The Shattered Lens: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians

Below is an excerpt of my full review of the first four books in the Alcatraz series: This review goes in line with that of the Alcatraz series, more specifically the attitude of a Smedry. You see, they are trouble makers, and are prone to getting themselves into life threatening situations. They have an uncharacteristic attitude when dealing with any situation. The more danger, the more excited they are. Through thick and thin, Smedry's are rarely to be found with a sour mood. They are bubbly, charismatic, bold, audacious, and have a knack for getting themselves into trouble. Wait, I said that did I not? Gack! You see, I imitating a number of characters found in this book. Granpa Smedry, Alcatraz, talking dinosaurs. Yes, you read correctly, talking dinosaurs with a British accent, and as we know, those Brits are refined, calm, and well-mannered; dinosaurs are no exception! They really know how to cause trouble for Librarians, like eating the entire C section of the Science Fiction shelf and moving six books out of their proper places. Okay, so maybe they are useless as Bastille said... The only thing worse than talking dinosaurs are talking rocks, but I tell you, the dinosaurs are a treat! To round off this paragraph, I leave you this quote from Grandpa Smedry if you think I am making any of this up: I am a Smedry, and we do ridiculous, unexpected, eccentric things like this all the time. The Alcatraz series is a tremendously fun read. My friend that recommended Mistorn and Elantris did not bother giving these books a shot because of their young adult emphasis, despite being a lover of Sanderson's work. Aspiring Asimovs, what a horrible reason! Lots of fun, many laugh out loud moments, tons of humor and wit, with a great story to boot! The books are written from the first person perspective of Alcatraz Smedry, written as a biography of how he became the hero of the Free Kingdom and to dispel the many myths about how it happened. The books are much shorter than all of Sanderson's other works, easily read in two or three days, and are extremely enjoyable. I cannot recommend these books enough! Unfortunately Scholastic decided to not sign Sanderson for the fifth and final book. According to his assistant via Twitter, Sanderson will finish the series, but it's still a few years out, which is a shame. When I found out about this, I shook my fist at Scholastic and demanded they be burned alive with the Firebringer's Lens. You'll have to read the books to know what that's about ;)

Let me be honest here for a moment. I am only half way through this book. But you see today is the fifth, the fifth book is released on the sixth and today is a holiday so shipping is going a little late by a day or two. The dilemma: do I finish this book right now to finish the story, or do I drag it out until the next book? I choose the second to avoid withdrawal. So what to due but write a review on a book I have not finished. Man, am I going to get those upside down thumbs up all over this. But I have learned from Alcatraz great things in life. Such if a person gives you a thumbs down, just turn your screen upside down to get a thumbs up. The book: I have the expander glass edition. I am on chapter 70706, but it really has been a quick read. The Way of the Kings is only 72 chapters long but have you seen the size of that book and it is in small print now. Thus a great tool of authors that "Brandon Sanderson" has learned is to break the same long story over lots of books. Look at Mistborn. Great story, lots of books and probably longer then both stormlight books. I have, am, reading Mistborn series but Stormlight sits on my shelf mocking me. I also have learned also to combat evil authors such as "Brandon Sanderson". He tricked me with those other books like Mistborn and Reckoners by having picked those up early and waited patiently for the next book. But not this time you evil author, I learned about Alcatraz in 2016 so I did not have to wait for years for the books only a few more days for that last one. Actually that was just luck, because I'm still waiting for that next Mistborn book. So why write a review early? Because it is the Smedry way, and I've read the last page so I know how the story ends. Although for some reason my Halo skills have dimished by roughly 45% for some reason. Plus it would be stupid to do it this way. That right, stupid, and this book is that just so you know. I mean there are mispelling, things that do not make sense, and words between the pictures. And all of it makes this book great, just stupid. I also have a theory that "Hayley Lazo" is none other then Bastille. Think about it, the pictures mock Alcatraz and paint Bastille in a good light. And most notes on the pictures in all the books are from Bastille and mocking. To make a theory I have to write it before I know if that is true so I clearly cannot finish a book completely just in case the answer is revealled. As a "P.S.", Mr. "Brandon Sanderson" it is 2016 and so probably been a few years since telling your story, so if you want to continue it I am almost to the end so a book six is due now. Mistborn got it's second series, so I think it is only fair if we learn what has been happening these last few years. Thanks C.J. Bramlett

Alcatraz Verses the Shattered Lens is an excellent installment in a great series. Anyone that has read the other books in the Alcatraz series know what to expect. This book continues the traditions of a snarky narrator, an engaging plot, fast paced action, a lot of jokes (both obvious jokes and subtle ones), a few running gags, and an entertaining and well developed setting. In this novel Alcatraz finally fights the evil librarians in an actual siege. This means the characters that we have grown to know and love act in a much more active way, rather then react to their opponents threats. It really highlights how far each of the characters have come from their first incarnations and helped me remember why I liked the books in the first place. The Shattered Lens also advances the overall story of the Alcatraz books very well. <mild spoilers> In this book the main character finally gets a chance to have a real conversation/reconciliation with his mother. He also explores the nature of Smedry talents and sets up for the fifth book in the series. <\spoilers> I loved the humor, the characters, and the story. The only real complaint that I have is that it suffers from middle book syndrome. This means that the most interesting aspects of world building take place in previous books, and the most interesting character conflicts are not resolved over the course of the novel. (They are advanced, and many interesting developments take place, but overall there are still a lot of threads left hanging.) If you enjoyed the other books in the Alcatraz series then I can assure you that you will like this installment in the series.

Reader thoughts: The author I talk about the most (other than myself) is Brandon Sanderson. Of his books, the ones I fangirl over the most are the Alcatraz books, and for good reason. The cleverness: The good guys are clever (use bad math skills to equip an army), and the bad guys are cleverer (tunnel under indestructible dome), and the dialogue is even cleverer (Shakespeare quotes to confuse everyone and allow MC to slip past). The humor: I don't mean just the witty comebacks or the way Alcatraz pokes fun at everything in the hushlands. I mean the situations are hilarious. Teddy bears explode. Swallowed by a dragon. A weapon that lets you punch yourself to hurt the enemy. Even besides all that, I still laugh when Alcatraz tells the reader to act out the entire book (except that one scene with the anti-fiber explosion). The magic: It's not wave-your-wand-and-hope-something-cool-happens kind of magic. It's we-know-exactly-what-each-character-can-do sort of magic. And it's the let's-come-up-with-clever-new-ways-to-use-these-skills magic. Writer thoughts: Alcatraz breaks the fourth wall as well as Ferris Bueller, but in book form! Most of the time, authors should not do this. Reminding the reader that they are reading a story and not experiencing the story would be a bad idea. Here, however, Sanderson not only gets away with it, he uses the technique to make the series even better. What can we learn? Don't use it once or twice. It will feel accidental and cheating. The reader will not expect it and will become annoyed. If you do intend to talk to the reader, it has to fit the story. A journal-like story (see The Diary of a Young Girl), or interactive tales (like Choose Your Own Adventure or Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!), or comedies (like Alcatraz) make this technique fit. If you have an immersive tale meant to transport the reader, you shouldn't remind them that they'll eventually have to return to reality.

It's everything you'd expect from Sanderson. Amazing, fun, and humorous.

The Alcatraz series is hilarious, for adults as well as kids. I'm not sure exactly how to explain its genius, but I think it mainly lies in how witty, intelligent, and fun the books are while also covering serious and perilous situations. I love the characters as well, they are all very complex and well-realized. And of course, you can't forget the magic system which is completely unique and makes for a lot of fun guessing as to how anti-superpowers can be actually used. The short version is that you should start reading these books right away!

I've read every book so far and it is with a sad heart I have to say I thought this one was slightly below par. Instead of being absolutely brilliant, it's only very good. There's the usual funny lateral thinking and word play by Sanderson, crazy use of strange new talents by Smedry's (we meet Alcatraz's younger cousin in this book) and more plot development. In fact, the twist toward's the last quarter of the book means there is no way this is the final installment the series.(unless the next book has a totally new series name, but continues the story) Where I was a bit peeved was the repetitive use of going off plot, of being too "stupid"- you'll understand when you read the book. Perhaps I'm being too adult to appreciate it :) Would I recommend this book? NO...unless you've already read the previous 3 books! Well, what are you waiting for? Go and read Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians right now!!!! And a note to Mr Sanderson...this had better not the be the final book mate, or I'm going to chuck a right fit!!!!

First of all I am a huge fan of Brandon Sanderson and as such try to follow his works closely. He is an awesome author with brilliant ideas. Even though I generally prefer his more mature works, this YA series of his has proven to be really quite good! That said, I couldn't help but be somewhat disappointed with this latest endeavor on the Alcatraz Series. The previous three books, in my opinion, were excellent- fun, witty, but with strong characterization and strong plot progression. On this novel, however, I felt that up until the end there was a huge sacrifice in plot progression- almost nothing really happens in the book!- to advance Alcatraz as a character. So, while I would still recommend the book to loyal fans, it's really just a small stepping stone towards the last book in the series. A final note on that, despite what it says on the cover of the book, this is NOT the final chapter on the series, Sanderson has stated several times that he intends to publish a 5th and final novel, however his contract with Scholastic was for four novels and that is the reason they claim it is the "last". cheers!

We finished reading this book last night having thoroughly enjoyed it and the rest of the series.

I read the first, good fun books and son likes them.