Brightly+Woven

//Brightly Woven// by Alexandra Bracken

Sydelle Mirabil is a weaver who lives in a desert village until a young wizard, Wayland North, whisks her away just as the village is being attacked. Sydelle is glad to see more of the country but frustrated by North and his secrets, and she misses her family and friends. As they battle other wizards, both good and bad, and attempt to stop the war that the surrounding countries are threatening, they become good friends (although there are plenty of ups and downs as secrets are revealed). I liked this more than I expected to--Sydelle is a strong, feisty character and Alexandra Bracken has created an interesting world that is a very good blend of the familiar and the extraordinary. I wouldn't expect boys to pick this up (the cover features a young girl) but if they did I think they would like it. There was also a pretty good twist in there. I would recommend this for the final list. Caitlin Andrews, Bedford Public Library