Monday, June 6, 2022

Teen Tuesday and Audiobook Review: Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater

Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater. Unabridged downloadable e-audiobook. ~10 hours. Read by Fiona Hardingham. Disney Press, May 2022. 9781368083850. (Review of downloadable e-audiobook borrowed from public library.)

Teen Tuesday features Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater. This might be the first time a sequel to a movie was published as a book? I have read movie novelizations, but can't recall ever reading something like this. Plus, I have never viewed the movie. So there's that.

Merida DunBroch should be content now that she's no longer obligated to make a marriage. She still prefers practicing archery to perfecting her embroidery, but she's a tad restless and impatient with the sameness of every day and longs for adventure. On Christmas Eve, she spies a figure in the snow just outside the castle and when she goes to investigate, the figure flees after turning into a rabbit. Undaunted Merida follows though she's barefoot and not dressed for snow. Turns out, the figure is Feradach, the god of destruction and he was about to obliterate the DunBrach family because they have become stagnant. It is only the intervention of the goddess, Cailleach that stays Feradach's hand. Merida is given one year to prove the family can change and, she needs to keep the agreement a secret. Under the watchful eyes of both gods, Merida sets about saving her family and transforming her kingdom. 

This richly woven tale features intriguing characters, vivid Scottish settings, humor, suspense and adventure. There were a few tears near the end as well. 

Ms. Hardingham's narration was well-paced and contained a variety of voices and accents. Fans of the movie will love this new chapter in Merida's life; but this should appeal to any reader who loves a brave and headstrong main character.

No comments:

Post a Comment