Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones

~by Brandon Sanderson

It wasn't too long ago that I read Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians, the first installment of the planned five-book autobiography of Alcatraz Smedry. Of course, you won't find these book in the non-fiction section of the library, but this is all a part of the Librarians' plot to discredit them. The books have even been published under the name of fantasy author Brandon Sanderson to add to the confusion. I enjoyed Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians immensely and knew that I would need to read the next book, Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones. (Just, please don't tell anyone--as an evil librarian, I could probably get in a lot of trouble for this.)

Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones picks up shortly after the first book in the series. Alcatraz is trying to meet up with his grandfather in order to leave the Hushlands and finally visit the Free Kingdoms himself. But, as usual when Smedrys are involved, things don't quite go as planned. The Librarians are still after Alcatraz--in particular his pair of rare and powerful Translator's lenses--and are beginning to become so desperate that they will even work with another, darker Librarian sect, the Scrivener's Bones. It's not too surprising then that the meet-up doesn't happen--especially considering Grandpa Smedry's Talent for arriving late. Alcatraz's exceptional Talent for breaking things doesn't always help, either. Soon it turns into a rescue mission. Joining forces with his newly discovered uncle and cousin (both with their own unique Talents), and aided by the Crystin Knights, Alcatraz journeys to the very dangerous Great Library of Alexandria in search of his grandfather and Attica Smedry--the father who he's never met.

If you didn't enjoy Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians you probably won't enjoy Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones as it continues in very much the same vein. The humor is just as snarky, the storytelling just as random, and the plot just as wild. I absolutely loved it, but it is definitely not for everyone. A few of the tangents in Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones didn't seem to work as well, but overall the book is a strong follow-up to Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians and perhaps slightly less goofy and more mature while still being a load of fun. And the continued world-building is fantastic.

Since the Alcatraz books are aimed at a younger audience (well, ages 9-99 according to Sanderson's website), the writing style isn't terribly complex and they're not incredibly long, either. Understandably, they make for pretty quick reads. Some references are probably more likely to be picked up on by older readers, but there is still plenty of material for everyone to enjoy. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment of the series. I know that these will be books that I return to again when I need a fun, quick, pick-me-up sort of read. And since the second book was as good as the first (which can be tricky), I expect and hope that the rest of the series continues the trend. The only problem now is that I'll have to wait for the rest of the books to be published.

Find in a library...

Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians

~by Brandon Sanderson

I have heard many, many good things about Brandon Sanderson's books, though I haven't gotten around to reading any of them until now. But with a title like Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians how could I resit? Alcatraz is a different fare from Sanderson's usual work. Instead of epic fantasy written for adults he has written a short and extremely humorous book suitable for most ages.

Alcatraz Smedry has been shuffled from one foster home to the next in fairly rapid succession. It's not that he's exactly a bad kid (of course, he'd be the first to tell you that he's not a particularly good person, either), it's just that he has a habit of breaking things. On his thirteenth birthday, shortly after burning down the kitchen of his current foster parents, he receives a package in the mail. Supposedly it is his entire inheritance from his parents--a bag of sand. When the bag is stolen from him, he finds himself thrust into a reconnaissance mission along with a man who claims to be his grandfather. The target? The downtown public library, local headquarter of the evil and power hungry librarians. With their own devious plans for the sand, they are determined to continue to extend their world dominance. Alcatraz is about to learn that everything he thought he knew is wrong.

The story is told as an autobiography, although Alcatraz has a tendency to ramble on about other things. Specific subjects included authors, writing, readers, and the Great Kitten Conspiracy. He doesn't hesitate to make fun of himself, his readers, or even the book while addressing the reader directly. A few different and rather unique magic systems are introduced, my favorite being the Smedry Family Talents. What at first seem like inconveniences (breaking things, always arriving late, etc.) can be remarkably useful and powerful skills. It was great fun to see how these "talents" developed into solutions.

I absolutely loved this book. It's incredibly snarky and sarcastic, so if that's not a type of humor you appreciate you might give it a pass. I on the other hand thought it was hilarious. I had a huge grin plastered on my face while I read it, often only half successful in stifling my laughter and delight. (I got a lot of strange looks from other people while reading Alcatraz.) I didn't know it when I picked it up, but Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians is actually the first in a series with five books planned. Even if you don't go on to read the rest of the series, I highly, highly recommend this first installment.

(I am an evil librarian. No, really, I am. Sanderson's got us right on. Remember that next time you go to a library. Be nice to us or else you'll probably regret it--we control your universe after all.)

Find in a library...