maggiefan
Written on Nov 8, 2021
The first electrifying book in Maggie Stiefvater's The
Raven Cycle series.
"There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit
on St. Mark's Eve...
Either you're his true love... or you killed him."
Part of a clairvoyant family, Blue has spent sixteen years being
told that if she kisses her true love, he will die.
So when she meets Gansey's spirit on the corpse road, Blue knows
that either he is her true love - or she has killed him.
The boy emerges from...Read more
The first electrifying book in Maggie Stiefvater's The
Raven Cycle series.
"There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit
on St. Mark's Eve...
Either you're his true love... or you killed him."
Part of a clairvoyant family, Blue has spent sixteen years being
told that if she kisses her true love, he will die.
So when she meets Gansey's spirit on the corpse road, Blue knows
that either he is her true love - or she has killed him.
The boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His
name is Gansey, and he is a student at Aglionby, a wealthy local
private school. With three other mysterious and privileged boys,
he is on a quest to find the grave of Glendower - a Welsh king buried
somewhere on a Virginia ley line. Whoever finds him will be
granted a supernatural favour.
Never before has Blue felt such magic around her. But is Gansey
really her true love - the one she is destined to kill?
Blue never fully believed in the prophecy. But as she is caught
up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not
so sure anymore.
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
PRAISE FOR MAGGIE STIEFVATER BOOKS
The Raven Boys:
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year 2012
"Stiefvater is a master storyteller." - USA Today
"A dizzying paranormal romance tinged with murder and Welsh mythology."
- The Los Angeles Times
"Simultaneously complex and simple, compulsively readable, marvelously
wrought." - Kirkus Reviews
"A tour de force... such a memorable read." - Publishers Weekly
"One unexpected and wonderful surprise after another... a marvel
of imagination." - Booklist
"The Raven Boys is an incredibly rich and unique tale, a supernatural
thriller of a different flavor... Fans have been salivating
for Stiefvater's next release and The Raven Boys delivers." -
School Library Journal
"Equal parts thriller and mystery, with a measured dash of romance
sprinkled on top... Maggie has woven such a unique, intriguing
narrative that I struggled for comparisons." - MTV.com
Blue Lily, Lily Blue:
"Blue Lily, Lily Blue is, simply, a triumph." - Booklist
"Expect this truly one-of-a-kind series to come to a thundering
close." - Kirkus Reviews
"We have not yet finished loving these characters and exploring
their world." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Stiefvater's razor-sharp characterizations, drily witty dialogue,
and knack for unexpected metaphors and turns of phrase make
for sumptuous, thrilling reading... Readers will snap up the final
installment the second it's available." - Publishers Weekly
"The prose is crisp and dazzling and the dialogue positively crackles."
- School Library Journal
The Scorpio Races:
"Masterful. Like nothing else out there now." - Kirkus Reviews
"An utterly compelling read." - Publishers Weekly
"Filling it with loving descriptions of wet, wind-tossed Thisby
as well as exciting equine action, Stiefvater has created a thrilling
backdrop for the love story that blooms...A book appealing
to lovers of fantasy, horse stories, romance, and actionadventure
alike, this seems to have a shot at being a YA blockbuster." -
School Library Journal
#1 New York Times bestselling Shiver trilogy:
"A lyrical tale of alienated werewolves and first love....Stiefvater
skillfully increases the tension throughout; her take on werewolves
is interesting and original while her characters are refreshingly
willing to use their brains to deal with the challenges
they face." - Publishers Weekly
"Readers will be able to enjoy Stiefvater's fast-paced storytelling
and dedication to the old-fashioned art of creating a believable
and enduring romance. Shiver is beautifully written, even poetic
at times, and a perfect indulgence for readers of all ages."
- Bookpage.com
"This riveting narrative, impossible to put down, is not only
an excellent addition to the current fangs and fur craze, but is
also a beautifully written romance that, along with Shiver, will
have teens clamoring for the third and final entry." - VOYA
- ISBN13 9781407134611
- Publish Date 19 September 2012 (first published 1 September 2012)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Scholastic
- Format Paperback
- Pages 464
- Language English
Reviews
Kait ✨
Written on Jun 1, 2020
dandyserendipity
Written on Dec 3, 2019
I don't own, but instead I listened to the audiobook with the Libby app during my commutes. But I really enjoyed the story. I can't wait to continue with the next book. & I may just end up buying the series to add to my collection before long.
moraa
Written on Nov 15, 2019
It was okay.
The beginning dragged on for quite a bit and it felt like forever before they finally started to get to the good stuff but the plot was good, more than I expected (which I resented at...Read more
2.5 stars
It was okay.
