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Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians
Brandon Sanderson

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

Quick Answer

Start with "Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians" to begin the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Brandon Sanderson's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

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2023271 ppSeries Starter
From Brandon Sanderson--#1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn and Stormlight Archive series—comes an incredible tale of courage and fellowship and blah blah blah blah etc... There, that ought to fool them. If you're reading this, please understand right now that this book is not one of those loony fantasy novels. It just looks like one so those conniving Librarians won't find it and ban it. The truth is, everything you're about to read really happened to me, Alcatraz Smedry. Well, it really happened to me and my grandpa, who found me when I was thirteen and showed me that my lifelong talent for breaking things was an actual Talent with a capital T. Everyone in the Smedry family (HOORAY!) has one. And we use them to fight the evil Librarians (BOO! HISS!) who are out to conquer everyone, everywhere (seriously, they really are a bunch of jerks). OK, stop! Wait! I forgot some people. Let's try this again... Everything you're about to read really happened to me, my grandpa, my Crystin Knight protector Bastille (she's thirteen too, but really grouchy for her age), a couple of my cousins, my mom and dad (who I'd never met before), and a lot of other characters I can't remember and don't have the room to write about now anyway... Hold on...You've never heard of me? Alcatraz Smedry? The boy who saved the world? Seriously?!? Well, that's because the Librarians have already gotten to you! If you want to learn the REAL story, all you have to do is buy this book (several copies, if you please) and read like the world depends on it... Because it just might. Praise for the Alcatraz series: "Like Lemony Snicket and superhero comics rolled into one (and then revved up on steroids)."— Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) "An excellent choice to read aloud to the whole family." — NPR "Those who enjoy their fantasy with a healthy dose of slapstick humor will be delighted." — School Library Journal "Genuinely funny...plenty here to enjoy." — Locus "In this original, hysterical homage to fantasy literature, Sanderson's first novel for youth recalls the best in Artemis Fowl and A Series of Unfortunate Events." — VOYA
Next Recommended Book

Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones

Book #2 of 5 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

Medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians before other books in the series?

Yes, Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians required reading for the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians is Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones (Book #2).