Liar's Test

‘A genre-bending, non-stop adventure foregrounding First Nations lifeways, the power of resistance and the multi-generational harms wrought by colonialism and empire. Bell Silverleaf is the kick-arse First Nations heroine we have longed for.’ * Rebecca Lim *
‘A high-action, thematically rich fantasy with a gutsy, intuitive protagonist…Kwaymullina’s character development is strong, and she has created a rich lore full of beauty and complexity…Fierce and deeply imaginative.’ * Books+Publishing *
‘Intriguing and layered worldbuilding that draws on the author’s Australian Indigenous culture steals the show in this serpentine fantasy adventure.’ * Publishers Weekly *
‘Tucked into a twisty, fast-paced narrative that explores legacies of colonialism are subtle messages about the ever-changing, symbiotic web of life. Intriguing and imaginative.’ * Kirkus Reviews *
‘This fantasy thriller set in a rich and sophisticated world deserves a wide audience. The tests of faith, strength and cleverness are thrilling, with themes of colonialism, religion and abuse of power providing deeper complexity. Highly recommended for ages 14+.’ * Angela Crocombe, Readings Monthly *
‘Earnestly told through the eyes of 15-year-old orphaned Bell Silverleaf, the book is a fine example of contemporary Indigenous futurism and the ways it can reflect the horrors of Australia’s colonial past…The novel pays homage to the strength one derives from ancestral lineage. In Bell, we witness a strongly developed character, moving closer to her essence.’ * Jessie Tu, Age *
‘A fascinating exploration of resistance, multi-generational trauma, the fallibility of historical narrative, and the effects of colonisation—all within a high-action fantasy packed with unexpected plot twists. Fans of Kwaymullina’s previous YA novels, as well as Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, will relish this story.’ * StoryLinks *
‘Bell is a memorable protagonist inspired by the strength and power of Aboriginal women…With themes of resistance and power, as well as exploring the inter-generational harm caused by colonialism, Liar’s Test is a fast-paced adventure fantasy with an important story to tell.’ * Magpies *
‘Liar’s Test is a fast-paced, first-person fantasy novel of impressive imagination… It is quite a ride.’ * CBCA Reading Time *
‘Aboriginal writer and artist Ambelin Kwaymullina’s novel is a fantasy adventure tale that features a strong female lead, the orphaned Bell Silverleaf, whose clan has faced religious persecution. Bell undergoes a series of challenges, but she has some tricks of her own—she’s an excellent liar and she can commune with allies in the form of trees. The complex world building draws on the author’s background to explore colonialism, resistance and the power of matriarchy. Liar’s Test can be classified in a growing category as Indigenous Futurism.’ * Thuy On, ArtsHub *

Ambelin Kwaymullina is an Aboriginal writer and artist who comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. She tells stories across a range of forms, including picture books, novels, essays and poetry. Her books have won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and the Aurealis Award.

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