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The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge
The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge | M. T. Anderson
33 posts | 22 read | 36 to read
Subverting convention, award-winning creators M. T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin pair up for an anarchic, outlandish, and deeply political saga of warring elf and goblin kingdoms. 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. Brangwain's host, the goblin archivist Werfel, is delighted to show Brangwain around. They should be the best of friends, but a series of extraordinary double crosses, blunders, and cultural misunderstandings throws these two bumbling scholars into the middle of an international crisis that may spell death for them -- and war for their nations. Witty mixed media illustrations show Brangwain's furtive missives back to the elf kingdom, while Werfel's determinedly unbiased narrative tells an entirely different story. A hilarious and biting social commentary that could only come from the likes of National Book Award winner M. T. Anderson and Newbery Honoree Eugene Yelchin, this tale is rife with thrilling action and visual humor . . . and a comic disparity that suggests the ultimate victor in a war is perhaps not who won the battles, but who gets to write the history.
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GerardtheBookworm
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Pickpick

This was fun! A middle reader fantasy mixed with graphic illustrations. A hapless elfen spy on a philanthropic mission goes to a nearby goblin mission and gets into a political conflict that sets a bounty on his head. Add some Monty Python with a sprinkle of Terry Pratchett and you have one hilarious read!

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Jari-chan
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Pickpick

This was just what I needed to get my head off all the stress at the moment. This was so much fun to listen to, one of the best audio books I've heard so far. The story is great as well. One can read it as a witty fantasy story OR one can as well interpret it as an overcoming of two races that were taught to hate each other for centuries. However you like it. Don't miss out on looking at the awesome illustrations by Yelchin-you might be surprised.

35 likes1 stack add5 comments
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WanderingBookaneer
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#LMPBC is back for #Round13 ! I‘m feeling qurirky fantasy for #GroupQ . My suggestions are most likely going to be tagged book, House on the Cerulean Sea (TJ Klune), and Good Omens (Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman), and Johannes Cabal, the Necromancer (Jonathan L. Howard).

LibrarianRyan So what are you thinking for quirky? I can‘t make up my mind if mine would fit. I have Heroine complex, trailer park fae, probably some others. I just need more guidance. I haven‘t signed up yet as I‘m still thinking about it. 3y
WanderingBookaneer @LibrarianRyan : You decide! I wanted something with an unusual / memorable main character or plot. Yours sound good. I was considering Heroine Complex too. i haven‘t read that one. (edited) 3y
LibrarianRyan @WanderingBookaneer I‘ll look on my shelf tomorrow morning to see what else might fit. I did just get a new impulse buy called Titan Dhare (I think I). I‘ll look tomorrow when I can actually see the books in my library. 3y
See All 9 Comments
BookmarkTavern Yay for quirky fantasies! I am so excited for this round! ❤️ 3y
LauraBeth I signed up for y‘all‘s group (had to edit my sign up bc I accidentally input my IG name and not my Litsy name) bc I need some quirky fantasy in my life, but did want to say that if Group Q is an already existing postal group, I‘m happy to sign up with another group. I just wanted to make sure I wasn‘t taking someone else‘s place 😀 Just let me know! @WanderingBookaneer @LibrarianRyan @ozma.of.oz 3y
LibrarianRyan @LauraBeth not at all. A lot of times you will see groups do two sets in a row but rarely more than that. If they do they break off. One of the joys of LMPBC is changing generals or readers every quarter. So welcome. I already posted my suggestions and I will go tag you in them. 3y
LauraBeth @LibrarianRyan great - thanks! 3y
WanderingBookaneer I‘m so glad it‘s you, @LauraBeth ! 3y
LauraBeth It‘s me! 😀 I‘ll post some suggestions tomorrow! 3y
31 likes9 comments
review
TheBiasedBibliophile
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Pickpick

The deeper meanings of misunderstanding cultures that one is not constantly immersed in is hilariously, but deeply conveyed through Brangwain and Werfel‘s relationship. I really like how the illustrations were purposefully inaccurate to emphasize the deeper messages in the book. The ending of the novel was beautiful, showing readers that we are all more alike than we think and stressing the importance of learning and respecting other cultures.

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WanderingBookaneer
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Pickpick

We Littens know that when life is tough I escape into books. Yesterday, I decided to read this fantasy book which I had bought as a hardcover two years ago and had never gotten around to reading. ⬇️

