Cover Image: The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge

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I liked the plot's premise, an elf on a diplomatic trip and his host in the Kingdom of the goblins who deal with their prejudices and with being pawns in the affairs of their world. And I liked the book's style, with parts of the story told in wordless illustrations, parts in letters, and parts in straight narrative. But I spent much of the book confused, and even when I finished, I still had unanswered questions such as who was Ghohg, the other-worldly king of the goblins. Not for everyone, this book will appeal to the quirky sensibilities of certain middle school readers. Review based on an ARC received through NetGalley.

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This is the first M.T Anderson book I've read since his Octavian Nothing series (must-read books) and it's great to see that he's continuing on the trend of writing subversive, challenging stories that ignore the usual conventions of YA, because The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge is a brilliant fantasy tale that tackles everything from cultural prejudice and historical biases to war and monarchical corruption, and all with a dark humour and wit that will 100% appeal to Pratchett fans.

The Elfin Kingdom and the Goblin Kingdom have been at war with each other since pretty much forever. They'd only reached a tentative truce five years ago and the elfin king has decided he would send a little gift to the goblin court as a gesture of goodwill. So historian Brangwain Spurge gets selected to deliver this token of diplomacy to the goblin ruler and report back on what he sees of the goblin city. And just so happens that Spurge's goblin guide, Werfel, is a historian himself--what fun!

We alternate from Werfel's POV, which is all in written form, to Braingwain's POV, shown as a series of illustrations which are "Top Secret Transmissions" that he magically creates and sends off to the Elfin kingdom as day-to-day reports. That's good and all except Spurge's view is hilariously, horrifyingly different from that of Werfel. His versions of the goblins look like they should belong in a horror house-- grotesque and barbaric with the occasional entrails and beheaded heads adorning the background. Glorious nightmare-fuel stuff. Werfel on the other hand shows the goblins as eclectic, but charming and mostly well-meaning. It's unreliable narration at its most fun and Yelchin does a wonderful job bringing the horrors to life.

There's also some really nice, subtle character development that I didn't expect in a story as parable-y as this one. Werfel goes from an eager-to-please, overly gracious host to being utterly frustrated and done with Spurge insulting his culture and making trouble. Seeing their rather one-sided relationship develop into one of mutual appreciation and friendship is an incredibly satisfying experience.

What I most loved about the book, though? All the myriad of topics it manages to address. I love YA/children's authors who don't talk down to their readers and Anderson's motto when it comes to writing seems to be, "kids are scary smart and they understand more of this world than adults give them credit for." And with this book he tackles subjects that we don't even see in many adult fantasy--things like post-colonialism and the construction and control of public belief via secret police.

At its core, though, the story is about history and how we interpret them. Werfel and Spurge both have different ideas on how the elf/goblin war went down. The former believes the elves were the warmongers, driving the goblins out of their homeland forests, and Spurge believes the goblins were the massacrers and the elfin government the arbiter of peace. This leads to hilarious debates and frustrations on both sides, and through these little exchanges Anderson makes a point of how countries tweak, shift, and erase history to fit the narrative they want to sell to their citizens. It's quite wonderfully done.

The story also examines the way we view other cultures--of how easy it is for prejudice to seep into our minds. At first glance an aspect of another culture's can be discomforting and strange. So do you cling to this shallow impression you have of them like a safety blanket, or do you try to step out of your comfort zone and get to know them better? Seek out their stories and traditions? Bridge the gap? I love stories that try to combat "otherness" and fear of otherness, and this does exactly that. And the best part is that it never gets boring or preachy.

From start to finish The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge blends wit, action, and dark humour to create a story that's not only full of depth but also a lot of fun. It's one I highly recommend to all readers, young or old.

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This was a lot of fun! I know it would have been more fun in print form, but I was reading it on my kindle which isn't as great for the full experience of the drawings. It would be ideal for readers who love Lord of the Rings or other goblinesque adventures. Witty, smart, and entertaining!

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Elitist elf (is that an oxymoron?) historian Brangwain Spurge has a mission: go into goblin territory and deliver a gift - a peace offering - from the elf king to the goblin king. Oh, and he's also supposed to spy on the kingdom, transmitting his thoughts back to the elves so they can get an elf's-eye view of everything. He's shot off in a large barrel, and invited to the home of goblin archivist Werfel, who extends every hospitality to Spurge, who is a culturally insensitive, rude, bumbling boob. Naturally, Spurge bungles his spying mission, setting off a cross-kingdom incident that leaves Werfel and Spurge running for their lives, and at one another's mercies.

This brilliant socio-political comedy of errors is hilariously told by National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson and illustrated by Newbery Honoree Eugene Yelchin, and mixes action and adventure with a tale of friendship, culture clash, and intrigue. Eugene Yelchin's mixed media, black and white illustrations let readers see what Spurge transmits back to his kingdom, but Anderson's text lets us know that things aren't exactly what they seem. So who's telling the truth? Well... truth is in the eye of the beholder; something we learn as Spurge's world seems to grow under the long-suffering Werfel's guidance. There are false assumptions on each side that need to be cleared up, but Brangwain Spurge refuses to see the black marks on elf history, no matter how clear Werfel states it. After all, history is written by the victors.

It isn't until Spurge creates an incident that puts his, and his host's, lives in danger that he understands how words and memories can be manipulated. The two share a mutual love of books, and it's there that they find common ground on which to build a relationship. That, and the fact that they need each other to survive. Want kids to understand Fake News? Put this book in their hands.

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge is a National Book Award longlist nominee, and has starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus, and The Horn Book.

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Whimsical and fun, the Assassination of Brangwain Spurge will pull young readers in. I can see readers who have graduated past Geronimo Stilton loving this. It still has the pictures/graphic novel element and the touch of humor that reluctant readers love. Even as an adult reader, I was thoroughly enjoyed it.

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BookFilter Review: Writer M.T. Anderson leaps boldly from genre to genre and his latest work is no exception. This Brian Selznickian effort is a fantasy about warring countries of elves and goblins. To be more precise, it is about historians warring over the wars between the countries of elves and goblins. The titular Spurge is sent on a mission of peace to deliver an ancient work of jewelry and art crafted by goblins that the elves have unearthed. Spurge is told his efforts might spark a positive dialogue between the bitter enemies, but if he could have a look around -- not spy, as such, but just keep his eyes and pointy ears open -- well, what harm would it do? Little does Spurge know the gift is in fact a weapon meant to slaughter the king of the goblins and everyone within a one mile radius, including poor Spurge. Quite full of himself, he arrives in the country of goblins and is housed by fellow historian Werfel, who makes every effort to be kind even as Spurge turns his nose up at the customs of goblins, the food of goblins, the shedded skin of goblins saved as mementos of childhood and so on and so forth. While Anderson tells his tale, illustrator Eugene Yelchin tells an alternate narrative of sorts. The text is ever so slightly from the point of view of Werfel, while the illustrations present the point of view of Spurge. Needless to say, they are quite different. Most of the fun comes from cultural misunderstandings, such as the goblin habit of insulting your friends. The historians are often at loggerheads until they start competing with one another by citing historical texts to show off. It's harmless and very silly, with the images very much in the Monty Python vein, along with the endless, good-natured insults. The point however is serious as we slowly and subtly realize most goblins and elves are rather tired of war and would like to get on with their lives while the people in power stoke their fear and anger with lies and plots and under-handed tricks. As with Selznick's work, this hefty tome is awfully handsome to look at (Yelchin's imagery is a treat) and the book flies by speedily. It's rather one-note, with Spurge rudely ignoring the many explanations of goblin culture or simple good manners and insulting everyone in sight again and again, when not baldly and badly attempting a little spying. (He's not a bad sort, really, but Werfel is more accommodating than I or most goblins would be.) It's an amiable if minor work from a major talent. -- Michael Giltz

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I really liked the strange absurdist illustrations, but I struggled with the text for some reason. I don't really know who I would recommend this to.

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Historian elf Brangwain Spurge has a very clear mission: travel to the land of goblins and present their King, a dark and mysterious alien, with a mighty present.

Goblin archivist Werfel has his own mission: he is Spurge's host, and he's determined to please his guest and assist him in any way possible.

Although things should have been very simple, those two will get in a lot of trouble. Facing hilarious, strange, and sometimes dangerous situations, the two scholars will struggle to ,like each other- but it's not so easy! Goblins and elves don't really get along; and that is pretty obvious from their countries' state of politics. Wars have already happened between them, and hate is strong between the two races. But maybe the two of them can learn more form each other than they have ever learned from their history books. Could they really be more similar than they are different?

A story built expertly around two magical kingdoms, The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge is a witty, hilarious story full of adventure, action and laughter. But aside form the exceptional world building and the lovable characters (yes, you even get to love the grumpy elf historian in the end), what is most important about this book is what the authors have managed addressing: this is a very intelligent satire revolving around politics, racism, and the results of propaganda and intolerance towards other cultures. Did you think that this wouldn't be possible in a children's book? Well, think again, because the authors have managed to fit it all in; in fact they have done so in such a way, that the story never stops being funny or interesting at the same time! Through the difficult and strange relationship an elf and a goblin develop, we manage to see it all - and this makes the book an exceptional read for all children and teenagers.

Accompanied by exceptional illustrations, The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge is an intelligent, pleasant read, fit for children and teenagers, as well as for adults. This is an enjoyable story, definitely recommended for everyone.

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I will be featuring Tobin and Eugene on my blog on September 6th at https://dulemba.blogspot.com/2018/09/mt-anderson-and-eugene-yelchins.html - do have a look at this fantastic new adventure!

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The Assasination of Brangwain Spurge is a clever timely tale of politics, unrest, civil discourtesy, prejudice and bigotry. The illustrations worked well with the subject matter and prose. Young readers will certainly appreciate the humor and irony shown by M.T. Anderson and Eugen Yelchin as they make a great team.

This is a fun tale, which will also serve as a mirror into the current political climate and the dangers that entails.

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Anderson's words and Yelchin's art are a great combination resulting in an intriguing, beautiful book for middle school readers.

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"Elf and Goblin, we all have pointy ears."

Elfin historian Brangwain Spurge has been tasked with delivering a peace offering to the goblin king. With the precious artifact in hand, Spurge is catapulted over the mountains into goblin territory. His learned goblin counterpart Werfel the Archivist is waiting anxiously to receive his most honorable guest. What ensues is a diplomatic mission you will not soon forget.

While waiting to be seen by the goblin king, the two scholars engage in a trading of cultures... sometimes not such an even transaction.  And because there has only been five years of peace since the great war between the races, wounds are fresh and interpretations of the facts are not always clear.  Two views of history, two lowly civil servants carefully watched by the diplomatic corps of each country. Spurge and Werfel soon get caught up in an international scandal and begin to tumble and bumble away from their pursuers...  and unfortunately the original quest.

The slapstick, the farce, and the ludicrous fun is depicted in alternating chapters of Anderson's prose and Yelchin's illustrations. The vivid details of the world's inhabitants, animals, magic, and cultures are fun and terribly amusing, but what makes this story unforgettable is the repartee between the main characters. Their comedic misunderstandings, and continuous back and forth are indicative of larger issues we witness every day in our lives and our politics. The authors have written a book with great depth. Peel away the goblin skins (yes, they shed them every couple years) and you will find something great.

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge takes me back to the whimsy and invention of classics like The Phantom Tollbooth, Willy Wonky, and The Yellow Submarine. A comedy of etiquette errors, of historical hilarities... it's been a long time since I genuinely laughed out loud while reading a book. I might have snorted once or twice (no witnesses). It's easy for me to say that Yeltsin's iconic art style and Anderson's wit make this one an instant classic in YA fantasy literature.

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This was a very interesting, peculiar, and yet, entertaining read. I couldn't put it down and I am recommending it to everyone!

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Excellent! Quirky, funny, and incredibly clever. The Elf and Goblin kingdoms are at war and have been for decades (the reason for the war is pretty fuzzy, as both sides seem to believe that the other side started it). But, when the Elves find a mysterious artifact that they believe to be Goblin in origin, they choose the royal historian, Brangwain Spurge, to deliver it as a sort of peace-offering to the Goblin kingdom. Meanwhile, Goblin archivist, Werfel is excitedly (and nervously) preparing for his esteemed guest's arrival. This is going to be a wonderful chance for the two cultures to really interact and share information.

But, Spurge is snooty and rude, and worst of all, a spy! The book is liberally peppered with his illustrated transmissions of what happened to him while in the land of the Goblins, alternating with missives from the Elf court and narrations from the perspective of Werfel, which decidedly puts everything into its proper perspective. It's a fascinating tale that shows just how our own prejudices can affect how we see people and things, as Spurge sends one panicked message after another, and the reader is told in clear, plain speech what REALLY happened (from poor Werfel's perspective).

This fun and engaging story (which reads incredibly fast) is sure to please readers of all ages. This comes with my highest recommendation!

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Rating: 4 out of 5

This book hit the ground running, just tossing the reader into the middle of this incredibly odd and interesting world.  There are three ways that this story is told.  The first is through illustrations (that are Brangwain's messages he is sending back), letters from the leader of the spy organization to the elf king, and finally through the narration of Werfel, the goblin archivist hosting Brangwain.  I really think that all three have their own merits and do a nice job of mixing things up telling the story.  I was not a huge fan of the illustrations as a story telling technique but a reveal towards the end of the novel made me reconsider and really enjoy them.  By far my favorite were the letters to the king from the spy chief, because I think that these letters not only push the plot forward, but also really showcase the best of the humor that is displayed throughout the book.

Werfel's narration is far and away the primary way the story is told, and as a result, I really sympathized with his interpretation of things.  One one of the first points that the book tries to drive home right from the get go is the idea that everything, especially history, is about perspective.  As Werfel and his elfin guest discuss various accounts of the history they both studied, they often get into disagreements about who was truly at fault and the root causes of things like past wars between the two races.  I really appreciated that this book somewhat subverted the normal fantasy trope by having the reader see more of the perspective of the goblins.  I think situating it this way really helped make me think more critically about the situations as they arose, and it was just a nice change of pace.

As I mentioned above, the book does not hold back just tossing the reader into the world.  I both appreciate this and think it is one of my few criticisms.  On the one hand, I think that it is incredible how much world building they were able to do in so few pages (although I would have liked more, that is always the case for me, even for incredibly long books/series), however, it was also a bit jarring to the point that the first several chapters probably took me as long to get through as the rest of the book, because it was a ton of information to take in, and at times did not seem entirely organic.

Finally, since it has been a complaint of mine as late I think I should also praise this book for doing a wonderful job of leaving breadcrumbs of foreshadowing about future parts of the plot throughout the whole story.  It was nice to be able to figure things out slightly before characters did both in terms of major plot points and also smaller jokes that were being set up far in advance.  This made for a really enjoyable reading experience that allowed for me to burn through the final two thirds of the book incredibly quickly since I wanted to see if my predictions were correct or not.

I think this is an awesome middle grade or struggling reader book, however, if a person is not into fantasy I think it would be a hard sell.  It makes some wonderful points everyone can relate to, but as mentioned above there is a lot of really heavy weirdness and world building that would be hard to get someone who is not into fantasy to buy into.

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This was a really fun adventure novel. Elves and goblins hate each other. Bragwain is sent by his elf king to get historical information about the goblins. The Order of the Clean Hand gives him a gift for the goblin's king. Through a series of misadventures, Bragwain befriends Werfel the goblin historian and they end up going on an adventure of more misfortunes. This book was funny, and I love the illustrations. The world that the author created is believable and unique. I love the depth of detail in the setting and the characters.

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What an odd gem of a book. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. Just the right amount of absurdity in plot and characters. I read it in a day.

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Like A Medieval Graphic Novel

This is so copiously illustrated that it almost qualifies as a graphic novel. And the text is light enough to feel modern, but just formal enough that it doesn't clash with the illustrations. The illustrations look like medieval woodcuts and, if you're willing to be a bit fanciful, wouldn't be out of place in a copy of "The Divine Comedy" or some sacred monastic volume. The result is unique and entertaining. (Of note, the drawings don't illustrate the text narrative. They appear in brief sequences and substitute for text. So the single story is told in words, then pictures, then words, then pictures. The effect is a bit unnerving but intriguing.)

That said, we do start very slowly. An "expendable" elf academic, Spurge, is sent to a neighboring goblin kingdom, with which the elves have a long history of warfare, to deliver a gift to the goblin king. Spurge is hosted by a goblin scholar, Warfel. The elf is supercilious and condescending. The goblin Warfel is a good-hearted fellow who is both duty bound and honestly excited to be guiding this esteemed elfin visitor. There are lots of coy, arch and precious bits about elves. There are even more heavyhanded jokes at the expense of the supposedly boorish goblins. A few chapters in I began to wonder how this story could develop into anything more than a clever, but one note, comedy of manners. (At one point a high born goblin family hosts the elf at a banquet at which the goblins try to recreate elfin food, dress and entertainment, and the whole failed enterprise is more painful than amusing.) At best, would this end up just being a rather obvious political parable?

But wait, NO SPECIFIC SPOILERS, but at this point the tale changes its stripes. The elf has secrets and a hidden purpose that is hidden even from him. Through a variety of misadventures Spurge and Warfel end up on the run and, surrounded as they are by schemers and political toadies, they are revealed as the only noble and innocent characters. They also begin to develop as rather appealing personalities in their own right rather than just placeholders. While on the run the two encounter new and very interesting regions of the goblin kingdom. They have many hair raising escapades, close calls, and in-the-nick-of-time escapes. All of this speeds up more and more until the socko and very satisfying ending.

The upshot is that a clever but vaguely lifeless comedy of manners becomes a very engaging adventure buddy comedy. And, as Spurge and Warfel grow in substance and appeal, the jokes that fell flat at the beginning of the book, (a goblin expresses affection for another goblin by insulting him), take on life and charm, (as when Spurge and Warfel insult each other while awaiting execution). By the end the reader has been rewarded with a unique, entertaining, and very cleverly constructed treat about not just politics, but also even more about friendship. A nice find.

(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

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Recieved an Arc from Candlewick Press for my honest review, I enjoyed this book, it was different, I liked the goblins and elf’s and other strange creatures instead of the usual trolls and fairies.

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