ARC Review: “Bryn’s Virtues: Courage” by TreVaughn Malik Roach-Carter 

“Bryn’s Virtues: Courage” by TreVaughn Malik Roach-Carter 

Publishing Date: September 12, 2025

Genre: YA, LGBTQIA, Fantasy, Fiction

Page Length: 285 pages (electronic review edition)

Synopsis:

Bryn Gonzalez-Ortiz has always known she was different—especially with her supernatural strength—just not how different. A trans girl of color with dreams of fashion journalism and a closet full of self-made designs, all she wants is a chance to be seen for who she is.

After landing a dream job at a powerhouse magazine, Bryn discovers a truth more extraordinary than she ever imagined: she’s an Amazon—descended from ancient warriors, destined to lead, and feared by gods.

Bryn is hunted by a vengeful demigod and thrown into a world of myth, monsters, and legacy. As her strength grows, so does the risk—to her dreams, her found family, and maybe the world. She must uncover the full extent of her power before everything she loves is destroyed.

Review:

Like in The Aziza Chronicles by Roach their latest title Bryn’s Virtues: Courage is also a thrill ride of a fantasy story from beginning to end. Readers follow a coming-of-age story mixed with a superhero tale as the main character discovers her Amazonian heritage and the answers she’s had to so many questions throughout her life. With the support of her friends, new and old, Bryn is set on a journey of discovery but also trying to find a way to save the world from evil.

What a fun and engaging novel! I enjoyed reading every moment of the story and its fast pace keeps readers eager to turn the page. Roach added all the elements that you will want in any fantasy novel: action-packed scenes, a bit of magic, the fight versus good and evil, with so much more! All these aspects combined with the suspense of figuring out the identities of all of the characters we meet added to the overall reading experience. I appreciated the folklore and mythology intertwined into the story that were reinvented for a new reading audience.

Most of all, the powerful part of the book was I think its discussions about identity and how the novel focuses on beliefs, sexuality, acceptance, and family. I loved the found family that grows in this book between Bryn, and her best friends Macks and Lucinda. There is so much that threatens to pull them apart but they work hard to persevere through every obstacle that is thrown at them. I think in the current climate this Queer Fantasy story about unity and togetherness helps to bring readers together in a very divisive world .

The novel ends on such a cliffhanger that left me wanting more. I’m curious to see what the next installment for Bryn’s journey will hold! I recommend this novel to any reader who enjoys Urban Fantasy and uplifting stories with courageous characters.

Final Verdict:

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.