The Scrivener's Bones: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians

I know Sanderson has made his reputation writing high fantasy for adults, but to my mind these YA books distinguish him as a singular talent. They are funny, both on a slapstick level and a much drier and more subtle level. They are also fun, which is different from "funny". They are fun because they are cheerful, energetic, and don't at all take themselves seriously. They are entertaining. And, they are remarkably creative, in a sci-fi, fantasy, this book does not need to have a plot kind of way. The books are not a goof on sci-fi; they are not infected with irony and are not "send-ups". I figure Sanderson's adult fantasy is so serious and so weighted with heavy themes that the Alcatraz books are a way for him to balance out his creative juices. Great for us. This series is much better even than some editorial reviews and comments might lead you to believe. The emphasis on "zany" and "silly" and the comparisons to Lemony Snicket downplay the cleverness that sustains the books in this series. While the series is pure fantasy, it does not fit into any common fantasy mold I know. No orcs, no object of power, no guiding old wizard, no "magic" of the abracadavera type. Rather, a hip hero with an ironic sensibility, some well drawn secondary characters and companions, an unusual quest object, odd but logically consistent and cleverly framed special powers and artifacts, and novel opponents, set this work apart. This second installment follows the same pattern as the first. While we don't have the fun of first meeting the Smedry's that we had in the first book, we get more characters, lots of plot development, and a change of scene to the Great Library of Alexandria as compensation. There is danger, a rescue, revelations, and promises of future developments to come, which is the best you can hope for in a Book Two. As before, the humor ranges from agreeable to serviceable, and when it misses the mark it just misses; it isn't annoying. The back story is deeper and more consistent than is usually the case, and the whole work feels like the reader is welcome to enjoy being in on the joke. This remains hipper, more ironic, and more shrewdly bemused than expected, and that's all good.

The Alcatraz series is hilarious, for adults as well as kids. I'm not sure exactly how to explain its genius, but I think it mainly lies in how witty, intelligent, and fun the books are while also covering serious and perilous situations. I love the characters as well, they are all very complex and well-realized. And of course, you can't forget the magic system which is completely unique and makes for a lot of fun guessing as to how anti-superpowers can be actually used. The short version is that you should start reading these books right away!

Brandon Sanderson is one of the bright new lights in the world of epic fantasy--his Mistborn series are among the most exciting fantasies that I have read in years. So I was very enthusiastic when I heard about his young adult series about a young man who has a talent for breaking things. Alcatraz's first adventure was a delightful romp through a world of conspiracies perpetrated upon all of us "Hushlanders" by the evil Librarians. Sounds crazy? Well, it was so crazy that maybe he is right...maybe the librarians are all out to get us. So I was very happy that the second book, Scrivener's bones has come out to some fanfare. The same Alcatraz is back--but a little more self assured, in more command of his talent. His collection of crazy family members are also back, as is Sanderson's talent for inventing new and original magic systems. The Ocularists are a very interesting take on magic, and one that people who are into these things will really enjoy. The real star of the show, however, is Sanderson's writing. It is crisp, funny, engaging, and really fun. I found myself turning pages so quickly that I was getting fingerburn. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions, and closed the book pleased that I had taken another trip through some really original locations--flying glass dragon, anyone? This is not Harry Potter. Alcatraz is simply not as weighty as that young magician. His characters are not as well rounded or complex as those of JKR; however, I don't think that was his intention. He has created a fun alternate universe, a fun new magical system, and now gives us some more depth to this very likeable young character. I would recommend this for younger teen readers, or for people (like me) who are rapidly becoming fanatics about Sanderson's novels.

Fantastic book that my 7 year old and I love to read together.

Below is an excerpt of my full review of the first four books in the Alcatraz series: This review goes in line with that of the Alcatraz series, more specifically the attitude of a Smedry. You see, they are trouble makers, and are prone to getting themselves into life threatening situations. They have an uncharacteristic attitude when dealing with any situation. The more danger, the more excited they are. Through thick and thin, Smedry's are rarely to be found with a sour mood. They are bubbly, charismatic, bold, audacious, and have a knack for getting themselves into trouble. Wait, I said that did I not? Gack! You see, I imitating a number of characters found in this book. Granpa Smedry, Alcatraz, talking dinosaurs. Yes, you read correctly, talking dinosaurs with a British accent, and as we know, those Brits are refined, calm, and well-mannered; dinosaurs are no exception! They really know how to cause trouble for Librarians, like eating the entire C section of the Science Fiction shelf and moving six books out of their proper places. Okay, so maybe they are useless as Bastille said... The only thing worse than talking dinosaurs are talking rocks, but I tell you, the dinosaurs are a treat! To round off this paragraph, I leave you this quote from Grandpa Smedry if you think I am making any of this up: I am a Smedry, and we do ridiculous, unexpected, eccentric things like this all the time. The Alcatraz series is a tremendously fun read. My friend that recommended Mistorn and Elantris did not bother giving these books a shot because of their young adult emphasis, despite being a lover of Sanderson's work. Aspiring Asimovs, what a horrible reason! Lots of fun, many laugh out loud moments, tons of humor and wit, with a great story to boot! The books are written from the first person perspective of Alcatraz Smedry, written as a biography of how he became the hero of the Free Kingdom and to dispel the many myths about how it happened. The books are much shorter than all of Sanderson's other works, easily read in two or three days, and are extremely enjoyable. I cannot recommend these books enough! Unfortunately Scholastic decided to not sign Sanderson for the fifth and final book. According to his assistant via Twitter, Sanderson will finish the series, but it's still a few years out, which is a shame. When I found out about this, I shook my fist at Scholastic and demanded they be burned alive with the Firebringer's Lens. You'll have to read the books to know what that's about ;)

That subject line makes no sense because each new book that has not been read may actually be the best book in a series. Alcatraz, taking the ordinary and putting a new twist on it. The first book introducing the not a nice person Alcatraz and this one going further with more lies. For example in the book is a web site to Hayley Lazo's web page in which she was drawing a web comic which just stopped. Right at a nice cliff hanger just from what I can tell so she could draw for this book series. Oh she said she would finish, but it is just lies I tell you. Which proves that she is as evil as "Brandon Sanderson". The good part of the book, Bunnies with Bazookas. Where else are you going to read about that? I've actually just finished the third book, so I'll tell you that if you have not read this series to start there but go ahead and buy the first two also. I did not realize there was a special order to these books and it would make the first chapter of three have much more meaning if done that way. Had I known I would have started with book three and read the last pages and then jumped to the first chapter. Much more satisfying read. Book five has already been ordered and hopefully will arrive before the end of book four. Because as it is pointed out in the book and has become more obvious from reading this story that writers are Evil and Brandon Sanderson is the worse. Just check out that Mistborn series for stories that can completely change before the end. I am actually enjoying this book quite a bit and the further I read this story the more it makes sense. Which probably means that I am way off in my thinking and will probably hate book #5. PS. The art work in this book is really quite good. Makes me which for a graphic novel of the series and if one comes out I'll probably buy it also. Hayley's site is actually worth visiting just disappointing to have a story end. Not that I follow Hayley's work, I just read the whole thing in one setting and thought it may continue elsewhere but I can find nothing.

Okay, as a teacher, it's almost embarrassing to admit that I love the Alcatraz series, but I do. In spite of the fact that they are written for the tween age (and great for that age group), they are books that can capture the attention of an adult. (My older sister was the one who introduced the series to me.) They are totally off the wall, but I find them delightful. I find myself grinning at things throughout the books. This book is just a fun, lighthearted read. Something that will allow you to quickly get in and out of the story and get back on to life. I did like the first book in the series a little better than this one. However, I really liked it and will definitely continue through to the end of the series!

Reader thoughts: So funny. Sanderson definitely tries a few new styles in the Alcatraz books, from non-sequential and non-integer chapter numbering, to inserting some dire pages at the end of the books to ruin the experience of anyone who tries to cheat and read the last pages first. Alcatraz is very sarcastic. Almost too much, although I found his character more refreshing than annoying overall. He's not rude like Sage in The False Prince or like Max in The Angel Experiment. He's more like Percy Jackson, all wit and cleverness. In this book, Alcatraz learns how important information is. Over the entire series he keeps coming across the idea that bigger guns and bigger bombs don't win a war. The side with more information (from truth to secrets to research) is more powerful. He wants blasting glasses, but he gets ones that tell him the relative age of objects instead. What 13-year-old wouldn't be disappointed? He turns it to his advantage, though. One of my favorite moments of this book is when Alcatraz kicks Bastille to save her life. Writer thoughts: Sanderson does what few MG/YA fantasy authors dare, he gives his main character parents! That's right, in this book, we find out both of Alcatraz's parents are alive (or were very recently). Many fantasy books are more intent on making the young protagonists into orphans so they have to fend for themselves. Alcatraz goes from a foster kid to having a grandpa and cousins (in the first book), to having an evil mom, to having a rather neglectful dad by the end of the second. With Alcatraz surrounded by family members, how is he ever going to be in danger for a book's climactic moment? Here are some of Sanderson's strategies. 1, throw some of these family members in prison. 2, trap the family members in an underground labyrinth. 3, have them turn evil. 4, make them fall into a coma. 5, use transporter's glass to kidnap them. See? Parents and cousins are quite useful. Authors can build tension by endangering unimportant, er, dearly loved family members.

I enjoyed this book a lot. One of my favorites. Filled with puns. When u finish the book u will see the world from different prespective .... Believe me...

I really like how Sanderson keeps my kids engaged in the story, once we got this book it kept disappearing till the kids were each done reading it, after that I got my turn. A great read, just as lighthearted and fun as the first one.

My granddaughter totally loves these books so I gave them a go. I suspect the writer was inserting inside jokes for his friends here and there. I think I’m not in love with these books enough to keep reading the series but then, I’m not the age group they’re aimed at. But the writer definitely has a clever sense of humour and this series is sure to have a strong fan base.

It has been bought as a present and was requested by a family member. I am sure that it will be enjoyed as much as the first book in the series.It arrived very promptly from the seller, thank you.

I loved this book— but reviewing the whole series: the author has abandoned the series. The last book ends on a cliffhanger , but that was 5 years ago. It doesn’t take 5 years to write a short YA book, and it’s a bit disappointing to wait for long. I can’t recommend this series , as it looks like yet another that will never finish