Customer Reviews

Alcatraz #2: Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have only two issues with Brandon Sanderson. Firstly, he should stop everything else he is doing and write more Alcatraz books. I like his adult fantasy, don't get me wrong, and I'm super excited about his finishing the Wheel of Time, but Alcatraz is better. Waaaay better. Someone with this kind of writing style and sense of humor should be writing young adult books. If you can get that many philosophy jokes into a book designed for 8-11 year olds effectively, and make it so darn funny that 35 year olds are checking for a sequel release date daily, you need to focus on them. These books are just a really really smart guy playing. He's doing the things he can't do with 'real' fiction, and I want MORE of it. It is perfectly designed, magnificently executed, and quite frankly the funniest books I've ever read. (including Christopher Moore- and that's saying a lot) The sequel, although not quite as good as the first book, is still the kind of book you annoy other people endlessly while reading. You MUST read these books.

The only other issue that I have is that the covers for the Paperback Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians, and The Scrivener's Bones are atrocious. They do not at all represent the nature of the books. As a bookseller who is constantly trying to hand-sell these books, the covers are not helping me. Please get a new illustrator.

Brandon Sanderson is one of the bright new lights in the world of epic fantasy--his Mistborn series are among the most exciting fantasies that I have read in years. So I was very enthusiastic when I heard about his young adult series about a young man who has a talent for breaking things. Alcatraz's first adventure was a delightful romp through a world of conspiracies perpetrated upon all of us "Hushlanders" by the evil Librarians. Sounds crazy? Well, it was so crazy that maybe he is right...maybe the librarians are all out to get us.

So I was very happy that the second book, Scrivener's bones has come out to some fanfare. The same Alcatraz is back--but a little more self assured, in more command of his talent. His collection of crazy family members are also back, as is Sanderson's talent for inventing new and original magic systems. The Ocularists are a very interesting take on magic, and one that people who are into these things will really enjoy.

The real star of the show, however, is Sanderson's writing. It is crisp, funny, engaging, and really fun. I found myself turning pages so quickly that I was getting fingerburn. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions, and closed the book pleased that I had taken another trip through some really original locations--flying glass dragon, anyone?

This is not Harry Potter. Alcatraz is simply not as weighty as that young magician. His characters are not as well rounded or complex as those of JKR; however, I don't think that was his intention. He has created a fun alternate universe, a fun new magical system, and now gives us some more depth to this very likeable young character. I would recommend this for younger teen readers, or for people (like me) who are rapidly becoming fanatics about Sanderson's novels.

I have an admission to make.

I'm an adult, but I read books written for 9-12 year olds sometimes. I read the first five Artemis Fowl books by Eoin Colfer, and also the Bartemeous Trilogy by Jonathon Stroud.

This is a fun and fantastic book and personally, I feel that Mr Sanderson had a great time writing this wonderful novel. It's hard to believe someone who wrote the lengthy and serious Hero of Ages Trilogy could also have penned an comedy adventure series of such quality as well, but I'm sure glad that he can!

I cant wait until the next volume comes out in October! I really cant!

Our family enjoyed ALCATRAZ vs THE EVIL LIBRARIANS so much that the sequel caused serious negotiations as to who had the right to read first and would that person please not spoil the plot by telling it! Both books (ALCATRAZ vs THE EVIL LIBRARIANS & ALCATRAZ vs THE SCRIVENER'S BONES) are fun light reads that also hit you with very poignant observations on life. This makes it great for kids & adults.

Below is an excerpt of my full review of the first four books in the Alcatraz series:

This review goes in line with that of the Alcatraz series, more specifically the attitude of a Smedry. You see, they are trouble makers, and are prone to getting themselves into life threatening situations. They have an uncharacteristic attitude when dealing with any situation. The more danger, the more excited they are. Through thick and thin, Smedry's are rarely to be found with a sour mood. They are bubbly, charismatic, bold, audacious, and have a knack for getting themselves into trouble. Wait, I said that did I not? Gack! You see, I imitating a number of characters found in this book. Granpa Smedry, Alcatraz, talking dinosaurs. Yes, you read correctly, talking dinosaurs with a British accent, and as we know, those Brits are refined, calm, and well-mannered; dinosaurs are no exception! They really know how to cause trouble for Librarians, like eating the entire C section of the Science Fiction shelf and moving six books out of their proper places. Okay, so maybe they are useless as Bastille said... The only thing worse than talking dinosaurs are talking rocks, but I tell you, the dinosaurs are a treat! To round off this paragraph, I leave you this quote from Grandpa Smedry if you think I am making any of this up:

I am a Smedry, and we do ridiculous, unexpected, eccentric things like this all the time.

