January 15, 2011

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

7 comments:

  1. Great review! I’m in love with this book especially North! I wish we were getting a sequel.

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  2. Yes, North is quite wonderful, isn't he?!
    And yes, I do wish there was a sequel as well. It seems like she left the ending perfectly open for one... oh well!
    Thanks for visiting! :)
    Alyssa

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  3. How have a I still not read this book?! I remember the hype when it first came out, and I promised myself that I'd read it, but I never got around to it. Loved your review for it, and I'm pondering pushing it up my pile. Great review :)

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  4. Yes, it is a definite must-read and one of the few books I've read recently that I know I'll want to read again someday! Thanks for the visit and comment! :)

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  5. I LOVE this book too. Fantastic review! Wayland North was my favorite character of 2010. Love him. :)

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  6. Did I mention I also love the title of your blog? I never did notice how prevalant red headed heroines really are!

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  7. Thanks so much Ava! I'm surprised at how underrated / unknown this book is when it's so wonderful!!
    And thanks for the compliment on the blog title too... I just kept coming across redheads in YA books and I thought it would make a catchy title :)

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