The Scrivener's Bones

Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians #2

by Brandon Sanderson, Hayley Lazo (Illustrator)

#1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn series Brandon Sanderson continues the epic adventure he began in Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians

So now you’ve read all about me, Alcatraz Smedry, and how I was swept out of my life in your normal world and into the fight against the Librarians (jerks!). After being all heroic and stuff in that tale, I didn’t expect to charge headlong into enemy territory: the Library of Alexandria, where I—and my grandpa and my grouchy bodyguard Bastille and her even grouchier mother and some weirdly gifted cousins—would face the Curators (ghosts who will gladly help you check out a book as long as you don’t mind giving up your mortal soul) and some new nasty Librarians who hate our guts...and would be happy to rip them out for us.

But none of that comes close to the horror we would have to face if we succeeded in finding what we were searching for…

MY DAD! (DUN DUN DUNNNNNN!)

The Scrivener's Bones is the second book in this action-packed fantasy series for young readers.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Middle Grade, Humor, Audiobook, Childrens

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2008

About the author

Brandon’s major books for the second half of 2016 are The Dark Talent, the final volume in Alcatraz Smedry’s autobiographical account of his battle against the Evil Librarians who secretly rule our world, and Arcanum Unbounded, the collection of short fiction in the Cosmere universe that includes the Mistborn series and the Stormlight
Archive, among others. This collection features The Emperor’s Soul, Mistborn: Secret History, and a brand-new Stormlight Archive novella, Edgedancer.

Earlier this year he released Calamity, the finale of the #1 New York Times bestselling Reckoners trilogy that began with Steelheart .

Brandon Sanderson was born in 1975 in Lincoln, Nebraska. As a child Brandon enjoyed reading, but he lost interest in the types of titles often suggested to him, and by junior high he never cracked a book if he could help it. This changed when an eighth grade teacher gave him Dragonsbane by Barbara Hambly.

Brandon was working on his thirteenth novel when Moshe Feder at Tor Books bought the sixth he had written. Tor has published Elantris, the Mistborn trilogy and its followup The Alloy of Law, Warbreaker, and The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance, the first two in the planned ten-volume series The Stormlight Archive. He was chosen to complete Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series; 2009’s The Gathering Storm and 2010’s Towers of Midnight were followed by the final book in the series, A Memory of Light, in January 2013. Four books in his middle-grade Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series have been released in new editions by Starscape, and his novella Infinity Blade Awakening was an ebook bestseller for Epic Games accompanying their acclaimed Infinity Blade iOS video game series. Two more novellas, Legion and The Emperor’s Soul, were released by Subterranean Press and Tachyon Publications in 2012, and 2013 brought two young adult novels, The Rithmatist from Tor and Steelheart from Delacorte.

The only author to make the short list for the David Gemmell Legend Award six times in four years, Brandon won that award in 2011 for The Way of Kings. The Emperor’s Soul won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novella. He has appeared on the New York Times Best-Seller List multiple times, with five novels hitting the #1 spot.

Currently living in Utah with his wife and children, Brandon teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University.

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in Sanderson's YA series.

I'm listening to these on Audio, and really enjoying them despite the fact that they're only about 6-7 hours long each. Or it might be more fair to say I'm enjoying them *because* they're short and sweet. Bite sized. It's nice to start and audiobook and know I'm not going to be tied to it for a solid month.

This continues in the good tradition of the first book. Exploring the world. More adventure. Good mystery. Forward motion on the main plot. Playful and lighthearted.

Part of me wonders what it might be like to write something like this.

Three thoughts in no particular order.

1. There are great bad analogies in this book. I'm a bit of a connoisseur of these.

2. I'd anticipated thatthat the constant interjections from the narrator would start to irritate me after two books. But they haven't. They're well in keeping with the light, playful nature of the book. (But to be fair, if that sort of thing bugs you, it's probably going to be a dealbreaker for this book.)

3. This book might have one of my favorite endings ever.

[Choko · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 4.25 ***

A buddy read with the young at heart at BBB!


...The biggest problem is, the adults have one of the most effective recruitment strategies in the world.
Give them enough time, and they'll turn any kid into one of them....


What can I say? How does one review a book full of hilarity and speaks to the most childlike parts of your heart? I am way too aware of my personal limits to know, that I could do this book no favors with attempts at a review. All i am going to say is, Brandon Sanderson challenges you to laugh, think, and feel outside of your comfort zone, and he does it without gimmicks or shock value... He just does it on the strength of his humor and talent of writing. Yes, yes, I am one of those that feel he is one of the best writers of our generation, and yes, I may or may not belong to a club/cult where his tomes are revered... But all that does not diminished the value of his work. He makes us feel like children again and lets us do it by very critically observing what we are now, as adults... He is a genius and I am not afraid to say it:):):) Feel free to not take me seriously, since I admit to having no objectivity when it comes to him...


....“I feel I need to break the action here to warn you that I frequently break the action to mention trivial things” ...


Whether you are already a fan, or if this would be your first book of his, I would strongly recommend it to young and old, those who still reach for a book with the desire not just to be entertained, but to look for the clues that are seeded in the text and make you truly appreciative of loving books! I know I closed the last page of this book and felt gratitude for having been given the joy of wit and creativity!

So, the story goes something like this:


... “Once there was a bunny. This bunny had a birthday party. It was the bestest birthday party ever. Because that was the day the bunny got a bazooka.
THe bunny loved his bazooka. He blew up all sorts of things on the farm. He blew up the stable of Henrietta the Horse. He blew up the pen of Pugsly the Pig. He blew up the coop of Chuck the Chicken.
"I have the bestest bazooka ever," the bunny said. Then the farm friends proceeded to beat him senseless and steal his bazooka. It was the happiest day of his life.
The end.
Epilogue: Pugsly the Pig, now without a pen, was quite annoyed. When none of the others were looking, he stole the bazooka. He tied a bandana on his head and swore vengeance for what had been done to him.
"From this day on," he whispered, raising the bazooka, "I shall be known as Hambo.” ...


