Book Review: Brave Falls (Drifters Realm, 3)

Reviewed by Samantha Hui

An immersive and thought-provoking YA fantasy about the power of forgiveness 

AnneMarie Mazotti Gouveia’s Brave Falls is the third book in the Drifters Realm series, where readers are drawn into a world where the line between hero and villain is blurred, and personal growth, trust, and family take center stage. 

Gouveia’s worldbuilding is ambitious and multifaceted, offering a perspective I haven’t seen enough of in YA fantasy. With beautifully crafted characters and an enchanting world, Brave Falls invites readers of all ages to reflect on the true meaning of power.

“Ancient storytellers claimed teenagers performed acts of great strength and power in times of great need. Could this explain why their powers had grown?”

Once vibrant and peaceful, Drifters Realm was a place where teenagers eagerly awaited the gift of their “Obligations,” powers that range from Chemist to Life Giver to Knowledge Bearer. However, their tranquil existence is shattered when Zane, a power-hungry leader, leads an uprising against the realm. 

Roe, a twelve-year-old Life Giver, is chosen as the savior and embarks on a journey to understand her growing powers, decode a cryptic message urging her to save Zane rather than defeat him, and ultimately learn the true meaning of family, friendship, and balance.

“I’ve only just found you, and I am afraid I am going to lose you.”

Although Roe and her siblings have solved the first few clues of a mysterious prophecy, their quest to save Drifters Realm is far from over. As tensions rise, the siblings and their friends begin to question each other’s motives, seek out power, and come to terms with their own abilities. Brave Falls continues the exciting saga, following the triplets and their older brother Theo as they navigate these obstacles together.

“She longed to sit with them, to be free from her destiny.”

The book explores themes of family, power, and balance. Gouveia has crafted an exceptional character in Roe, who serves as a great role model for young adults. The conflict begins when Roe is granted the powers of a Life Giver and later gains the abilities of a Sorcerer. 

Many characters, despite their good intentions, show how their lack of communication or attempts at secrecy can lead to tragic consequences. It is through connection, communication, and trust (despite the many reasons they have to distrust each other) that the characters find their greatest strength. The story emphasizes that fighting for peace, rather than for power or retribution, is what truly makes a fighter powerful. Roe, initially a healer, demonstrates that her desire for peace, healing, and balance makes her worthy of greater power.

“I don’t know. But whatever it means, we will face it together. You as a Storm Catcher and me as a Life Giver.”

The story is beautifully complemented by Branislav Sosic’s illustrations that separate each chapter. These images capture the emotions of the story while highlighting the fantastical yet natural beauty of Gouveia’s world. The illustrations of the teenagers, especially Roe, convey both the innocence of youth and the enormity of the tasks they face. The artwork feels electric, perfectly setting the tone for the heavy responsibility placed upon Roe and her group.

“Using his backpack’s Knowledge Bearer powers along with his breath, he summoned his ancestors, who had believed all written words were sacred and must be shared with others.”

Brave Falls is a captivating continuation of the Drifters Realm series, blending rich storytelling and elaborate worldbuilding with stunning illustrations. Gouveia thrives in her exploration of the anti-villain, featuring characters who do bad or even catastrophic things, though initially with the best of intentions. The emotional depth of the characters, especially Roe, and the immersive worldbuilding ensure that both fans of the series and new readers alike will eagerly await the next chapter in this epic adventure.

Thank you for reading Samantha Hui’s book review of Brave Falls (Drifters Realm 3) by AnneMarie Mazotti Gouveia! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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