Tag: brandon sanderson

Book Review: The Dark Talent (Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians #5) by Brandon Sanderson

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: MG/YA Fantasy
Length: 304 pages
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Starscape
Release Date: September 20th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Alcatraz Smedry has successfully defeated the army of Evil Librarians and saved the kingdom of Mokia. Too bad he managed to break the Smedry Talents in the process. Even worse, his father is trying to enact a scheme that could ruin the world, and his friend, Bastille, is in a coma. To revive her, Alcatraz must infiltrate the Highbrary–known as The Library of Congress to Hushlanders–the seat of Evil Librarian power. Without his Talent to draw upon, can Alcatraz figure out a way to save Bastille and defeat the Evil Librarians once and for all?

WHOA.

I really enjoyed this “ending” (there’s a book six that seems to be from Bastille’s POV???). I loved that every aspect felt more intense and there was this impending sense of need surrounding solving the problems before Alcatraz. This took some twists I wasn’t expecting and I liked being blindsided by them.

I still love Alcatraz and his growth throughout. Is acknowledgement of the wrongs around him and his dedication to trying his hardest to make things right. I love this cast and the quirky/funny aspects are still present throughout.

Looking forward to wrapping this series up!

Overall audience notes:

  • MG Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: none
  • Violence: low

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Book Review: The Shattered Lens (Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians #4) by Brandon Sanderson

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 336 pages
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Starscape
Release Date: August 2nd, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Alcatraz Smedry is up against a whole army of Evil Librarians in this fourth adventure, with only his friend Bastille, a few pairs of glasses, and an unlimited supply of exploding teddy bears to help him. This time, even Alcatraz’s extraordinary talent for breaking things may not be enough to defeat the army of Evil Librarians and their giant librarian robots.

GREAT AGAIN.

I don’t have a lot to add to my review at four books in that wouldn’t spoil anything. These books are short and ones I would love to read with my family in the future (as audiobooks because they really shine there). I love the joy these bring and how clever they are.

Alcatraz and his family are a hoot and make me smile and laugh. I continue to like the execution of the plot and the direction things are going. I’m looking forward to the next book!

Overall audience notes:

  • MG Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: flirting
  • Violence: low

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Book Review: The Knights of Crystallia (Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians #3) by Brandon Sanderson

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 320 pages
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Starscape
Release Date: July 5th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In this third Alcatraz adventure, Alcatraz Smedry has made it to the Free Kingdoms at last. Unfortunately, so have the evil Librarians–including his mother! Now Alcatraz has to find a traitor among the Knights of Crystallia, make up with his estranged father, and save one of the last bastions of the Free Kingdoms from the Evil Librarians.

STILL LOVING.

Three books in and I am hooked on this series. I love how fun they are. I am laughing throughout, I am loving the themes and the friendships and the general demeanor of this story. Sanderson’s ability to write across different age groups is incredible and I love that versatility in his writing.

I adore Alcatraz and his family, I liked this continuation and seeing how the larger plot is still moving forward. These are short and fast paced which makes them feel like they are flying by. Can’t wait for more!

Overall audience notes:

  • MG Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: none
  • Violence: low

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Book Review: The Scrivener’s Bones (Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians #2) by Brandon Sanderson

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 340 pages
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Starscape
Release Date: November 1st, 2008
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

#1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn series Brandon Sanderson continues the epic adventure he began in Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians

So now you’ve read all about me, Alcatraz Smedry, and how I was swept out of my life in your normal world and into the fight against the Librarians (jerks!). After being all heroic and stuff in that tale, I didn’t expect to charge headlong into enemy territory: the Library of Alexandria, where I—and my grandpa and my grouchy bodyguard Bastille and her even grouchier mother and some weirdly gifted cousins—would face the Curators (ghosts who will gladly help you check out a book as long as you don’t mind giving up your mortal soul) and some new nasty Librarians who hate our guts…and would be happy to rip them out for us.

But none of that comes close to the horror we would have to face if we succeeded in finding what we were searching for…

MY DAD! (DUN DUN DUNNNNNN!)

The Scrivener’s Bones is the second book in this action-packed fantasy series for young readers.

STILL LAUGHING.

Oh my goodness, these books have me busting up and I love it. I love the cheek and sass and the wry humor of how this is narrated.

I liked how the story progressed and getting a fun change of location too. There’s a bit of growth starting to happen in Alcatraz and I love his friendship with Bastille.

A lot of fun here, really is a great for all type of read and I look forward to continuing the series and seeing where these characters go next.

Overall audience notes:

  • Middle Grade Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: none
  • Violence: low

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