Alcatraz Versus the Shattered Lens

Gr 5–8—In the fourth title chronicling Alcatraz Smedry's adventures fighting the various sects of Evil Librarians trying to take over the Free Kingdoms, the focus of the war has shifted to Mokia. Alcatraz and company travel to the Mokian capital to help defend it against a Librarian siege in the hope that the formidable Knights of Crystallia will follow and turn the tide of the battle. Alcatraz's mettle as a leader is put to the ultimate test and his entire understanding of the war is called into question. Armed with a supply of exploding teddy bears, his infamous Talent (breaking things), and supported by his friends and the remainder of the Mokian army, Alcatraz hopes to repel the Librarian forces, including their seemingly unstoppable giant robots. Ramón de Ocampo delivers an engaging performance as he returns to narrate the final title (Scholastic, 2010) in Brandon Sanderson's series. He strikes the right balance between Alcatraz's naturally snarky tone and the surprisingly serious moments as the boy comes to terms with his mounting responsibility and shifting perspective. As listeners familiar with the series know, Alcatraz frequently breaks from the narrative to address them directly on any number of ostensibly unrelated subjects, and de Ocampo shifts neatly between the action and these asides, maintaining the listeners' interest throughout. For those who prefer their fantasy with a dash of slapstick, plenty of metafictional humor, and a heap of irreverence. —Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL