Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Starscape (New York, 2016). 1st Starscape edition, 1st printing. 368 pages. $16.99.
Description
Thirteen-year-old Alcatraz Smedry and his companions seek Al's father and grandfather in the Great Library of Alexandria, where they face undead, soul-stealing wraiths called the Curators of Alexandria, and one of the Scrivener's Bones, a part-human, part-machine mercenary.
Media reviews
School Library Journal
Though some readers may find the author's non sequiturs and frequent interruptions in the narrative off-putting, those who enjoy their fantasy with a healthy dose of slapstick humor will be delighted.
Horn Book Magazine
Sanderson gives due weight to his characters’ dangerous situation and its emotional implications, balancing absurdity, action, and character growth for a thoroughly thrilling read.
Kirkus
Trying too hard to be strange, the effect is not fun but forced.
User reviews
LibraryThing member PhoenixTerran
It wasn't too long ago that I read Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians, the first installment of the planned five-book autobiography of Alcatraz Smedry. Of course, you won't find these book in the non-fiction section of the library, but this is all a part of the Librarians' plot to discredit them.
Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones picks up shortly after the first book in the series. Alcatraz is trying to meet up with his grandfather in order to leave the Hushlands and finally visit the Free Kingdoms himself. But, as usual when Smedrys are involved, things don't quite go as planned. The Librarians are still after Alcatraz--in particular his pair of rare and powerful Translator's lenses--and are beginning to become so desperate that they will even work with another, darker Librarian sect, the Scrivener's Bones. It's not too surprising then that the meet-up doesn't happen--especially considering Grandpa Smedry's Talent for arriving late. Alcatraz's exceptional Talent for breaking things doesn't always help, either. Soon it turns into a rescue mission. Joining forces with his newly discovered uncle and cousin (both with their own unique Talents), and aided by the Crystin Knights, Alcatraz journeys to the very dangerous Great Library of Alexandria in search of his grandfather and Attica Smedry--the father who he's never met.
If you didn't enjoy Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians you probably won't enjoy Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones as it continues in very much the same vein. The humor is just as snarky, the storytelling just as random, and the plot just as wild. I absolutely loved it, but it is definitely not for everyone. A few of the tangents in Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones didn't seem to work as well, but overall the book is a strong follow-up to Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians and perhaps slightly less goofy and more mature while still being a load of fun. And the continued world-building is fantastic.
Since the Alcatraz books are aimed at a younger audience (well, ages 9-99 according to Sanderson's website), the writing style isn't terribly complex and they're not incredibly long, either. Understandably, they make for pretty quick reads. Some references are probably more likely to be picked up on by older readers, but there is still plenty of material for everyone to enjoy. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment of the series. I know that these will be books that I return to again when I need a fun, quick, pick-me-up sort of read. And since the second book was as good as the first (which can be tricky), I expect and hope that the rest of the series continues the trend. The only problem now is that I'll have to wait for the rest of the books to be published.
Experiments in Reading
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The books have even been published under the name of fantasy author Brandon Sanderson to add to the confusion. I enjoyed Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians immensely and knew that I would need to read the next book, Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones. (Just, please don't tell anyone--as an evil librarian, I could probably get in a lot of trouble for this.)Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones picks up shortly after the first book in the series. Alcatraz is trying to meet up with his grandfather in order to leave the Hushlands and finally visit the Free Kingdoms himself. But, as usual when Smedrys are involved, things don't quite go as planned. The Librarians are still after Alcatraz--in particular his pair of rare and powerful Translator's lenses--and are beginning to become so desperate that they will even work with another, darker Librarian sect, the Scrivener's Bones. It's not too surprising then that the meet-up doesn't happen--especially considering Grandpa Smedry's Talent for arriving late. Alcatraz's exceptional Talent for breaking things doesn't always help, either. Soon it turns into a rescue mission. Joining forces with his newly discovered uncle and cousin (both with their own unique Talents), and aided by the Crystin Knights, Alcatraz journeys to the very dangerous Great Library of Alexandria in search of his grandfather and Attica Smedry--the father who he's never met.
If you didn't enjoy Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians you probably won't enjoy Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones as it continues in very much the same vein. The humor is just as snarky, the storytelling just as random, and the plot just as wild. I absolutely loved it, but it is definitely not for everyone. A few of the tangents in Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones didn't seem to work as well, but overall the book is a strong follow-up to Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians and perhaps slightly less goofy and more mature while still being a load of fun. And the continued world-building is fantastic.
