Published in 2022, “Bastille vs the Evil Librarians” co-written by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson, the focus shifts to Bastille, the fierce and pragmatic knight from the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series. This story takes place after the events of the original series and delves into Bastille’s perspective as she takes on a mission to save Alcatraz and restore order. As Bastille grapples with her responsibilities and insecurities, she must confront the Librarians’ schemes and rally allies to prevent their plans from succeeding.
Bastille vs the Evil Librarians
My Thoughts
As the last of the “Evil Librarian” books, Sanderson and Patterson did a great job in bringing it all together in a neat bow. This series seemed like it was fun to write as again and again the text refers to writing devices, methodologies, and terms in the course of the story. It was a fun read.
Published in 2006 “World War Z” by Max Brooks is a fictional oral history that recounts a global zombie pandemic through a series of interviews conducted by the narrator, a United Nations Postwar Commission agent. The book chronicles the outbreak, from its origins in China to the collapse of societies and the eventual fight for survival. Each account offers unique perspectives, including military personnel, scientists, and civilians, highlighting humanity’s resilience and ingenuity. The narrative explores themes of geopolitics, survival, and human behavior in the face of catastrophe. Brooks creates a detailed and chillingly realistic portrayal of a worldwide crisis, presenting the events through a wide lens that captures the complexities of a global response to an unprecedented disaster.
World War Z
My Thoughts
First off, as I mentioned in my recent review of “Elantris” zombies are likely the lamest of all monsters. (Pun intended.) They don’t make any sense at all to me. I will concede there have been different versions of zombies over the years and many of them are different. Regardless, every version of the zombie (e.g. fast, shambling, radioactive, voodoo, alien, and even Rob Zombie) are beyond my understanding of why they have any appeal at all.
That said, I enjoyed the fractured perspective of the book. All of it was in the form of post-encounter first hand reports from various sources from all over the globe. This gave Brooks the ability to briefly introduce each character and look at what was unfolding from their particular point of view. The reader quickly gets use to the slang terms of “Zack” or “G” for the undead along with inferring the heroes and events that had become common knowledge in this post-apocalyptic world.
I remember the discussion when the CDC interviewed Max Brooks about the book. There was a bit of interest in it as I was involved in military training and we were writing instruction manuals about CBRN Recon and the like. I remember starting the book but I don’t know if I completed it. Honestly, there isn’t too much of an ending beyond thinking they got most of them and some speculation about how their children might live in the world after. Perhaps it just wasn’t that memorable.
One thought that’s caused me some self reflection is how people were rated as near useless because they didn’t have any tangible skills. The white collar workers in the story weren’t very much help when everyone was needed to farm, mine, or fix things. The book uses the example of a “creative executive” as a particular someone who was of no use. I enjoy working with my hands but I wonder if I have the stamina to make a living at it. I’m glad I don’t have to find out in the near future.
Published in 2016, “In The Dark Talent,” fifth book in Brandon Sanderson’s Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series, Alcatraz Smedry grapples with the consequences of his unique abilities as he faces his most personal and dangerous mission yet. Determined to rescue his father and stop the Evil Librarians’ growing influence, Alcatraz must venture into the Highbrary, the Librarians’ central stronghold. The story explores Alcatraz’s struggle with self-doubt, his evolving understanding of his powers, and the challenges of living up to the expectations placed upon him.
The Dark Talent
My Thoughts
Most of the book was very similar to the rest of the series with the exception that it had a very abrupt end. The fifth book was repeatedly touted as the last book in the series and it just ended on a sad note somewhat like the Empire Strikes back. It left the reader wanting more. Unfortunately, for readers who read the “last” book right after it came out, the next book was 8 years in coming. Fortunately for me, that was a couple of years ago and the new last book is available at my library. 🙂
Published in 2016, “The Shattered Lens” by Brandon Sanderson is the fourth book in the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series. Alcatraz Smedry faces a critical challenge as he works to defend the Free Kingdom city of Tuki Tuki from an impending invasion by the Librarians. With his talent for breaking things and the support of his allies, including Bastille and his extended Smedry family, Alcatraz confronts the Librarians’ advanced weaponry and their attempts to seize control. The story delves into themes of leadership, responsibility, and ingenuity as Alcatraz navigates the complexities of protecting his world while growing into his role as a leader.
The Shattered Lens
My Thoughts
This was a fun read and full of odd one offs and insider humor. I love that! As with the other books in the series, I feel like it would have been more effective if Alcatraz was older. Much of the narrative and actions of the characters feel like they are a few years older at a minimum. Regardless, I’m almost to the end of the series and I’m excited to see where it goes from here.
Published in 2018, “The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton is a mystery set in a crumbling estate called Blackheath. Aiden Bishop, finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over with the task to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle. Each morning, Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest, gaining their unique perspective and skills, but also inheriting their flaws and biases. As Aiden pieces together the events of the day, he must contend with hidden agendas, shifting alliances, and others determined to thwart his progress.
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
My Thoughts
This book was recommended by a couple of friends of ours and so I was excited to get into it. I didn’t read the summary and I put out of my mind everything our friends told us about the book. (Other than they really liked it.) My wife and I decided to read it together and we did so separately. On retrospect, that wasn’t the best idea due to the subject matter.
The first part of the book is all lived through a “host” and didn’t make any sense. It wasn’t supposed to at the time but I thought the guy was simply insane. As the book kept going, more and more made sense. Although, it does keep you guessing till the very end. Every theory I had throughout the book wasn’t even close to the eventual plot.
Recommendation
It was ok. I didn’t really love it but mysteries aren’t my preference.
Published in 1985, “Jubal Sackett” by Louis L’Amour is the fourth novel in the Sackett series, chronicling the adventures of Jubal, the restless son of Barnabas Sackett. A natural explorer, Jubal embarks on a solitary journey into the uncharted wilderness of early America, seeking both adventure and a deeper connection with the untamed land. Along the way, he encounters challenges from hostile tribes, dangerous wildlife, and the harsh elements.
Jubal’s quest takes on a greater purpose when he meets a Natchez princess, Itchakomi, and vows to protect her as she seeks refuge. Together, they navigate the perils of the frontier, with Jubal’s survival skills and honor guiding their way. The novel is a tale of courage, independence, and the spirit of exploration that captures the essence of the American frontier.
Jubal Sackett
My Thoughts
This was easily my favorite book in the Sackett series thus far. L’Amour’s style remains straight forward and raw, yet he is finding his stride in this series. He seems to be more comfortable with the subject matter as the story stayed within geographic United States and as the story moved West of the Mississippi. I’m excited for the next book in the series to take it even further.
The evolution of the friendship of Jubal and Keokotah was fun to watch develop. Being a bit of a loner himself, L’Amour did a great job depicting how two men could spend so much time together without feeling the need to fill in every silence with conversation.
The strong silent figure seems to have diminished from more contemporary culture. However, I remember back in the 80’s when this was published, the male ideal was much more stoic and isolated. Certainly in the Western genre the archetypical hero was a man of few words but able to take action if needed. I guess we still see it somewhat in action movies but I can’t think of many other places it still exists. It has been interesting watching societal expectations of men change over the last 40 years or so. I wonder what my father would think of today’s expectations for men and how my sons will see their role as they venture into adulthood.
All in all, this book served as a wonderful time capsule back to a different time and a different culture.
Recommendation
This was the best Sackett book I’ve read so far and it could stand on its own.
Published in 20212, “The Emperor’s Soul” by Brandon Sanderson is a standalone novella set in the Cosmere universe. Blending intricate magic with philosophical questions about identity and art, the story follows Shai, a forger and skilled thief, who is captured after attempting to steal a priceless artifact. Facing execution, Shai is given an impossible task: to recreate the soul of the Emperor Ashravan, who has been left brain-dead after an assassination attempt.
Using her mastery of Forgery (a magical art that alters an object’s history to transform its present) Shai must craft a new soul for the Emperor within 100 days, all while under the watchful eyes of her captors. As she delves into Ashravan’s life to understand and recreate him, Shai reflects on the nature of identity, creativity, and the value of true artistry.
The Emperor’s Soul
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book as short as it was (a mere 176 pages so barely a paragraph for Sanderson). His books always seem have some interesting rules for forces bringing the fantastic to the plot. However, once I become accustomed to how things work, I forget the ridiculous and fall into the story. This was certainly the case here. This type of investiture, to use the Cosmere term, was pretty imaginative. A “forger” could rewrite the history of an object to change the reality of that object. So, a broken item can be remade or a whole item can be broken… or a person could be modified or even rewritten.
