Magic or Madness (Paperback)

by Justine Larbalestier (Author) "It would be easiest to just walk out the front door..." (more)
Key Phrases: infinity key, Jay Tee, Jason Blake, New York City (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 7-10–Australian author Larbalestier has wrought beautiful and fearsome magic in this novel, the first in a proposed trilogy. Reason Cansino has spent her life with her unusual mother in the bush, moving frequently, keeping to herself, and learning how to guard against her bizarre grandmother, Esmeralda. When her mother goes insane and 15-year-old Reason is sent to live with Esmeralda, she starts to question all the stories her mother has told her. Is Mere practicing magic, which Reason's mother insisted was not real? Why have nearly all her ancestors died young? When Reason digs up a dead cat in the cellar and finds the key to a locked (magic) door, she escapes her increasingly frightening grandmother only to find herself halfway around the world in New York City, weak, in danger, and befriended by the mysterious Jay-Tee. Authentic teen voices from two continents reveal the fast-paced events and the conflicts faced by youth when powerful (and predatory) adults seek to take advantage of their ignorance. Readers will especially identify with Reason as she struggles to accept her identity and establish autonomy. Larbalestier's sense of place and refreshing exploration of magic as a force for both good and evil make this novel unusual. By turns a fantasy adventure and a thoughtful examination of relationships, this radiant gem stands alone, but expect readers to be impatient for the rest of the trilogy.–Melissa Moore, Union University Library, Jackson, TN --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist
*Starred Review* Gr. 8-11. In this fierce, hypnotic novel, character, story, and the thrumming forces of magic strike a rare, memorable balance. Reason is both the name of its 15-year-old Australian protagonist and a badge of defiance: Reason's mother champions rationality and deplores witchcraft, especially the "smoke and mirrors" practiced by her own mother, Esmeralda. When Reason's mom plunges into insanity and Reason must go to stay with Esmeralda, the wary teen, armed with only her survival instincts and a lucky ammonite fossil, attempts to stave off her grandmother's witchy influences. Then she steps through a door in Esmeralda's kitchen and emerges in New York City. There, as she grapples with the undeniable evidence that "magic is real," she is drawn into a terrifying entanglement with a cruel older witch. Reason's prickly first-person voice alternates with that of Esmeralda's gentle apprentice, Tom, and Reason's tough New York friend, the magically gifted Jay-Tee. The teens' distinct, frequently contradictory narratives intensify readers' concern for Reason and their desire to understand her circumstances. Readers looking for layered, understated fantasy will follow the looping paths of Larbalestier's fine writing, as graceful and logical as the coiled chambers of Reason's ammonite, with gratitude and awe. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Razorbill (March 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595140700
• ISBN-13: 978-1595140708
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #250,009 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, fast paced, magical adventure, December 22, 2005

By	terryannlibrarian "terryann" (phoenix) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magic or Madness (Hardcover)

Despite the fact that I was utterly disappointed to find out that this book is the first in a trilogy (I didn't find out till the cliffhanger ending and I like to read series books all together), I really enjoyed this book.

The chapters alternate perspectives between Reason, Tom (the evil/not evil grandmother's apprentice) and Jay-Tee (Reason's friend/enemy in NY City). The 3 teens often contradict each other which makes the different points of view all the more real.

Reason has spent her whole life hiding from her grandmother who is a witch. R's mother doesn't believe in magic and raises her believe only in the rational. When her mother goes insane, R is taken by the authorities and placed with her grandmother. R quickly finds out that magic is real when she steps through a door in her grandmother's house and finds herself in New York City. The book is fast paced and mysterious. It is difficult to figure out who is on Reason's side and who is plotting against her, even to the end of the book. The teen characters are authentic and well developed and while the adult characters are a little more shallow (fairly typical in teen books) there is the promise that they will become more developed in the coming books.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating, May 2, 2005

By	Liz who Reads (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magic or Madness (Hardcover)

THis is a gorgeous book. I'm not a young adult (just a regular old one, I fear) but this book made me wish I could have found this story when I was a 13 year-old girl -- I would have loved it. The blending of magic with real-world adolescent issues creates a memorable, delicious story -- easy to read (impossible not to, in fact) in one sitting. I can't wait for the sequel. In the meanwhile, I'm buying it for every young girl I know...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Modern Fantasy, June 21, 2006

By	AndrewN (Edmonds, WA USA) - See all my reviews

The first of three books, this story follows a young girl discovering her family's secret, the need for true friends and the awareness that adults are not perfect. The plot takes place in present day Australia and New York. The differences between the cultures makes for an enjoyable read.

A perfect book for young teens, of both sexes, and adults. Justine Larbalestier is a wonderful talented new author. You won't be disappointed starting this series.