Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater is a story that wraps around the reader, drawing him or her in to a world of hulking Scottish castles, marauding warloards, and the real, messy, lovely interactions of a family who makes mistakes and gets lazy but loves with their whole hearts. Merida of DunBroch is a princess who chooses archery and horses and rambles across the Scottish countryside over marriage prospects or royal deportment. When she learns that her family is slated to be wiped out by the magic of Feradach, the god of destruction, she makes a deal with him and the Cailleach, the goddess of recreation and newness. She is granted one year to change her home and every member in it or Feredach will win and destroy them all. Thus begins her adventure, but at the same time, the DunBrochs face a more tangible threat: the warlord called the Dasachtach plans to destroy DunBroch unless King Fergus and Queen Elinor acknowledge him as their master and give their children to him as a peace offering. Through travel and hardship, compassion and danger, Merida does her best to prod her family into the changes that will save them, but the ominous Dasachtach and the wily Feradach pose obstacles that seem insurmountable. As Merida faces the looming destruction of everything she knows, she learns more about herself and her family, but the knowledge may come too late.

As a history teacher, I love facts. Recorded histories, primary documents, artifacts and proof and evidence. Historical fantasies full of magical beings and supernatural events have never interested me, but Bravely snared my interest, held me fast, and turned me out at the end wishing there was more. Maggie Stiefvater mixes historical detail with her fantasy in a brilliant way. The setting and the characters feel real and genuine, representing Scotland's history and culture so clearly, Readers feel the history while the fantasy plays out in the plot. Even the magical elements of her story, Feradach and the Cailleach, feel credible and convincing. They are flawed and multi-faceted, like all good characters, and their human-ness made me love them and accept them, even as a lukewarm fan of fantasy. Stiefvater's characterization is deep and effective, her setting is vibrant and sensory, and her plot is tightly knit and perfectly paced, surprising readers with events that were almost (but not quite) predictable.

Most of all, though, I loved the themes Stiefvater wove throughout Bravely. The value of family can be seen in Elinor and Fergus, in Merida and Leezie, in the triplets, and in the residents of Eilean Glan. The value of change and the good that can come from heartbreak are important themes for people of all ages, but maybe even more important for young and new adult readers. And most importantly, Merida shows the power of investing in yourself and those around you, in helping others to become everything they can, in persevering, even when all seems stacked against you. Incredibly, Bravely captures the readers and maintains their interest without violence or gore, without sex or drugs, without the trauma that features in so many contemporary works. Stiefvatet pulls us into history and teaches us about people, all people, through authentic characters and their strengths.

When I found out it was a continuation of brave, I knew I had to read it. It hooked me right away. There were surprises around every corner. I couldn’t put it down.

I loved this retelling! Stiefvater's writing was incredibly engaging and I really enjoyed how she incorporated myths. I loved Merida.

I really loved the animated film Brave and when I heard on social media Maggie Stiefvater was given the opportunity to write the sequel to Merida's story, I was elated.

My enthusiasm was well-met with Bravely, a story about growth and change, something people always seem to have a problem accepting or realizing the necessity of.

Steeped in Celtic mythology, beautifully and poignantly written, Stiefvater fills out the dimensions of all characters within Merida's world, creating empathy and understanding where animosity would threaten to take over. The magical elements of the story make sense in the way that the mysterious does, and the ending steers clear of cliche and is entirely, complexly, and unexpectedly satisfying.

I have already spread the word about this new story to my students, who I think will love it as much as I do, and plan on using it as a book club feature book perhaps as early as next semester.

I liked the magic in this book and the continuation of Merida's story from Brave. A bit more Scottish brogue would have given it a bit more life but overall it was enjoyable.

Thank you so much, Disney Press, for allowing me to read Bravely early!

I started reading Bravely late last night and from the first paragraph I was instantly catapulted back to the same atmosphere of the movie (of which I am huge fan): the beautiful Scottish Highlands, the rich culture, the adventure and the incredible characters. Therefore, I decided to set my alarm an hour earlier so that I could start my day in the best way possible and finish this fantastic book. I really loved reading this novel starring my favorite Disney Princess!

Thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide and NetGalley for the ARC!

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. It really does seem like a true sequel to Brave, so I would definitely recommend it to anyone who liked that movie. Merida is much the same as the last time we saw her, the only difference is she is slightly older. I also liked the added mythology of this sequel, it definitely expanded the world on DunBroch. I thought the characters of the gods of destruction and creation were very interesting. Overall, this book was a very entertaining read!

Stiefvater does an amazing and magical interpretation of the brave tale. As always her writing is poetic and leaves you wanting more.

4.5 stars - not what I expected, but I loved it.

This story is such a unique way to explore the theme of 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 -- ⁣⁣⁣⁣-- Ruin. Revelation. Renewal.

For anyone who thought Merida was just a bratty, impulsive princess who learned one lesson without consequences—saddle up for a journey of introspection, slow growth, and numerous consequences expertly woven together by Maggie Stiefvater⁣⁣. ⁣⁣

I definitely teared up a few times toward the end of the book—especially as we (and Merida) learn even more about Queen Elinor’s past.

The ending was brut-ifully open-ended with a cliff-hanger that could also be a wink for another book (hopefully!)

Steifvater doesn't disappoint! I'll admit I'm biased in this author's favor and I'm glad that her writing is as lovely as ever.
The book started off a tad slow but once Steifvater hooked me, I was IN. I liked the atmosphere she created and her unique takes on the characters. The ending felt rushed and unresolved...but not in the worst way.

I received my ARC from Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide. Thoughts are mine alone.

Full review to come closer to the release of this book. The short version: Very true to Merida's character in the movie (but obviously she's grown up a bit in the years between the movie's end and the book). I loved the progression and character growth in this. I absolutely recommend it for all of my fellow Merida Stans. A surprisingly emotional read, down to the heartbreaking ending. Absolutely recommend.

This was an excellent continuation of Merida’s story. I have always felt she is completely overlooked among Disney’s princesses and I am thrilled to have a new story for her. Maggie Stiefvater did a beautiful job of making her Merida seem like an older version of the Merida from the movie. She kept her independence and rather quick temper and added a grown-up appreciation for new places and other ways of being. I was surprised that I actually teared up a few times toward the end of the book; it just shows how real and three-dimensional the author made her. I feel that readers who have seen the movie will come into it with the background knowledge of the characters that is needed. I am learning Scots Gaelic and I appreciated the inclusion of Gaelic words as well as Scottish mythology and history. These touches made it feel authentic to the location. Again, I am so pleased with the story and the continuation of Merida’s tale! Thank you to Disney and NetGalley for the eARC. I will definitely be purchasing my own copy to have this story forever!

This is the continuation of Merida's story that I never knew I wanted. If you loved Brave, you will love Stiefvater's take on what happens years after the movie ends.

A wild adventure based on the Disney movie Brave. Merida, our beloved bow-wielding princess is back in action in this YA tale.

Merida is struggling. She loves her family, even though her wild, very unprincess-like behavior distresses her dear mother. She loves her kingdom too. It is peaceful and quiet. But that makes life incredibly boring. Merida is itching for another adventure and she gets more than she bargained for when she encounters Feradach, the God of Destruction. He is determined to destroy her kingdom. Cailleach, the God of Creation, intervenes at the last moment with an ultimatum. Merida has one year to get her family to change or her beloved kingdom will be at the mercy of Feradach to wipe it from the face of the earth. Merida must journey to other kingdoms as she seeks to change her family, but realizes that she must also change too.

This isn't some cutesy Disney movie tale. This is an emotional, action packed rollercoaster ride that seems to only be connected to the movie by name alone. This isn't the warm and fuzzy tale you may think it is. This is a tale of survival, introspection and growth. It was so well written, highly engaging and read more like a stand alone YA fantasy than a Disney book. Merida is more nuanced, struggling with becoming the woman she wants to be versus who she has to be. I love how Merida comes to see how life is about balance and that Feradach does have a place in the world. Ruin and renewal are both integral parts of life and she grows to respect their purpose. She learns how dangerous complacency can be. Merida's determined spirit is captured in the pages and it is a fabulous story.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I am pissed. Yes that is where I am choosing to begin this review of a book I have rated so highly. I had mixed expectations coming into this book. I did not know whether to expect something more Disney or more Stiefvater. Part of me was thinking it would be more Disney. Something easy to digest all wrapped up in cozy nostalgia. Do not get me wrong there was moments and it was wonderful. But in true rebel Maggie Stiefvater style she took this story and ran. And now I am over whelmed and perhaps a bit heartbroken as any great story by this author has the power to do BUT I WASN'T READY! The ending of this book has honestly left me in shock. I was so utterly unprepared for it and I am going to have to sit with it for a good long while to fully digest it before I can read something else.

I guess what I am trying to say is this was a very good book and so very Maggie. For anyone coming into this with skepticism in regards to her choice to write a Disney centric story have no fear because this author cannot be contained.

Wow.

Just…wow.

I don’t know what else to say about this book. I loved the prose, the way it wrapped around my mind and drew me into the story. the way I grew to love the characters and become invested in their fates, the way it caused me to think about life and ruin and renewal.

Brave is one of my very favorite Disney movies, and this book kept close to it while still being something wholly different and new.

I’m so happy that this book exists. Read it with the intent to enjoy, to feel, and to think deeply. From this book, I learned that destruction and rebirth are only two sides of the same coin.

I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Maggie Stiefvater was the perfect choice to write Merida’s story. Her writing is approachable but also contains a touch of the otherworldly-the fantastic. No one writes fantasy quite like she can.
Her descriptions and storytelling brought 9th-century Scotland to life, and I wanted to live in Dunbroch myself with her loving and hilarious family.
She did a great job too of bringing Merida to life and expanding on the girl we meet in the film. I would even be interested in reading more books about her and her further adventures.

This twisted fairytale is everything I didn't know I needed from Brave. Though it didn't exactly end the way I expected it to, I really enjoyed it. I like how the storyline and the subplot were intertwined, while adding sprinkles of the movie plot in as tribute. Awesome! A must read

Bravely tells the story of Merida of DunBroch after the events of the film Brave. Though Merida has been off adventuring, she learns from a chance meeting with a god that her family and kingdom have become stagnant and in danger of ruin at his hands. Merida has one year to get her family and her home to grow and change, and to become something other than "a storm that moves no roofs".

This was an excellent addition to the Brave canon- we get to see how much Merida has grown (and in some ways, not grown all that much) in the years since the film. I loved learning more about Elinor and the triplets as well. This is definitely a little more nuanced than the film was- while our first meeting with Merida asked us if we would change our fates, this story looks at questions of where fate will take us, and whether ruin and destruction is the worst fate there is. While the start of the book is a little slow, it feels intentional- both introducing the reader to the kingdom and family and emphasizing Merida's own impatience.

As always, I love Maggie Stiefvater's writing and voice. This in particular felt very cinematic, and I would love to see a film version!

I love these franchise tie-ins that provide a lot more depth to characters that young readers already love as well as something for fans as they age up, so essentially sequels for what are now YAs.

Bravely is about Merida, the protagonist from the Disney movie “Brave,” and her adventures several years past the movie. Many fans of Maggie Stiefvater will read this because she is the author, but it will also appeal to fans of the movie. Merida returns home after traveling and living away from the family to find her family in need of change, both because they have become too complacent but also because she has made a bargain with the god of ruin, Feradach, who will destroy DunBroch, the family home, if she is unable to facilitate their change. Merida travels to three different neighboring kingdoms, opening her eyes to the differences, both good and bad, between DunBroch and the governance of their neighbors. She begins to develop mutual respect and understanding of Feradach, his purpose, and why he may have a necessary place in this world. The ending was quite a cliff-hanger, so I’m hoping a sequel is forthcoming.

Stiefvater does a beautiful job with mythological world-building creating a unique tale that could’ve easily been a formulaic franchise extension.