Review Detail

BRAVELY is an imaginative and enthralling YA fantasy that takes place several years after the end of Brave. Merida has completed her travels and returned home for the holidays, when she uncovers something dangerous - DunBroch is being threatened by the gods, specifically by Feradach, a being particularly concerned with balance and ready to destroy everything Merida holds dear due its stagnation.

Merida uses a little luck to enter into a bargain with Feradach - she now has a year to prove that DunBroch can change. As she sets out to accomplish what seems like the impossible, she journeys to three other kingdoms to experience their lives. The journeys are sure to change DunBroch - and hopefully the plans of a god.

What I loved: This was a really enthralling story, and I loved the way the gods were presented and crafted, as well as the way that Merida fiercely cares for her family. There are some intriguing themes around change and the power and importance of change that are conveyed throughout the story. Change is really inevitable, and the story embraces it as something to be lauded.

Merida and her family are all really well characterized here with tidbits fans will know and love, but expanded into full characters. Merida's brothers particularly begin to develop in the story, and it was great getting to know them better. Merida herself is still figuring out her life, protecting her family, and forging ahead, bravely.

The world-building and mythology were really fantastic, and it was great to get to experience the other kingdoms with Merida. The story unfolds well through Merida's journey, and it was easy to get caught up in it all.

What left me wanting more: I really just wanted more, as the ending was a bit open. I still loved it, but I just want a sequel to see what happens next (this is a standalone though, but I can dream!).

Final verdict: Enthralling and imaginative, BRAVELY features compelling characters and fantastic world-building to craft a great sequel to the movie, Brave.