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
"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
Why did I like this book? I shouldn’t have liked this book. But I did. Oh boy, did I.
I’ve heard tons of wonderful things about Maggie Steifvater for a long time now, but I admit, I never wanted to read her books. Her first series, the Shiver series, came to my attention right around the same time as the obsession with all things Twilight was gaining hurricane level forces. I didn’t really care to read about any more werewolves — not really my cup of tea anyways. She came to the forefront again with The Scorpio Races, but I heard some “meh” things about it and never picked it up. Additionally, I like urban fantasy, but it’s not my favorite genre. I just assumed she wasn’t for me. But oh my, after reading this, I take it back.
I picked The Raven Boys up on a whim. I didn’t have anything to read and of all of her series, this is the one that seemed most up my alley (hot boys + magicalness = for me), sooooo ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ .
The writing.
The Writing….
If there is nothing else I can say about this book, I can say with 100% certainty that the writing was marvelous. The writing was just so lyrical and beautiful. She could describe the most inane things in the most beautiful of ways. Honestly, if anything kept me glued to the pages, it was the gorgeousness that is the written word. The writing was a perfect match to the whimsical and odd plot that is The Raven Boys. They just flowed together so seamlessly that I was left in wonder and amazement the entire time.
However, the writing was not the only aspect that surprised me. Another reason I was so hesitant to read this book was because I felt like it was going to be a weird love pentagon. Fear not! Romance, though there, takes more of a backseat. What is left is the most odd and endearing friendship between individuals. I loved all of the boys who, though very, very different, went together so seamlessly. They had their issues and may not have always gotten along, but still went so well together. I could go on and on about them because they are all so precious (though I’m not sure “precious” applied necessarily to the thorn that is Ronan but I loved him anyways) and unique and I adored every. single. one. Gansey was just so intelligent and passionate and goodhearted. Ronan, the boy with a troubled past and harsh tongue, but who cared deeply. Quiet, determined, and incredibly hardworking (and hardheaded) Adam. And the sweet, adorable awkwardness that is Noah. And Blue. Oh, how I absolutely adore her with her whimsicalness. She had a quiet strength about her and loved fiercely. She was an odd little duckling for sure, but I cherished the relationship she had with her different little family and the boys. It all went together so, well, seamlessly. Like they’d actually been friends forever but just now admitted it. I just wanted to hug them all!
But really, it was all just so magical. Odd, for sure, but magical nonetheless. While I enjoy urban fantasy, I usually prefer my fantasy being pure fantasy, so I was completely taken aback with just how fantastical this story felt. And, I’m beyond intrigued with the quest. I can’t say much else plot wise without spoilers, but it was just amazing how dedicated they all were to the quest and, most importantly, to each other *jumps for joy for the awesome friendships going on in this book*.
If you like whimsy and fantasy and amazing friendships and adorableness and magic and beautiful, wonderful storytelling, read this.
