Description
A gripping YA fantasy novel featuring a deadly contest for the crown, a heroine determined to right the wrongs done to her people, and a smouldering love story that could change everything.
Seven will come. Two will die. Two will sleep. Two will serve. One will rule.
I didn't want to rule the Risen. Wreak a little havoc upon them, though? That was something else entirely.
Bell Silverleaf is a liar.
It's how she's survived. It's how all Treesingers have survived since they were invaded by the Risen and their fickle gods. But now Bell is in the Queen's Test - she's one of seven girls competing in deadly challenges to determine who will rule for the next twenty-five years. If Bell wins, she'll have the power to help her people and take revenge on the Risen. But first she has to make it through the challenges alive.
She doesn't know how much she's been lied to, or where she fits in a bigger story, a mystery stretching back generations. And she's facing much bigger dangers than the Queen's Test. She's up against the gods themselves.
Liar's Test is a fast-paced, intricately woven fantasy novel with an unforgettable heroine inspired by the strength and power of Aboriginal women.
Review
Bell Silverleaf is a Treesinger, but the trees have been hibernating since the Risen and their evil gods invaded. She has been held captive by the sadistic high priest Alasdar for the past four years, but he has been unable to break her spirit. All Treesingers are liars and Bell is the best of them - so she can always manage to spin a story that somewhat appeases him.
But when Bell is invited to compete with six others in the Queen's Test her world changes. Never before has a Treesinger been invited to compete, and the stakes are high.
Seven will come. Two will die. Two will sleep. Two will serve. One will rule.
The ruler will become Queen for the next 25 years until the next contest is held.
Bell seems to have many on her side, including the current Queen, but Treesingers are the lowest of all groups so surely she has no hope of ruling. In fact, she knows that lots of things in their world need to change but she has no idea how to achieve this - so she is not even sure that she wants to become Queen!
But when she allies herself with two other contenders maybe she will rule after all...
This is a fast-paced story with strong female characters, set in a fantasy world that is very easy to get hooked in. With themes of trust, truth and lies, the need for change, allegiances, and a bit of romance it will best suit readers aged 12 to 16.
Teacher Notes prepared by the publisher are available on our website for this title.
