Teachers' Notes
The Dangers of Being Brave & Trueby J.M. GoldieBook 1: The Broken Spell series
Genre: Early Young Adult/teen fantasy
Reading age: 10 years +
>> Go to quick facts about each book
>> Read some detailed reviews
ABOUT BOOK ONE:
Until now, Brave Kingsfort has had an unremarkable life.But when his anger summons a burst of elemental magic, his mom is forced to reveal three unbelievable things: he’s royalty, he has powers and he’s not from around here.
When True Harborsfort falls asleep at night, it’s always the same dream; she’s a magical flying horse. Over the years, she’s learned to keep that peculiarity very quiet. But after she barely escapes a ruthless attack on her school, everything changes. Including herself. In terrifying ways. So why does it feel so good?
Separated from everyone they love, Brave and True’s worlds collide as they reluctantly embark on an epic adventure through the wilds of Arvalonia to escape the evil of an imposter queen and her enchanted forces.
Nothing will ever be average or unremarkable again.
The Dangers of Being Brave & True is book one in The Broken Spell, a six book elemental magic fantasy series for teen and young adult readers who love alternate worlds, mages and magic, coming of age tales and forever friendships.
Until now, Brave Kingsfort has had an unremarkable life.But when his anger summons a burst of elemental magic, his mom is forced to reveal three unbelievable things: he’s royalty, he has powers and he’s not from around here.
When True Harborsfort falls asleep at night, it’s always the same dream; she’s a magical flying horse. Over the years, she’s learned to keep that peculiarity very quiet. But after she barely escapes a ruthless attack on her school, everything changes. Including herself. In terrifying ways. So why does it feel so good?
Separated from everyone they love, Brave and True’s worlds collide as they reluctantly embark on an epic adventure through the wilds of Arvalonia to escape the evil of an imposter queen and her enchanted forces.
Nothing will ever be average or unremarkable again.
The Dangers of Being Brave & True is book one in The Broken Spell, a six book elemental magic fantasy series for teen and young adult readers who love alternate worlds, mages and magic, coming of age tales and forever friendships.
ISBN: 978-1-7385955-7-0Available to schools and libraries through Wheelers.
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WRITING STYLE:
The Dangers of Being Brave & True is a magical fantasy adventure told with plenty of humor.
Brave (13) and True (17) are the main characters and 'heroes' of the book. As the series starter, this story sets up Brave's backstory on Earth and establishes True's initially obstinate and entitled personality in the magical world of Arvalonia.
A coming-of-age tale, book one provides the starting line for a journey of self-discovery. Both characters are forced to examine the nature of secrets and lies and find their own truths, and bravery. This extends into the intricate dynamics of friendship and family, providing a deeper level of complexity*. Although the book concludes with a dramatic and satisfying ending, the seeds of an over-arching mystery are sown, with hints of another meanacing threat lurking in the shadows.
Themes include: the resilience of friendship, determination against terrible odds, working as a team, courage in the face of obstacles, family loyalty and lies, good against evil, trust and mistrust.
Written for readers aged 10+, The Broken Spell series is most suited to the intermediate school/middle grade and above learning level but much older readers have enjoyed the story too. An excellent 'read out loud' journey for both teachers and parents to engage young readers, it is written in third person past tense. *Read content notes and trigger warnings here
Brave (13) and True (17) are the main characters and 'heroes' of the book. As the series starter, this story sets up Brave's backstory on Earth and establishes True's initially obstinate and entitled personality in the magical world of Arvalonia.
A coming-of-age tale, book one provides the starting line for a journey of self-discovery. Both characters are forced to examine the nature of secrets and lies and find their own truths, and bravery. This extends into the intricate dynamics of friendship and family, providing a deeper level of complexity*. Although the book concludes with a dramatic and satisfying ending, the seeds of an over-arching mystery are sown, with hints of another meanacing threat lurking in the shadows.
Themes include: the resilience of friendship, determination against terrible odds, working as a team, courage in the face of obstacles, family loyalty and lies, good against evil, trust and mistrust.
Written for readers aged 10+, The Broken Spell series is most suited to the intermediate school/middle grade and above learning level but much older readers have enjoyed the story too. An excellent 'read out loud' journey for both teachers and parents to engage young readers, it is written in third person past tense. *Read content notes and trigger warnings here
SHARED LEARNING POINTS - Chat about these questions together and answer some on your own...
-When you look at the front cover, what kind of story do you expect to read? Why?
-What clues do the images on the front cover give you about symbols within the story?
-Read the back cover blurb. What do you think the tone of this book might be?
-What kind of impression does the map give you? Can you spot fantasy tropes within the illustration?
-The prologue is set in Arvalonia and Chapter 1 is in our own world. How does the author use language/words to show the difference between the two worlds?
-What is your first impression of the main character, Brave?
-How do you feel about the main character, True, at the beginning of her story? Does this change? How?
-In chapter 5, an introductory paragraph gives the reader context about the world of Arvalonia. List two things you learn about the culture or politics of this world from the paragraph.
-In chapter 12, True must join her fellow students to hike through an inhospitable environment. Draw or describe your own visualization of the Inner Heat, showing the students trudging through it. Remember to include some of the plants or animals mentioned.
-In chapter 21, there is a change to the point of view and we see Arvalonia through a new set of eyes. Note down some of the things that Mallevia sees quite differently compared to all the other characters.
-In chapter 33, you meet the imposter queen Mallevia Newcomer through the point of view of Brave and True. Pretend you're a journalist from a Harborsfort newspaper. Interview True to get her first impressions of Mallevia.
-In chapter 38, Brave tries to entertain himself by using his elemental magic in a dungeon. List five illusions you'd create to keep yourself entertained if you were in the same situation. Be creative and make them exciting!
-In chapter 39, Mallevia visits Brave in the dungeon. Despite being despicable in a multitude of ways, can you spot ways in which the author offers the reader a chance to have empathy for Mallevia's situation?
-True is forced to face her father's lies and ask about a family secret. Write a diary/journal entry where True reveals her authentic feelings about this moment.
-Talk about the motivations of different characters. For example, what motivates Brave to dive into the stinking portal? What motivates True to defend the students and teachers of the Rainforest Academy? What motivates Mallevia to continue her tyranny? Create your own version of Mallevia's backstory including where she came from and what it was like there.
-At the end of The Dangers of Being Brave & True, Brave and True joke about some of the difficult experiences they've had and make light of the challenges they've overcome. How would you feel if you were Brave at that moment? Think back to the terrible ordeal in the dungeon before you answer. How would you describe True's feelings? Consider the changes she's had to accept. What is she not saying?
-The epilogue of book one promises mysterious new characters in the Inner Heat region. What do you think might happen next? Write a follow up chapter.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
J.M. Goldie is a New Zealand author of magical fantasy books and stories for children and adults. With a background in journalism, she's been writing from the get go. She’s a member of the NZ Society of Authors, Bookrapt (The Bay of Plenty Children’s Literature Association), SpecFicNZ (Speculative Fiction) and Tauranga Writers. Outside The Broken Spell series, her books include A Mer-tale, a fantasy mermaid novella, and a number of short stories in science fiction and fantasy anthologies. Book 4 of The Broken Spell series will be released in 2025.Note: all books written in US English Join the newsletter for book signings, free workshops, upcoming events and freebies.
J.M. Goldie is a New Zealand author of magical fantasy books and stories for children and adults. With a background in journalism, she's been writing from the get go. She’s a member of the NZ Society of Authors, Bookrapt (The Bay of Plenty Children’s Literature Association), SpecFicNZ (Speculative Fiction) and Tauranga Writers. Outside The Broken Spell series, her books include A Mer-tale, a fantasy mermaid novella, and a number of short stories in science fiction and fantasy anthologies. Book 4 of The Broken Spell series will be released in 2025.Note: all books written in US English Join the newsletter for book signings, free workshops, upcoming events and freebies.