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series Reading Order

Alcatraz Books in Order

6 Books
2007 – 2022 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with Alcatraz

The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series follows a single, continuous story arc. Because of this, you must start with the first book and read them in order. Skipping ahead will leave you thoroughly confused about the magical Talents, the secret Free Kingdoms, and the ongoing war against the global Librarian conspiracy.

Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians Reading Order

Here is the recommended reading path, which matches both the publication and chronological order of the series:

  • Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (2007) – Alcatraz Smedry receives a bag of sand for his 13th birthday and discovers his knack for breaking things is a powerful magical Talent.
  • Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones (2008) – Alcatraz and his allies venture into the dangerous Library of Alexandria to rescue his grandfather.
  • Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia (2009) – In the Free Kingdoms city of Crystallia, Alcatraz must stop a treaty that would surrender the kingdom to the Librarians.
  • Alcatraz Versus the Shattered Lens (2010) – Alcatraz travels to Mokia to defend it from a massive Librarian invasion using his lens-crafting skills.
  • The Dark Talent (2016) – Alcatraz infiltrates the Highbrary, the primary headquarters of the Librarians, in a high-stakes rescue mission.
  • Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians (2022) – The grand finale of the series, co-authored by Janci Patterson. The perspective shifts to Bastille following the dramatic cliffhanger of the fifth book.

Key Reading Insights

No Cosmere Connection

Unlike many of Brandon Sanderson's adult fantasy series (such as Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive), the Alcatraz series is not set in the Cosmere. Because it takes place on an alternate version of Earth, it exists entirely in its own standalone universe. However, you will find plenty of fourth-wall-breaking humor and meta-references to Sanderson's other writings throughout the books.

Co-Authorship of the Finale

The sixth and final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, was co-authored with Janci Patterson. Because the fifth book ended on a massive cliffhanger that left Alcatraz unable to tell his own story, Patterson stepped in to write the conclusion from the point of view of Alcatraz's knightly protector, Bastille.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the correct reading order for the Alcatraz series?

You should read the series in publication order, starting with Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians and concluding with the sixth book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians.

QIs the Alcatraz series part of the Cosmere?

No, the series is not connected to the Cosmere. Since it features Earth as a location (referred to as the Hushlands), it is set in a standalone universe separate from Brandon Sanderson's adult epic fantasy books.

QWhy is the final Alcatraz book co-authored?

Brandon Sanderson collaborated with author Janci Patterson to write Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians. This allowed the final book to shift perspective and be told from the viewpoint of Bastille instead of Alcatraz.

QAre there any companion novellas or spin-offs?

No, there are no spin-off series, short stories, or companion novellas. The entire story is complete and fully self-contained across the six main novels.

QWhat age group is Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians written for?

The series is classified as middle-grade fantasy and is target-aged for readers 8 to 13 years old, though older fans of Sanderson's humor and unique magic systems also enjoy the books.

QIs there a graphic novel version of the series?

No, there are no graphic novels or comics for the series, but the print editions feature extensive interior illustrations by artist Hayley Lazo, and there are full-cast dramatized audiobooks available.