Brightly Woven

February 1, 2010
Syd is a talented weaver who lives in a poor, remote village, long plagued by drought and largely removed from the politics and duels of the ruling wizard class. On the day of the first rain in decades, a handsome wizard, North, arrives and warns of approaching soldiers—a war between kingdoms is brewing and the village will soon be overrun. To save Syd, her parents promise the 16-year-old to North as a wizard's tailor, and the two set out to try and stop the war, Syd angrily so. Bracken's vivid prose and storytelling offer a fresh, fun take on magic and wizardry, with North as a tantalizing, brooding hero and Syd, as a feisty, strong woman of many talents, her most extraordinary yet undiscovered. Between her sharp tongue and emerging powers and North's grungy appearance and hipster attitude, they make a charismatic pair. Though at times the dialogue can be melodramatic and overwritten, and the plot occasionally falls out of focus, overall this fantasy novel is a delight, and Bracken is a debut author to watch. Ages 12–up.

May 1, 2020

Gr 3-7-This comics adaptation of Bracken's fantasy novel explores talent and responsibility through a medieval road trip. Sydelle, 14, is an exceptional weaver, and Wayland, 15, is a magical messenger whose powers depend on maintaining his colorful cloaks. Together they must deliver a report that can prevent a war between two rival kingdoms, but they are being tracked by a dark wizard, Dorwan. Wayland's powers physically exhaust him, but his friends along the road have his back, as does the trusting Sydelle, whose family is under occupation while she attempts to serve a greater good. Chaotic weather patterns add to the danger and hint at unexpected magical forces. Wayland's magical methods combine with Sydelle's practical knowledge, particularly navigation, to form an unstoppable duo. The friendship at the core of this journey is tested but never torn, with a couple of moments of truth for Sydelle and Wayland to demonstrate that they care about each other. Dorwan's villainy gives the pair someone to resist, as well as artist Seaton some magic to render. Expository scenes about goddesses and curses ensure the story moves as quickly as possible, though the messy journey is more satisfying than the tidy resolution. VERDICT A fast friendship founded in mutual respect for different talents becomes a tight bond tying together this light fantasy adventure.-Thomas Maluck, Richland Library, SC

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2020
A magical boy enlists a provincial weaver to thwart a war between kingdoms. Sydelle Mirabil, 14, is a talented weaver living with her parents in their quiet, drought-plagued village in the kingdom of Palmarta. One day, angst-y Wayland North--a rainbow-cloaked, 15-year-old wizard--suddenly appears in her life and sweeps her up into a dangerous adventure. He claims to need her help in both navigating kingdoms and mending his enchanted cloaks in order to deliver a report that reveals the identity of the king's assassin. With a magical swish of North's multicolored mantles, the duo travels throughout the realms, trying to stay a step ahead of North's nefarious nemesis, Dorwan, and the impending war he seeks to bring. Sydelle is a feisty heroine, and the sparks between her and North quickly ignite as their banter and relationship gradually warm. Based on Bracken's 2010 YA fantasy of the same name, this full-color graphic adaptation lowers its protagonists' ages a bit for a middle-grade audience. Imbued with magic and romance, it holds true to fairy-tale tropes; those looking for a comfort read should heartily enjoy the journey to its happy ending. Seaton's exciting and expressive illustrations keep their perspective squarely focused on the action. Both Sydelle and North present white; secondary characters have more varied skin tones. A homespun fairy tale full of spells, secrets, and romance. (Graphic fantasy. 8-13)

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