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miscamy's review against another edition
3.0
I spent the majority of the book wondering if this book was really good, or just really witty. Yes, there is a difference. It did grow on me as I made my way towards the end, and I just might read the rest of the series at some point. Would I have enjoyed it as much if I wasn't a librarian? Probably not. Would I have enjoyed it more if I were still in junior high? Probably yes.
capgambit's review against another edition
4.0
This was great to listen to!! Brandon was extremely clever in the writing and in the idea. Leave it to him to come up with new "magic". Who new that a talent to break things come come in so handy, or that the talent of being late to EVERYTHING could save your life.
This was a quick listen only 5 discs and when I finished my daughter listened and loved it as well (5-6 times over!)
This was a quick listen only 5 discs and when I finished my daughter listened and loved it as well (5-6 times over!)
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
This is going to be a bit of a 'Marmite' book. You'll love the style or just plain hate it. Though I think a child reader will on the while find it a witty and clever read.
Alcatraz (Al) Smedry, surely a name that Dickens will kick himself for not thinking of, is a many-times fostered 13 year old who seems to be forever breaking things (door handles, kitchens, chickens - yes, you read that correctly). Just after his 13th birthday a package from his supposedly-dead parents is delivered. Soon after this his grandfather appears in his life. It turns out that Alcatraz is part of another world, his clumsiness is actually a much-sought-after Talent, and that Evil Librarians have stolen his parents' gift for their own nefarious purposes.
It's actually a simple structure - three scenes - at his foster home, at the secret hideout, at the library. The cast is fairly standard - young and innocent hero, some evil bad guys, some big and bluff or young and sharp sidekicks.
What makes this book different is the author (and narrator's) talks with the reader. It's like the theatre productions when the actors break the Fourth Wall. Al constantly refers to how a book is written, what conventions are, and how he's breaking them. This, you'll either love or hate.
For example, chapter 8 begins: "At this point you're probably expecting to read something like 'I suddenly realised that everything I thought I had known was untrue'."
All quite 'meta', just right for a sarcy pre-teen.
There's a lot of other-realm terminology in the book, it creates a whole other existence but I found it a bit hard to keep up with. The few of evil librarians I had been keen on (being in the industry myself!) but in the end I didn't think they made very well-rounded villains.
I did think the book clever and I know 12 year old me would have lapped up this style of writing. Fans of Lemony Snicket will, and will probably want the next in the series. There's lots of clever bits in here, lots of dark humour (reminded me of Skulduggery Pleasant at times).
It may not be one for most adult readers, those who don't want to 'read down', as it really is intended for a target market of school-aged book lovers.
Overall, a quirky entry to the smart-alec fantasy-adventure genre.
Alcatraz (Al) Smedry, surely a name that Dickens will kick himself for not thinking of, is a many-times fostered 13 year old who seems to be forever breaking things (door handles, kitchens, chickens - yes, you read that correctly). Just after his 13th birthday a package from his supposedly-dead parents is delivered. Soon after this his grandfather appears in his life. It turns out that Alcatraz is part of another world, his clumsiness is actually a much-sought-after Talent, and that Evil Librarians have stolen his parents' gift for their own nefarious purposes.
It's actually a simple structure - three scenes - at his foster home, at the secret hideout, at the library. The cast is fairly standard - young and innocent hero, some evil bad guys, some big and bluff or young and sharp sidekicks.
What makes this book different is the author (and narrator's) talks with the reader. It's like the theatre productions when the actors break the Fourth Wall. Al constantly refers to how a book is written, what conventions are, and how he's breaking them. This, you'll either love or hate.
For example, chapter 8 begins: "At this point you're probably expecting to read something like 'I suddenly realised that everything I thought I had known was untrue'."
All quite 'meta', just right for a sarcy pre-teen.
There's a lot of other-realm terminology in the book, it creates a whole other existence but I found it a bit hard to keep up with. The few of evil librarians I had been keen on (being in the industry myself!) but in the end I didn't think they made very well-rounded villains.
I did think the book clever and I know 12 year old me would have lapped up this style of writing. Fans of Lemony Snicket will, and will probably want the next in the series. There's lots of clever bits in here, lots of dark humour (reminded me of Skulduggery Pleasant at times).
It may not be one for most adult readers, those who don't want to 'read down', as it really is intended for a target market of school-aged book lovers.
Overall, a quirky entry to the smart-alec fantasy-adventure genre.
tree_star's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy meets Artemis Fowl, very punchy tongue in cheek and full of nonsense.
A coming of age YA fantasy where librarians rule the known world and a secret society fights against the evil overlords. the secret society includes people with superpowers that sound mundane: always breaking things, being late, tripping over nothing, etc...but hang in there; it will all make sense eventually!
I love a narrator that is self aware. what a joy to read.
A coming of age YA fantasy where librarians rule the known world and a secret society fights against the evil overlords. the secret society includes people with superpowers that sound mundane: always breaking things, being late, tripping over nothing, etc...but hang in there; it will all make sense eventually!
I love a narrator that is self aware. what a joy to read.
kcj1298's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
leescott88's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
katieinca's review against another edition
2.0
Read on the recommendation of a 13yo in my life who's a fan (and generally a reluctant reader! but a Sanderson fan), but my 12yo & 10yo put it down shortly after picking it up, and it kinda dragged for me too. I liked the idea of world domination by evil librarians and some of the 4th-wall breaking winky schtick (a la Lemony Snicket but less dour). Those clever asides started to wear on me, though, really kind of drowning out both plot and characters.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite authors. So I was curious to see what this childrens fantasy series would be like. I can't say I like it as well as his adult fantasy, but it was highly enjoyable for sure. It's written in the style as if the main character is writing his story, and there are a lot of instances of the character (as the author, or is it the author as the character?) talking to the reader. This type of thing can be done well or it can be incredibly annoying. Fortunately, it was done well and was very fun.
Alcatraz is a great character, and I think one that older children especially will love. The whole book is very clever and creative. Here's a quote that I particularly liked:
Now, actual torture is frowned upon in civilized society. Fortunately, the authorial community has discovered in storytelling an even more powerful--and more fulfilling--means of causing agony in others. We write stories. And by doing so, we engage in a perfectly legal method of doing all kinds of mean and terrible things to our readers.
Take, for instance, the word I used above. Propondity. There is no such word--I made it up. Why? Because it amused me to think of thousands of readers looking up a nonsense word in their dictionaries.
This is the writing style of the book, so if the above quote sound fun to you, you'll probably like it. If it seems annoying, steer clear. This is not a book for everyone. I would say that just because you enjoy Sanderson's adult fantasy does not mean you will like this. It's completely different in style. But if you like silly, fun children's fantasy, or you're looking for something fun for your kids to read, this is a great choice.
Alcatraz is a great character, and I think one that older children especially will love. The whole book is very clever and creative. Here's a quote that I particularly liked:
Now, actual torture is frowned upon in civilized society. Fortunately, the authorial community has discovered in storytelling an even more powerful--and more fulfilling--means of causing agony in others. We write stories. And by doing so, we engage in a perfectly legal method of doing all kinds of mean and terrible things to our readers.
Take, for instance, the word I used above. Propondity. There is no such word--I made it up. Why? Because it amused me to think of thousands of readers looking up a nonsense word in their dictionaries.
This is the writing style of the book, so if the above quote sound fun to you, you'll probably like it. If it seems annoying, steer clear. This is not a book for everyone. I would say that just because you enjoy Sanderson's adult fantasy does not mean you will like this. It's completely different in style. But if you like silly, fun children's fantasy, or you're looking for something fun for your kids to read, this is a great choice.
clarahooyer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0