Going into Maggie Stiefvater’s Bravely, I thought I knew what to expect. Billed as a sequel to Disney Pixar’s Brave, I expected something in the vein of a sequel to a Disney property. Familiar faces, familiar locations, the return of side character and animal sidekicks that culminates in the main character learning the same lesson, or something very much like it, as they did in the first.

To my utter and unexpected delight, I was so, so wrong about that. In fact, I think I can confidently say I enjoyed Bravely a good deal more than I enjoyed the movie. Brave was beaurtifully made, and a fantastic adventure story. But it’s Bravely that has stayed with me, ever looming at the back of my mind.

Bravely follows Merida a few years after her onscreen adventure. For all that this is supposed to be a sequel, I don’t believe it’s necessary to have seen the movie in order to enjoy the book. The events of the film are peripherally referenced, with sufficient context given, but they don’t really inform the new adventure Merida finds herself on.

On Christmas Eve, Merida hears a knock at the kitchen door. Intrigued, she ventures out into the courtyard to find no one behind the door, but instead sees a figure at the far end of the yard. She pursues the mysterious being out into the snow, eventually cornering them in the woods.

The being, it turns out, is Feradach, the god of ruin. His purpose is to destroy the obsolete and stagnant so that the Cailleach, goddess of renewal, can allow for growth to flourish in its place. Merida caught Feradach right as he was about to bring ruin to her home of DunBroch and in a bid to save it she strikes a deal with the gods: give her a year to bring about sufficient change and growth, and if she succeeds, Feradach will spare her home.

What follows is a year within Merida’s life, as she makes three trips to nearby kingdoms, accompanied each time by members of her family. Each trip is aimed as prompting growth within her complacent relatives, hoping to inspire enough change to get out from under Feradach’s promised ruin.

Though like many young adult novels, Bravely is a coming of age story, it actually takes things a step further. It is not just a coming of age story, but a reflection on the change that coming of age, growing older, or growing up brings. It forces Merida and her family to confront the discomfort and fear that comes with pushing past your comfort zone and embracing the necessary changes that life brings. Because without such changes, we are doomed to get stuck in our own cycles, spinning the wheels forever until stagnation causes us to lose a part of ourselves. It is only in embracing growth and change that we can hope to flourish and gain a new perspective.

As much as I enjoyed checking back in with all of Clan DunBroch, by far my favourite part of the novel was the dynamic and relationship between Merida and Feradach. If you know me at all, you’ll know there’s just something about the dynamic between a tough, fiercely loving and headstrong character and the tortured one who cannot help but bring pain and destruction in their wake that appeals to me personally. It’s two people who cannot help their nature, no matter how that nature might drive the other away. The angst and emotion in this one was strong.

The way Merida and Feradach fight for understanding in their opposing natures, finally meeting in the middle only for what could have been to be snatched away. The book begins by saying that together the Cailleach and Feradach are responsible for bringing about balance, and while I see the logic of that, it’s the balance Merida and Feradach find that was the true beating heart of the novel.

Their story was so achingly beautiful, well-written, and bittersweet. I couldn’t get enough of it. It moved me to tears, and I already know this is one of my favourite reads of the year. Is it any wonder I’m hoping Stiefvater already has a sequel in the works?

Even if she doesn’t (though again, fingers crossed she does), Bravely ends in the most satisfying way I think any story can and should end: with hope.

Bravely is available May 3, 2022. Special thanks to Disney Books for the advance copy for review purposes.

Thank you NetGalley and Disney Press for the ARC!

So, I have to admit I was disappointed by this book. I’m a huge fan of both Brave and Maggie Stiefvater, but this felt like neither.

I enjoyed aspects of the story, the god Feradach for one, was quite interesting to read about. But the Merida and her family I came to love in the Pixar movie, felt very foreign and stiff on the page in this story.

I’d say give it a read to see what you think, but it fell flat for me.

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

This story picks up a couple of years after the Brave movie. Merida is a little bit older but still just as wild and makes a deal with one of the old gods to save her DunBrach and her family's fate. This book really brought you back that world and Maggie Stiefvater did a great job of describing it. I really enjoyed the premise and it felt like we learned more about this world and how it worked.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

For anyone that loved Brave and wanted to know what happened next this is the book for you, it has the same feel of magic and wonder that was in the original story but just has so much depth I found myself loving every page.

I always wonder what happens after the story, if the magic is still part of their worlds, or if it all just goes away once that big moment is over, if the turmoil is resolved, if they live a peaceful life, if all of the promises made are kept, for once I got the answers to those questions and I loved it.

This is more than the good versus evil story that is set up in the first few chapters, two gods, one good, the bringer of life and renewal, on evil (or so we think) the bringer of death, each has their own history and their own agenda. I had such a sway of emotions with the two gods, I thought I knew who I was rooting for in the bargain, but I have to admit I changed my mind so many times I lost count.

This story is the perfect example of how life isn't black and white, sometimes we have to make decisions we never thought we would make, we do and say things for the good of others, we learn to see a new side of what we thought we knew, it shows that the world is full of color, that there is nothing as simple as just good and bad. Sometimes we have to have the bad to appreciate the good, and sometimes the good turns out to not be the best option, it really makes you think...

Merida has long been one of my favorite characters, her wit, wisdom, and bravery are evident in every page of this book. The love she has for her family has never been any more evident., she's willing to do anything and everything to save not only them but the entire world she lives in.

The bargains she strikes, both with the gods and with Wolftail, she goes into both with her mind so set up, feeling like she's right and she knows it all, watching her realize that reality isn't always what it seems and realizing life isn't as simple as she thought.

In my opinion this was her true coming of age story, and while our favorite mama bear situation was mentioned a few times, this was in my opinion where Merida really grew into the woman I knew she could be.

Watching the Triplets grow up in this book was something that I didn't know I needed, the dynamic between Eleanor and Fergus, the relationship they had with the people of DunBroch, and with the people of the neighboring lands was amazing.

The world building in this one was some of the best I've ever read and transported me right into the castle, the food, the celebrations, it all took on it's own life and was so immersive I felt like I was part of it.

I seriously hope this is the beginning of a trend where we get to see what happens with our beloved characters after the happily ever after.

Who doesn't love Merida? And a story featuring Merida and more magic after the events of Brave? Sign up everyone!
Merida ends up making a bargain w/ 2 gods in order to save her beloved home of DunBroch from ruination. But change is slow to come and hard won when dealing w/ Fergus, Elinor, and the triplets. The story Maggie Stiefvater has woven together is beautifully crafted with all the magic of Scotland and old legends. Don't miss this new epic adventure starring Merida.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Disney Press for this e-galley of Bravely.*

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Disney Press in exchange for an honest review.

Having read other novels by Stiefvater, I was interested to see her take on Merida and Disney's BRAVE. While I enjoyed this novel, I felt like some of the magic that is typically in Stiefvater's stories, especially when she writes about Scotland (and Ireland), was lost here. I'm not sure if that's because she was confined by Disney created characters or not. But something just wasn't quite right. It's still a good story, just... a little less magical.

I loved the dynamic between Merida and Feradach though! And seeing a little more of the triplets was fun. The plot drags at points but once time starts running out for Merida, the story gets going and is engrossing.

Atmospheric and fun, Bravely exceeded my already-pretty hopeful expectations.

Don't get me wrong: I was extremely nervous before going into this book, as I am with all Disney YA novels. Adding to a pre-existing, beloved story is always a hit-or-miss thing and it's even more dramatic when it's an entirely new story.

But a Brave story written by Maggie Stiefvater? I couldn't help being excited, even with my concerns. Super happy that my excitement wasn't unfounded. I really enjoyed this and if you love Brave (or even if you have no particular attachment to it) I think you will too.

It had its problems, mostly with exposition and pacing, but they weren't enough to take away from the enjoyment of the story as a whole.

This was - for the most part - exactly what I wanted it to be. It was a transportive read that captured the magic of Brave without feeling like a cheap rip-off that only has a plot if you've seen the movie. Stiefvater managed to keep the characters authentic, whilst building on what information we have and showing their shortcomings. And the new characters were so easy to care for.

One in particular - I won't say whom to avoid spoilers - but they were such a good character. Honestly, I'd want a sequel just for that character and the rest of their story.

And yet, I also don't want a sequel. I love the open-ending. It was a kind of... bitter-sweet happily-ever-after and that's my favorite kind of fairy-tale conclusion which is basically what this book felt like: a YA fairytale.

Like I said, if you're someone that loves the movie - or just enjoys Scottish folklore and bargains with gods - I would definitely recommend picking this up.

All in all, I'm really happy with this book and can't wait to have it on my shelves.

This is a book I really needed at the time that I read it.
We get to be re-inserted into Merida's story in a very atmospheric way. I can't lie, Stiefvater definitely had my mouth watering with her food descriptions.
I genuinely love that this book exists. I think in the same way that the Disney film did, it gives a place for fiery red-head heroines that you don't often see.

Brave, and Merida, have long been one of my my favorite Disney offerings. A fiercely independent, Scottish red head? And now a sequel to see what happens post movie? Yes please!

While this definitely skews youngers on the YA scale, it was a fun read. I would have liked to see some of the family a bit more fleshed out. Fergus and Elinor seemed a bit flat as compared to the strong personalities they had in the movie and even her brothers, while more detail was given, it seemed more "tell than show."

But the plot was enjoyable, and the it was a pleasure to see Merida having new adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bravely by: Maggie Stiefvater

First off such a gorgeous cover!
Bravely takes place a year after the movie Brave. Fiery little Merida has to save her hometown of DunBroch in 1 year.

I thought it had a really great storyline. I will say I think it was just a tad to young for me. But overall well written beautiful book.
I seen it on the shelf just this past weekend.

Thank you NetGalley and Maggie Stiefvater for allowing me to read this one early!

Thank you so much to Disney Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Maggie Stiefvater, take a bow! This was stellar. I loved this twist on Brave and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
FRTC

Dark, magical and enchanting, Bravely follows our favorite Scottish princess, Merida, as she faces a challenge unlike any before in this sequel to the whimsical story of Brave.

Instantly, I was bursting with excitement about the idea of a new story set in the same world filled with Scottish inspiration, folklore, and all the Disney magic. Overall, I loved the dreamy, captivating setting and culture of Scotland. The descriptions of the alluring forests, snowy hillsides, delectable feasts, and the wide variety of mouthwatering foods had me wanting to book my flight to Scotland ASAP! I also adored Merida with my whole heart and loved seeing her narrative expand and grow in maturity.

I also really appreciated the addition of folklore into the story with the gods of life and destruction. I loved the polarity of the circle of life and rebirth and was excited to see where it would take the story. I adored the way the characters developed and how it intertwined with the themes of embracing and adapting to change. Although, I did wish for a touch more depth to the plot and more added to the ending of the book.

I loved being back in DunBroch and seeing Merida and her family again. If you’re looking for a fun fairytale escape, be sure to add this magical story to your list!

3.5/5

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I absolutely adore this book! It was such a fun and interesting story about Merida. I loved all the characters and the magic that this stories brings. I think the author did a great job bringing this already famous beloved Disney tale to life in this book.

I really enjoyed this book and I really can't wait to read more books from this author in the future. The writing was really great.

If you’re wondering if this is Princess Merida from the Disney movie, you’d be correct. I requested this book from NetGalley because Stiefvater is one of my favorite authors – I’d never seen the movie Brave. Knowing I needed the gist of the story before starting the novel, I spent an entertaining couple of hours laughing and snorting my way through the movie. I adored these characters and couldn’t wait to dive into this new story.

I’ve never been one for many fairy tales, but Merida is my kind of princess – mainly because she’s pretty much the opposite of what you’d expect from someone with that title. She can best nearly any opponent in archery, she informed her parents being married off and producing heirs isn’t something she’ll be forced into, and she’s constantly reminded of royal etiquette by her mother, the queen. How can you not love this girl? This story is set several years later when not much has changed – Merida is still adventurous and stubborn, the King Fergus boisterous, the Queen Elinor very royal, and the triplets still mischievous at ten years old.

Merida’s Christmas Eve doesn’t go as expected when she finds herself in the company of two gods – one of creation, Cailleach, and one of destruction, Feradach. The Kingdom of DunBroch has become sluggish and stagnant and is high on Feradach’s list of places to demolish. Naturally, Merida is distraught but, because she’s Merida and very clever, refuses to accept this. Instead, she makes a bargain with Cailleach – if she can get her family to change over the next year, DunBroch will be spared. If she fails, she’ll lose her home and family. Talk about high stakes and pressure.

Don’t expect this to be a cookie cutter Disney story. Bravely is darker and focuses on growth, survival, and reflection, along with epic journeys and and some grisly scenes. Merida learns life is about balance and realizes what’s most important – it’s a kind of coming of age story for her. Not everything is serious – I also laughed out loud several times over the antics of the triplets, Merida’s unfiltered comments, and the lively family dynamics.

After watching Brave, Merida immediately became my favorite Disney princess, and I fell in love with her family. Catching up with them in this novel set several years later was a real treat.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This picks up about a year after the movie Brave ends. Merida is challenged by a God to help Dunbroch adapt and grow and change to avoid living in stagnation and ending in ruin.

I was entertained by this book! Merida's world has always been one that I have been drawn to being Scottish myself and still having family in the highlands. I loved the scenery that Stiefvatter brought to life during Merida's travels, the lore she incorporated, all of it. There were some moments that were a tad slow, but by the end I was invested and slightly emotional.

Overall, well done and I enjoyed it!

I could not have imagined a more perfect choice of author to continue the BRAVE legacy. Stiefvater’s grounded yet almost irreverent style is excellent for Merida and her endearing, bumbling family. Cannot wait for the audiobook narrated by Fiona Hardingham!

"There are two kinds of people. There are people who seek the magic, and people the magic seeks. Which are you?"

When I first heard Maggie Stiefvater was going to write and publish a sequel to BRAVE from Pixar, my first thought was SHE'S THE ABSOLUTE PERFECT CHOICE TO WRITE THIS STORY. And I was not wrong. I've been a huge fan of Maggie Stiefvater over a decade now (holy crap I'm old) and I've always been blown away by her gift and ability to weave magic into her storytelling. She manages to take the dreary, boring, old world we know and inject it with life and beauty and reflections of the magic the world holds but few are truly able to see.

BRAVELY is no different. I'll admit, BRAVE is one of my least favorite Disney movies. I've always been a little turned off by the story and felt it lacking in more ways than one. My thoughts on it have changed slightly over the years. For instance, as a 17 year old, all I wanted was a love story—and BRAVE didn't have one. As I've gotten older, I've grown to appreciate that more about the movie.

When I finally had a chance to sit down and read BRAVELY, I was instantly swept up in the Scottish highlands, lost in a journey of magical proportions, making deals with Gods, making change in others and myself, and learning more and more about how important and precious family is. Maggie Stiefvater took her magical storytelling gifts and gave Merida a new story, a new life to live, she gave purpose to the triplets and made the reader understand and recognize how every character, every stranger we meet, has a story of their own. They're the main characters of their own story.

Not to mention a little bit of love I've always wanted to see in Merida's story.

This has instantly become one of my new favorites, and will forever be accepted as canon in Merida's story. Wouldn't it be splendid if Pixar took this story and gave BRAVE a much deserved sequel?

I have been a Maggie Stiefvater fan for many years and have read most of her catalog. I wasn't sure about a Disney-fied Stiefvater, but I had to trust she would take it and run and make magic.

And she did!

As a parent and Disney fan, I've seen Brave a handful of times and adored spicy Merida, who stands up for herself and tries to fix her own future. Sure, she turns her mom into a bear, but who hasn't?

In this story, set a few years later, Merida is back with her family after some time traveling when she finds herself encountering a legend of Irish folklore, the Cailleach, and a lesser-known figure, Feradach. Feradach's job as an immortal figure is to destroy whole places or people to allow room for new growth. Merida certainly doesn't want her home destroyed, though, and the Cailleach strikes a deal with Feradach - Merida gets one year to change the circumstances of everyone in her household or they get destroyed.

With various members of her family, Merida travels to several towns, learning and healing and finding out more about the mysterious Feradach.

Stiefvater intertwines the myths and mystery of Ireland with a great, heartfelt story, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It doesn't have the grittiness of the Raven Cycle or the sizzle of The Scorpio Races, but she doesn't let it go saccharine, either, for being a pretty sweet story.

*Received copy for review.*.
I adore Brave, so I was excited to read another story about Merida. However, the pace of this book made it difficult to finish. The middle drug out so badly that I almost didn’t finish.
I’m sure that many who are fans of this author will enjoy this book but it does d not work for me.