Book review: Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken (Published by EgmontUSA, March 23, 2010)

Growing up in Cliffton, a small village plagued by a years-long drought that began when she was a small child, Sydelle always longed to leave and see the world out there. A talented weaver, she had hoped to someday travel to the city and make a living with her craft. And one day when she is sixteen, everything changes and Sydelle gets her chance to leave Cliffton - but not in the way in which she had hoped for. Wayland North, a young wizard, finally brings rain to the village, and is offered anything he asks for in return. He chooses Sydelle, because she has the ability to fix his magical cloaks, and so he needs her aid on a long journey to the capital city to warn of a neighboring country’s invasion.

From the start, Sydelle deeply resents North. He took her from her home, for reasons she cannot fully understand, and she cannot stand his arrogance. And she soon begins to suspect that North has a terrible secret that he is hiding from her. Throughout the journey Sydelle grows closer to North, and discovers some startling truths about him, about her own mysterious powers, and about the role she must play in determining the fate of her kingdom.

Brightly Woven was just an *amazing* book. It is hard for me to put into words how much I loved everything about it. I loved the characters, they were so realistic and flawed and human, I loved the setting, the story, everything. The romance between Sydelle and North was so romantic and touching and believable, I loved how their relationship developed slowly and realistically rather than being love at first sight. If you love young adult fantasy, I highly recommend reading this book. I really hope there is a sequel - I would love to read more about these characters and their world.