To be published March 23rd 2010 by EgmontUSA

details Hardcover, 368 pages

isbn 160684038X

Synopsis from Goodreads: Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him.

In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers.

Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

I received the ARC of this book from Egmont USA and could not wait to read it, up to the top of my to be read pile it leapt. What an outstanding first novel by Alex Bracken.! Here’s what I love…it is appropriate for ages 12 and up and captivating enough for all ages. It was absolutely refreshing to find a YA novel with no swearing, no sex and no adult content.

Fans of Shannon Hale will eat up Bracken’s vivid landscapes and character descriptions. Brightly Woven is a captivating journey of one beautiful red haired girl worshipped as a goddess and her rough around the edges wizard. They escape duels, foes seeking power, natural disasters and overcome all in search of true love and the cure for a curse. Sydelle is strong and sweet rolled into one. North is one who will stay with you long after you close the book. Four stars and a congratulations to Alexandra Bracken for a breathtaking debut fairytale fantasy!

See what the author has to say about our Brightly Woven giveaway and visit her blog here: http://www.alexandrabracken.com/?p=388