The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater|Book Review

Title: The Raven Boys
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publication Date: September 18, 2012
Genre(s): YA, Fantasy, Magical Realism/Paranormal
Source: Library
Pages: 409
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Synopsis

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

Review

So, this was a reread for me, and I actually wasn’t that big of a fan of this book when I read it last year. I’m thinking that I was just in a place where I wasn’t in the mood for an atmospheric read or just not in a place where I could get fully engrossed in an audiobook. Fortunately, today, I was able to get sucked into the world more and I’m just in love.

I absolutely love the atmosphere of this book. Today was a bit cooler and started to feel like fall, and it was honestly perfect for reading this book.

As for the characters, I really liked Blue. That being said, I feel like she was too harsh on Gansey sometimes, especially with some of the things he was saying. I don’t know how much of that was because of the St. Mark’s Eve thing, but I don’t know. I felt bad for him.

That being said, I totally ship Blue and Adam waaay more than Blue and Gansey, though I’m only one book in, so my thoughts can totally change.

As for Ronan and Noah, I really enjoyed how their characters were involved in the plot, but I’m hoping they develop a bit more in the future books.

Final Thoughts:

I am so happy I gave this book a second chance. I loved it so much more the second time around and I am so excited to see how the story continues. Upon this reread, I can see why so many people love this book.

Also, this one is super atmospheric and perfect for the fall months! If you’re looking for a fun fall read, this might be one you want to check out.

Rating: