Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater

Such an excellent follow up to an excellent movie. Maggie Stiefvater really knows how to capture the magic of a story. I couldn't pass up checking this out from my local library. This became a favorite novel of mine by the closing sentence. 

Unfortunately, all the other reviews--without having ever picked up the book--got me aggravated. I needed to walk away from all the woke pity parties to recapture the impressions this novel left to give it a review that justified the greatness of the storytelling. I've had that time, so here we go:

Merida has been out wandering the hills of Scotland in a restless pursuit of adventure. I'm not even sure she is aware that she is trying to find that missing piece of herself. But she has some pretty neat stories when she heads home. Which she is now doing at Christmas because there is a wedding at DunBroch. However, being back in the castle gives her a feeling of restraint in an unchanging household. The routines are the same, the castle is the same, the people are content to continue on as they ever have. For a restless firecracker, this is close to torture.

Feradach, the god of ruin, has the scent of stagnation and comes knocking (thanks to a helpful trick by Cailleach, the goddess of creation) at the doors of DunBroch. Merida is instantly triggered and digs her heals in at the injustice to be served on her family, which she loves more than anything else. Even if they drive her crazy with their mundane life. It's their life, and she's had enough godly interference thank you very much.

Each season brings Merida on a different journey throughout the hills and dales of Scotland. Plus her secret journeys with Feradach to learn more about his role as god of ruin. All of these journeys are very different from the solo galivanting she did last year, however. There is no fun and play. DunBroch is at stake. Amazingly, these journeys hold more value as Merida truly connects with each family member as an adult. 

By the end of the story, Merida realizes Feradach may have been saddled with a poor reputation unfairly. He really could be seen more as the god of renewal. It is the destruction of our complacency that makes us become the heroes of the story.

I truly loved the morals, premise, and development of this novel. Merida grows up here. She may not be ready to become a full-fledged adult, but she is no longer an impetuous teen ready to fly off the handle. And that love story. Don't listen to the other reviewers. It is poignant and perfect for Merida.