Shai was very likable character and though she is criminal, she was easy to root for as she struggles for freedom and success. Sanderson didn’t have much time to go into too many characters in depth, but this story could easily spawn sequels and perhaps an entire series.
Published in 1980, “The Warrior’s Path” is the third novel in the Sacketts series written by Louis L’Amour. The story follows brothers Yance and Kin Sackett as they embark on a perilous journey to rescue Yance’s kidnapped sister-in-law. Their quest leads them from the Carolina wilderness to a superstitious town rife with rumors, and eventually to the exotic West Indies. Throughout their adventure, the brothers confront various challenges, including rival Indian tribes and ruthless individuals exploiting tensions for personal gain.
The Warrior’s Path
My Thoughts
So far this has been my favorite of the Sackett Series. L’Amour does a better job in not making the protagonist too powerful while still giving space to cheer for their success. The novel was fast paced and engaging though the characters are still a little too two dimensional to me.
Recommendation
It wasn’t bad and is my favorite in the series so far.
Published in 2005, “Elantris” was Brandon Sanderson’s debut novel. It introduces readers to the once-glorious city of Elantris, a magical place whose inhabitants, the Elantrians, were revered as demigods. However, ten years before the story begins, a mysterious event known as the Reod transformed the city into a crumbling ruin, and its people into cursed, zombie-like beings.
The story follows three protagonists: Prince Raoden, who is unexpectedly cursed and exiled to Elantris; Princess Sarene, his betrothed, who arrives to find Raoden presumed dead and becomes embroiled in the political intrigue of the kingdom of Arelon; and Hrathen, a high-ranking priest seeking to convert Arelon to his religion or see it destroyed.
Elantris
My Thoughts
I’m glad I didn’t hear the book was about “zombie lepers,” as the author described them, before I started reading it. I might not have actually read the thing as I’ve never really care for zombies. In fact, only the book I ever enjoyed about zombies was Jim Butcher’s “Dead Beat” and the Max Brooks book “World War Z.” And the latter was only read because Brooks was approached by the CDC on modeling a possible pandemic and we were briefed on it back in 2011.
Anyway, back to Elantris. This was a great novel and more particularly since it was Sanderson’s first. He has said that it sold 400 copies in it’s opening week and about 400 every week since then. If that’s true, this has been quite the gold mine for him and effectively paved the way for the rest of the books I’ve enjoyed since I’d found him. Let’s go Brandon! Sanderson also shared excerpts of previous manuscript revisions with Raoden’s insane brother Eto. That must have been hard to sacrifice after all the blood and tears that went into those drafts. However, I agree with the edits as it made a more streamlined narrative.
Published in 2016, “The Knights of Crystallia” is the third installment in Brandon Sanderson’s Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series. (It was originally published by Scholastic in October 2009 under the title Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia. After Sanderson reacquired the rights, Tor Books re-released the novel on April 19, 2016.)
In this adventure, Alcatraz Smedry finally reaches the Free Kingdoms, specifically the city of Crystallia. There, he confronts new challenges, including political intrigue and familial responsibilities, all while continuing his battle against the Evil Librarians. The narrative delves deeper into the Free Kingdoms’ culture and the Smedry family’s unique talents, blending Sanderson’s characteristic humor with action and fantasy elements.
The Knights of Crystallia
My Thoughts
The plot thickens as Alcatraz finally visits his home. Like a similar orphan with powers (cough… Potter), he is a big deal in the world unknown to we simple harshlanders (muggles). But enough on that.
Alcatraz is a fun character and continues to build into his eventual epic self. I worry it is moving a little too fast in terms of what he can do and his comfort level given we are on book 3 of 5. (E.g. The ease in assuming the leadership status and the power in his “Talent”. Sanderson has had a history of over inflating his heroes toward the end of the series. Several even made it to god status (“little g”, to borrow from Starlord’s father Ego.) I also feel the series would benefit from him being a little older in this book, though I’m assuming Sanderson is trying to stave off the relationship with Bastille as keeping them young keeps their relationship more the in puppy love status.
Regardless, it’s been an enjoyable ride thus far and I’m looking forward to the next book.
