Review: Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Pub. Date: March 23, 2010
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Format: Hardcover, 368pp
Age Range: Young Adult

When Wayland North brings rain to a region that's been dry for over ten years, he's promised anything he'd like as a reward. He chooses the village elder's daughter, sixteen-year-old Sydelle Mirabel, who is a skilled weaver and has an unusual knack for repairing his magical cloaks. Though Sydelle has dreamt of escaping her home, she's hurt that her parents relinquish her so freely and finds herself awed and afraid of the slightly ragtag wizard who is unlike any of the men of magic in the tales she's heard. Still, she is drawn to this mysterious man who is fiercely protective of her and so reluctant to share his own past.

The pair rushes toward the capital, intent to stop an imminent war, pursued by Reuel Dorwan (a dark wizard who has taken a keen interest in Sydelle) and plagued by unusually wild weather. But the sudden earthquakes and freak snowstorms may not be a coincidence. As Sydelle discovers North's dark secret and the reason for his interest in her and learns to master her own mysterious power, it becomes increasingly clear that the fate of the kingdom rests in her fingertips. She will either be a savior, weaving together the frayed bonds between Saldorra and Auster, or the disastrous force that destroys both kingdoms forever.

Captivating and Compelling in its storytelling, BRIGHTLY WOVEN will take readers on an unforgettable magical adventure.

I was enamored with BRIGHLY WOVEN from beginning to end. This is why I love the fantasy genre – getting to discover new worlds and the characters that make them exciting to live in. Sydelle is one of those strong heroines that I crave to see more of in YA books. The dangerous journey that she had to endure on her mission to protect her village from war could have broken anyone with the formidable task at hand. But not Sydelle, she’s got the spunk and the courage to brave the most dangerous roads. North-What can I say about Wayland North? Roguish charms and underneath that hard exterior, he has the heart of gold. Sydelle is strong on her own but Sydelle and North together- their chemistry ignites the most dangerous storms.

Bracken’s writing is splendidly colorful with its beautiful imagery and spellbinding plot. Once I started reading BRIGHTLY WOVEN, I could NOT stop turning the pages. This book was like a surprise gift – I never knew what to expect. And like all great gifts, BRIGHTLY WOVEN captured my heart. I fell in love with the world Bracken created. With endless dangers accompanied with magical elements at every turn, the pages could not turn fast enough.

A great start to what could possibly be a great series, I can’t wait to see what adventures and dangerous assignments Sydelle and North will come upon next. Readers looking for an enchanting romance surrounded by magical intrigue and unforgettable characters will devour this novel.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars