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bekah_divall's review against another edition
4.0
I love the way the author put this book together. I liked how Reason explained that she was magic's child, and magic was the greedy one.
adamcagey's review against another edition
4.0
Young Adult novels are so much better now than I remember them being when I was an actual young adult. I recall reading some S.E. Hinton, but not much else.
The "Magic or Madness" series by Justine Larbalestier is one of the best fantasy trilogies I've read; YA or not. All of the books are well-paced, exciting, and feature well-drawn, believable characters.
The story focuses on 15-year-old Reason Cansino who discovers very suddenly that magic is real. More than that, she is a magic user. In the word of the books, however, magic is a double-edged sword. Use it and it will shorten your life; but if you don't use it, you'll quickly go mad. For the most part, we watch as reason figures out how to use her magic, and how she avoids other magic users who would steal her magic so they could lengthen their own lives.
Besides Reason, there's a whole host of supporting characters, some who wield magic, some who don't, but all who lend their support in making this an exciting story.
I would pay heed to the Young Adult label and would share this with kids who are at least in their teens, as there are some plot elements that might raise uncomfortable questions from a younger reader. But once your kids (or you) have finished the Harry Potter series, this is a great series to pick up next.
The "Magic or Madness" series by Justine Larbalestier is one of the best fantasy trilogies I've read; YA or not. All of the books are well-paced, exciting, and feature well-drawn, believable characters.
The story focuses on 15-year-old Reason Cansino who discovers very suddenly that magic is real. More than that, she is a magic user. In the word of the books, however, magic is a double-edged sword. Use it and it will shorten your life; but if you don't use it, you'll quickly go mad. For the most part, we watch as reason figures out how to use her magic, and how she avoids other magic users who would steal her magic so they could lengthen their own lives.
Besides Reason, there's a whole host of supporting characters, some who wield magic, some who don't, but all who lend their support in making this an exciting story.
I would pay heed to the Young Adult label and would share this with kids who are at least in their teens, as there are some plot elements that might raise uncomfortable questions from a younger reader. But once your kids (or you) have finished the Harry Potter series, this is a great series to pick up next.
brendaclay's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book was my favorite of the trilogy, and definitely the most interesting!
jsmithborne's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this trilogy was like a good day at the swimming pool, great while you're doing it and fun to look back on, but the time just flies by.
bookstuff's review against another edition
2.0
I liked this trilogy a lot but the conclusion was disappointing. The story was building up to Reason finding a third way beyond madness or early death, a way to have her cake and eat it too, but instead they get the Narnia ending. I hate the Narnia ending.
janae's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is a great end to the trilogy and a satisfying wrap up to the storylines. I still don’t agree with Toms decision but I understand it. And it works for the ending.
Overall this trilogy is an interesting dive into a unique world and really enjoyable.
Overall this trilogy is an interesting dive into a unique world and really enjoyable.
nutti72's review against another edition
4.0
Finishes up the Magic or Madness trilogy quite nicely. Reason comes from a magic using family...use too much magic you die young...too little magic you go insane...Reason must find the balance...
crd314's review against another edition
3.0
A nice conclusion for the Magic or Madness Trilogy. I don't know if I just read Justine Larbalestier's books too fast, but this one felt rushed at times just like How to Ditch Your Fairy. I think perhaps I'm getting too excited. Maybe that's a good thing! I was pleased with the wrapup that it provided for the trilogy. I was still a bit frustrated with Reason jumping to conclusions without thinking things through or even asking questions. She made a lot of assumptions. I did like the way magic was explained, and the last couple of pages was great. While Tom and Jay-Tee were likeable in the first two books, in Magic's Child they were finally endearing. I feel like I got to understand their voices a lot more. Overall, I was glad to finally read it! I looked forever to find it. I think I would have liked it even more if I had been able to read it closer to the time when I read the first two back to back. It was a nice visit back to Justine's world of magic.
kfan's review against another edition
2.0
I guess I will wait until Meg reads it before writing a full review.