Bell, who rises from imprisonment to defeat her opponents in the Queen’s Test.
Heroes don’t rise from nothing and Bell has secure family roots and the power of her culture to win a victory for justice. She also wins strong allies.
The lies are found in all - those who lie to hide from the truth, who deceive themselves. But Bell is one whose lies protect and whose truths are able to save not just people of worth but possibly a whole planet.
She explores the theme of lies as a way to protect truth from being distorted or used to harm others. The technologically superior but morally inferior majority population is fought by Kwaymullina’s hero, Bell, who rises from imprisonment to defeat her opponents in the Queen’s Test.
Heroes don’t rise from nothing and Bell has secure family roots and the power of her culture to win a victory for justice. She also wins strong allies.
The lies are found in all - those who lie to hide from the truth, who deceive themselves. But Bell is one whose lies protect and whose truths are able to save not just people of worth but possibly a whole planet.
June 25, 2024
Liar’s Test by Ambelin Kwaymullina
When I first heard about a new Australian fantasy novel written by a First Nations author I was ready to give it a go. When I realised that the story focused on a First Nations heroine I was thrilled. This storyline is relentless and magical. The world building is layered. The character development is paced well. Normally I’d start a book like this and be begging the gods to please hurry up to the good bits. Kwaymullina has started this at a run, built to a sprint and held it there until the final pages. The respect and love of culture, Country and family is something special and carried on every page.
Best part of the book? It’s Book 1.
Worst part of the book? It’s Book 1. 🤣
When I first heard about a new Australian fantasy novel written by a First Nations author I was ready to give it a go. When I realised that the story focused on a First Nations heroine I was thrilled. This storyline is relentless and magical. The world building is layered. The character development is paced well. Normally I’d start a book like this and be begging the gods to please hurry up to the good bits. Kwaymullina has started this at a run, built to a sprint and held it there until the final pages. The respect and love of culture, Country and family is something special and carried on every page.
Best part of the book? It’s Book 1.
Worst part of the book? It’s Book 1. 🤣
July 29, 2024
With a bit of a Hunger Games vibe but with subtext of colonialism, Indigenous survival, and interconnectedness, this tightly written adventure follows Bel, a young Treesinger who has been stolen from her people and her Grove. Treesingers are deeply connected to the trees of their Grove. But when the Grove's trees became gravely ill and trees and Treesingers began to fall dormant, Bel's grandmother deliberately disconnected Bel from the Grove so that she could stay awake and someday heal the Grove. After being held captive amongst the Risen, Bel is unexpectedly chosen to compete in the Queen's Test to become the next Queen. But to truly win this challenge and save her people, Bel must forge connections, rather than compete alone.
May 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
3.5/5 STARS
Genre: YA Fantasy
The blurb of this one sounds like something I would love: a deadly trial to get the crown. While there was a deadly trial, the plot was more whimsical than I wanted it to be. There was a lot going on and at times a little confusing with fast transitions that I had to go back a few times to reread. I did enjoy the actual trials and competition and thought it was creative.
If you want a fast paced, quick YA fantasy read check this one out!
Thank you Underlined for the ARC!
3.5/5 STARS
Genre: YA Fantasy
The blurb of this one sounds like something I would love: a deadly trial to get the crown. While there was a deadly trial, the plot was more whimsical than I wanted it to be. There was a lot going on and at times a little confusing with fast transitions that I had to go back a few times to reread. I did enjoy the actual trials and competition and thought it was creative.
If you want a fast paced, quick YA fantasy read check this one out!
Thank you Underlined for the ARC!
June 2, 2024
This new YA fantasy book, with a heroine inspired by the strength and power of Aboriginal women, is fast-paced, unexpected and a must-read.
I loved the characters and the world building.... but I do have to say my absolute favourite character is Tricks - and you will just have to read the book to find out why,
I highly recommend to all lovers of fantasy and adventure.
I can't wait for more books in this series so I can continue to follow Bell on her adventures.
Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy of this book
I loved the characters and the world building.... but I do have to say my absolute favourite character is Tricks - and you will just have to read the book to find out why,
I highly recommend to all lovers of fantasy and adventure.
I can't wait for more books in this series so I can continue to follow Bell on her adventures.
Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy of this book
July 11, 2024
Like JASMINE THRONE but with a lower mortality rate and for teens. The writing style is fun and engaging and the book is short. Good for reluctant readers who like the sort of fantasy tournament games style plotline - 10/10 no regrets would reread.
Full review on Booklist.
Full review on Booklist.
April 9, 2024
A fresh and far-reaching tale brimming with adventure, bravery and resistance, and a richly wrought mythology. Readers will adore Bell, whose story is epic in scope yet also a deeply personal one. This is must read Australian YA fantasy!
May 16, 2024
I really liked this book! It reminded me of Ink heart or The Museum of Thieves. I feel like if I was to put it on a shelf I would put it on a kids section shelf rather than a YA shelf.
Shelved as '2024-nomination-eligible'
May 18, 2024Review spotted here,at Rich In Color: https://richincolor.com/2024/05/book-...
July 21, 2024
Good premise and characters but it felt rushed. It all moved too fast so it was ‘Insta’ everything with no real development of characters/friendships/storyline’s
Want to read
September 30, 2023From the rights report:"The story follows a teen girl who, after being held captive since childhood by the ruling sun priests of the Risen, has now been selected as a candidate for the Queen's Test, giving her one chance to win the crown, topple the kingdom, and free her people, drawn from and inspired by the history of Aboriginal women and their resistance to settler-colonialism."
Want to read
November 13, 2021i am literally ready to read and support anything Ambelin Kwaymullina publishes
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews