This is a YA follow-up to the Disney movie Brave, showing what becomes of Merida and her family years later and sending Merida on an all-new adventure. As always, Stiefvater’s gorgeous writing shines through, and she captures the setting and the Scottish voice of the characters perfectly. In this story, Merida makes a deal with the gods to save her family when they are slated to be destroyed because of their stagnation. She is given one year to prove that her family truly can change, but guiding them toward that change proves more difficult than she imagined. The pacing is a bit slower than I expected, as Merida’s journeys end up being largely more personal than over-the-top adventures. Still, I found myself drawn in by the inevitable sense of the family’s approaching doom and the mesmerizing characters, especially Feradach, the god who has caused all the trouble in the first place. There are some interesting twists at the end of the book that I didn’t see coming as well. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the Disney film and wants to see more of Merida!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

Following the well known events of Brave, Princess Merida has been exploring the world. Traveling the kingdom, and toughing it out with the people she's come across. Merida is sure that her goal for an adventurous life has been met, yet, unfortunately for her, it seems the gods do not agree.

Propelled into action by the gods, the Princess must now find a way to bring real change to her stagnant kingdom, to her old-fashioned family and even to herself.

In this novel Maggie Stiefvater takes us on an in-depth introspective journey as we watch one of Disney's most feminist princesses learn that there is still more to life than taking a stand on independence. Her portrayal of Dunloch is brilliant, consistent with the well loved animated movie, and yet fleshing out detail and sketching in depths.

Unfortunately, my biggest pet-peeve with this book is not about the writing, but the marketing. This book should never have been billed under YA. It reads as middle-grade at best, and would have done well being marketed to a younger generation. Unfortunately, I think the marketing decision had less to do with content and more to do with the generation that grew up watching the Disney film being too old for a middle-grade book.

That being said, Ms. Stiefvater's writing was a hit, and I'd certainly recommend the book for anyone who (like me) misses the beauty of Pixar's only Princess movie! Fans of Brave should certainly continue on to <i>Bravely</i> to learn how Merida's future turns!

I'd rate this comfort book a 3.5 with an extra rounded half a star for pure nostalgia :)

I can't believe they turned the one Disney movie that doesn't have a romance into a book with a romance.

This whole story was a big disappointment. Maybe if I had never watched Brave or didn't know the story, then maybe this book could have been ok. But this book was a drag to get through, and the ending was super disappointing.

Rating: 1.5/5 stars

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Bravely. I was not expecting to love it as much as I did because I've only seen the movie Brave once. I liked it just fine. I thought this was an excellent sequel and appreciated the time Stiefvater took to develop all of the characters, especially the triplets-- who now seem like very different people to me rather than the collective chaos I remember from the film-- and, of course, Feradach. I was really taken with the idea of a being whose job is seeking and ending stagnation.

I really liked the mix of mythology and the actual reality of living in Scotland in the 10th century. All in all, this was just a super fun and interesting read and I will definitely be back for more.

The strongest theme that jumped out to me while reading this book was 'family', which wasn't a surprise given that this was a YA story taken from the "Brave" storyline. I think the worldbuilding picked up right where the movie story left off and you felt pulled in from the beginning. Merida's brothers were my favorite characters, which was also true about the movie, but it didn't feel like the book was a cash grab. Instead, the author took time to develop the characters and introduce us to new characters while giving us a fairly-paced plot. The story is left open-ended, although I would be happy with or without one because I feel as if the novel could stand on its own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book early before it launched!

I will have to say I DNF’d about 50% in. Not because the story is bad, it just wasn’t my taste, I felt sometimes the story was too slow especially when it came to Merida and her path. The tiny speck of romance was cute with the one God but I felt myself constantly putting down my book because I wasn’t too in love with the plot.

Maggie’s writing is beautiful. I will definitely read more of her work because her writing is what kept me interested in the story. Her world building and character development is great. Her attention to detail for imagery is incredible, You do get to see different views of characters in the movie and how they grow.

I will absolutely say if you love Disney movies and always wonder how a characters life could be afterwards, stories like these are for the “Disney” adults if you will!

I was pretty excited for this as I loved the movie Brave, and I'm a fan of continuations and reimagining stories.. But I found myself not really caring about what was happening and I really didn't like how the story came to a close. I get that the characters are older so things do change, but it felt like...what was the point of the whole movie.
Though on the other hand, I do kind of get it.
This wasn't terrible, but I felt a little underwhelmed reading it.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. I absolutely enjoyed this authors writing style. This book guys yall definitely need to go get it from your local library or to the nearest bookstore and get your hands on it right now. This book is fast paced thrilling scottish fantasy. This book sucks you in from the start. I absolutely adored all of the characters within this book. I would definitely highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. This book is in stores now for $19.99 (USD).

