To be honest, I wasn’t very engaged with Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken at first. The story begins when this town on the outskirts of the kingdom receives it’s first rainstorm after many years of drought. Turns out some bad stuff is about to happen. Our lovely heroine Sydelle finds herself caught in the middle of this maelstrom of events. I was eventually drawn completely into this novel, as I found Sydelle to be an enchanting character. The romance did not hurt either.
The descriptions within Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken were great and really appealed to my fantasy sensibilities. For example, I could picture these cloaks Bracken described which this other character, Wayland North, used to conduct his magic. Speaking of magic, I loved the wizard system within this book. I am a sucker for wizards. Basically each wizard has a number rank, the lower a wizard’s number, the more powerful the wizard. For magic they use talismans. There were duels peppered in here and there. There’s an outcast group of wizards called hedge witches. I ate it up. Brightly Woven varies from funny to serious seamlessly.
Wayland North, as I have mentioned above, is the male lead of Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken. He’s sort of a DB* at first. However, I think we can all guess at why he is in there. For sexytime, of course. Anyways, there is a very slow chemistry between North and Sydelle, and I love that. I love that what is between them is gradual, it’s not some weird inexplicable overnight attraction. There is tension, and you’ll sit there and think “for the love of God just kiss already.”
I think there’s enough material with Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, and enough left open — although it has a clear resolution — there’s room for a sequel or companion novel. Bracken created interesting magic, and I wouldn’t mind knowing more about weaving magic!
I also want to mention on the copy that I read, the back cover mentioned Robin McKinley — I am firmly in the McKinley fan club. I want to say right now, I think this book will definitely appeal to Robin McKinley fans, especially because Sydelle kicks ass and is intelligent, much like McKinley’s heroines. Also, similarly, the focus of Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken wasn’t the romance, but the conflict.
I am more than excited to see what Bracken will come out with next.
Other Reviews of Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken:
Books By Their Story
Read Darling Reviews
Katie’s Book Blog
The Hiding Spot
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A little girl kicking ass, this sounds good, I have it been sorta debating on when to pick it up, I think I should sounds wonderful thank you for that awesome review.
The book sounds like a good read and I especially liked that you qualified that it is more about the conflict than the romance. While I like a little romance, it is usually not why I pick a book to read. Great review.
I was already dying to read this book anyway (cue image of starving slobbering dog), and your (great, btw!) review just makes me all the more sad it hasn't arrived in the mail yet. I have this preconception that I know I'm going to love it before I read it. o.o
Hehe anyway thanks for the honest review and I'm looking out for more great stuff from you <3
Oooh…this sounds right up my alley. Robin McKinley = awesome, so if this is anything like her stuff I think I'd definitely enjoy it.
Thanks for sharing, April! I recently put this on my TBR, so it's always great to read what other pals think. I like how you honestly said that you weren't completely engaged at the beginning – I know I've felt that way before.
Your reviews have always been some of my favorites, because you write good, solid reviews that are actually informative, not gushy. Thanks girl! You're awesome 😀
Great Review – I wanted to let you know that I have a little award for you over on my book blog – http://busymomswholovetoread.blogspot.com Check it out!
Hi, I’m sorry if this is really…weird and annoying. But I’ve been searching the web to see if arcs of Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken exist because I’m a huge fan of hers and a collector. I came across your blog and saw that you received and reviewed an arc of Brightly Woven a number of years back and i was wondering if you still had it? And if so, would you be willing to trade it? I understand if you want to keep it. My instagram and Twitter are @beccasbookrealm if you’d rather communicate that way.
Sorry to bother you, I’ve just gotten desperate cause I meet Alex pretty soon. Have a nice day!