Teen Tuesday and Audiobook Review: Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater

Image: Disney

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.

Teen Tuesday and Audiobook Review: Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly

Image: Scholastic Inc.

Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly. Unabridged downloadable e-audiobook, ~11 hours. Read by Rosie Jones. Scholastic Audio, October, 2020. 9781338637496. (Review of e-audiobook downloaded from public library. HC purchased.)

Teen Tuesday features Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly. Buckle up everyone! This is no Disney version of Snow White! This feminist fairy tale hews a bit closer to the Brothers Grimm. It is dark and twisty and oh so intriguing.

"Once upon a time, a girl named Sophie rode into the forest with the queen's huntsman. Her lips were the color of ripe cherries, her skin as soft as new-fallen snow, her hair as dark as midnight. When they stopped to rest, the huntsman took out his knife… and took Sophie's heart."

Wait, what? Yes, dear Reader, Princess Charlotta-Sidonia Wilhelmina Sophia of the Greenlands - Sophie, was left for dead by the Queen's huntsman in this re-imagined fairy tale by Ms. Donnelly, who, you may remember, re-imagined Cinderella from the stepsister's POV in Stepsister.

Sophie was rescued by seven brothers, who were able to capture her soul before it was too late. One brother fashioned a clockwork heart to replace hers and Sophie recovered in their home in a hollow. Alas, clockwork, no matter how finely crafted does tend to wind down eventually, though Sophie does not know this initially. She pines for her prince, whom she betrothed the night before her "murder." She continues to think he will come searching for her. Poor kind and naive Sophie!

This tale is familiar, yet new and filled with an intriguing cast of characters. It is richly atmospheric, menacing and really satisfying. I read this one with my ears and was always sorry to have to turn it off. If you love magic and fairy tale retellings, you will love Poisoned. Isn't that cover incredible?