Justine Larbalestier is a highly acclaimed young adult fiction author, born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She has gained popularity and critical acclaim both in her home country and internationally, establishing a successful and influential career in the industry. Larbalestier has written a number of successful fiction series, including the award-winning "Magic or Madness" trilogy, which includes "Magic or Madness," "Magic Lessons," and "Magic's Child."
In addition to her fiction work, Larbalestier has also written one adult non-fiction book, "The Battle of the Sexes in Science Fiction," which was nominated for a Hugo Award in the category of Best Related Book in 2003. She has also edited another anthology, "Daughters of Earth: Feminist Science Fiction in the Twentieth Century." Larbalestier's surname is of French origin and can be pronounced in several ways, including "Lar-bal-est-ee-air," "Lar-bal-est-ee-ay," or "Lar-bal-est-ee-er." Friends at school used to pronounce it as "Lavaworm," a pronunciation she only accepts from close acquaintances.
Larbalestier is married to fellow author Scott Westerfeld, and the two of them alternately live in Sydney and New York City. Her latest novel, "Razorhurst," was published in the USA in March 2015. The story takes place on a winter's day in 1932, when Dymphna Campbell, a gangster's moll, and Kelpie, a street urchin who can see ghosts, meet over the dead body of Dymphna's latest lover, Jimmy Palmer. The three of them tip the balance in a bloody underworld power struggle. Larbalestier's ability to weave compelling narratives and create memorable characters has made her a popular and respected figure in the world of young adult fiction.