Books

‘The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge’ By M.T. Anderson; Eugene Yelchin

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge \ Image: Candlewick Press

This post was sponsored by Candlewick Press.
The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson; Eugene Yelchin is an interesting read for the middle school reader and holds attention from the start, with the first chapter being entirely done in illustration. It’s worth noting the detail and the solidarity of the characters because it sets the stage for what is to come in the following chapters.

As the synopsis says, “Uptight elfin historian Brangwain Spurge is on a mission: survive being catapulted across the mountains into goblin territory, deliver a priceless peace offering to their mysterious dark lord, and spy on the goblin kingdom — from which no elf has returned alive in more than a hundred years.”

He meets goblin archivist, Werfel, who is happy to show him around and together they find themselves in the middle of blunders, cultural misunderstandings, and double-crosses, all of which could spell death for themselves and war between their two nations.

So we have elves, goblins, and possibilities of war. What else could a middle schooler want in a novel?

I’ve gotten to chapter 3 so far and the language is filled with humor in the naming conventions and the way they talk to each other. Apparently, Brangwain’s nickname is “Weedy” and I’m interested to see if he holds to true to his nickname or rises above it.

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We will see.

Stay tuned for more adventures in The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge, here on GeekDad.

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This post was last modified on September 25, 2018 5:45 pm

Dakster Sullivan

Dakster Sullivan is a network administrator by day and a cosplayer by night. They love discovering new books to read, tech to play with, and ways to express themselves. They have anxiety and depression and strives to educate others about these invisible illnesses.

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