Bravely picks up a few years down the road with Merida on the brink of adulthood. I received a copy via Netgalley for review which did not influence my review in any way.

On Christmas eve as Merida is preparing the feast for it and for her friend/maid Leezie when someone appears in the kitchen. She chases the person down and it turns out to be the god Feradach, an uncanny supernatural being tasked with rooting out rot and stagnation. Cailleach, the old goddess of creation intervenes. Merida is granted a boon. She has a year to shake her family out of its path and every last one of them has to change or Feradach will destroy them.

Changing people is no easy task. On top of this, a cruel Scottish warlord has offered her father a deal, find three other kingdoms to ally with him or die. With the dual threats of death, Merida acts as ambassador to save and change her family.

As she goes out in the world, she sees that maybe her parents are too lackadaisical, that they’re allowing DunBroch to fall into ruin. One of her brothers has no purpose, one is afraid of everything and the other is cold and angry. Leezie is hapless. There is a lot to do. Feradach has a further requirement, once a season he will show up to see her progress and she must witness what he does to show her life being reborn from the destruction.

The story is engaging. Feradach’s changing personality was interesting. Merida and her family are great characters and I really enjoyed the read.

Maggie Stiefvater invites the reader on a journey of magic, mischief, and marvels in Bravely, a delightful follow-up to Disney Pixar’s 2012 movie, Brave. Infused with legends that transcend time, Stiefvater breathes new life into Merida’s adventurous spirit by striking yet another bargain: one that will test Castle DunBroch in unimaginable ways, revealing secrets and uncovering long-lost legends, beginning with a single, barely heard knock upon the door.

Magic leaps off the page as Merida bounds out the door in the middle of a fierce winter night in pursuit of a shadow. Impulsive, feisty, and adventurous as ever, the young adult finds herself face to face with the eerie green glow of the will o’ the wisps yet again when she confronts the peculiar stranger, who turns out to be Feradach, a god of many faces that seeks out stagnation and brings ruin within reason to insight growth.

Intent on restoring the natural balance of order and chaos, Feradach was caught in the act of damnnation by Merida, resulting in a chance encounter that will alter her path – and that of DunBroch – forever. Magic is real, and where there is a will, there is a way, as the Cailleach – goddess of creation, queen of winter, old woman of Scotland, second half to Feradach – makes an appearance. With high stakes in DunBroch, a bargain is struck, and what unfolds is a wondrous tale of magic and adventure, enchanting in scope and infused with secret histories and traditions, as the Cailleach grants Merida one year to change her family.

And what a year it is! Merida springs into action, meditating on the best way to invoke change amongst the DunBroch family, landing upon a series of trips – each bearing a dual purpose. Not only will they hopefully trigger change and healing in her closest family members, but they’ll settle a personal bargain between Merida and the relentless Dásachtach, who has been hounding the family in the name of “diplomacy” for years. Merida will act as an ambassador for DunBroch, leading a trip for each season, beginning with a muddy trek to the strict, order-fueled halls of the meticulous, military clan Ardbarrach, and ending with a revelation in a royal visit to a fiercely feminist island orphanage in Eilean Glan, with countless stops along the way to explore nature’s hidden histories, brought about by Feradach’s ruin.

While the seasons are short, Stiefvater breathes life into each mini adventure, filling in gaps in backstory and divulging secret histories that add depth to DunBroch and its characters, Merida included. Descriptions of towns – and food! – are brushed onto the page in vivid color, a testament to Stiefvater’s background in art, written with gorgeous attention to detail – and personalities jump off the page, most notably in the form of the three disastrous triplets: Hubert, Harris & Hamish. While decidedly close-knit and prone to pranks, the triplets have grown since their first appearance, developing their own interests and habits. From strict training regimes and order to meaningful music lessons and sights better left unseen, Stiefvater creates three unique entities, adding depth to three seemingly similar characters in a way that ties into the overarching theme of hope and renewal.

Ultimately, Bravely is a true and thoughtfully written sequel – one that simultaneously allows Stiefvater’s heritage and historical background to shine, while continuing the legacy and magic of the original. The clever reader will recognize old kings, cunning gods, and long-lost legends between the pages of Merida’s journey, history reimagined in bargains and enemies through Stiefvater’s capable hands. Bravely is stunning in its lyricism, poignant in its message, and brilliantly imagined with characters that jump off the page.

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

I've read books by Maggie Stiefvater and enjoyed them, and this one does not fail.

This of course is after the movie, Bravely is a fantastic, fitting addition to Merida’s story. Stiefvater did a wonderful job on the storyline.

I cannot wait, to see it on the big screen, I'm sure it will come out. Great Job, just have to read it to enjoy it!

This was exactly what I thought it would be and yet I am still extremely disappointed. Sure, it was well written. There was an adventure. There was a plot. But there was no spark here. It felt mundane and uninspired. By the end of the novel, there is supposed to be some sort of hint of romance, but it just felt thrown in to check off another genre box to lure people into reading it. I feel like there was supposed to be this deep, moving meaning in this book about change, but it felt so surface level. Each family goes on a trip and then changes. It was formulaic and I saw it coming every time. I enjoyed the movie Brave as a kid and had hoped that this would expand upon the magical feel of early Scotland, but it honestly just watered what I loved about the movie down into something not terrible, but not great either. On the bright side, though, look at that COVER. Stunning. It looks like I was once again bested by a beautiful cover. One day I'll learn. Probably not in the near future though.

I really wanted to like this one. I love the YA book companions Disney Books has been putting out to go with the movies and Brave was such a good movie! Also, Maggie Stiefvater is such a writing force! I had such high hopes.

Unfortunately, I didn't love this one. The romance was clunky and awkward, the plot was a bit confusing, and also dull. And, I felt that the names and concepts were far too dense for a stand alone book.

I also HATED the ending. Absolutely hated it.

I thought this was ok. I wouldn't read it again, and I wouldn't recommend it to fans of Brave. I think as it's own story, it's not the worst, but it didn't do the original movie justice.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow! Wow! Wow! I honestly didn't know what to expect. I had never read a book based on a Disney movie before, and I LOVED this one. The writing was so good, and the story really kept me engaged. The characters were so true to the movie while bringing so much more to the table. A must read if you are a Disney or Brave! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Unlike other recent Disney books, Bravely is not a retelling of Meridas story from a different angle . This is a sequel to Brave, a what happens next to Merida but also most importantly, her parents, her triplet brothers and the castle DunBroch. It was a magical tale of learning to embrace change, growing up and becoming your own person and learning to love who you are. It is a grown up tale with legends and magic and family. A good story with strong messages and a mix of love and heartbreak.

I’m a big big big Maggie Stiefvater fan so I was thrilled to get a digital ARC of this! Not to mention Merida is one of my favorites. Steifvater does a fantastic job of recreating the world from the film, and using its magic and real life history of Scotland to expand and color the newest adventure of an older Merida.
What’s not to love about this book??? Merida’s fierceness and independence shines during this new adventure.

The story touches upon the challenges of growing up and staying safe, doing what you know and changing, really growing that can be uncomfortable and scary. I loved her journey. I like how the Merida from the beginning is significantly different than the one we leave at the end, but how she still retains all the things that make her Merida. She is incredibly loyal to her home and her family, but also can see how things need to change. Sure, it takes a god of destruction to draw attention to it, but once she sees it, she can’t unsee it, making her journey very organic and human filled with vulnerable moments and doubt but also intention.

I love the triplets! OMG, they’re grown! I love how the three of them each have their own personalities and goals, making Merida’s job in the book complicated. She has to negotiate how she sees them with who they really are and their needs. It was such a great storyline and a very common and poignant moment in growing up.

And of course, there’s a god of destruction. I really liked him as a character. Feradach can’t help what/who he is, what he does. He is a needed balance, and the reader and Merida can sympathize with his journey. There are so many fun and creative little things in the story and I don’t want to give it away. But of course, Merida’s nemesis would be a god of destruction. Because she is THAT bad ass.

Overall, I loved Bravely. I think it’s the perfect perfect perfect sequel to Merida’s journey. Stiefvater did such a great job in research and really harnessing all of the best things about Brave and incorporating and then expanding them into this story.

Fun to revisit Merida and her world! Stiegvater works her magic to bring Merida’s story forward. The mythology and Scottish history, along with the familiarity of the main character, make this a good recommendation for Rick Riordan fans as well as fans of Rick Riordan Presents.

Have been unable to review due to illness. Review coming soon! This novel looks fantastic and I highly recommend this author to everyone! Can't wait to read this one!

I love Brave and Maggie did a fantastic job making you feel you were immersed in the world. I did feel like the release date did not fit the story as this felt more like a winter holiday read. Also with the tie in of the holidays seemed to me to read a little more like a novella. I wanted to feel a little more flushed out in the world and characters. I enjoyed the growth of Merida and her siblings but I just wanted a little more. Still a wonderful read for Brave fans.

This story continues Merida’s story from the Disney movie “Brave”. It definitely falls into the relatively new category of retellings and continuations of beloved stories. Personally, I found it to be quite repetitive and not as adventurous as I expected. The twist at the very very end seemed a bit forced and out of character for the Merida that we love from the movie. This novel may be better suited for readers who have a stronger relationship with the movie Brave than I do.
Thanks to @netgalley @Disneybooks and @maggie_stievater for the Audio and E-book ARCs.