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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
Reread 2023: I'm listening to the series with my kids (4, 6, and 8). It's ironic because of my original review, but the only thing I remembered from my first read was the math talent and it is my least favorite reread of the series so far. I still agree that the humor isn't to my taste in this book and feels excessively silly, though my kids loved it for the most part.
Original review: This is one of my favorites of the series so far; I really liked the then of perception shifts. I always liked the tension and the creative solutions to problems that come up. The reason I took off a star for this one was the fact that there were parts that I felt the humor was taken too far, there were parts that were annoying because of it. Overall, though, it was a very enjoyable read.
Original review: This is one of my favorites of the series so far; I really liked the then of perception shifts. I always liked the tension and the creative solutions to problems that come up. The reason I took off a star for this one was the fact that there were parts that I felt the humor was taken too far, there were parts that were annoying because of it. Overall, though, it was a very enjoyable read.
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The second half of this series has been really well executed. The payoff from the world building in the first 3 books is here, which is crazy considering it's middle grade. We finally are getting more depth to Alcatraz's parents, more history about talents and glass. Alcatraz and Bastille's friendship is growing. And all this with really witty and clever comedic narration. I highly suggest consuming these through graphic audio. It's so well done, lots of laugh out loud moments. His sarcasm and 4th wall breaks are hilarious. Truly a fun time.
YES!YES!YES!YES even though the content is pretty heavy, Wars, bloodshed, comas etc.
Alcatraz Smedry’s hilarious narrations makes you forget about it! You could call this book many things(ridiculous,zany, thrilling,Goofy.) but serious would not be one of them. This is definitely a must read for fantasy lovers everywhere!
Alcatraz Smedry’s hilarious narrations makes you forget about it! You could call this book many things(ridiculous,zany, thrilling,Goofy.) but serious would not be one of them. This is definitely a must read for fantasy lovers everywhere!
Shattered Lens is the book in the series where Alcatraz is stupid. Or that is what he tells us. It is also the one with a big battle and the one with robots. But mostly, I just have had a ton of fun with this series. I want to go hang out and visit this world. I want to go adventuring with the Smedrys and see a talent in action or some cool lenses. I want to see the Knights of Crystallia and their cool swords and these robots go at it. I want to see Bastille and Alcatraz banter. Each installment brings new talents, new lenses, new factions and big reveals. It is classic Sanderson outlining in my mind. Once again, I'm so glad to be able to binge this series instead of waiting years between books. The next book is set up for even great stakes and I'm here for it. Oh and Bastille is still the best.
Alcatraz Smedry is a little annoying thirteen year old that can manage to infiltrate a city besieged by Evil Librarians while only quoting Hamlet.
I laughed out loud at a few scenes from this one, my favourite so far of the series. Can't wait for the last book to come out!
I laughed out loud at a few scenes from this one, my favourite so far of the series. Can't wait for the last book to come out!
More like three and a half stars. Still entertaining and a little annoying, like a little brother. But cute.
Definitely one of the best Alcatraz books (and they've all been good so far). I love the Hamlet bits, and the ending was strong.
I'm confused. Let me start by saying that I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and I have not read the first three. I am not sure it would have helped. If Brandon Sanderson is able to keep all of the goings-on in what is now five books straight, he is some sort of genius.
I am also going to say that I am very, very amused by this book. It's a mid-grade (I think) series, and if the kids you know like funny stories with upside-down magic and twists and surprises everywhere, they should love the Alcatraz series.
Alcatraz Smedry is a wizard- of sorts. His family all possess some sort of Talent. His grandfather's talent is to be late to everything. His uncle gets lost- all the time. Alcatraz breaks things. Not your typical magical talents, by any means. But there lies the true cleverness of the stories. The Smedry's are able to use those Talents in unusual ways to get out of predicaments. Rather than wave a wand or incant a spell and save the day, a Smedry might use bad math skills to create a stockpile of exploding teddy bears. (Yes, exploding teddy bears. I said it was unusual.)
Alcatraz also breaks the fourth wall consistently throughout the story, something most writers are cautioned against. Here, it works very well. The reader is encouraged to act out the story- aloud and with enthusiasm. Well, except for a few bits where things could go well wrong. But don't worry- Alcatraz will let you know about those.
Each chapter begins with an introduction, which provides some background and clears up some of the confusion. Or not. Mostly not. Chapter numbers are, well, actually, they aren't. On purpose, to confuse those nasty Librarians. The book starts with Chapter Two (Chapter One was boring), moves on to Chapter Six, and then to Chapter Pi. It gets worse from there.
I loved the book, even without knowing the back stories from the first three. I am going to read those at some point, just because I enjoyed this one so much. I laughed and cringed. I cheered Alcatraz on. I was sorry when it was over. Mr. Sanderson, if I were not already a fan, I would certainly be one now. Do your kids a favor- get them started on the Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians series. Read them yourself. And laugh. Oh, and if you figure it all out, let me know, okay?
I am also going to say that I am very, very amused by this book. It's a mid-grade (I think) series, and if the kids you know like funny stories with upside-down magic and twists and surprises everywhere, they should love the Alcatraz series.
Alcatraz Smedry is a wizard- of sorts. His family all possess some sort of Talent. His grandfather's talent is to be late to everything. His uncle gets lost- all the time. Alcatraz breaks things. Not your typical magical talents, by any means. But there lies the true cleverness of the stories. The Smedry's are able to use those Talents in unusual ways to get out of predicaments. Rather than wave a wand or incant a spell and save the day, a Smedry might use bad math skills to create a stockpile of exploding teddy bears. (Yes, exploding teddy bears. I said it was unusual.)
Alcatraz also breaks the fourth wall consistently throughout the story, something most writers are cautioned against. Here, it works very well. The reader is encouraged to act out the story- aloud and with enthusiasm. Well, except for a few bits where things could go well wrong. But don't worry- Alcatraz will let you know about those.
Each chapter begins with an introduction, which provides some background and clears up some of the confusion. Or not. Mostly not. Chapter numbers are, well, actually, they aren't. On purpose, to confuse those nasty Librarians. The book starts with Chapter Two (Chapter One was boring), moves on to Chapter Six, and then to Chapter Pi. It gets worse from there.
I loved the book, even without knowing the back stories from the first three. I am going to read those at some point, just because I enjoyed this one so much. I laughed and cringed. I cheered Alcatraz on. I was sorry when it was over. Mr. Sanderson, if I were not already a fan, I would certainly be one now. Do your kids a favor- get them started on the Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians series. Read them yourself. And laugh. Oh, and if you figure it all out, let me know, okay?