The Alcatraz series is a tremendously fun read. My friend that recommended Mistorn and Elantris did not bother giving these books a shot because of their young adult emphasis, despite being a lover of Sanderson's work. Aspiring Asimovs, what a horrible reason! Lots of fun, many laugh out loud moments, tons of humor and wit, with a great story to boot! The books are written from the first person perspective of Alcatraz Smedry, written as a biography of how he became the hero of the Free Kingdom and to dispel the many myths about how it happened. The books are much shorter than all of Sanderson's other works, easily read in two or three days, and are extremely enjoyable. I cannot recommend these books enough!

Unfortunately Scholastic decided to not sign Sanderson for the fifth and final book. According to his assistant via Twitter, Sanderson will finish the series, but it's still a few years out, which is a shame. When I found out about this, I shook my fist at Scholastic and demanded they be burned alive with the Firebringer's Lens. You'll have to read the books to know what that's about ;)

Another enjoyable installment in the "fictional" tales of Alcatraz Smedry. Here, Alcatraz must stomach a flight in a glass aircraft, attempt to rescue members of his family, and take on the Scrivener's Bones. Quite a lot, no? Additionally, Alcatraz must grow as a person, must decide if he wants to assume the leadership role that's been thrust upon him.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second Alcatraz book! The plot was interesting and fast paced, and the new characters were fun and unique. I even found myself contemplating topics nearing the whole "meaning of life" area (well, not quite to that extent, but a few times I did take pause and go, "huh, that's an interesting thought").

I'm not sure I was as captivated by this tale as the first, and I must admit that part of what I loved about the first book (the author's continual interruptions and ability to poke fun at the career of writing itself, etc.) is also what got a little annoying for me in this book. I still enjoyed it, of course, but I felt that it was overdone. The humor of a chapter ending with a cliff-hanger and the second starting with some rambling on a completely different topic, lost a little of its impact because it was employed so much (IMO, anyway). And, a few of the jokes were, IMO again, a little inappropriate (not in a rated PG-13 or R way or anything! Just, I found myself saying, "really? couldn't have picked something else there?") But, nothing got in the way of my overall enjoyment. Both Alcatraz books certainly offer a refreshing detour from typical narrative! And I do believe I'll be picking up a copy of book 3 in the near future! The story definitely has taken a more "epic" (for this style of book) turn.

If you liked "Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians" then you will love this book. This book is the perfect combination of action and humor. I have never heard my son laugh out loud so many times while reading a book as he did with this one. Brandon Sanderson consistently writes original and creative fantasy books for adults and children. Alcatraz is the best new fantasy hero since Artemis Fowl. If you don't already own the Alcatraz books, do yourself (or your kid) a favor and purchase them now! And as Alcatraz would say, " If you haven't read the first book, why are you reading reviews for the second book?!"

My son absolutely loves the Alcatraz books. Brandon Sanderson is funny and imaginative. I love his fantasy books and my son loves these. Whatever you do, don't read the end first! ;)

I have waited all my life for someone to write books like these, books that defy the Law of Conservation of Awesomeness. This law states, basically, that fiction with really awesome and exciting action scenes must have stupid plots, flat characters, and nothing important to say.

Brandon Sanderson's "Alcatraz" series shatters this principle. Sanderson's genius is his ability to draw tension out of thin air. Combine this with the dizzying sophistication of multiple systems of magic use, an evil librarian conspiracy that covers up true world history and geography, quirky characters, and a fresh voice that breaks all the rules of traditional story narration, and you get a book that my husband, three children, and I all fought to be the first one to finish reading. All week you could hear someone snickering at the jokes or moaning at the suspense, with shouts in the background of, "DON'T TELL ME I HAVEN'T READ THAT PART YET!!!"

Alcatraz Smedry, the true author of the book (he publishes under Brandon Sanderson's name to avoid detection by the cult of evil librarians), intermixes his edge-of-your-seat narrative with snarky personal insights into subjects like literary fiction, philosophy, real adults vs. fictional adults, truth in storytelling, and perception vs. reality. This book completely defies gravity as a light, funny, fast paced, and thought-provoking read.

This author has repeatedly exceeded expectation. In the fantasy genre his work is classic. Whether writing for adults or teens Mr Sanderson is a joy to read, though I go through his books so fast that I have to read them several times to savor all the wonderful qualities he provides.