The beginning dragged on for quite a bit and it felt like forever before they finally started to get to the good stuff but the plot was good, more than I expected (which I resented at the time because I hate genre surprises) but I did like it in the end.
The one thing that bothered me was characterisation. It improved towards the end of the book but somehow I feel I need more. This would be unforgivable if this was a stand-alone but seeing as it's a series, I'm willing to look the other way, provided there is sufficient character development in coming books.
It was okay.
The beginning dragged on for quite a bit and it felt like forever before they finally started to get to the good stuff but the plot was good, more than I expected (which I resented at the time because I hate genre surprises) but I did like it in the end.
The one thing that bothered me was characterisation. It improved towards the end of the book but somehow I feel I need more. This would be unforgivable if this was a stand-alone but seeing as it's a series, I'm willing to look the other way, provided there is sufficient character development in coming books.
ccbookwitch
Written on Aug 3, 2019
I feel like I haven’t done a review-type post in a while, but I just HAD to talk about THE RAVEN BOYS. I finally read it after years of procrastination and avoidance, and I AM SO SHOOK!!! I have a lot of thoughts on this book, and this post is a compilation of those thoughts. So, here are some of the thoughts that went through my head while I read this absolutely killer series starter:
why did I wait so long to read this book? This is the main thought that went through my head while reading THE RAVEN BOYS, though I do know the answer to this question. I hated SHIVER so I avoided Maggie Steifvater at all costs for years before finally warming up to the idea that this was a very me-sounding book.
the only way this could be a more “me” book was if it was gay. Seriously, if THE RAVEN BOYS had Blue as queer, that is the only way it could be a more Mel book. It’s witchy and has TAROT and is obviously going to have a hate-to-love romance and just omg. So many magical things.
I can see all the characters really clearly except Noah. AND THEN. If you’ve read the book you’ll know what I’m talking about. But Maggie Stiefvater is such a good writer that she made Noah’s character development fit with the story and just…I can’t. She’s too good.
I will never be able to write as well as Maggie Steifvater. Maybe I shouldn’t try anymore. I’ve never had this experience, but throughout the whole book I just kept thinking that I will never be able to write as well as Maggie Steifvater, so maybe I should just give it up. It was weird, because obviously that’s a little sad, but on the other hand, I was so thrilled to have found such an excellently written book.
I haven’t had a new favorite book in so long. I really haven’t had a new all-time favorite book in a LONG time. Probably since AN EMBER IN THE ASHES? And that was…2015ish? But DAMN, I LOVE this book so freaking much.
What if the rest of the books aren’t as good? I’m not usually a series person, but obviously THE RAVEN BOYS needed to be a series, but what if the rest of the books don’t live up in writing quality to the first book? How can Maggie Steifvater possibly keep up such strong writing momentum for THREE MORE BOOKS??? Is she that good? I hope so.
why did I wait so long to read this book? This is the main thought that went through my head while reading THE RAVEN BOYS, though I do know the answer to this question. I hated SHIVER so I avoided Maggie Steifvater at all costs for years before finally warming up to the idea that this was a very me-sounding book.
the only way this could be a more “me” book was if it was gay. Seriously, if THE RAVEN BOYS had Blue as queer, that is the only way it could be a more Mel book. It’s witchy and has TAROT and is obviously going to have a hate-to-love romance and just omg. So many magical things.
I can see all the characters really clearly except Noah. AND THEN. If you’ve read the book you’ll know what I’m talking about. But Maggie Stiefvater is such a good writer that she made Noah’s character development fit with the story and just…I can’t. She’s too good.
I will never be able to write as well as Maggie Steifvater. Maybe I shouldn’t try anymore. I’ve never had this experience, but throughout the whole book I just kept thinking that I will never be able to write as well as Maggie Steifvater, so maybe I should just give it up. It was weird, because obviously that’s a little sad, but on the other hand, I was so thrilled to have found such an excellently written book.
I haven’t had a new favorite book in so long. I really haven’t had a new all-time favorite book in a LONG time. Probably since AN EMBER IN THE ASHES? And that was…2015ish? But DAMN, I LOVE this book so freaking much.
What if the rest of the books aren’t as good? I’m not usually a series person, but obviously THE RAVEN BOYS needed to be a series, but what if the rest of the books don’t live up in writing quality to the first book? How can Maggie Steifvater possibly keep up such strong writing momentum for THREE MORE BOOKS??? Is she that good? I hope so.
thepunktheory
Written on Jul 22, 2019
After the first few chapters, I was a little wary of this book. Pretty much the first thing we find out is the prediction about Blue and kissing.
