Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Jade Ethan Terblanche – September 17, 2023
Bravehearts of Belgrave High is a compelling read that beckons you to join Viviane’s journey of self-discovery and resilience. This book offers something special to anyone who picks it up.
Firstly, it delves into the intricate layers of friendship, showcasing how Viviane and Glenda’s unwavering support for each other becomes a beacon of hope amidst life’s challenges. Their bond is relatable and heartwarming.
Moreover, Bravehearts explores profound themes of self-esteem, genuine friendship, and the remarkable influence of positive energy. These themes resonate with readers of all ages, making the story universally appealing.
As the narrative unfolds, you’ll witness a group of friends facing adversity and injustice head-on, demonstrating the sheer power of unity and the importance of standing up for what’s right. This aspect of the book is both empowering and inspiring.
Throughout the story, Mr. Williams introduces intriguing concepts of hidden abilities and true power, adding an element of wonder and anticipation. It’s a captivating journey of growth and self-discovery.
In summary, Bravehearts is a must-read for those seeking a heartfelt story of friendship, resilience, and empowerment. Its relatable characters and profound themes make it a book that leaves a lasting impact and encourages readers to embrace their own journey of self-discovery.
Jade Ethan Terblanche of South Africa
Rated 5 out of 5
Bobby Venkat – April 22, 2016
The Bravehearts of Belgrave High
Madeline Rose has written the first book of the seven part book series, Tolemac Chronicles. Her website describes the series as “A story of Magic, Mystery and Mastery”, which the first book “The Bravehearts of Belgrave High” does in portraying the life of two teenagers who begin the journey of learning to see the Mysteries and start to gain Mastery before understanding Magic.
The story starts with an unhappy thirteen year old girl, Viviane, who lacks confidence and is growing up in a dysfunctional household. As the novel moves on we read and how she starts to learn how to overcome the effects of that in her life. In the process she is taught a great deal of valuable insight from two important mentors that neither her family nor school were able to provide. Since many youngsters in real life are not getting proper guidance books, this novel can open a gateway for them to understand the world better. Important messages presented in this book include:
1. Independence
In our first novel in the series, the protagonist learns that she doesn’t have to put up with situations she doesn’t want to experience. Whether it be overcoming her dysfunctional family, standing up to bullies, or making plans for her own business when she leaves school, this story stresses that teens can plan and work towards an independent life.
2. Relationships
For teenagers, relationships can get very confusing. They are not yet capable of making good decisions about how and with whom to spend their time. This volume shows the consequences of good and bad decisions and will help teens to use good discernment about their choices.
3. Metaphysical concepts
This book is a treasure for teenagers to learn about concepts that they don’t hear in the mainstream culture or media. Intuition, meditation, karma, work and life balance, work satisfaction, need for self-awareness and change first before trying to change others or change the world, being a light to the world – these are just a few of the concepts described.
4. Values
Nothing is more important than a youngster filled with the right values that help him/her make the world a better place. This book shares insights about sports, dance, democracy, economy, sexuality, racism, entrepreneurial spirit, business plans, therefore opening up young minds to feeding on the right kind of information.
5. Passion
Some youngsters are culturally conditioned that they can succeed in life only if they do well in studies. Novel one in the series speaks loads about how this is not true. The protagonist gains confidence by knowing that it is okay to not score the highest marks in studies when your interest lies in other areas. This will increase the readers’ confidence that they too can follow their passions and achieve success.
6. Psychic phenomenon
This book delves into various aspects of psychic abilities possible. Since not everyone is culturally open minded towards this phenomenon, confused teenagers who may be going through such experiences themselves will be able to accept and understand his/her abilities. The psychic phenomenon aspect may also be rejected outright by a section of readers.
As with everything else under the sun, this novel could have been better in a few areas. The story seemed to lack the structural tension which may result in some readers losing interest. A few may get disappointed that the book ends without finishing off on any of the different story tracks started. The details about the classes at the school felt repetitive and might seem boring to some readers who are hungry for more action (although some may disagree with me on this).
Author’s narration of simple things that happen throughout the story is very poetic and certainly gives the readers a taste of her state of awareness. Descriptions of the Teachers at the school are also a big source of both funny and serious aspects of the story.
I enjoyed reading the book, and I sincerely hope this volume and the others of the Tolemac Chronicles reach more readers, opening up readers’ minds and hearts to the magic possible in our lives.
Looking forward to read more about the Belgrave High Bravehearts.
Bobby Venkat
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Sarah – March 14, 2017
The Bravehearts of Belgrave High
This is an urban fantasy story about family, friendship, bullying and the hardships of life.
