The World's Toughest Book Critics ℠
 
Cover art for MAGIC OR MADNESS
Rate this book:
Loved it
Liked it
Meh...
Don't bother

MAGIC OR MADNESS

Age Range: 11 - 15
When Reason's mother goes insane, mathematically gifted Reason is taken in by her wicked grandmother, who believes herself to be a witch and eats babies in pursuit of her imaginary magic. Read full review
Buy this book from
Buy this book from Amazon
Save for later:
Add to my list
MORE BY JUSTINE LARBALESTIER
Cover art for MAGIC LESSONS
by Justine Larbalestier
Cover art for MAGIC’S CHILD
by Justine Larbalestier
 
 
MAGIC OR MADNESS (reviewed on February 1, 2005)

When Reason’s mother goes insane, mathematically gifted Reason is taken in by her wicked grandmother, who believes herself to be a witch and eats babies in pursuit of her imaginary magic. Until now, Reason’s spent her entire life in the Australian bush hiding from her grandmother. Though the old madwoman doesn’t actually seem all that bad, Reason still plans to run away. Her escape comes suddenly, though, when she opens a door and finds herself in a strange city where cold white stuff is falling from the sky. It seems magic is real, because Reason has been mystically transported to New York. A new friend with her own dangerous secrets rescues her from the cold. How will Reason protect herself from all the magicians who want to take advantage of her? A compelling mystery, despite the somewhat inaccurate culture shock theme that runs throughout (Americans who don’t understand the word “mum” and think pineapple on pizza is crazily foreign). A cleverly creepy fantasy with likable, complex characters and a sinister conclusion. (Fantasy. 11-15)


Pub Date: March 1st, 2005
ISBN: 0-59514-022-0
Page count: 288pp
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: May 20th, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1st, 2005