Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Genre: Young Adult

Copyright: 2010

Pages: 368

Rating: 5/5 Crowns

Synopsis: 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.

Review:

* Low Long, low whistle*... oh, let's not forget the head shake, sigh & bright smile. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot the shudder! **Shudder**

What an honor it was to receive Bracken's phenomenal debut. Brightly Woven doesn't set the bar high, Bracken splinters the bar into minuscule pieces! Bracken's eloquent prose stirs the deepest recesses of your soul.

Bracken's sparkling storytelling is crisp, electrifying & memorable. What a stellar fantasy.

Brightly Woven is an unprecedented spin on the fantasy genre with a explosive take on magic & wizardry. Whoo~Hoo!!! Bracken not only brings it... she sings it w/ a orchestra that can rival the New York Philharmonic. Brava, Bracken!

The characters are well fleshed & absolutely breathtaking. Sydelle (Syd) is a fireball. She is just amazing! What a spitfire! She is definitely no wilted flower waiting on someone to bring her to life. Syd is brimming w/ LIFE!

North is a disheveled hero with a sharp attitude & one of the most refreshing heroes to come along in what feels like eons. OK, let me state North is not your average gent... he is a grungy conqueror... that is a hottie! HAWT!!!

Bracken's setting is rich, spirited & unforgettable. I was transported from snowy New York to the vibrant kingdom Bracken created! WOW! I was mesmerized. Absolutely LOVED it! Bracken's imaginery world cast a spell on me!

Now, for the romance... thank you so much, Ms. Bracken for developing the romance in such a way this chica was swept away. Touching. Believable. Breathless.

Brightly Woven is definitely a pageturner. Bracken's unparalleled debut is not to be missed.

Thank you, Ms. Bracken, for keeping it simple w/o the usual triangle plot. It made your book that much more extraordinary! Sequel, Ms. Bracken, please!

I will leave you w/ this...

Mark my words, tinsel town's gonna come pounding on Ms. Bracken's doors!

Check out Alexandra's website here!

Read the first chapter here!

Pre~order:

Random House, Amazon, Borders, or, if you’re in Canada, check out Chapters!

Visit Diane @ her blog The Book Resort