Or maybe not.... It has some about Alcatraz, who is still the 13 year old boy we met in the first book, and is still grappling with his talent, trying to gain some control over it. On the way he gets to hang out with old friends, family, and newly acquired antagonists, gets to travel the world and gets himself almost killed multiple times in multiple locations... The librarians are still mostly evil and he is their number one favorite target at this time. Good thing his family members all have weird talents which against all odds come to his rescue... Go figure!

So, if this is something that might sound interesting to you, don't forget to read the first book first, and then keep on going with the series - you will not be sorry!

I wish all of you Happy Reading and Happy Olympic games, y'all!!!

[Helen 2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You could be a young boy, wanting to read an adventure story. You could be a young girl, investigating the truth of the Librarian Conspiracy. You could be a serial killer who specializes in reading books, then seeking out the authors and murdering them in horrible ways.

(If you happen to fall into that last category, you should know that my name isn't really Alcatraz Smedry, nor is it Brandon Sanderson. My name is really Garth Nix, and you can find me in Australia. Oh, and I insulted your mother once. What're you going to do about it, huh?)

Alcatraz has done it again.

More shenanigans in this installment, such as:
-bad puns
-flying glass dragons
-unreliable narration
-bunnies with bazookas
-uncalled-for character death
-the Dodgers stadium
-snark about authors

The Smedry talents have a way of making anyone feel talented:

What’s your Talent?”
Australia smiled. “I can wake up in the morning looking incredibly ugly!”

Can't we all, Australia?

To add to the quotefest, we have more commentary on authoring:

Writers hate people. If you've ever met a writer, you know that they're generally awkward, slovenly individuals who live beneath stairwells, hiss at those who pass and forget to bath for weeklong periods. And those are the socially competent ones.

Bashing adults (possibly Dumbledore?):

I'm not sure what authors have against adults, but everyone seems to hate them to an extent usually reserved for dogs and mothers. Why else make them out to be such idiots? "Ah, look, the dark lord of evil has come to attack the castle! Aaaaaannnnd, there's my lunch break. Have fun saving the world on your own, kids!"
Sound familiar?




The biggest problem is, the adults have one of the most effective recruitment strategies in the world.
Give them enough time, and they'll turn any kid into one of them.

I read the book all the way through in one sitting! I'm sure the rest of the series will go by just as fast.

[Eon ♒Windrunner♒ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time, there was this guy called Barney Stinson and he read a Brandon Sanderson book and when he was done he was so awestruck that he invented a new word and that word was LEGENDARY.

True story.





PS: If you don't believe how awesome this book is, please see the following fact as stated verbatim in this book:

A lot of nature’s laws, however, are hard-set.
There are many more of these than you might expect. In fact, there are even natural laws relating to this book, my favorite of which is known as the Law of Pure Awesomeness. This law simply states that any book I write is awesome. I’m sorry, but it’s a fact.
Who am I to argue with science?

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 4 out of 5]

On sale Sept 7 2016 on Amazon for $2.99


Reading with all my other Sandersontitus friends at Buddies Books & Baubles

Yes this series is Middle Grade and sort of ridiculous but it is awesome. It is like Sanderson’s way to blow off steam, try things that he can’t put into one of his Adult Fantasy’s and stretch that uber creative mind of his.

For Instance:

• All the Smedry’s are named before/after prisons. Hence names like Alcatraz, Lebanon, Attica, Sing and Australia (think about it).

• Every superpower seems totally awful until you learn what you can actually do with them. I mean who wants the talent of breaking things, arriving late, getting lost (I do that quite well on my own), or waking up really ugly in the morning? They seem like silly things that wouldn’t be good for anything until they are proven to be masterfully useful and I wouldn’t mind having a talent or two.

• Then there is Sanderson making fun of himself a little or writers in general.

“Writers—particularly storytellers like myself—write about people. That is ironic, since we actually know nothing about them. Think about it. Why does someone become a writer? Is it because they like people? Of course not. Why else would we seek out a job where we get to spend all day, every day, cooped up in our basement with no company besides paper, a pencil, and our imaginary friends? Writers hate people. If you’ve ever met a writer, you know that they’re generally awkward, slovenly individuals who live beneath stairwells, hiss at those who pass, and forget to bathe for weeklong periods. And those are the socially competent ones.”

• There is also that special last chapter that I’m pretty sure a lot of writers have at one point in time thought about doing to their readers…Well at least the readers who skip to the last chapter to see if there beloved character made it to the end.

• Sanderson also gets to make fun of the genre a little bit. I mean seriously in most MG and YA books the Adults are either evil or crazily absent.

“Adults are not idiots
often in books such as this one, the opposite impression is given. Adults in those stories will either (a) get captured, (b) disappear conspicuously when there is trouble, or (c) refuse to help. ( im not sure what authors have against adults, but everyone seems to hate them to an extent usually reserved for dogs and mothers. Why else make them out to make such idiots? "Ah look, the dark lord of evil has come to attack the castle! Annnd. ther's my lunch break. Have fun saving the word on your own kids")
In the real world adults tend to get involved in everything whether you want them to or not. They won't disappear when the dark lord appears, though they may try to sue them.
This discrepancy is yet another proof that most books are fantasies while this book is utterly true and invaluable.

• There is also a construction project in one of the chapters just for giggles and some silly talk about a bunny with a bazooka…probably just because he could.

Sometime while reading this I wondered if this was a like a writing scavenger hunt game to see how many weird and different things you could put in your book. Like Garth Nix gave Sanderson a list of weird things to see how many he could fit in a book just for fun.

The Gist

The lost Library of Alexandria isn’t really lost but instead is just hidden from the Hushlanders (that’s us). But it isn’t really a safe place either since if you take a book to read you have to give the zombie like librarians there your soul for all eternity….wuwahahahwah.

Seems like a horrible place to go except that is where Alcatraz’s father is most likely and also were Grandpa Smedry has decided to run off to. In order to help them Alcatraz also needs to go to the library and try to rescue his father before he ends up an undead librarian too.

Overall

Yes it is middle grade but like a Rick Riordan book it is so much fun and there is something for everyone that it is a great read even for adults…who are not idiots.

[TS Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

June 2022: Reread for the release of Bastille vs The Evil Librarians.