Since the Alcatraz books are aimed at a younger audience (well, ages 9-99 according to Sanderson's website), the writing style isn't terribly complex and they're not incredibly long, either. Understandably, they make for pretty quick reads. Some references are probably more likely to be picked up on by older readers, but there is still plenty of material for everyone to enjoy. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment of the series. I know that these will be books that I return to again when I need a fun, quick, pick-me-up sort of read. And since the second book was as good as the first (which can be tricky), I expect and hope that the rest of the series continues the trend. The only problem now is that I'll have to wait for the rest of the books to be published.
Experiments in Reading
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LibraryThing member xicanti
Alcatraz Smedry is looking forward to a trip to the Free Kingdoms with his perpetually late grandfather --but first he has to deal with a massive glass dragon, fight off a particularly vicious Dark Occulator, and save his potentially undead dead father from a terrible fate.
I really enjoyed the
I'm afraid, though, that I gave this book a bit of a rum deal. It came in for me at the library. I read it because I knew I could whip right on through it, fast as anything. But it wasn't at all what I felt like, and I'm afraid I coudn't really connect with it.
All the elements that made ALCATRAZ VERSUS THE EVIL LIBRARIANS such a good read are still present. The plot is tight; there's action-action-action followed by a quadruple dose of action. Alcatraz and his friends find themselves in over their heads time and again, and Sanderson develops increasingly inventive ways for them to finagle their way out of each new scrape. It's fun stuff.
But it's the way Sanderson plays with standard storytelling conventions that really sets the books apart. There's a concrete context here; Alcatraz knows he's writing a book, and he often breaks the fourth wall in order to communicate directly with his readers. He comments on what ought to happen, given the reader's presumed knowledge of story, and shows us how fiction works. For this reason, the series is probably best suited to children who've already read a fair bit and are familiar with most of the usual plots and devices. It's also got crossover appeal for adults.
And on top of all that, there's scads of snarky humor and more than a few hints that Alcatraz's life is set to get a whole lot darker in the coming books. I should've been all over it.
So it's a good book. It's fun and creative and tricksy and all that other good stuff, and I kept telling myself that I ought to be enjoying it. But, when push comes to shove, I can't say as I really did. I told myself what was great about it, but I never really felt it. I'm sure I'll tackle the next book one of these days, but it's not a high priority.
(This review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina).
I really enjoyed the
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first book in the series. The story was fast-paced and fun, and Sanderson twisted storytelling conventions in some entertaining ways. I was looking forward to further adventures with Alcatraz and his bizarre family.I'm afraid, though, that I gave this book a bit of a rum deal. It came in for me at the library. I read it because I knew I could whip right on through it, fast as anything. But it wasn't at all what I felt like, and I'm afraid I coudn't really connect with it.
All the elements that made ALCATRAZ VERSUS THE EVIL LIBRARIANS such a good read are still present. The plot is tight; there's action-action-action followed by a quadruple dose of action. Alcatraz and his friends find themselves in over their heads time and again, and Sanderson develops increasingly inventive ways for them to finagle their way out of each new scrape. It's fun stuff.
But it's the way Sanderson plays with standard storytelling conventions that really sets the books apart. There's a concrete context here; Alcatraz knows he's writing a book, and he often breaks the fourth wall in order to communicate directly with his readers. He comments on what ought to happen, given the reader's presumed knowledge of story, and shows us how fiction works. For this reason, the series is probably best suited to children who've already read a fair bit and are familiar with most of the usual plots and devices. It's also got crossover appeal for adults.
And on top of all that, there's scads of snarky humor and more than a few hints that Alcatraz's life is set to get a whole lot darker in the coming books. I should've been all over it.
So it's a good book. It's fun and creative and tricksy and all that other good stuff, and I kept telling myself that I ought to be enjoying it. But, when push comes to shove, I can't say as I really did. I told myself what was great about it, but I never really felt it. I'm sure I'll tackle the next book one of these days, but it's not a high priority.
(This review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina).
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LibraryThing member quilted_kat
I didn't like this one as much as the first book. It took me about 255 pages to start to think it was worth reading.... But the humor and writing was much in keeping with the spirit of the first book. I am still eager to read the next installment.
LibraryThing member mtwaldman
This book was a very fun, silly read. This book does not take itself very seriously it is similar in genre to Harry Potter, but not as complex and has more humor. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Riordan's or Rowlings books.
I did not think it was as good as the first book, but the
I did not think it was as good as the first book, but the
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series definitely shows promise. It is a worthwhile read and i would recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member readafew
Excellent! Another home run from Brandon Sanderson. Absolutely hilarious. Brandon seems to have ironed out the wrinkles from the 1st book and has produced a great read. The only negative I can come up with (and it's small) is some of the later chapter beginnings (the first 2 paragraphs) get a
We meet up with Alcatraz a couple months after leaving him in the last book. He is sitting in the airport waiting to meet up with Grandpa Smedry so they can go home to the Free Kingdoms. As expected he's late, and in the meantime he's spotted by librarians who are trying extra hard not to let him escape. A Scrivener's Bone is one his pursuers. We meet a couple more of Alcatraz's relatives and Bastille's mother. We finally end up in the Library of Alexandria looking for Grandpa Smedry, Attica Smedry while trying not to be lured into trading souls for knowledge. Lots of adventure and hi jinks and a very enjoyable read.
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little weird, but not monotonous like one or two of his tricks in the last book.We meet up with Alcatraz a couple months after leaving him in the last book. He is sitting in the airport waiting to meet up with Grandpa Smedry so they can go home to the Free Kingdoms. As expected he's late, and in the meantime he's spotted by librarians who are trying extra hard not to let him escape. A Scrivener's Bone is one his pursuers. We meet a couple more of Alcatraz's relatives and Bastille's mother. We finally end up in the Library of Alexandria looking for Grandpa Smedry, Attica Smedry while trying not to be lured into trading souls for knowledge. Lots of adventure and hi jinks and a very enjoyable read.
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LibraryThing member aarondesk
Another great book about Alcatraz and his talented family. This time they must deal with a pursuing Librarian while trying to find Alcatraz's father and grandfather. Plenty of little witty passages and full of entertainment.
LibraryThing member wvlibrarydude
This series improved on this title, with the first being a good read. As an evil librarian, should I say that? Check it out for some good laughs, and remember that Alcatraz is a liar... you can believe him.
LibraryThing member readermom
We are currently reading it to my boys for their bedtime book and they enjoy it as well. You have to be able to handle a sarcastic teenager first person voice though. If that drives you nuts, then don't bother reading the book.
LibraryThing member MickyFine
In the second book in the series, Alcatraz heads to the Library of Alexandria with some of his Smedry relatives as well as Bastille and her mother in order to track down his grandfather and his possibly not-so-dead father. In the process he'll learn more about his Talent for breaking things and the
These books are sheer fun. Sanderson delights in pushing the boundaries of the medium and frequently wanders into the land of metafiction, making the book that much more entertaining. Alcatraz is still endearingly charming and the humour is still funny enough to make me chortle out loud. In amongst all the ridiculous sentences and exciting situations, Sanderson also manages to develop his characters and their relationships a little bit. However, my favourite part of these books is that librarians are the enemy (as a librarian myself, I'm flattered to be considered even mildly villainous ;). A fast and funny read that'll charm you with some of its more ridiculous moments.
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nefarious plot of the evil librarians.These books are sheer fun. Sanderson delights in pushing the boundaries of the medium and frequently wanders into the land of metafiction, making the book that much more entertaining. Alcatraz is still endearingly charming and the humour is still funny enough to make me chortle out loud. In amongst all the ridiculous sentences and exciting situations, Sanderson also manages to develop his characters and their relationships a little bit. However, my favourite part of these books is that librarians are the enemy (as a librarian myself, I'm flattered to be considered even mildly villainous ;). A fast and funny read that'll charm you with some of its more ridiculous moments.
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LibraryThing member momma2
A review by Blake: I loved it! The curators were really weird. The author lies repeatedly about the plot so don't believe any of his foreshadowing. The first book was second to none but this was still great!
LibraryThing member Krumbs
This second book in the series was much more enjoyable than the first, partly because the "world" didn't need to be established, but also I think because the main character was presented as a bit more mature. All of the additional side comments--"I told you I was a liar", "I'm really a fish",
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"Don't trust anything I say"--still get old, but it was a quick, entertaining read. Show Less
LibraryThing member sooziebeaker
Alcatraz leads his allies through the soul sucking Library of Alexandria on a mission to save his father in the 2nd installment of his series.
LibraryThing member Othemts
Six years ago I read the first book in the Alcatraz series and really enjoyed it and meant to continue with the series. Now at last I've read the second book in the series and it was worth the wait. Sanderson's Alcatraz Smedry is an unreliable narrator who keeps interrupting the story to
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deliberately make the reader question everything. It's gimmicky but in-universe it works since the concept of this world is that evil librarians control reality. It's a funny adventure set in the Library of Alexandria, and Sanderson is committed to the idea of the wraith-like curators persistently trying to trick the human visitors into taking a book in exchange for their soul. It's a clever and enjoyable read and I should not wait so long to continue the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member ForeverMasterless
The second Alcatraz book is arguably the best in the series (2 and 3 are pretty much tied in my mind). For those who have only read the first one so far, that’s ample cause to be excited.
*Spoilers Ahead*
Sanderson elaborates on, and deepens, the two magic systems he introduced in the first book.
*Spoilers Ahead*
Sanderson elaborates on, and deepens, the two magic systems he introduced in the first book.
