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The Broken Spell #1
The Dangers of Being Brave & True
Until now, Brave Kingsfort has been Captain Average.
Average family. Average school dramas. 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 series for teen and young adult readers who love alternate worlds, mages and magic, coming of age tales and forever friendships.
“A standout in the young adult fantasy genre, offering a fresh take on elemental magic and royal intrigue. J.M. Goldie has crafted a compelling tale of courage, self-discovery, and the complex dynamics of friendship and family.” ~LibraryThing Review
Average family. Average school dramas. 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 series for teen and young adult readers who love alternate worlds, mages and magic, coming of age tales and forever friendships.
“A standout in the young adult fantasy genre, offering a fresh take on elemental magic and royal intrigue. J.M. Goldie has crafted a compelling tale of courage, self-discovery, and the complex dynamics of friendship and family.” ~LibraryThing Review
- GenresFantasy
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2023
18 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Goldie
14 books54 followersHello, how's things?
The fantasy short story 🔥 Riley's Revenge 🔥 is out now! A sidequel quick read written from Riley Smith's point of view, it follows her reluctant journey into the Inner Heat.
I loved writing this short burst from an potential anti-hero's point of view and hope you enjoy it too!
Plus...
⭐️Book 3 of the Broken Spell series, ✨Guardians of the Spell✨ is available now.
Check the website www.jmgoldie.com for more details and please request at your local bookstore or library!
Launch the adventure with The Dangers of Being Brave & True, continue the fantasy with An Element of Magic and enjoy more elemental magic in Guardians of the Spell.
The fantasy short story 🔥 Riley's Revenge 🔥 is out now! A sidequel quick read written from Riley Smith's point of view, it follows her reluctant journey into the Inner Heat.
I loved writing this short burst from an potential anti-hero's point of view and hope you enjoy it too!
Plus...
⭐️Book 3 of the Broken Spell series, ✨Guardians of the Spell✨ is available now.
Check the website www.jmgoldie.com for more details and please request at your local bookstore or library!
Launch the adventure with The Dangers of Being Brave & True, continue the fantasy with An Element of Magic and enjoy more elemental magic in Guardians of the Spell.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 21, 2025
I Loved it! Thoroughly recommended
September 15, 2023
We start by meeting Brave – he's your everyday high school kid trying to dodge some bullies on his way home. You know, the kind of stuff we've all been through at some point. Brave's pretty much your regular guy, and he thinks of himself as "Captain Average" in a sarcastic kind of way.
Out of the blue, a mysterious uncle that Brave never even knew existed suddenly shows up. What’s more, it turns out that Brave's family isn't what it seems. They're not just ordinary folks from Earth; they're actually from another world called Arvalonia.
Oh, and to top it all off, it turns out that he has magical abilities that are beginning to manifest.
"The Dangers of Being Brave & True" by J.M. Goldie is an epic adventure that takes you on a wild ride between Earth and Arvalonia, a place where magic and some serious battles for balance are going down. The story hooks you in immediately, the characters are vibrant, and the dialogue will make you laugh out loud. And trust me, you won't want to put it down. Goldie's storytelling prowess shines in this young adult fantasy novel, capturing the essence of a classic adventure with a modern twist.
So, the story flips between Brave and True, two compelling characters who embark on separate journeys that end up colliding in a world where magic rules the show. Goldie does a great job making you feel what they're feeling, whether it's fear, hope, or just plain determination.
I love the world-building. Arvalonia, with its shifting sands, mysterious creatures, and elemental magic, is vividly described and feels like a fully realized world, creating a rich and immersive setting that draws readers deeper into the story.
Goldie's writing style is accessible, especially for young adult readers. It's not overly flowery and the dialogue is fun and engaging. It lets the characters and the plot shine without any distractions. It’s the kind of story that I loved when I was a kid (and still do, now!).
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the gradual unfolding of the mysteries surrounding Arvalonia and the Wordhaven family's unique abilities.
In a nutshell, this is a young adult fantasy that hits all the right notes. With great characters, a fantastic world, and a plot full of surprises, you'll be itching for the next book in the series. Goldie really knows how to tell a story.
Out of the blue, a mysterious uncle that Brave never even knew existed suddenly shows up. What’s more, it turns out that Brave's family isn't what it seems. They're not just ordinary folks from Earth; they're actually from another world called Arvalonia.
Oh, and to top it all off, it turns out that he has magical abilities that are beginning to manifest.