-----------------------------------------------
Aug 2016: Reread with BB&B for the release of The Dark Talent

I think I don't have to keep saying how high my regard is for Brandon Sanderson is anymore. These middle grade books are quite game-changing. The fourth-wall breaking alone was not the reason - it was the approach and how Sanderson made tongue-in-cheek jabs at the writing profession in Alcatraz's voice as the narrator of his own book.

--> Adults are not idiots. Often, in books such as this one, the opposite impression is given. Adults in those stories will either (a) get captured, (b) disappear conspicuously when there is trouble, or (c) refuse to help. (I’m not sure what authors have against adults, but everyone seems to hate them to an extent usually reserved for dogs and mothers. Why else make them out to be such idiots? “Ah look, the dark lord of evil has come to attack the castle! Annnnd there’s my lunch break. Have fun saving the world on your own, kids!”)

True story!

--> Let’s talk about something called misdirection. In the last chapter, I told a big lie, then made you focus on it so much that you ignored the smaller lie.

Again true story - how often as a reader do you catch on to misdirection with a slap to the forehead on hindsight?

Hilarity aside, there is a seriousness underlying this book as Alcatraz discovered a bit more information about his lineage and started to notice possible connections between Smedrys and the Talents, and as well as between Oculatory and silimatic energies.

There are also some life lessons smattered across his seemingly ridiculous chapter diversions.

--> Expectations. We rely on them. That’s why so many Hushlanders have trouble believing in the Free Kingdoms and the Librarian conspiracy. You don’t expect to wake up and discover that everything you know about history, geography, and politics is wrong. So perhaps you can begin to see why I’ve included some of the things I have. Bunnies with bazookas, ships that get repaired (more on that later), faces made of numbers, editorials from short people about how we regard the world, and a lesson on shoes and fish. All of these examples try to prove that you need to have an open mind. Because not everything you believe is true, and not everything you expect to happen will.

Of course, the reason behind these books is that we all need a good laugh.

--> Laugh when good things happen. Laugh when bad things happen. Laugh when life is so plain boring that you can’t find anything amusing about it beyond the fact that it’s so utterly unamusing. Laugh when books come to a close, even if the endings aren’t happy.

Can you tell that I highly recommend reading this book? If not, I'll leave you with this statement of fact which should be used to define the meaning of the name Brandon Sanderson.

--> In fact, there are even natural laws relating to this book, my favorite of which is known as the Law of Pure Awesomeness. This law simply states that any book I write is awesome. I’m sorry, but it’s a fact.

-----------------------------------
Mar 2015: I liked this more than the first book - some of the solutions to the protagonist's predicaments are quite clever. Really good fun! The kind of book which you can pick up in the morning and finish it by the end of the day on a relaxing weekend.

[Dana Ilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even say that I've read a book for teenagers, it is so cleverly crafted that you love it from start to finish.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly fun.

There really isn't a lot to say about this book. The story is entertaining. The characters are fun but don't really have any depth. Not really sure they are meant to. I think I would have given it four stars if not for how distracting the author's narration became after a while. I know it's meant to be funny but it really distracts from the pacing of the story after a while. I don't know maybe I'm trying to take the book too seriously or something.

I still enjoyed it enough that I'll read the next book in the series.

[Anna [Bran. San. Stan] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Another fun, creative magic system! As someone who has worn glasses from an early age, the notion that they grant you special abilities would have really helped me as a kid. This should be mandatory reading for all bespectacled children out there. And for children in general as well: turning a perceived flaw like clumsiness into a strength is a wonderful spin.

It’s also really fun tracing seeds from Sanderson's body of work in this middle grade series. For example, blood-forged lenses are reminiscent of hemalurgy (Mistborn), alivened objects are similar to awakened objects (Warbreaker), the idea of bonding blades (Stormlight), a character that is an expert in the hereditary magic system they can not practice (Joel in the Rithmatist; Bastille here).

Of course, this book offers much more beyond parallels to Sanderson’s work and pedagogical values: entertainment, action, silliness, and unexpectedly deep character development. The analogy the now 18-year-old Alcatraz uses - that he has become Theseus’s ship, whose original components all have been replaced and that to him this means the ship/he himself are thus no longer the same - touched a deep cord within me and really has me invested in his character arc. A really strong ending that has me wanting more. Onward to book 3!

Note: Again also experienced via the GraphicAudio production. Highly recommended!

[Mogsy (MMOGC) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2016/02/22/s...

No sooner had I finished Alcatraz vs. The Evil Librarians than I was already picking up the sequel. I might as well admit it: I’m completely addicted.

In book two The Scrivener’s Bones, Alcatraz and the gang are yet again infiltrating a library. But this time, it will be nothing like gaining entry into the downtown local branch. Here, our characters will be heading into arguably the most famous and well-known library in the history of our world—the great Library of Alexandria. Contrary to popular belief (i.e. misinformation purposely orchestrated by the evil cult of Librarians) this ancient font of knowledge was never destroyed, hidden instead in hollowed out vaults deep underground. It’s also one of the most dangerous places on the planet, home to the undead who have sold their souls for the knowledge in the library. After learning that Grandpa Smedry may have gone there to track down Alcatraz’s missing father, everyone heads to Egypt in what was supposed to be a daring rescue mission, but ends up separated and in need of some rescuing themselves.

For a sequel in a children’s series, a lot sure happens in this book. I liked that we made good progress on the main storyline, which is a crucial aspect when it comes to maintaining my interest, though I would have kept reading this series for the laughs alone. As I’ve mentioned before, the sense of humor in Alcatraz is very eccentric and frequently over-the-top, which will no doubt appeal to the books’ intended audience, Middle Grade readers in the ages 8-12 range. That said, if you’re an adult with a good tolerance for silliness (like me, I guess!) you’ll have a blast too. Sanderson is clearly holding nothing back when it comes to this particular style of humor, but as an older reader I was also able to spot a method to the madness.

It’s probably safe to say though, that while the series can be enjoyed on multiple levels, if the first book didn’t work for you, then this one won’t do anything for you either. There’s no dialing back at all on Alcatraz’s quirky, tangential style of narration. In fact, I think the sarcasm, the misdirection, the asides etc. might even more extreme in book two (if that’s even possible). As a fan of the author’s adult books though, I found it incredibly refreshing in a bizarre, meta kind of way, especially when he references books, writing, and even himself in a hilariously self-deprecating manner:

“Oh, you didn’t want to hear that? I’m sorry. You’ll simply have to forget that I wrote it. There are several convenient ways to do that. I hear hitting yourself on the head with a blunt object can be very effective. You should try using one of Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy novels. They’re big enough, and goodness knows that’s really the only useful thing to do with them.”

Those are the moments where I laughed the hardest. Not to mention, I was also hoodwinked into committing “one of the most putrid and unholy things any reader can do”—skipping forward to read the last page! (So, it really does go back to authors being not very nice people who delight in the suffering of their readers.) Sanderson has plenty of tricks left up his sleeve, and apparently he’s nowhere even close to done with us yet. If this sequel is any indication, I expect even more madcap adventures and wacky characters from the next installments.

Whether it’s for the special child in your life, or the inner child within you, I really can’t recommend these books highly enough. In a few years, my own kids will be the right age for this series, and I can’t wait to share it with them.

[Kells Next Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

No suprise on my rating here..It's Brandon Sanderson Duh!!!

This was even better than the first so I'm briskly moving unto Alcatraz versus the Knights of Crystallia

Okay I've started reading it already ( like about an hour ago) but was so caught up in it's awesomeness that I forgot to update my GR page.

Read this series people, it's down right hilarious, wonderful and entertaining.

[Deborah Obida · Rating 3 out of 5]

BR with my buds from Discord

3.5/5 stars

I’m so glad that this book is better than book 1. I liked book 1, but it was a bit underwhelming. This is better than that, and there was a significant improvement which I appreciate. The plot is way better and a bit more complex. I didn’t see that coming.

“Not everything you believe is true, and not everything you expect to happen will.”

This is a children’s book, so it has themes like friendship and family. I love the depiction of the themes. I love the inclusion of adults in this book, Alcatraz didn’t do anything by himself, and the adults didn’t magically disappear as in most children’s books.

It’s Brandon Sanderson, so the world-building is fantastic, the writing style is whimsical and fun, and I have a love/hate relationship. The book is written solely from the POV of Alcatraz.

I like all the characters in this book. I love all the Smedrys that I have met. They are crazy but loyal to each other. I don’t have a favourite character, but Kaz, Alcatraz, and Bastille are in the running for my favourite character.

[Mangrii · Rating 4 out of 5]

La serie de Alcatraz es la saga middle-grade de Sanderson en la que de forma autobiográfica un mayor Alcatraz nos narra la historia de su vida con el objetivo de hacernos ver que todo lo que conocemos es mentira. En esta segunda entrega Alcatraz viajará hasta la antigua y misteriosa Biblioteca de Alejandría en búsqueda del abuelo Smedry, embarcándose en una misión trepidante llena de temibles Bibliotecarios y miles de estanterías en las que perderse.

Al igual que en el primer volumen nos encontramos con un narrador en primera persona, bastante poco fiable y que no duda en tomarnos el pelo cada vez que tiene ocasión. Críticas veladas (y no tan veladas) a los tropos de la fantasía, a los escritores, a los lectores y algún que otro consejo para escribir nos deja Alcatraz con su irónico estilo. Reconozco que esta segunda parte me ha gustado más. Aparte de no repetir el esquema de la primera parte y ya conocer los delirios de Alcatraz, me ha gustado más la trama pese a suponer una puerta a los siguientes volúmenes. Conocer más sobre las Tierras Libres, los oculantistas o la tecnología silimática sientan las bases para las continuaciones y los misterios que rodean a los Smedry.

Los huesos del escriba sigue siendo una novela sin descanso, donde en cada esquina acecha un peligro o trampa. Los nuevos enemigos, Los Conservadores me han parecido muy curiosos, pero ha sido el Hueso del escriba lo que desataba el auténtico miedo durante la lectura, era un ser espeluznante en mi imaginación. También acertada la inclusión de nuevos personajes como el tío Kaz o caballera Draulin, a su vez firme madre de Bastille. Pero es en Alcatraz y en Bastille donde Sanderson comienza a hurgar, donde más se esfuerza en evolucionar y por los que más me consigo interesar, lo que me hace quedarme con muchas ganas de ponerme a leer el tercer volumen.

Link a la reseña más extensa: http://boywithletters.blogspot.com.es...

[Велислав Върбанов · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Алкатрас и Костите на Писаря“ е чудесна тийн фентъзи история! Тази втора книга от поредицата на Сандерсън ме впечатли по-силно от първата, а и не ми се искаше да свършва. Главният герой определено се развива като личност, а пък приключенията му стават все по-грандиозни и вълнуващи! Оказва се, че легендарната библиотека в Александрия продъл��ава да съществува, обаче Злите библиотекари я укриват и използват за своите цели. След като загадъчно е повикан от дядо Смедри, Алкатрас предприема доста опасно пътешествие към нея, заедно с Бастил и останалите си спътници...

[Marta Álvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

No sé si me ha gustado más o menos que el primero.

A FAVOR:
1-Se da a conocer el mundo fantástico de la saga, que en la primera entrega apenas aparece.
2-El protagonista es un pelín más maduro, y el foreshadowing que hace sobre su evolución en futuras entregas es algo más inquietante.
3-La trama está mejor llevada, y tiene unos cuantos plot twists hacia el final. Muy Sanderson.
4-Las intervenciones del narrador me han parecido incluso más interesantes que en el primer libro.
5-Los trucos narrativos (el final, el pez y las zapatillas) son maravillosos.

EN CONTRA:
1-El mundo de los ocultantistas es ingeniosísimo, pero ya no sorprende tanto como en Los malvados bibliotecarios.
2-Lo mismo pasa con el tono. Alcatraz es un narrador divertido y original, pero ya no resulta tan fresco después de haber leído el primer libro.

[Marnie (Enchanted Bibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Epic Adventure continues with flare!



First Sentence: So, there I was, slumped in my chair, waiting in a drab airport terminal, munching absently on a bag of stale potato chips.

In all honesty I enjoyed Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians more than this one. I'm not saying this one was bad, but it keeps to the trend set in the first book. With the first book it was new and enchanting - with the second book it became a bit expectant, and that takes some of the magic out of it.

The magic system is amazing and it keeps getting better and better - what else can we expect?
The humor is still sharp as a knife, and the plot never seems to go the way I expect it to go.

I must say I'm extremely glad I have the next book, because I don't think waiting a year would have been fun.

[Bookwraiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.

My rating is a solid 3.5 stars.

After thoroughly enjoying our first adventure with Alcatraz, my youngest son and I quickly began the sequel; both of us having become fans of this quirky, fun series.

In The Scrivener’s Bones, our hero and friends find themselves with a new mission: infiltrating another library. (Well, if one is fighting evil librarians, they are usual found in libraries, right?) But this time they are heading to the most famous one (arguably) in the history of the world — the Library of Alexandria.

Yeah, you read that right. The great library of the ancient world which was supposedly destroyed around 270 AD by Roman Emperor Aurelian. But it still exists you see. Its vast tomes of knowledge weren’t burned at all. The legend is yet another monstrous lie of the evil librarians, who actually stole the library and hide it in a deep underground vault. A place of pure evil where undead curators guard the ancient lore; their souls exchanged in return for the opportunity to access the hidden Alexandria collection. And Alcatraz and friends have to brave the horrors to rescue Grandpa Smedry; the endearing fellow having gone and gotten himself captured!

The story which develops from here is classic fun in the Sanderson style. Sure, it is targeted for the younger audience of the Middle Grades, but anyone who loves this author will undoubtedly enjoy it, for it has the trademark elements of all Brandon Sanderson books.

First, there are the amazing magic systems, which were introduced in Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians , but are expanded upon and beginning to form into a silly yet complex structure in this installment. The magical talents of the Smedry family are especially important to the narrative, so they get lots of page time, but oculatory lenses and silimatic technology are also touched upon. All of them quirky, imaginative, and, at times, down right silly; each explained as only Sanderson can; the magic becoming just as much a distinguishing characteristic of the Alcatraz series as the title character himself.

As for our hero's personal story, it continues to organically develop, not only his immediate adventure but the foreshadowing of future events and the unveiling of unknown history and family secrets. All of it setting up the future very nicely, making it impossible for a lover of Alcatraz not to be dying to get their hands on the next book to see where Mr. Sanderson is heading.

What sets the series apart from other Middle Grade books, though, is our hero’s sense of humor (or Mr. Sanderson’s if you’d prefer.) Alcatraz constantly interrupting the narrative to add sarcastic remarks, bizarre references, or eccentric asides. His self-deprecating manner adding many a funny moment, even at the author’s own expense, as when Alcatraz advises his readers to hit themselves in the head with “one of Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy novels. They’re big enough, and goodness knows that’s really the only useful thing to do with them.”

The Scrivener’s Bones is a great continuation of the Alcatraz series. Obviously, it isn’t for everyone (The Middle Grade tone and the quirky humor might turn some off), but if you (like me) are a big kid at heart or intend to share this with a special kid in your life (My son and I read it as a bedtime story.) then it is a Brandon Sanderson story not to be missed, one which will have you smiling and chuckling more than a little. But just be warned, Alcatraz has no sympathy on those readers who commit that “most putrid and unholy thing any reader can do.” So no peaking at the ending, okay?

I received this book from the Starscape Books in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank the publishers for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.

[Ali Book World · Rating 4 out of 5]

حس و حال خیلی خوب و مثبتی از این مجموعه میگیرم...
جلد دوم هم واقعا جذاب، فان و پرماجرا بود...
انتخاب برخی اسامی خیلی قشنگ بودن😂👍 درود بهت سندرسون!!!
واقعا کارهای به نسبت سَبُک جناب سندرسون هم به شدت جذابن!

[Franco Santos · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5: En algunas partes me aburrió, pero en general es una muy buena secuela. Muy entretenida.

The trouble with being different is that people start defining you by what you are instead of by who you are.

[Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this series!!!

Oh, you didn't want to hear that? I'm sorry. You'll just have to forget that I wrote it. There are several convenient ways to do that. I hear hitting yourself on the head with a blunt object can be very effective. You should try using one of Brandon Sanderson's fantasy novels. They're big enough and goodness knows, that's really the only useful thing to do with them.

LOL - DON'T SHOOT ME!! I didn't say that! Brandon did! Or more exactly Alcatraz Smedry

This is nothing like any other Sanderson book I've read. It's original and quirqy and a hell lot of fun!!!

[Kristal Kitap]

Bir Brandon daha bitti. Hüzünlüyüm.☹️

[Füsun · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bir kez olsun yalanlardan kurtulmak istiyorum. Bir kez olsun gerçeği basılı olarak görmek istiyorum. Benim adım Alcatraz Smedry. Hayat hikayemin ikinci cildine hoş geldiniz.
Umarım bu kitabı aydınlatıcı bulursunuz."

Birinci kitabın yorumunu yazıp goodreadste paylaştığım gibi ikinci kitaba başladım çünkü birinci kitabın yorumunda bahsettiğim gibi, seriyi arka arkaya okuma gibi bir planım var. Bu planı yüzde yüz yerine getiremeyeceğim çünkü maalesef beşinci kitap kitaplığımda yok ve içinde bulunduğumuz virüs durumundan dolayı dışarı çıkmayı bırakın, internetten sipariş bile veremiyorum. Kim bilir kaç kişi dokunuyor o kargoya, nerelerde bekliyor, hazırlayan, gönderen, getiren kişinin sağlıklı olduğuna nasıl emin olabilirim sorularının cevabını asla veremediğimden, zaten panik atak tanısının bir tık altında seyreden ruh halimi de göz önüne aldığımda asla sipariş veremeyeceğim. Umarım en az hasarla bu durumu atlatırız ve en yakın zamanda son bulur. Ancak seriyi arka arkaya okuma planımın aksamasına sebep olan tek neden bu değil. Beşinci kitap 2016'da çıkmasına rağmen hala altıncı kitap yayımlanmamış ve bu yüzden bir şekilde epub/pdf formatında da olsa beşinci kitabı okuyabilsem dahi, seriyi bitiremiyorum. Ama yine de buna çok takılmıyorum çünkü bu 4 kitabı okuduktan sonra ne kadar ara verirsem vereyim o kitaplara devam etmekte sıkıntı yaşayacağımı düşünmüyorum.

Ama yaşarsam da yaşayayım canım, bir reread'e bakar bu sorunu çözmek. O yüzden bu olumsuzlukları bir kenara atıp kitabımıza odaklanalım.

"Bu serinin birinci kitabında Kütüphaneciler hakkında, çoğu bütünüyle doğru olmayan bazı genellemeler yaptım.
Ne var ki Kütüphanecilerin aslında tek bir tür olmadığını açıklamaya zaman ayırmadım. Dolayısıyla bütün Kütüphanecilerin dünyayı ele geçirmek, insanları köleleştirip sunaklarında kurban etmek isteyen kötü tarikatçılar olduğunu varsaymış olabilirsiniz.
Bu hiç de doğru değil. Kütüphanecilerin hepsi kötü tarikatçılar değil. Ruhunuzu söküp almak isteyen, gözünü intikam bürümüş hortlak Kütüphaneciler de var.
Bu konuyu açıklığa kavuşturduğumuza sevindim."

Alcatraz'ın birinci kitabın sonunda koruyucu ailesinin evinden çıkıp Büyükbaba Smedry ile gitmesinin üzerinden üç ay geçmişti ve ilk bölümde Alcatraz'ın da anlattığı gibi, bu üç ay içerisinde Optikçilik hakkında eğitim almış, Suskun Diyarlar ve Özgür Krallıklar hakkında daha çok bilgi edinmişti. Ama tabii ki bu süre öğrenmesi gereken onca şey için çok yetersizdi ve Büyükbaba Smedry'yi hatta belki de babasını kurtarabileceği bir görevin içine düştüğünde yeteneklerinden ve öğrendiklerinden çok arkadaşlarının yardımına ihtiyacı vardı. İlk kitapta gördüğümüz Şarkı ve Quentin, hepsinin bir arada olması tehlikeli olduğundan gruptan ayrı yaşıyorlardı ve içine düştükleri görev aniden ortaya çıktığında Alcatraz'ın yanında değillerdi. Onların yerine Bastille ve bu kitapta tanıdığımız Kaz, Avustralya ve Draulin vardı. Görevin detaylarına çok fazla değinmeyeceğim çünkü zaten kısa olan bir kitaptan olası bir spoiler vermek, kimsenin tadını kaçırmak istemiyorum ancak hem eski karakterlerin karakter gelişiminden hem de yeni karakterlerin hikayeye katkılarından bahsetmeden geçmeyeceğim.

Alcatraz, ilk kitabın başında çok umursamaz bir çocuktu. Bir yetenek olduğunu bilmediği, bela olarak gördüğü kırma yeteneği yüzünden başına belalar açılmasına, her şeyi kırıp dökmeye alışmıştı ve sonuçlar hep aynı olduğu için etrafındaki kimseyi. onların neler söylediklerini umursamıyordu. Büyükbaba Smedry'nin söylediklerine inanana, anlatılan her şeyin ne kadar ciddi olduğunu görene kadar da bu umursamazlık hali devam etmişti ve nihayet gerçek ailesinden birilerini bulduğunda, bela sandığı şeyin aslında bir yetenek olduğunu keşfettiğinde bu umursamazlıktan sıyrılmıştı. Ama yine de her şey çok çabuk olduğundan, kimliğini öğrenir öğrenmez bir görevin içine düştüğünden birinci kitapta bu aile kavramına çok alışamamıştı ve bu sebeple karakterindeki değişimi çok fazla görememiştik. Ama bu eksiklik ikinci kitapta çok tadında olacak şekilde giderilmişti.

Üç ayın ardından hem ailesine hem de arkadaşı olarak gördüğü Bastille'e ısınmış, kimsenin onu seveceğini düşünmeyen ve kimseyi de sevmeyi planlamayan, böylece kalbinin kırılmasını koruyabileceğini düşünen çocuk gitmiş, yerini bu insanları gerçekten önemseyen bir çocuk almıştı. Doğduğu ve ailesinin kalanının olduğu topraklara dönmek istemiş, Büyükbabasının tehlikede olabileceği ihtimali çıktığı anda bu isteğini kolayca bir kenara atmış ve bu görevde ölebileceğini, Optikçilik hakkında öğrendiklerinin onu kurtarmaya yetmeyebileceğini bilmesine rağmen ekibin rotasını değiştirmişti. Daha önce hiç görmediği amcası ve kuzeniyle tanıştığında onların kendisini sevmesini istemiş, yanlış anlaşılmalar yaşandığı anda bunları gidererek aralarının soğuk olmasını engellemişti. Ailesi tarafından kabul görmek istiyordu ancak bunu sadece sevilmek istediği için değil, onları sevmeye hazır olduğu için istiyordu. Kuzenini ve amcasını hemen kabullenmiş, onları tanımaya çalışmış, ne yapacağını tam bilemese dahi elinden geleni yaparak ihtiyaçları olduğu anda onlara yardım etmiş, tanıştıklarında aralarında geçen muhabbetten dolayı amcası Kaz'ı kızdırdığını düşündüğü için onunla konuşarak durumu düzeltmeye çalışmış, kuzeni Avustralya'nın güçlerini tam kullanamamasından dolayı yaşadığı güvensizlikle morali bozulduğunda onu cesaretlendirmiş, ekibin önemli bir parçası olduğunu hissettirmişti. Ve bu davranışları sadece ailesi için geçerli değildi.

