It’s been so long since I’ve felt consumed by a YA series (positive)!

I’ve been putting off this series for… well, years. I can’t say I’m disappointed in the slightest. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The paranormal components were done spectacularly, feeling harmonized with the everyday reality of Henrietta. I can’t wait to read the other books. My only main complaint is how the last chapter wrapped things up.

I wish that we had more between what the hell Adam did and the last chapter. Some kind of explanation and a reason as to how they’re all still friends. Because honestly I would want to rid myself of him SO FAST. Like I know he was hurting and he had some shit going on but… nah. I’d cut him off.

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aroma_of_books's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

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readbyjaimes's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Really fun

I had a really good reading experience with this book. I tend to really enjoy books with strong imagery and this fed the monster that yearns for spooky small towns lol. I loved the cast fo characters too. I saw on review saying that they didn't like bLue because she felt too 'not like other girls', but I didn't experience that at all. I actually really enjoyed her and all her quirks I thought she was really fun to read about. And I feel like I don't have to mention it but I LOVED all of the raven boys. One thing was that I found the pacing a little funky. Like why did it take until page 160 for Blue and the boys to all hang out, I feel like that took way too long. But that's honestly a small critique and I still really enjoyed this book and am excited to continue on with the series!

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kteliza28's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Starting this book I was immediately invested in the story but also utterly confused by the writing style. It reads very descriptive and cinematic with a ton of detail over slight movements. While I loved this about the book, it also made it really hard to grasp some important info early on and I found myself re-reading pages very confused. As I got used to the characters and places, it got a lot easier to read. I really liked the flow of the story and the themes. At times I was totally absorbed but other times, it felt like some of the activities were pointless and I stopped caring about the ultimate mission of the group. I felt maybe too many people were involved. I realize this is part of a series so I’m not surprised that there is so much left unopened and unexplained. I’m not sure I’m invested enough to read more of the series but I also want to know what happens next.

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kathryn1003's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Lovely book, one of my all time favorites. Just reread for the third time- it's a funny but heavy hearted mystery with a big side of romantic angst. Sometimes it's sad, sometimes it's hilarious, but mostly it's thrilling from start to finish!

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anaheeta's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Ok so this was a reread [march 2024]. I first read this book in July 2016.

This will always be my favorite. My favorite EVERY thing. Series, fantasy, characters, settings, writing style. Maggie Stiefvater you brilliant brilliant woman, you have written me (yes, me specifically!) the perfect characters to love.

This is the perfect mix of whimsical and twisted magic, ghosts and ley lines, murderous professors, emotional things happening (you will cry multiple times by the time you finish the series).

It reads like a magical realism set in West Virginia, but it’s much more than any one sentence can describe. The first book is an introduction into the characters and their beautiful found family. There’s incredible amounts of references and foreshadowing implemented throughout the books. The pacing is a bit slow, but this is the only time I didn’t mind that, it matches everything perfectly. There are so many beautiful descriptions, heartbreaking lines, funny comments, and heartbreaking character backstories that will make you fall in love with the series. The series has such a huge emotional and mental hold on me, that it can wreck me for days or weeks, so read if you are a fan of pain like I am.

(I shall soon create a great playlist for this book)

Content Warnings

thecandiegirl's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Content Warnings

rookeatsbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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