This is a very fun, fantastical book that we have been recommending to all our teacher librarians. It is a very engaging read for teens.

DNF @ 12%

A YA fantasy that draws on the strength of Aboriginal women!!! This sounded incredible!

However, while pitched as a YA novel, the writing style honestly felt more middle grade. Also, there was a lack of world building which made the plot confusing—I was very lost.

I’m a big fan of Kwaymullina, who has written several young adult books which draw on her own cultural background to create unique and immersive new worlds.

The influence of the Dreamtime legends of the Australian Indigenous People was particularly strong in her first trilogy. Here Kwaymullina draws more on Indigenous people’s connections to the land and associated traditions than on specific legends or legendary figures.

“Liar’s Test” had me interested from the first page, absorbed throughout, and ends with me waiting eagerly for the next instalment in this series.

Bell Silverleaf has been stolen from her home twice. First, many years ago, invaders stole her ancestors from their home in Mistfall and brought them to Radiance. Here they live as a despised under class, deprived of the connection to their home and lands which they value deeply.

Her Treesinger ancestors established groves of the trees they love so much, and have recreated their connections to them. However, the groves are now ill, and all of Bell’s people have similarly fallen into comas.

Only Bell has not succumbed. She’s been kidnapped into the sun-temple, where she’s been beaten and tortured for years as they try to extract her people’s secrets from her. Bell has not only stood firm, she’s learnt to be an excellent liar in order to survive.

And now, thrown into the Queen’s Test, a competition to find the next Queen of Radiance, Bell’s ability to lie and dissemble might well save her life, and those of everyone she loves.

Perhaps because this is a young adult novel, it’s quite slim. However, Kwaymullina packs a lot into a short book. Although the basic plot is straightforward, it’s loaded with twists and turns. Many of those twists are lodged in the strong characterisations.

I’m not sure whether I was just so absorbed in the story that I wasn’t looking far enough ahead, or whether some of those twists and turns were truly unforeseeable. Whichever, I didn’t see them coming and that kept me on my toes.

I loved the characters. Bell in particular is a very vivid portrayal of a young person on the cusp of adulthood. She’s starting to feel confident in herself and her values, but still has moments of uncertainty and insecurity. She’s particularly uncertain about some of her relationships. It’s here that we see the most growth in her through the novel. She becomes not just a little more aware of others, but more understanding both of who they are deep down, and of how she relates to them.

Look, this was a really good reading experience. It’s original, fast moving, with a strong and interesting plot. Strong characters get you emotionally involved in the story. There are some morals here, but they’re subtly woven into the story and character development. You won’t feel lectured to.

There’s a strong sense of completion here – a satisfying wrap up to this part of the story. But it’s also clear that there’s more to come. I’m waiting eagerly for it, and will pounce upon the second in the series the moment I see it.

A new fantasy from Palyku writer Ambelin Kwaymullina? I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. With plenty of court intrigue, magic, and friendships, the novel didn’t disappoint. If you’re a fan of The Beauty Trials by Dhonielle Clayton or Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian, you’ll love Liar’s Test.

The novel follows Bell Silverleaf, a Treesinger whose native homeland were invaded by the Risen. Bell lives in the palace and is called to take the Queen’s Test - a series of trials to determine which girl will sit on the throne.

Bell was an amazing main character. She was incredibly strong, smart, brave, and took absolutely no shit. I absolutely loved her. She always felt one step ahead of the reader and the story, but not in a way that would leave you feeling lost. She just knew exactly what her place was in the palace, and knew how to play the Risen.

Bell’s Treesinger heritage and their connection to a land that had been colonised felt reminiscent of Aboriginal history, and I particularly loved the strong women and matriarchal rule of Bell’s family, as well as their ability to walk through memories and their connection through storytelling.

The colonisers are false gods, but the mythology around them was so rich, and I really enjoyed getting to know each of the gods, their personalities, and their stories.

The novel is really fast-paced, which will keep you turning the page, but means you need to pay attention. But you learn things as Bell does, particularly the supernatural elements and the worldbuilding around the mythology. The trials of the Queen’s Test were intriguing and felt so original, but I particularly enjoyed learning about the Treesinger culture and mythology.

Liar’s Test is a wonderful #LoveOzYA fantasy with fast action and beautiful worldbuilding. Make sure to curl up with it this winter!