I hoped that the...Read more
Full review on my blog!
After the first few chapters, I was a little wary of this book. Pretty much the first thing we find out is the prediction about Blue and kissing.
I hoped that the book wouldn't spiral into some sort of annoying YA love story that I loathe so much. Thank God this novel took a different turn!
I certainly hadn't expected the quest that soon came up or how much it would fascinate me. I'm such a sucker for smart guys, so of course, I fell for this story. I adore their motivation, their ambition, their eagerness, their hope, their belief in themselves.
The Raven Boys has such a different and unique vibe, it doesn't compare with any of the other YA books I've read so far.
The characters don't reek of stereotypes, in contrast, I really really want to be friends with them and join their quest!
I'm getting so excited because I honestly don't know what to expect or what will happen in the next three books. It's nice to have a series that isn't 200% predictable! Although there are magic and weird stuff going on, The Raven Boys still have quite real and authentic, because the characters have this real air around them.
After the first few chapters, I was a little wary of this book. Pretty much the first thing we find out is the prediction about Blue and kissing.
I hoped that the book wouldn't spiral into some sort of annoying YA love story that I loathe so much. Thank God this novel took a different turn!
I certainly hadn't expected the quest that soon came up or how much it would fascinate me. I'm such a sucker for smart guys, so of course, I fell for this story. I adore their motivation, their ambition, their eagerness, their hope, their belief in themselves.
The Raven Boys has such a different and unique vibe, it doesn't compare with any of the other YA books I've read so far.
The characters don't reek of stereotypes, in contrast, I really really want to be friends with them and join their quest!
I'm getting so excited because I honestly don't know what to expect or what will happen in the next three books. It's nice to have a series that isn't 200% predictable! Although there are magic and weird stuff going on, The Raven Boys still have quite real and authentic, because the characters have this real air around them.
liz089
Written on Dec 22, 2018
I have had this one for yearssss in my bookcase and I never picked it up, but now I FINALLY did !!
HA !!!
So it was actually pretty interesting, more then I expected...Read more
FINALLY ! I FINALLY read this book !!!
I have had this one for yearssss in my bookcase and I never picked it up, but now I FINALLY did !!
HA !!!
So it was actually pretty interesting, more then I expected it to be ?
I liked the boys.. a lot haha, they are all such complex characters that I want to know more about. Blue, I liked a little less ? I don't know.. I did not dislike her, but sje also did not really stand out much ? I hope she will get more interesting later on in the series. We will see !
Now I hope to continue with the next books a lot sooner then it took me to pick up the first one... ^^ but, we will see.
I have had this one for yearssss in my bookcase and I never picked it up, but now I FINALLY did !!
HA !!!
So it was actually pretty interesting, more then I expected it to be ?
I liked the boys.. a lot haha, they are all such complex characters that I want to know more about. Blue, I liked a little less ? I don't know.. I did not dislike her, but sje also did not really stand out much ? I hope she will get more interesting later on in the series. We will see !
Now I hope to continue with the next books a lot sooner then it took me to pick up the first one... ^^ but, we will see.
Laurie
Written on Nov 20, 2018
I can’t rate this any higher, because I absolutely have no idea what I’ve just read. I don’t understand the plot, I don’t understand the story, it was all a big mystery to me. This has everything to do with the book itself, not with the language.
lauriesbookshelf
Written on Nov 20, 2018
I can’t rate this any higher, because I absolutely have no idea what I’ve just read. I don’t understand the plot, I don’t understand the story, it was all a big mystery to me. This has everything to do with the book itself, not with the language.
Amber (The Literary Phoenix)
Written on Nov 3, 2018
Ready?
I love this book so much. I really lost myself in it. It was just so... amazing and enveloping and the characters were wonderful and if I had Gansey's resources,...Read more
This is going to be the least helpful review EVER.
Ready?
I love this book so much. I really lost myself in it. It was just so... amazing and enveloping and the characters were wonderful and if I had Gansey's resources, you better believe I'd be tracking down dead Welsh kings, too.
I know I'm supposed to be more professional, being a book blogger and all, but really, I'm just going to sit in this cozy corner and hug this book. Thanks.
Ready?
I love this book so much. I really lost myself in it. It was just so... amazing and enveloping and the characters were wonderful and if I had Gansey's resources, you better believe I'd be tracking down dead Welsh kings, too.
I know I'm supposed to be more professional, being a book blogger and all, but really, I'm just going to sit in this cozy corner and hug this book. Thanks.