Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener’s Bones

A shout out today to my good friend Brandon Sanderson, whose two new books (Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener’s Bones and Mistborn: Hero of Ages) I have recently acquired. For those of you who don’t know Brandon, he’s a fantasy author who typically writes big thick books that could probably be considered lethal weapons in about 38 states. His Mistborn series is epic epic fantasy (although it’s only three books long, which is a nice change of pace for a lot of fantasy series). Fantastic series, published by Tor. By the way, Brandon’s currently mad at work on the final Robert Jordan Wheel of Time book. He was handpicked by Jordan’s widow to finish the series. Big news, if you’re a fantasy fan.

Which is why Brandon’s other series (Alcatraz) is so surprising. Here’s this guy who usually writes tomes, instead writing YA/Middle Grade Fantasy Lite. Funny, bouncy stuff that actually makes you laugh. So . . . stuff more along the lines of what I typically write. (Except I don’t get paid buhzillions of dollars to do so.) Anyway–I’m digressing.

What I wanted to say was that there’s this cool new book out, and if you know an 8-12 year old reader out there (or even just someone who likes fun YA fantasy), tell them about this book. Imagine a world where librarians rule with an iron fist. They have complete power. (Actually, that sounds like a pretty cool proposition. Maybe I should move there.) Now have a young teen boy find out that that world is actually our own. That the life we’re living now is a lie, and that librarians are ruling us even if we don’t know it. He Fights the Power, and hilarity ensures. I don’t have enough time or space to do the series justice here. Buy a friend a copy for Christmas. Buy yourself one, too. If epic fantasy’s more your thing, check Mistborn out instead. Brandon’s a fantastic writer, and you really can’t go wrong with any of his books. Plus, he’s been one of the best influences on my writing. Four years of writing group with the man–couldn’t be beat. Hence the shout out today on my blog.

Seriously–go check it out. If you don’t want to buy one, get one from your library. Because libraries are cool. Even if they’re sometimes portrayed as ruthless.