Bravely

For anyone that loved Brave and wanted to know what happened next this is the book for you, it has the same feel of magic and wonder that was in the original story but just has so much depth I found myself loving every page.

I always wonder what happens after the story, if the magic is still part of their worlds, or if it all just goes away once that big moment is over, if the turmoil is resolved, if they live a peaceful life, if all of the promises made are kept, for once I got the answers to those questions and I loved it.

This is more than the good versus evil story that is set up in the first few chapters, two gods, one good, the bringer of life and renewal, on evil (or so we think) the bringer of death, each has their own history and their own agenda.

I had such a sway of emotions with the two gods, I thought I knew who I was rooting for in the bargain, but I have to admit I changed my mind so many times I lost count.

This story is the perfect example of how life isn't black and white, sometimes we have to make decisions we never thought we would make, we do and say things for the good of others, we learn to see a new side of what we thought we knew, it shows that the world is full of color, that there is nothing as simple as just good and bad.

Sometimes we have to have the bad to appreciate the good, and sometimes the good turns out to not be the best option, it really makes you think...

Merida has long been one of my favorite characters, her wit, wisdom, and bravery are evident in every page of this book.

The love she has for her family has never been any more evident., she's willing to do anything and everything to save not only them but the entire world she lives in.

The bargains she strikes, both with the gods and with Wolftail, she goes into both with her mind so set up, feeling like she's right and she knows it all, watching her realize that reality isn't always what it seems and realizing life isn't as simple as she thought.

In my opinion this was her true coming of age story, and while our favorite mama bear situation was mentioned a few times, this was in my opinion where Merida really grew into the woman I knew she could be.

Watching the Triplets grow up in this book was something that I didn't know I needed, the dynamic between Eleanor and Fergus, the relationship they had with the people of DunBroch, and with the people of the neighboring lands was amazing.

The world building in this one was some of the best I've ever read and transported me right into the castle, the food, the celebrations, it all took on it's own life and was so immersive I felt like I was part of it.

I seriously hope this is the beginning of a trend where we get to see what happens with our beloved characters after the happily ever after.