Liar's Test by Ambelin Kwaymullina | Review

Gods, trials, and strong women come together in this wonderful new Australian fantasy

Title: Liar’s Test

Author: Ambelin Kwaymullina

Publisher: Text Publishing

Released: 4 June, 2024

This review may contain mild spoilers.

A new fantasy from Palyku writer Ambelin Kwaymullina? I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. With plenty of court intrigue, magic, and friendships, the novel didn’t disappoint. If you’re a fan of The Beauty Trials by Dhonielle Clayton or Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian, you’ll love Liar’s Test.

The novel follows Bell Silverleaf, a Treesinger whose native homeland were invaded by the Risen. Bell lives in the palace and is called to take the Queen’s Test - a series of trials to determine which girl will sit on the throne.

Bell was an amazing main character. She was incredibly strong, smart, brave, and took absolutely no shit. I absolutely loved her. She always felt one step ahead of the reader and the story, but not in a way that would leave you feeling lost. She just knew exactly what her place was in the palace, and knew how to play the Risen.

With any luck, that long stare at the guilds would convey a desperate desire to please, such that I’d be easily manipulated. I picked up my glass, making my hand tremble enough that they’d notice the movement from across the water. The kinds of confidence the others had displayed wouldn’t be well received coming from me.

pg. 97

Bell’s Treesinger heritage and their connection to a land that had been colonised felt reminiscent of Aboriginal history, and I particularly loved the strong women and matriarchal rule of Bell’s family, as well as their ability to walk through memories and their connection through storytelling.

The colonisers are false gods, but the mythology around them was so rich, and I really enjoyed getting to know each of the gods, their personalities, and their stories.

All-knowing. All-seeing. All-powerful. And all-round bastards.

pg. 6

The novel is really fast-paced, which will keep you turning the page, but means you need to pay attention. But you learn things as Bell does, particularly the supernatural elements and the worldbuilding around the mythology. The trials of the Queen’s Test were intriguing and felt so original, but I particularly enjoyed learning about the Treesinger culture and mythology.

Liar’s Test is a wonderful #LoveOzYA fantasy with fast action and beautiful worldbuilding. Make sure to curl up with it this winter!