Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Sydelle Mirabel’s village has suffered from drought for years, so when the wizard Wayland North brings them rain, he’s promised anything as a reward. Strangely, he chooses Sydelle, the elder’s daughter and a skilled weaver. Sydelle has always wanted to travel, but not under these circumstances. Palmarta is on the brink of war with Saldorra and Auster now that the king is dead, enemy soldiers are starting to invade, and Sydelle is stuck with a boy wizard. The unlikely pair’s rush to the capital in an effort to stop the war is beset by troubles like terrible weather and rogue wizards. Along the way, they uncover a deadly plot and the possibility of Sydelle’s own mysterious power. In this new world where dark magic lingers around every corner, only one thing is certain: it’s going to be a very dangerous journey.

Brightly Woven is a spectacular fantasy from debut author Bracken. Her descriptions of the lands of Palmarta, Saldorra, and Auster make them vivid and realistic. In particular, the religious myth behind the historic feud between Palmarta and its neighbors Saldorra and Auster provides necessary background information as well as make the story seem more legitimate. Bracken creates a great backdrop for Sydelle and North’s cross country journey. There is just something about this novel that really sucks the reader in; I think it’s a combination of interesting and believable characters, magic, constant danger, and hint of romance. I was truly swept away with this enthralling read. The fast paced plot is sure to keep readers interested until the sweet end.

This fantastic read will be enjoyed by fans of Fire by Kristin Cashore, Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, and Trickster’s Choice and Trickster’s Queen by Tamora Pierce. I look forward to more great writing from Bracken.

Rating: 4.5

Review copy from publisher EgmontUSA