February 24, 2010

Brightly Woven - Alexandra Bracken




Young Adult
Pages: 368
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Release Date: March 23, 2010

When Wayland North brings rain to a region that's been dry for over ten years, he's promised anything he'd like as a reward. He chooses the village elder's daughter, sixteen-year-old Sydelle Mirabel, who is a skilled weaver and has an unusual knack for repairing his magical cloaks. Though Sydelle has dreamt of escaping her home, she's hurt that her parents relinquish her so freely and finds herself awed and afraid of the slightly ragtag wizard who is unlike any of the men of magic in the tales she's heard. Still, she is drawn to this mysterious man who is fiercely protective of her and so reluctant to share his own past. The pair rushes toward the capital, intent to stop an imminent war, pursued by Reuel Dorwan (a dark wizard who has taken a keen interest in Sydelle) and plagued by unusually wild weather. But the sudden earthquakes and freak snowstorms may not be a coincidence. As Sydelle discovers North's dark secret and the reason for his interest in her and learns to master her own mysterious power, it becomes increasingly clear that the fate of the kingdom rests in her fingertips. She will either be a savior, weaving together the frayed bonds between Saldorra and Auster, or the disastrous force that destroys both kingdoms forever.

Fantasy, fantasy, fantasy. Isn't fantasy the best? What an awesome debut this is. I love when a book reminds me why I love high fantasy so much. This was the type of book that draws you in and makes you want to live, breathe, drink inside this striking imaginary world, filled with magic and wizards and rare ever-changing weather. I loved the book from the very beginning, I love when there's no time to waste and it just starts, making you have to figure out stuff on the way. As hard as it is to master a made-up world and make it work for your characters and your story, I feel the author did a wonderful job.

The writing was really good, the premise was fresh and new and the characters were wildly lovable. I love that she didn't complicate the story with a love triangle and left it quite simple, exactly what I imagined Syd doing. The tension was ever-present, making it quite an atmospheric page turner. If you enjoy fantasy, Kristin Cashore type, then you must definitely go pick this one up.


8 comments:

  1. I'm not huge on fantasy so I was kind of weary about this, but your review makes me want to read it even more now! :)

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  2. Great review!

    I just finished reading this one, and I loved it. You're right, it reminded me why I love fantasy (I've been reading a lot of contemp lately). Awesome book :)

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  3. Even though this isn't my typical genre, I'm really looking forward to it! Glad to see you enjoyed it :)

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  4. I also love it when a book reminds me of why I love fantasy so much! Guess I've got to read this and Kristin Cashore.

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  5. Hmmm I think I'll have to get this one because I really like KRistin Cashore's books. So thanks for recommending this ; )

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  6. magic and wizards - count me in! :D Sounds ace!

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