"The Dangers of Being Brave & True" by J.M. Goldie is an epic adventure that takes you on a wild ride between Earth and Arvalonia, a place where magic and some serious battles for balance are going down. The story hooks you in immediately, the characters are vibrant, and the dialogue will make you laugh out loud. And trust me, you won't want to put it down. Goldie's storytelling prowess shines in this young adult fantasy novel, capturing the essence of a classic adventure with a modern twist.
So, the story flips between Brave and True, two compelling characters who embark on separate journeys that end up colliding in a world where magic rules the show. Goldie does a great job making you feel what they're feeling, whether it's fear, hope, or just plain determination.
I love the world-building. Arvalonia, with its shifting sands, mysterious creatures, and elemental magic, is vividly described and feels like a fully realized world, creating a rich and immersive setting that draws readers deeper into the story.
Goldie's writing style is accessible, especially for young adult readers. It's not overly flowery and the dialogue is fun and engaging. It lets the characters and the plot shine without any distractions. It’s the kind of story that I loved when I was a kid (and still do, now!).
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the gradual unfolding of the mysteries surrounding Arvalonia and the Wordhaven family's unique abilities.
In a nutshell, this is a young adult fantasy that hits all the right notes. With great characters, a fantastic world, and a plot full of surprises, you'll be itching for the next book in the series. Goldie really knows how to tell a story.
September 22, 2023
I loved reading this book! The world building was amazing! I found myself on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next! I can’t wait to read the next book!
March 16, 2025
The Dangers of Being Brave & True was a great read!!!!
August 10, 2023
Great read! Loved it so much :)
September 2, 2023
Loved it!
August 25, 2023
An amazing young adults fantasy! I loved the relatable characters, creative setting, elemental magic and absorbing story-line. An absolute page turner. 🌳💧🔥🌀
November 29, 2023
Really enjoyed the world building in this book and the pacing was perfect. I couldn't put it down and was always wanting to know what's going to happen next. The characters and magic elements were interesting and really transported you with them to another world. Can't wait to read the next one!
December 18, 2023
O MY GOODNESS THE ENDING HAD ME —> 😱😱😱
This book was actually so so so good filled with breathtaking writing and plot points that had me never wanting to put it down.
Also Rat defos deserves his own book; i am his biggest fan #loverat ❤️❤️😍😍
This book was actually so so so good filled with breathtaking writing and plot points that had me never wanting to put it down.
Also Rat defos deserves his own book; i am his biggest fan #loverat ❤️❤️😍😍
December 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book, and the world that was created in it. Great work!
March 23, 2024
just your average ya fantasy
December 6, 2023
Trying to get my son (10.5) to do anything other than read this book for the last 2 weeks has been challenging!!
From the moment he opened it to the moment he said "I'm finished Mum." with a mixture of triumph and regret - he has been absolutely absorbed by the intriguing story line.
The unfolding of the main Characters powers, the bond thats created with True through the trials they face and the characters they meet along to way. The incredible powers they possess and the way they weave together to thwart evil.
I recieved a daily recap as I prised the book from his weary hands every night so he could sleep. And you know you've nailed it when the reader not only loves the main character but also wants to be him!
Here is what Liam (10.5) thinks in his own words..
"This is the best book I've ever read, I wish I was like Brave. His powers are so cool and he can do any spell without practice. I don't want it to end but I cant stop reading!! When can we get the next one Mum?"
Liams previous faves: Wings of fire series, Harry Potter series, Narnia, Watership down to name a few.
New fave: The dangers of being Brave and True.
By J M Goldie
From the moment he opened it to the moment he said "I'm finished Mum." with a mixture of triumph and regret - he has been absolutely absorbed by the intriguing story line.
The unfolding of the main Characters powers, the bond thats created with True through the trials they face and the characters they meet along to way. The incredible powers they possess and the way they weave together to thwart evil.
I recieved a daily recap as I prised the book from his weary hands every night so he could sleep. And you know you've nailed it when the reader not only loves the main character but also wants to be him!
Here is what Liam (10.5) thinks in his own words..
"This is the best book I've ever read, I wish I was like Brave. His powers are so cool and he can do any spell without practice. I don't want it to end but I cant stop reading!! When can we get the next one Mum?"
Liams previous faves: Wings of fire series, Harry Potter series, Narnia, Watership down to name a few.
New fave: The dangers of being Brave and True.
By J M Goldie
August 9, 2024
Firstly, love the name, think its clever!
Secondly, this is a proper YA series. None of this pretending to be YA but full of smut nonsense.
Ok onto the review!
Loved the language, even the language that our main characters use in their minds is so age appropriate! Which is not that common in most books, in my opinion.
Some of our boys descriptions even had me snort laughing as I read, so you know it’s a winner.
The politics, the culture, the peoples, the lore, the magic system, the world, is complex and varied, almost felt overwhelmed at times trying to keep up, but wasn’t terrible, if you know what I mean.
The names were also a super fun and funny little detail in this world.
I feel for our main boy, what the heckity sort of thing to go through at 13!
Also really enjoyed our main girl battling with challenges to her belief systems, and having to confront her own assumptions and behaviours.
We deal with immense pressures and expectations.
Now I am about to jump headfirst into the second book, and 1 thing I will say is…… love love love that while their story is not done, the first book does give a feel of having some level of resolution, we aren’t left on a completely brutal cliffhanger.
Noice
Secondly, this is a proper YA series. None of this pretending to be YA but full of smut nonsense.
Ok onto the review!
Loved the language, even the language that our main characters use in their minds is so age appropriate! Which is not that common in most books, in my opinion.
Some of our boys descriptions even had me snort laughing as I read, so you know it’s a winner.
The politics, the culture, the peoples, the lore, the magic system, the world, is complex and varied, almost felt overwhelmed at times trying to keep up, but wasn’t terrible, if you know what I mean.
The names were also a super fun and funny little detail in this world.
I feel for our main boy, what the heckity sort of thing to go through at 13!
Also really enjoyed our main girl battling with challenges to her belief systems, and having to confront her own assumptions and behaviours.
We deal with immense pressures and expectations.
Now I am about to jump headfirst into the second book, and 1 thing I will say is…… love love love that while their story is not done, the first book does give a feel of having some level of resolution, we aren’t left on a completely brutal cliffhanger.
Noice
August 10, 2023
A fantastic ride from the very first page.
J.M. Goldie’s imagery takes you into the world of Arvalonia and face-to face with Mallevia Newcomer, pretender to the throne and supreme evildoer. Can Brave and his family vanquish this ghastly false queen? And at what cost to the Kingdom?
Having power over one element is a blessing to be nurtured. Having power over four elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water, is beyond a blessing. It’s downright dangerous, unless you learn how to manage your powers.
The reader is rocketed through a string of adventures as Brave and True bristle along, each searching for answers as to why they have been blessed with exemplary skills – and for what purpose. I loved the engaging supporting cast, the wonderful world building and the twisty plot that entertains as it carries you along. Lots of fast flowing and witty dialogue, together with landscapes that leave you gasping with delight, and for water.
I look forward to Book Two, once I’ve caught my breath from Book One.
November 23, 2023
"The Dangers of Being Brave and True" is a spellbinding young adult fantasy novel that transports readers to a captivating world filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters. The author's imaginative storytelling weaves a tale of bravery and truth that resonates with readers of all ages. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, as it combines an engaging plot with profound lessons about the power of courage and authenticity. Prepare to be enchanted from beginning to end!
October 25, 2023
My son has loved this book!! He has struggled to read his whole life and when we purchased this book with a night light for him to read before bed - he got stuck right in and the pride he felt was awesome, I have loved seeing him so involved and dedicated to his reading . My older son has started reading and he’s really enjoying it too! Highly recommend! I want to buy a second book for my sisters class room!
January 29, 2024
I bought this book for my son to read but I picked it and we ended up reading it together. The kids couldn’t wait until bed time to see what happens next. We enjoyed witnessing the ‘coming of age’ changes in the protagonists. Also enjoyed the nuances offered during character development that gave a slight respite from “good vs evil” and endeared a wee bit of compassion for the antagonist. Over all a good read. Recommend.
March 28, 2024
Honestly, the best young adult fantasy book I’ve read in ages! Can’t stop thinking about the characters and that’s a sign of a good book! JM Goldie has a brilliant way of weaving fantasy with modern times. Can’t wait to read the next in this YA fantasy series. Neither can my kids!
August 1, 2023
Love it!! 📚 ✨
February 5, 2024
11/10 easily. Most gripping book I have read in a long time. Finished it in under 3 days
September 21, 2024
Compelling magical adventure! Love the action and the world. The character names are an absolute delight and their powers keep you guessing. Excited to continue the fun in book two!
November 26, 2023
Great read! The characters are relatable, believable, laugh out loud funny- so refreshing in a fantasy novel. The world of Arvalonia is enchanting and is brought to life in full colour for the reader. I couldn’t put this book down and can’t wait for the next one!
June 18, 2025
Awesome way to begin a fantasy series. Deep, thoughtful characters and fascinating world draws you in - and treats the reader with respect. I love how their struggle unfolds as they change from strangers to friends and face their own challenges and their combined foes. The book is well paced and couldnt put it down as it got to the end. Please hurry with book two.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews