Book Review of "Brightly Woven" by Alexandra Bracken

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Title: Brightly Woven
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Classification: YA Fiction, Teen Fiction, Fantasy
Source: Public Library

Overall Grade:

A

Would I read it again?

Yes!

Would I recommend it?

YES

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Summary: 

Sydelle Mirabel's dreary life in her dusty corner of the kingdom is changed forever when the wizard Wayland North visits their village, and brings their first drop of rain in over a decade. Along with the rain comes a band of soldiers from the neighboring nation, a move that North says is the beginning of war. 

North is offered any help or favor he desires from the Mirabel family, both for bringing an end to their debilitating drought and an early warning of the army's invasion. But much to everyone's surprise, North names his favor: to have Sydelle accompany him on his cross-country quest to warn the leaders of the nation that they are about to go to war with the wrong enemies.

Although Sydelle has always dreamed of leaving her small village, she is distraught at having to leave her family and friends just as soldiers invade the town. However, to return order to her hometown, she must abide North and his frustrating ways, so that they may stop the war from the source.

As their journey progresses, Sydelle becomes aware of something awry with their journey. Firstly, North dodges all of her questions about why he chose her to accompany him. Second, everywhere they turn Sydelle finds herself nose-to-nose with other magicians who seems strangely interested in her, a phenomenon which, again, North fails to explain to her. And lastly, North himself: prone to mood swings, strange illnesses and vulgarity, Sydelle is forced to grapple with his confusing character even as she struggles with the feelings inside herself.

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My Thoughts: 

This debut fantasy novel by Alexandra Bracken completely blew me away! I fell in love with Sydelle's world, with Bracken's characters and the interesting places she took the story. I definitely could not put it down.

The story in Brightly Woven is a new take on the typical fantasy novel, complete with romance, adventure, danger, magic and dangerous secrets.

I loved the relationship between Sydelle and North and how the plot influenced their view of one another. Bracken expertly weaved the relationship with depth and mystery and frustration and magic. I especially loved the major plot twist about Sydelle that Bracken included. It really helped deepen their relationship and it most certainly made for an exciting read.

Wayland North himself has got to be one of my favorite characters of all time. His strange moods, lack of a sense-of-direction and the painful secrets of his past made him lovable, laughable and most certainly memorable.

An excellent debut young adult fantasy novel from a crazy-gifted author.

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Overall Grade:

A

Would I read it again?

Yes!

Would I recommend it?

YES

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