Not at all like other books which mostly focus on just one topic, The Bravehearts of Belgrave High tackles many of the difficulties that we face in day-to-day life. Intertwined with numerous underlying sub-genres, this book appealed to me in many ways, especially at an emotional level. The writer describes every character in such a way that I felt that I became personally attached to them (even those who are mentioned briefly). I was absorbed into their lives and was eager to learn more about them. Viviane, the main character, has a description that made me root for her and travel with her through all of her journeys. Especially when she meets Glenda and they form a bond which not only makes Viviane more confident, but teaches her that life is far better when you can share it with someone.
The story is described with such real life events that it took me back to my school days and how girls will be girls no matter the ages. It also reminded me about family problems and how they can have an effect on the emotional stability of teenagers and how praise is an important part of our lives as opposed to putting others down.
The Bravehearts of Belgrave High meshes all three aspects of the past, the present and the future, keeping the reader hopeful that even if things are looking down there is a future to where the sorrows end. Not only did it focus on young adult themes but it also touched on adult topics of going into the world and opening a business and the use of entrepreneurial skills. The book motivates the reader beyond the life of an ordinary school girl and shows the importance of ambition and dreams of a better future.
I found it to be a very interesting novel and it had many intellectual concepts that were explained in great detail. For me, I felt that the story started off a bit slow but grew in strength as it continued, becoming a real page turner by about chapter three.
Sadly, I felt the book was too short because I was left hanging at the end, but I am now looking forward to the next in the series as there are so many unanswered questions.
I give the book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Sarah
Rated 5 out of 5
Amanda Abode – March 28, 2017
A gripping yarn…fresh and fascinating. Deserved a 5-star
This is another book I will love to give my daughter for her birthday. The Bravehearts of Belgrave High is a puzzling and gripping story, beautifully written and well-paced; it is indeed an inspiring tale of adventure. I must admit I couldn’t put it down and I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.
The storyline is centred on Viviane, a bright lanky teenager growing up in a dysfunction home. But there’s another side to her life – a magical world full of wonder and gripping adventures.
The writer does an excellent job of pulling me in from the very beginning. The characters are instantly likeable and relatable. I had a wonderful ride to the very last page! The entire novel is beautifully written, easy to read, absolutely engaging, magical and full of Mystery and Suspense.
Madeline Rose is such an amazing author. Her writing style is so present, so engaging, you will love the unique warmth she brought to this adventure packed novel.
Amanda Abode
Rated 5 out of 5
Elizabeth Train-Brown – April 29, 2017
I absolutely love this story: young adult fantasy novels are my favourite!
Viviane is a wonderful young girl who grows up living in a difficult home environment but she and her best friend Glenda meet two mentors (a school teacher and an older lady) who teach her what her family could never.
This novel encourages some valuable principles for all young girls, particularly: independence, values, relationships, passion and friendship. It makes it a beautiful read and I’d instantly recommend it to anyone.
Elizabeth Train-Brown
Rated 5 out of 5
Pankaj Chaudhary – May 2, 2017
Absolutely great book. I loved it!
This is a fabulous book written by Madeline Rose. It’s the first teenagers book which I love very much ever. It is the beautiful story of a young girl’s life. This book can definitely be read by all the teenagers because the story is very realistic which can help understand such type of problems as the main character’s. Plus it has an inspiring tale of adventure.
In this story the girl Viviane starts her learning and wonder journey with her friend Glenda. They are inspired by two important adults. I was given a glimpse into their lives – both home and school – as well as their past memories outside the school. It reminded me of my own school. I could relate the story with my memories. I laughed at some situations at school that were in the book, and I felt sad when Viviane was getting abused at home.
The book was very realistic & it described the strong bond between two best friends. We should all have a friend like that in our lives.
Madeline Rose writes the entire novel very beautifully. It is very easy to understand.
Pankaj Chaudhary India
Rated 5 out of 5
Emar in USA – June 3, 2017
Wow! What a wonderland.
Just like how Viviane found The Fury immensely irresistible, so too was The Bravehearts Of Belgrave High to me. Firstly, the choice of words used by the author is explicit and I found each word refreshing.
Travelling with this book – starting with the prologue down to the very last word – has been an unending revelation of fun, courage, magic and bravery.
The Bravehearts Of Belgrave High doesn’t bore you at any point. I felt compelled to read on till the very end. But when it ended, I was like, “When can I read the second book in the series?” I can’t wait until the author finishes the second book in the series.
This was a highly enjoyable read.
Emar in the USA
Rated 5 out of 5
Nihar Ranjan Bose – August 22, 2017
This book has the power to motivate and inspire. When I read it I saw how it could teach young ladies how to face a troublesome situation with bravery. I learned from it too. There were some really funny moments in the book that made me laugh, especially some of the things that the teachers did. I loved this book very much.
Nihar Bose from Dhaka