WanderingBookaneer At first I was finding it slow and boring, but now I am in awe of the relevant and timely allegory the author and illustrator have created. Here is what the illustrator had to say about the collabortion, “I wanted to work on a book in which the pictures wouldn‘t illustrate the text like they normally do. Instead, they would actually disagree with it. They would tell a very different story.” ⬇️ 4y
WanderingBookaneer And here are the author‘s words to describe the book, “a story about a bookish , somewhat meek, maybe even uptight elfin historian trying to describe the culture of the goblins. He would misunderstand the wonders and terrors he saw, the mysteries of a society very different from his own. He would send home images full of errors.” ⬇️ 4y
WanderingBookaneer So here is my take on what I read: A book about how those in power get to create the narrative that influences how we perceive those who are different from us to the point where we cannot see the commonalities between us. ⬇️ 4y
WanderingBookaneer In this case it is an elf & a goblin, but in reality it is about human‘s lack of empathy & understanding, and how that results in not recognizing someone else‘s humanity. & if that wasn‘t deep enough,it is about how those in power can often see those similarities even as they try, and often succeed, in making us blind to them. In making us create an alternate reality in which we express what we should be seeing, instead of what actually is there. 4y
WanderingBookaneer This is supposed to be a thinly veiled criticism of the explorers of old who misunderstood and misrepresented the cultures they encountered in their voyages, but reading it in the cultural climate almost two week after George Floyd was murdered, it can also apply to the systemic racism and oppression that permeates our daily lives. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4y
68 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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WanderingBookaneer
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I‘m reading about 7 books at once. Three of them are physical, 2 of them are audiobooks, the other two are digital. 🤷🏻‍♀️ #BonBonCat

charl08 I've got Long Bright River in the TBR pile. Looking forward to it. 4y
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StaceyKondla
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I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Don‘t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join the fun if you want.
This is day 45 #bookstoread #tbrpile

TheLibrarian I love this idea and need to do it. My stack of unread books is unreal and this would bring ones I normally don‘t see/overlook to my attention. 4y
StaceyKondla @TheLibrarian - please join in! And tag me so I don‘t miss your posts 😊 4y
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Kangaj1
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#Booked2020 @Cinfhen @4thhouseontheleft @BarbaraTheBibliophage
Millennial author: Severance, Hat/head covering on cover: I Was Anastasia, #Liveandlearn: She Said, Set in Hollywood: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Finish in a day: Shout, Eccentric MC: The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge

Cinfhen Woohoo!!!! This is an “official” confirmation that you have been entered in the #Booked2020 #FirstQuarterDrawing 🎉📚❤️congrats 🙌🏻 5y
28 likes1 comment
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Briary
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Oh it's time to reread this glorious oddness. I loved it when I read it last year. It compines text with totally contrasting pictures, and is a wonderful political satire, and an adventure all at once. Oh and a quite good commentary of on propaganda and fake news too. 👾

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Aimeesue
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I am feeling too wretched to read, so I have decided to follow along as I listen to the audiobook, like we did in first grade.
WHY DID WE EVER STOP DOING THIS???

Liz_M I am sorry you are not feeling well! 5y
WanderingBookaneer I am doing the same. The person who reads the audiobook is fantastic! 4y
37 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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jillrhudy
Pickpick

Weird and hilarious and dark, this fantasy for young readers is about cultural differences and the importance of history and journalism based on truth and compassion, and it celebrates an unlikely friendship. A sort of flipped Tolkiensian world suggesting things are never as black and white as they seem. The illustrations are magnificent! Terry Pratchett would have loved it. Five stars!

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tjwill
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jillrhudy To me this looks just irresistible!
5y
Ruthiella Yeah, I would pick that up in a heartbeat! 5y
jillrhudy I got the audiobook from Libby! 5y
See All 6 Comments
tjwill @jillrhudy It is excellent! You might want to check out the print copy too, because some parts are told solely on pictures—the video transmissions sent by the elf. I wonder how the audiobook covers those parts. 5y
jillrhudy In the case of the library audio it doesn‘t; the purchased audio is accompanied by a PDF. Might have to buy a copy! 5y
tjwill @jillrhudy Oh, okay! Does the library have a paper copy? I can lend you mine if you want to see it to decide first. 5y
50 likes6 comments
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RebeccaRoo7
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Due to changing positions at work, I've been struggling to find time to read recently. Finally this long weekend has provided me with an abundance of reading time and I've gotten most of my lesson plans finished. HOORAY! This book is pretty hilarious and so unique. I've enjoyed every bit of it the illustrations are dark, but with a touch of whimsy. #mtanderson #eugeneyelchin #illustratedreading #justread #longweekend #whimsy #comical

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quietjenn
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Raided the ARC/giveaway shelf at work for lunch reading.

LeahBergen What a great cover 👍🏻 5y
BookNAround That looks like good fun. 5y
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SassenachTheBookWizard
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Pickpick

This was so fun! I'll have to borrow the physical copy to look at the illustrations. This is just a run quick fantasy adventure that focuses on two sides overcoming their differences and coming together. No super complicated plot and enjoyable characters. Id also recommend the audiobook--the narration is fantastic.

BooknerdsLife Sounds fantastic 🤗💖 5y
81 likes1 stack add1 comment
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SassenachTheBookWizard
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I got a sampler of this book like 2 or 3 years ago at a work conference and just forgot about it. Just noticed the audiobook was available without a hold so...