İğneleyici diline ve genel olarak gösterdiği sert tavrına rağmen Bastille'i gerçek bir arkadaş olarak görmüş, elinde olmayan sebepler yüzünden ona haksızlık yapıldığını öğrendiği anda onun hakkını savunmuş, özgüveninin darbe aldığını gördüğünde onu cesaretlendirmek için elinden geleni yapmış, hayatı tehlikeye girdiğinde hiç düşünmeden atılmış ve bulduğu her anda, ekip için yaptıklarının ne kadar önemli olduğunu dile getirmiş ve bunu ona hissettirmişti. Bastille'i onları korumakla görevlendirilmiş ve birinci görevlerinde başlarına gelenler yüzünden yetkileri elinden alınmış sıradan bir şövalye olarak görmemiş, onunla dost olmuş ve onu aileden birisini önemsediği kadar önemsemişti. Sırf Bastille'in annesi olduğu için, katılığı ve kuralcılığıyla kendisini sinir eden Draulin'e katlanmış, Bastille'e uyguladığı psikolojik şiddete karşı çıkmış, ona emir verecek konumdayken bu yetkisini asla kullanmayarak ona saygısını korumuştu. Birinci kitabın başındaki Alcatraz bunu asla yapmazdı.

"Cam kırıkları," diye mırıldandı Bastille. "Böyle bir işe son kalkıştığımızda, sen neredeyse ölüyordun, büyükbaban işkence gördü ve ben kılıcımı kaybettim. Bunları bir daha yaşamak istiyor muyuz gerçekten?"
"Ya başı beladaysa?"
"Başı hep belada," dedi Bastille.
Bir an sessiz kaldık. Ardından ikimiz de dönüp kokpite doğru koşmaya başladık.

Bastille bana göre ilk kitapta karakterini gösterememiş ve geri planda kalmıştı, bu yüzden de onu tanıyamadığımı düşünerek hakkında pek bir yorum yapmamıştım ama bu kitapta karakterini çok güzel gösterdiğini düşünüyorum. Yine sert mizacını korumuş, kimseye sevgi gösterilerinde bulunmamış ve özellikle Alcatraz'ı sürekli iğnelemiş olsa da onunla olan dostluğunun bu şekilde ilerlediğini, bunları onu sevmediği için yapmadığını, Alcatraz'ın yaptığı bir şeyi takdir edeceğinde bile bunu mizacını bozmadan yaptığını, bu atışmalı dostluktan ikisinin de memnun olduğunu göstermişti. İkisi de çoğu zaman birbirlerinin aksine hareket ediyor, yaptıklarını onaylamıyor olsa dahi aynı Alcatraz gibi Bastille de ona güvenmiş, başkasının yanında dile getirmeyeceği endişelerini, mutsuzluklarını, çocukluk hayallerini, kızgınlıklarını Alcatraz'a anlatmıştı. Sevgisini açık açık göstermiyor olsa bile ekipteki herkesin kendisi için ne kadar önemli olduğunu hissettirmişti. Onları korumuş, onlar için savaşmıştı ve yıllar boyunca kendisini hep aşağılamış annesi için bile elinden geleni yapmıştı.

Kaz ve Avustralya çok etkin karakterler olamasa dahi-ki özellikle Avustralya kitabın ikinci yarısında hiç etkin değildi- kitabın ana hikayesini ilerleten karakterlerdi. İkisi de Smedry ailesindendi ve hem Alcatraz'ın yıllardır eksikliğini hissettiği aile kavramını daha da anlamasını sağlamış hem de olduğu kişi üzerine bilmediği konular hakkında bilgi eksikliğini gidermeye çalışmışlardı. Özellikle amcası olan Kaz hikayenin ilerleyişinde baştan sona kadar rol almış, Bastille'in savaşçılığının ve Alcatraz'ın zekasının yanında, kendilerini sonuca götürecek yollarını bulabilmeleri için elinden geleni yapmıştı. Üstelik eğlenceli bir kişiliği vardı ve kitabın çoğunda durumları yumuşatıp o kötü şartların bile eğlenceli geçmesini sağlamıştı. Yalan yok, Şarkı ve Quentin'in yerlerini almaları başta bir tık tadımı kaçırmıştı ama daha fazla Smedry tanıyarak bu ailenin tuhaflıklarına daha çok şahit olmak güzeldi.

"Başıma aldığım belayı fark etmem gerekirdi. İnsanların size hayranlık beslemesinden daha kötü bir şey yoktur; çünkü beklentileri arttıkça, onları hayal kırıklığına uğrattığınızda, kendinizi daha kötü hissedersiniz. Tavsiyeme kulak verin. Lider olmak istemezsiniz. Lider olmak, uçurumdan düşmeye benzer. Başlangıçta çok eğlenceli gelir.
Derken eğlence biter. Hem de çok çabuk."

Kitabı keyifle ilerleten sadece karakterler değildi çünkü yazarın oluşturduğu kurgu, olayların hepsinin birbirlerine bağlanış şekli ve özellikle bunları anlatırken kullandığı dil çok keyifliydi. Baş etmek zorunda kaldıkları tek sorunun Kötü Kütüphaneciler olmaması, görevlerinin onlardan kaçmaktan çok daha karmaşık olması, yeteneklerin geçmişinden bahsedilmesi hikayeye katmanlar katmış, basit bir kurgu olmasını engellemişti. Üstelik bütün bunları gelecekteki Alcatraz olarak yapması ve özellikle bölüm başlarında olmak üzere sürekli olaylara müdahale etmesi, sayfalarla oynayarak okuyucuyu şaşırtması inanılmaz eğlenceliydi, öyle ki bütün kitap boyunca bu müdahalelerini gülümseyerek okudum. Hiç şüphesiz ki bu anlatım dili, seriyi ve kurguyu bu kadar sevmemi sağlayan en önemli etkendi.

'Madem sevdin o zaman niye puan kırdın?' diyecekler olacaktır ama sırf sevdim diye her kitaba beş yıldızları dağıtacak değilim. Zaten kitap mükemmel de değildi çünkü bütün bu sevdiğim yanların yanında eksiklikler, keşke şu da anlatılsaydı ve keşke şu da şöyle olsaydı dediğim yanlar vardı. Bütün kitabın sadece yaklaşık 24 saati anlatıyor olması, görevin içine düşmeden önce Alcatraz'ın eğitimine dair bir şeyler görmemiş olmamız, Optikçilik, Smedry ailesi, Özgür Krallıklar ve yeteneklerin kökeni hakkında daha fazla bilgiye henüz ulaşamamış olmamız canımı en çok sıkan konulardı. Doğal olarak bu durum da kitabı sevmeme rağmen puanımı kırmama sebep oldu.

Ee, biraz sevdim diye bütün eksiklikleri görmezden gelip her kitaba beş puan verseydim ohoo...

Ne kitapları harcadım ben be kfdhklds

[Alba Turunen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4'5 Estrellas y muy bien merecidas. El primer libro ya me gustó y sorprendió mucho, y en éste segundo, aún sabiendo y conociendo el mundo de Alcatraz, me ha seguido encantando y sorprendiendo a partes iguales.

Éste segundo libro se desarrolla fuera de las Tierras Silenciadas, los nuevos amigos de Alcatraz le rescatan para llevarle a Nalhalla, su país natal, pero no llegarán allí. El abuelo Smedry ha desaparecido, buscando a su hijo Attica, padre de Alcatraz en la legendaria Biblioteca de Alejandría. Y allí es donde dirigirá sus pasos éste tan variopinto grupo. Tenemos de nuevo a Alcatraz y Bastille juntos, conoceremos a la madre de Bastille, y a más familia de Alcatraz, su prima Australia (que me ha encantado su Talento, lo que habré podido reírme), y al tío Kaz.

Al igual que el primer libro, sigue contado con una gran ironía. Es un libro lleno de aventuras y divertidísimo, con unas escenas que no tienen desperdicio. Sigo pensando que a pesar de estar dirigido a un público juvenil, puede disfrutarse y entenderse mejor, por un público adulto.

PD: Se la tengo guardada a Sanderson, perdón, a Alcatraz por la última página, no sé si lo ha hecho aposta o para quedarse con nosotros, humildes lectores. Pero tengo muchísimas ganas de leer el tercer libro.

[Димитър Цолов · Rating 4 out of 5]

Впечатленията ��т първия том Алкатрас срещу злите библиотекари се запазиха и в продължението - свежо Y/A-фентъзи със задъхано темпо и типични жанрови обрати. Обаче хуморът на главния герой продължава да ме дразни - ясно е, че това е умишлен похват от страна на Сандерсън и образът на Алкатрас Смедри е моделиран по начин да се хареса на младежта, ама при мен, младият по душа, нещо не сработва, ха-ха. Звезда надолу и тук!

[Vorágine (ig:voragineblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Todavía sigo asimilando la peculiaridad de este mundo, donde unas gafas pueden ser un instrumento mortal o los bibliotecarios son los malvados. También destacan los protagonistas, entre los que destacan Alcatraz, que siempre va muy a su bola y es algo torpe, y Bastille, que tendrá que sacar las castañas del fuego a sus compañeros de pandilla en más de una ocasión. Una vez más, la prosa de Sanderson marca la diferencia y está tan brillante como siempre.

Reseña completa: http://voragineinterna.blogspot.com.e...

[Miniikaty · Rating 5 out of 5]

En esta segunda entrega de la saga Alcatraz de Brandon Sanderson seguimos las aventuras de Alcatraz, Bastille y compañía en este mundo tan curioso que ha creado el autor. Seguimos conociendo detalles de los Reinos libres y la opresión en las Tierras Silenciadas, los poderes oculantistas, los talentos Smedry o los Crístines todo ello a través de una nueva aventura, así que cada vez vamos teniendo más información y se hace más interesante, porque para ser una saga middle-grade está resultando ser una lectura increíble. Sigue estando narrado por Alcatraz de mayor, haciéndonos ver lo mentiroso y poco heroico que es, con su humor tan característico, sus spoilers a traición, sus idas de olla, consejos de escritor o incluso para no leer fantasía, esto le da un toque desenfadado a la lectura, consiguiendo que sueltes más de una carcajada y devores el libro casi sin darte ni cuenta. Es una de las cosas que más me gustan de esta serie, su tono jocoso y lo original de la narración, es un soplo de aire fresco y para ser fantasía se hace muy ligero. La otra cosa que me encanta es la imaginación que tiene el autor con este mundo paralelo; es que es tan distinto de todo lo que he leído con anterioridad en este género, le dan una vuelta de tuerca a todo lo que conocemos y ver como las gafas son de lo más útiles en este mundo al igual que esos talentos tan peculiares que a primera vista parecen idioteces pero al final resultan de lo más decisivos o como los bibliotecarios son los malos de la película y la tecnología tan inconcebible que rige en los Reinos libres.

Reseña completa: http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...

[Isa González]

3,5/5
Me ha gustado tanto como la primera entrega y tiene los mismos ingredientes sin aburrir (también es verdad que han pasado bastantes meses entre una lectura y otra). De nuevo, lo que más me gusta de este libro es el meta que mete (no puns intended) Sanderson en la historia.

[Shaghayegh · Rating 4 out of 5]

خوندن داستانای یانگ ادالت سندرسون به اندازه ی کارای اپیکش جذابه، و من با هر ثانیه این مجموعه کلی میخندم.

[sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alcatraz ngeselin nyebelin ngangenin pengen jitak ish sebel wkwkw. Udahmah nipu, ngejailin pembaca, ngasih spoiler lagi, ish, Alcatrazz!!!!!!!!

Argh, aku jadi kangen mistborn pas baca ini, ada sedikit teori soal kekuatan yang bikin aku kangen sama keunikan dan keepikan mistborn bahkan sama white sand, aku penasaran kenapa ini ga dimasukin ke the cosmere universe meskipun planetnya di Bumi dan di luar orbit the cosmere (atau apalah namanya kalo galaksi, tata surya, planet di luar angkasa beda lokasi) gils dan di luar kengakak-an yang ada di buku ini, konsep ceritanya beneran jenius abis (excuse me, i'm totally biased but this is the truth).

dan banyak petuah-petuah lagi, dan aku ngerasa aku gpp deh ngetrade jiwa aku supaya bisa baca semua buku yang ada di perpustakaan Alexandrian HAHAHAHHA, but seriously tho, kayaknya aku mau, kalo di perpustakaannya ada wifi, yutub, bioskop, makanan yang banyak dan aku ga jadi tulang belulang ngelayang-layang LOL.