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eximo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
eesh25's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars
I've really enjoyed getting to know the different Orders of Librarians. That's a nice change from how much I haven't liked getting to know Alcatraz's parents. Shasta, at least, is interesting. Attica just sucks. But I like that Sanderson isn't even trying to justfy their behaviour. They're shitty parents and that's that. Grandpa Smedry is great though. And this was another great intsallment. It lets us know more about why Alcatraz feels the need to clarify some things about his past. And it has me hyped for the "last" book.
I've really enjoyed getting to know the different Orders of Librarians. That's a nice change from how much I haven't liked getting to know Alcatraz's parents. Shasta, at least, is interesting. Attica just sucks. But I like that Sanderson isn't even trying to justfy their behaviour. They're shitty parents and that's that. Grandpa Smedry is great though. And this was another great intsallment. It lets us know more about why Alcatraz feels the need to clarify some things about his past. And it has me hyped for the "last" book.
themoonphoenix's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
gamz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
megana's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I enjoyed this one the most so far. The chapter titles were hilarious and made the chapter intros much more interesting to me. The last few chapters were a wild ride and I can’t wait to get into the next book.
bluejaybooks's review against another edition
4.0
I liked book four better than book three. I thought the conflict was more interesting, the jokes funnier, and I’m excited to continue the next book.
It’s important to note that there are a lot of people who would find this series more annoying than funny. I’m just not one of them. I think it’s hilarious.
It’s important to note that there are a lot of people who would find this series more annoying than funny. I’m just not one of them. I think it’s hilarious.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Why I read it: 4th in a series
The Plot: The boy with all the wrong Talents has a lot to prove and, as always, little time in which to do it. In this final adventure, Alcatraz faces an army of librarians--and their giant librarian robots--as they battle to win the kingdom of Mokia.
The Characters: Alcatraz seems to grow up a bit in this book, and as a narrator he is very likable and fun. Throughout the series, though, I've never really been able to connect with any of the characters to the point where I really cared what happened to them.
The Setting: In this book, we are mostly in the fantasy land of Mokia. The setting is fine, and Sanderson is capable of doing incredible world-building, but I think he saves that for his adult fantasy, and this is more about being clever and punny.
A Sample of the Writing:
Change.
It's important to change. I, for instance, change my underwear every day. Hopefully you do too. If you don't, please stay downwind.
Who Should Read This? People who have already read the first three books in the Alcatraz series--this series is for those looking for really, really light YA fantasy.
Final Thoughts: I've commented before on the humor in these books, and how some people might find it over the top. Well, in this fourth book, it got to me. There were some funny parts still, but a lot of the time it felt forced, and I actually got bored. This is the first time I've felt like skimming while reading a book by Brandon Sanderson.
Grade: C
Cover Thoughts: The covers in these are always fun. And what's even more fun is that Alcatraz (as the narrator) refers to a cover from a previous book during the story.
The Plot: The boy with all the wrong Talents has a lot to prove and, as always, little time in which to do it. In this final adventure, Alcatraz faces an army of librarians--and their giant librarian robots--as they battle to win the kingdom of Mokia.
The Characters: Alcatraz seems to grow up a bit in this book, and as a narrator he is very likable and fun. Throughout the series, though, I've never really been able to connect with any of the characters to the point where I really cared what happened to them.
The Setting: In this book, we are mostly in the fantasy land of Mokia. The setting is fine, and Sanderson is capable of doing incredible world-building, but I think he saves that for his adult fantasy, and this is more about being clever and punny.
A Sample of the Writing:
Change.
It's important to change. I, for instance, change my underwear every day. Hopefully you do too. If you don't, please stay downwind.
Who Should Read This? People who have already read the first three books in the Alcatraz series--this series is for those looking for really, really light YA fantasy.
Final Thoughts: I've commented before on the humor in these books, and how some people might find it over the top. Well, in this fourth book, it got to me. There were some funny parts still, but a lot of the time it felt forced, and I actually got bored. This is the first time I've felt like skimming while reading a book by Brandon Sanderson.
Grade: C
Cover Thoughts: The covers in these are always fun. And what's even more fun is that Alcatraz (as the narrator) refers to a cover from a previous book during the story.
jglehman3's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-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
4.25
julieabe89's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
I really adore this whole series. This book had exploding teddy bears, mech librarians, and more. I really enjoyed every moment of hijinks.