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aprilpohren
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Pickpick

Just finished this one and greatly enjoyed it! The illustrations are amazing and the story one of a long building friendship that nearly was not. It is a story of how people are quick to judge and how society thrives on misinformation, power and greed. It is also a story full of emotion and satire. A unique but incredibly clever tale!

rather_be_reading omg beautiful!! 5y
33 likes1 comment
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aprilpohren
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Love the satire and humor, lol!

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aprilpohren
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Really enjoying this. Different than what I have read before, but love the amazing illustrations alternating with the story!

Jee_HookedOnBookz Love the illustrations! ❤️ ❤️ 5y
aprilpohren @Jee_HookedOnBookz They are incredible and bring the story to life! 5y
32 likes2 comments
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aprilpohren
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Curious if anyone has read this? It caught my eye at the library and looked intriguing.

Palimpsest No, but with that cover I would have picked it up too! 6y
aprilpohren @Palimpsest the illustrations inside are amazing as well! 6y
Palimpsest @aprilpohren I love good illustrations. I‘ve stacked this because it looks really intriguing. That‘s one thing I love about Litsy so much is that I see posts about books I might never have known about otherwise! 6y
25 likes1 stack add3 comments
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emtobiasz
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Morning coffee with Olive and Brangwain Spurge ☕️

akckitty Awesome photo! Looks like a great time! 6y
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Scott_BookInvasion
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Pickpick

This book was so much fun! I would recommend checking out the audiobook from the library if you have the physical copy and listening along. The illustrations were great and the action and comedy was strong and entertaining. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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emtobiasz
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Checked this one out on #audio for #hubchallenge19, but when I saw how some of the chapters are pure illustration, I realized I‘d better have it in print too. It‘s a fun way to experience the book, if a little more time consuming a reading experience than I was planning...

wordzie 😎 cover 6y
Lindy I did this as an audiobook & print combo too. It‘s smart and silly. 👍 6y
65 likes1 stack add2 comments
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LaComtesseJamie
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Pickpick

This YA was a quick read and a lot of fun. Familiar themes (especially for YA) but done in a very funny, creative, and engaging way.

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Welcome to Litsy 📖💙 6y
CoffeeNBooks Welcome to Litsy! 📚 6y
Louise Welcome to Litsy! This sounds like a fun book! The cover illustration is hilarious! 6y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🌸 6y
AlwaysForeverReading Welcome to Litsy!!!💜💙♥️💙💜 6y
6 likes5 comments
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Ellen_C
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Pickpick

Illustrations by Eugene Yelchin. National Book Award Finalist. Great story about Goblin/Elf diplomacy, prejudice and learning to change one‘s views. Spy thriller and buddy comedy in one! https://cannonballread.com/2019/01/the-assassination-of-brangwain-spurge-elcicco...

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JSW
Pickpick

Wacky and ridiculous and funny and poignant , this art/text combo is creative and bears a good message underneath it all. Great for kids who don‘t take fantasy too seriously. A little Monty Python, a little epic quest. Fun read.

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JSW
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SAME, TBH

KarouBlue Is this book any good? It‘s certainly beautifully designed! 6y
JSW @MellieAntoinete it‘s wacky and ridiculous and a tad Monty-Python-ish. I liked it but it isn‘t a sweet fairy tale. It‘s a bit gruesome. The art is beautifully done but the subject is often dark 6y
27 likes2 comments
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JSW
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How could I resist this cover. 😂

zsuzsanna_reads That is just brilliant! 6y
32 likes1 comment
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Pasteluniverse
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Picked up a copy of this today for the cover alone- so beautiful! Has anyone read it already? Excited to add it to my TBR pile that is getting increasingly large in number...

Scott_BookInvasion This is on my TBR but I haven‘t looked at the physical copy. I‘d like to see the inside- looks fun 6y
tjwill I thought it was amazing! The way the author and illustrator weave the perspectives together was so unique! 6y
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TracyReadsBooks
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Pickpick

What a fantastically strange book. Brangwain Spurge is an elfin historian tasked with taking a gift to the goblin king. His host in the goblin kingdom, Werfel the Archivist, tries to make his guest feel at home while he waits for an audience with the king but nothing is as it seems. Propaganda, perceptions & prejudices, history & identity—weighty issues dealt with in story told in words & pictures. Interesting & unusual. Good, not great, read.

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TracyReadsBooks
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This book is also a finalist for the National Book Award. While I might argue the title alone is worth the honor (how can you read the title & not want to read the book?!?) I suspect the judges have other reasons for loving the book. Time to peer under the cover & see what those reasons might be. Anderson‘s books are always interesting & thought-provoking so I‘m expecting something interesting, at the very least, & perhaps something spectacular.

SW-T Love the cover! 6y
mutlee That is a fantastic title! 6y
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LibrarianRyan
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I love Anderson. He writes fun purplish capers for kids

Out Now
#coverlove #MGedition

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tjwill
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This book doesn‘t come out until September, but I‘m going to go ahead and recommend it for a #YAWednesday humorous book. It made me laugh out loud several times.

50 likes1 stack add