Magic Lessons

Magic Lessons follows fifteen-year-old Reason Cansino as she navigates the magical world she has recently discovered in New York City. After being pulled there by a mysterious golem, she seeks help from Danny Galeano, the older brother of her friend Jay-Tee. The story continues the central conflict from the first book in the trilogy, where magic users must choose between using their powers and going mad, or not using them and dying young. Reason faces additional challenges as she tries to understand the nature of the golem while developing feelings for Danny. This young adult fantasy novel explores themes of choice, responsibility, and the complex relationships between family members. The story raises questions about fate versus free will, and the price of power.

Readers found this YA fantasy novel slower-paced than Larbalestier's other works, with more focus on character development than action. Liked: - Complex mother-daughter relationships - Historical Australia setting and details - LGBTQ+ representation - Focus on choices and consequences - Writing style and world-building Disliked: - Slow first half - Less magic/fantasy elements than expected - Some found the protagonist frustrating - Resolution felt rushed to some readers One reviewer noted: "The magic system takes a backseat to family dynamics and coming-of-age elements." Another mentioned: "Expected more witchcraft, got more historical fiction." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (50+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (100+ ratings) Several readers recommended starting with Larbalestier's "Magic or Madness" trilogy before reading this prequel.

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The Folk Keeper by Franny Billingsley A girl disguises herself as a boy to become a Folk Keeper, tending to dangerous creatures in the cellars while protecting her own magical secrets.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins A young witch is sent to a reform school for magical beings after a spell goes wrong, leading her to uncover dark secrets about her heritage and powers.

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🔮 A golem, featured prominently in the book, comes from Jewish folklore and is traditionally made of clay or mud, brought to life to serve its creator 📚 Magic Lessons is part of a critically-acclaimed YA trilogy that helped establish Justine Larbalestier's career as a prominent voice in urban fantasy 🌏 The story bridges two distinct settings - Australia and New York City - reflecting Larbalestier's own experience as an Australian author who moved to New York 🎭 The book explores the duality of magic as both a gift and a curse - users must either use their magic and shorten their lives, or refuse to use it and risk madness 🏆 Justine Larbalestier went on to win multiple awards, including the Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy for her later novel Liar