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Smedry talents are explained to Alcatraz by his uncle in what has become my favorite dialogue scene in the series, and a connection between oculator lenses, Smedry talents, and silimatic technology is hinted at for the first time here. The tomb of Alcatraz the First is discovered, and the things he wrote about the breaking talent leaves Alcatraz with much to think about. A mysterious, powerful new lens is found that will become a key part of the next book. The true reason that Alcatraz was sent the translator lenses by his father turns out to be a really clever trick, and a great payoff. Just all in all a great book, but more importantly a great setup for the rest of the series. Some book series are nothing but unrelated adventures with the same characters in the same world. Not this. This multi-volume story is so tightly woven together that you can’t even see the thread, and book two is really where the weaving begins to take shape. Show Less
LibraryThing member librisissimo
Not as good as the first book, but the "trick" worked. The set-up was okay, if implausibly so. As if anything in the context of this series could be implausible, given that Things Aren't Ever What They Seem.
LibraryThing member hopeevey
Like this first in the series, this was a fun read. I'd give it a 3.5 if I had the option. The author is clearly having fun with it, even having the titular character disdain large fantasy novels - exactly what Mr. Sanderson usually writes. The clever plotting sometimes shades over into "Hey! Look
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how clever I am!" but not so much that it's obnoxious. I do want to know more about the larger story/cosmology going on - the hints in this volume are fascinating. I suspect I would have /adored/ this series if I'd read it as a kid. Show Less
LibraryThing member phoenixcomet
Volume 2 of the Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians. A so-so novel with a fair amount of snarkiness. The second adventure of Alcatraz Smedry and the Smedry clan. In this episode, Alcatraz and company go underground to the Library of Alexandria to determine what happened to Alcatraz's dad whom he
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has never met. The usual amount of mis-adventure ensues. Show Less
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
More audacious humor - I especially loved the ending! Alcatraz discovers both his parents are still living - but just what does that mean for him and where does he fit into this new world he has entered. Alcatraz continues to think on his feet and do heroic things (despite his assertion that he is
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no hero). Show Less
LibraryThing member jmoncton
Although this series is targeted for Middle Grade kids, I love the humor in this series. The world is not as we think! An evil sect of Librarians have all duped us into believing the lies taught in school. Alcatraz and his cohorts must battle these evil forces to discover the real truth. This
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adventure takes these heroes named after prisons (Bastille, Leavenworth, etc.) to the library of Alexandria. Definitely a light and fun read. The narrator for this series is fantastic! Show Less
LibraryThing member greytfriend
Once again an extremely enjoyable YA book from Brandon Sanderson. This book is the second in the series begun with Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians. The sarcasm is off the charts, there is great adventure, and even some thoughtful ruminations thrown in. I would recommend this book to anyone who
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enjoys a good fantasy adventure, or just a series of good laughs. I would especially recommend it to tween and teen reluctant readers, who are sure to enjoy the humor and fast-paced escapades. I greatly look forward to a continuation of this wonderful series. Show Less
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
2.5 stars
Listened to the audio of this one and really couldn’t tell you the plot of the story. All I know is that Alcatraz (and a cousin(?), Bastille) ended up at the Library of Alexandria, where the curators (skeleton(?) librarians) require the signing over of a soul in order to check out a
Ok, so it’s been a long time since I read the first in the series, but I gave it 4.5 stars! This one is only rated as high as it is for the humourous bits when Alcatraz was talking directly to the reader (not usually to do with the story, itself), and the stuff about the “evil” librarians (I am a librarian, so I did find that very entertaining!). Listening to the audio, though, those were the only parts where I was interested enough to pay attention. I have found that many (most?) adventure does not translate well for me on audio. No idea what the story actually was about. Not sure if I want to continue. I probably should give the next one a chance, but not on audio (let’s hope I remember that!).
Listened to the audio of this one and really couldn’t tell you the plot of the story. All I know is that Alcatraz (and a cousin(?), Bastille) ended up at the Library of Alexandria, where the curators (skeleton(?) librarians) require the signing over of a soul in order to check out a
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book. I think they were looking for Alcatraz’s mother (or father or maybe Bastille’s mother?). Not too sure.Ok, so it’s been a long time since I read the first in the series, but I gave it 4.5 stars! This one is only rated as high as it is for the humourous bits when Alcatraz was talking directly to the reader (not usually to do with the story, itself), and the stuff about the “evil” librarians (I am a librarian, so I did find that very entertaining!). Listening to the audio, though, those were the only parts where I was interested enough to pay attention. I have found that many (most?) adventure does not translate well for me on audio. No idea what the story actually was about. Not sure if I want to continue. I probably should give the next one a chance, but not on audio (let’s hope I remember that!).
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Awards
Whitney Award (Finalist — 2008)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2008-11-01
Physical description
368 p.; 5.83 inches
ISBN
9780765378965