Magic Lessons by Justine Larbalestier

Book Talk: Magic Lessons

Magic Lessons written by Justine Larbalestier is the first book in the fantasy trilogy about magic! Some chapters are told in a first person point of view, from Reason the main character and others are told in a third person point of view, from inside either Jay-Tee's or Tom's mind, who are two of the other main characters in the book. These three different points of view could be confusing, but Justine Larbalestier pulls it off wonderfully. Magic Lessons is a perfect fantasy book for older adolescence to read to give them an outlet or escape from the real world. This fantasy trilogy gives readers the chance to look to fantasy to stretch their understanding of the real world. The best part of this book is that even though it is far fetched the relationships the characters share are real life situations which can make many connections for the reader.
Throughout the book Reason and her friends are trying to figure their magic out. They learn that if they use too much of their magic then they will use up their energy and die but if they don’t use enough of their magic then they will become insane. Since the characters are trying to figure out how all this magic work, it is also teaching the readers about this interesting magic filled world.
The book takes place both in Sydney Australia and New York City which gives quite a variation in scenery and atmosphere throughout the book. The characters can travel to these different places using this specific door. Throughout the book there is a lot of magic but that’s not all that the book deals with its filled with relationship issues with complex characters, a sense of danger throughout, and suspense!
Anyone looking for a good fantasy book? Then Magic Lessons is a must read Justine Larbalestier does a great job in combining fantasy to real life to create a non-stop page turner, loaded with excitement and thrills!
….Then, with a scream, she leapt backward and landed on the balcony with a thud. The glow-in-the-dark yellow thing was on her forearm, stinking into her. Reason tried to rip it off with her right hand. Tom grabbed at it, but the slick stuff slipped through his fingers. It disappeared without a sound into reasons arm.