Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3)

by Maggie Stiefvater

 


The third mesmerising book in Maggie Stiefvater's The
Raven Cycle quartet.
The third book in the mesmerising RAVEN CYCLE quartet from bestselling
author, Maggie Stiefvater. Fans of the SHIVER trilogy will
love this new quartet.


For the first time in her life, Blue Sargent has found a place
where she feels at home. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one
of their own and she is sure that this is where she belongs.



But certainties can unravel.
Visions can mislead.
And
friends can betray.


The trick with found things is how easily they can be lost...






Absolutely addictive writing for teen girls... and grown-up girls...
Magic, mystery and adventure at every turn

From the bestselling author of Shiver, Linger
and Forever which all debuted at #1 on the UK book bestseller
charts

Film rights to The Raven Cycle have been acquired




 

• ISBN13: 9781407136639
• Publish Date: 21 October 2014
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Scholastic
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

Wow. Blue Lily, Lily Blue is several steps up from the boringness that was The Dream Thieves! I was so nervous going into this one, but I loved it! This series went back to what I loved about it: the mysterious, magical hunt for Glendower! There's still plenty of character development goodness, but the plot is once again moving forward, full-throttle! School has started back up for Blue and her Raven Boys, but that doesn't mean they're giving up on their quest. Not only are they still trying to wake the lost king, but they need to find Blue's mother. There's also the matter of Gansey's imminent demise weighing on Blue's mind. On top of that, there's someone new in town with nefarious plans.

Blue Lily, Lily Blue was crazy, in a great way. There are so many new discoveries and a lot of tension! And kissing! And death! And creepy 600 year old women who talk in song! I don't even know where to start, since so much happens, but at the same time I don't want to spoil anything! I suppose I can start with Ronan, since he's my favorite. There wasn't nearly enough of him, but what there was, I loved! He had some quiet, sweet moments that really showed how he cares about his fellow Raven Boys. Then there's a quite disturbing scene of him using his ability to help Adam with this insane plan that he has. Kind of nightmare inducing. Literally (at least for Ronan). I need more Ronan!

Blue and Gansey. What can I say about these two? They're killing me! They have a lot of scenes together in Blue Lily, Lily Blue and each one was more heartbreaking than the last! I want to smush their lips together because AAHHH! But then I want to keep them apart because of that whole kissing curse thing. And I want Blue to TELL HIM! But then I don't, because I don't want a sad Gansey. But then again, at least he'd be prepared, and they can get on with the kissing. But...no! This one scene in his car nearly killed me! This romance is so sad and wonderful, but I don't know! How will it end?! Or really, how will it ever start?!

Adam and Noah were around, too, and did interesting stuff, but nothing I really feel like mentioning, because I'd rather talk about these new characters: Piper and Gwenllian. We're introduced to Greenmantle, the mastermind behind Ronan's father's murder, but I didn't really care. At least, not until his wife Piper freaking loses her mind. That woman is disturbed and I couldn't get enough! Then the epilogue! Nooo! What are you doing, woman!!! Then Blue and the boys find Gwenllian and she certainly makes their lives much more interesting. And by interesting I mean hectic. I adored her, even if she's totally off her rocker.

So, I pretty much loved Blue Lily, Lily Blue and nearly chucked my Kindle across the room when I got the low battery warning at 96%! I mean, come on! Stuff was happening! There was danger! I wasn't sure who was going to survive that, since I can't be sure that anyone is safe! What's behind that door?! Will Blue and Gansey ever kiss?! Will Adam spill secrets?! What is happening to Noah?! RONAN! Where is the next book?!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[girlinthepages]

I think I am about as short as Blue and this makes me identify with her on a spiritual level (no pun intended). That's the beauty of this series: Maggie makes you feel so intricately connected to the characters in small, intimate ways, and sometimes silly ways, whether it's through a Ronan's cynicism and snarky remarks, Gansey's obsessive behavior and paralyzing fear of bees, or Adam's deep and dark desire to be better, stronger, to matter. While I'll be the first to admit that I really struggled with The Dream Thieves, Blue Lily, Lily Blue appeased any doubts I had that I may not get along with Maggie's writing, as I felt as though I was deeply and emotionally connected with these Raven Boys, with their strange jokes (The murder squash song, anyone?) and eerie quest. BLLB creates one of the most intimate reading experiences between characters and readers that I've ever encountered, coupled with some of the most unique and stunning writing I've ever come across in YA.

While The Dream Thieves took a stark turn away from the main focus of The Raven Boys (centering Ronan and Adam at the center of the novel and delving into the dream creations and focusing less on the search for Glendower), Blue Lily, Lily Blue really brings the first two installments together into a cohesive plot. There's a cohesive meshing of everyone's unique power or calling, especially between Ronan's dream creations and how it impacts the search for Glendower. Without mentioning any spoilers, it's so nice to really see some progress made in this novel with the search for Glendower, seeing some fruition come out of Gansey's chronic obsession. I felt like this novel made me understand the ley lines, psychic occurrences, and mythology much more as well, partially due to the arrival of Gansey's old English anthropologist/scholar/professor friend Malory, who serves not only as a hilarious side character but also fleshes certain topics out under the guise of explaining and reminiscing on his previous time spent with Gansey to the other members of the Raven Crew.

The main strength of this book lies in its character development, especially with the boys and Blue. There's such an intimacy, almost a romance, between so many of the characters. They're all so important to each other and have such deep affection for each other that I can't help but call it anything BUT a romance even if it's not in a typical "lovers" sense (Blue & Gansey, Adam & Ronan, Ronan & Gansey, etc.). The depth of emotion the core 5 characters have for each other is enough to make your heart burst, and I'm not one to usually get so emotionally invested in FEELS when I read (I'm sort of a hard audience that way). The secondary characters were also spot on, with the introduction of several new ones that really enhance the narrative rather than make it feel cluttered. Greenmantle (the guy who initially hired the Grayman? Remember him?) becomes a living, breathing presence, and with true irony it turns out that his wife, Piper, is really the bad ass in the relationship (their banter is hilarious). Jesse Dittley is my new favorite character, a seemingly redneck near-giant who is surprisingly observant and speaks in all caps:

“It kills Dittleys and does terrible things to my friend."

"YOUR DEAD FRIEND."

"That's not his fault. Why didn't you say you could see him?"

"I DIDN'T SAY I COULD SEE YOU, EITHER."

"But I'm not dead."

"BUT YOU ARE PRETTY SHORT.”


I literally could not. Stop. Laughing. Whenever Jesse talked it was such a treat, especially considering he is always more perceptive about things than people give him credit for.

The fact that BLLB is such a character driven novel helps make up for the fact that the plot can sometimes get crazy and muddled or just downright confusing. I'll admit, I finished this book about 5 days ago and some of the plot elements are already fading because there is just so much going on: ley lines, missing mothers, psychic predictions, dream-thieving, Cabeswater's power, prophecies of impending doom, dead kings and deadlier romances...I could go on and on. The depth of relationships in this book helps anchor readers when the plot is spinning out of control, and the stark normalcy of certain actions and conversations (such as Piper's complaints about her book club or Blue and Gansey's sweet and awkward late night phone calls) help along the idea that all of the paranormal elements exist and really help suspend readers' disbelief. The happenings in this book are either breathtakingly strange or hilariously normal, and the juxtaposition somehow works perfectly.

Overall: I can't properly explain to you how much I loved this book. Was it flawed? Of course, but those flaws really just added to the quirky, eerie, and inexplicable magic that perfumes off of the pages of this novel. With outrageously strong character development, progress made in the plot, and a faster pace that the first two books in the series, Blue Lily, Lily Blue solidifies this series, for me, as one of the best out there. If The Dream Thieves didn't convince you, please please please give the third book a shot.This review was originally posted on Girl in the Pages

[Sam@WLABB]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I love The Raven Cycle books for many reasons.
1. The writing - I think Stiefvater's style is very interesting and always enjoy reading it.
2. Blue - we get to know a lot more about Blue. Her hopes and dreams, the wishes of her heart.
3. The Boys - they are all very complex and very different. So much more is revealed about Ronan and a different Adam is starting to emerge.
4. The side characters - Jesse and Mr. Grey won a special place in my heart after this book.

For me, The Raven Cycle books are an exercising in storing bits and pieces and challenging myself to put them together. I greatly enjoy that process and cannot wait for the next book

[jesstheaudiobookworm]

4.5

[nitzan_schwarz]

2015 tbr challenge + cleaning my shelves 2015

"...But what she didn't realize about Blue and her boys was that they were all in love with one another. She was no less obsessed with them than they were with her, or one another, analyzing every conversation and gesture, drawing out every joke into a longer and longer running gag, spending each moment either with one another or thinking about when next they would be with one another. 
 Blue was perfectly aware that it was possible to have a friendship that wasn't all-encompassing, that wasn't blinding, deafening, maddening, quickening. It was just that now that she'd had this kind, she didn't want the other."

.... I don't know where to start. Where does one begin when it comes to such a marvelous creation? All I want to do is gash and squeal and swoon. How do I arrange that into coherent thoughts. Should I even arrange that, if that is the genuine reaction I have to this book and I want my review to properly express that?

I guess I'll go by my status updates on GR to construct this review.

First, let me say this - so many otp moments to squee over, from practically the first page! Blue and Gansey are testing my sanity, I swear. My vocal cords are shot from squealing so loudly and so often while reading this. Touching fingertips in secret? Calling each other late at night? Going on drives? hugging?!?!?!!

And then there are... Adam and Ronan. I was not aboard this ship in the first book. I didn't even know this ship was a possibility. Then came book two, and I was shipping Ronan in love with Adam, but I wasn't there yet. And then came book three. RONAN, YOU LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT STOP BEING SO SECRETLY NICE TO ADAM I CAN'T TAKE IT *SOBS*

And then, and then, Adam! I mean, ADAM!

So, yes. I'm on this ship and enjoying the view immensely. And they were together so much in this book, or roundabout thinking about each other when they weren't, even if it wasn't in the romantic sense... it was just so adorable and sweet and I CAN'T TAKE IT!

Speaking of Adam... HE GREW SO MUCH from the Adam in book one! That is to say, he finally outgrew of his Dickface phase, and realized that his friends aren't pitying him or trying to make him owe them--they're just being his f*cking friends! So, finally, in the third book, I could fully love Adam, instead of occasionally cursing him/wanting to strangle him. 

"Don't tell the others," Gansey said. 
"I'm dead," Noah replied. "Not Stupid".

Who hadn't we talked about yet? that's right--NOAH. Of all the raven boys, Noah is the one I've always wanted for myself. I feel like he doesn't get nearly as much love as he's supposed to, because he is a precious cinnamon roll. But what is going on with my baby in this book?! LEAVE NOAH ALONE, do you hear me, you evil possibly ghostly things?! 


This is your last warning. Leave my baby be. 

Okay, okay, I'm calming down. Give me a sec.

Aside for all these, every character was just astounding in this novel.

Blue and Mr Gray have developed this... kind of fatherly relationship that I adore and totally approve of. Maura, if you want to marry the guy, I ain't gonna stop you. Just saying.

And can we just talk about the fact Gansey woke them up with a word? (I'm playing the pronoun game. Go read the book). CAN WE? SOMEONE SPEAK TO ME ABOUT IT BECAUSE I'M FREAKING OUT.

Then there was the DEATH. Yes, this book contains a death. And it's shocking and unexpected and how exactly are we supposed to deal, eh!? Because I am not dealing.

And then the end? Folks, cliffhanger alert! of the delicious kind, though. The one that says:

And now I NEED the next book, ASAP. But I'm also SCARED SHITLESS of the sequel *cries*.

The one thing I'd like to close this review with, which will be slightly less fangirling in its nature, is Maggie Stiefvater's writing. It is one of the most beautiful of writings. Do you know those moments where you just read a line that is so gorgeous, so poetic, so thought-provoking that you have to close the book and stare at the wall for a few minutes just marveling at what you just read?

THIS is the type of writing Stiefvater employs. I stopped counting these little pauses somewhere around the twenty-three mark. Never before has a book made me want to mark things in it because it was so beautiful, and I did not want to forget.

(I didn't though, relax)

Okay, this is what I’m talking about. I loved it. Oh, so much.

All those annoying problems I had with The Dream Thieves disappeared.

We are finally back to questing! Things start moving and happening and it was oh, so awesome.Whereas the second book focused heavily on Ronan, this book follows the storyline of the first book with an emphasis on Blue and the quest for the Welsh King. One of the aspects that hooked me on the first book was the storyline and in this book, it comes back full-force. We gain knowledge and magic happens and everything just starts happening and falling into place (or out of place, depending).

The characters are as amazing as ever. The friendships between every single one is sweet and so true. They are all so utterly different, yet seem as though they were friends before they were even in this world. Blue is so sweet yet feisty. Gansey is the adorable knowledge seeker who is just too precious for words. Ronan is still as snarky and prickly as ever, yet still manages to tug at my heart strings. Adam, who got on my nerves in The Dream Thieves comes back around to being his normal self. He’s strong yet still so fragile, but I love him again. My main issue is the fact that Noah is almost nonexistent (hehe…see what I did there. I’m so funny). I want Noah back! Buttttttt, we get a little glimpse of romance! And it’s beautiful and swoon worthy and adorable but still takes a backseat to friendship, because friendship!

And, though the story line and emphasis on friendship is incredibly intriguing, the writing is what grabs me and holds me tight. Maggie Stiefvater is a magician when it comes to the written word and really knows how to make something so simple, so beautiful.

My main issue what I felt that the “villain” was incredibly lacking. I feel like he was supposed to be intimidating or something, but he fell incredibly flat.

But the end! Everything HAPPENS! And it’s crazy awesome. I need the 4th book now!

Original review can be found on my blog Oh, For the Love of Books!"

[Joséphine]

Initial thoughts: I felt... underwhelmed. Yes, that's the word, underwhelmed. Blue Lily, Lily Blue didn't hold my attention as well as the first two books. I partly peg this to the fact that I didn't have that much time to read over the past two weeks. But when I did have time, I wasn't entirely looking forward to continuing with this book either. It was decidedly slow and for the first 55% of the book, there was no semblance of direction. It was like being stuck in a labyrinth with no way out, and not the kind of fun labyrinth you voluntarily signed up for during a funfair of sorts.

The first half of the book basically let me down. I was bored and had half a mind to give up. But I had unanswered questions from the first two books to which I wanted answers. Instead of unfurling, they just became foggier. I'm glad I know how the book ended and I will continue with The Raven King when it comes out but part of me thinks I should've just read a spoiler-induced summary, so I won't be lost when I read the final book in the series.

In any case, Maggie Stiefvater's prose continued to be beautiful. That really was the saving grace of Blue Lily, Lily Blue for me.

[KitsuneBae]

Stiefvater, you can kill Blue but not the boys, not any one of them, okay?

[Stephanie]

This is such a great series. And lots of things are finally comin together now. I don't know what to do with myself until the next book.

[ladygrey]

This series is intricate and rich. This part isn't as exciting as The Dream Thieves was but delved deeper into these characters and the world gets larger. There's a word I'm missing here. Not languid but purposefully taking it's time. It doesn't rush to be a trilogy or draw everything out inordinately. It's a measured pace that isn't afraid to dwell momentarily when necessary. I love it.

I also love how good these books are at being a series. Each book stands alone with a distinct beginning and end. But they're also interconnected; with pieces from one showing up in this book and explanations given for things that came before. You could say the books themselves are as circular as time in these stories. It's a rather masterful piece of writing.

Though this one has quite a bit more cursing than the others.