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jkneebone's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Call Down the Hawk is the first book in the sequel series to The Raven Cycle, but it is definitely it's own entity. Framed as being a story about the Lynch brothers, we get POVs from both Ronan (happier and stronger in his dreaming, but also restricted because of it to living at the Barns, not able to move to Boston with Adam) and Declan (terrified for his brothers' safety and making himself as boring as possible to hide, no matter how little he actually wants to). We are also introduced to another dreamer, Hennessy, an artist who suffers from a recurring nightmare from which she brings back copies of herself, and Jordan, the oldest of those copies, who loves Hennessy but longs for the life she could live if she didn't share a face with six other girls.
We also learn that there is a group called the Moderators who are trying to eliminated dreamers, who they call Zeds, from existence. Moderators work with Visionaries, who help them find both Zeds and other Visionaries; all of the Visionaries are convinced that a dreamer is going to bring on the end of the world. We get a POV as well from Carmen Farooq-Lane, a businesswoman-turned-Moderator with a personal investment in eliminating Zeds, even as she begins to question the Moderators methods.
I was hesitant to pick up Call Down the Hawk because, although I loved The Raven Cycle, I found it ultimately unsatisfying as a trilogy (the end of book 4 was not good imo). I didn't want to go into another Maggie Stiefvater series without knowing if the same thing would happen. But then I got into an audiobook slump, and I knew the audiobook for Call Down the Hawk would be excellent (it's the same person who did TRC, truly one of the best narrators I've experienced), so here we are.
This was a really good read. Maggie Stiefvater excels at beautiful language and compelling characters, and this book has both in spades. The prose is so unique and thoughtful, alternating between vivid descriptions and pithy dialogue, it's simply a delight to read. The characters in The Raven Cycle were my favorite part of the series, and that continues here - not just the characters we already knew, but all the new ones who get introduced as well. I love the slightly more balanced Ronan we met in this book, and I can't believe that Stiefvater got me feeling sorry for Declan - Declan! - just a few chapters into this book. I loved the dynamic between Hennessy and Jordan; Jordan might be my favorite new character of the series. Carmen Farooq-Lane's sections were a bit harder to get through, partially because she is currently a Bad Guy, but I have a feeling she isn't going to stay that way for long.
All that being said, I didn't feel there was much actual plot to this book - it mostly felt like a lot of set-up, further world-building and introduction of new characters, to carry us into book two. Despite some intense things happening, the stakes felt pretty low until the very end of the book, and it didn't feel like anything was resolved at the end, even for a temporary pause - I still have a lot of questions because so many things were introduced, and none of them were answered. So I remain slightly concerned about how the series is going to come together, but I'm not opposed to a series opener that is mostly world-building - I will definitely be reading book 2.
Call Down the Hawk reads less like YA than TRC did, for me, because even though most of the characters are still teenagers, they're acting like adults - I mean, Declan has always been a mini adult, and is technically 21(?) at this point, but Hennessy and Ronan are living on their own and doing what they want despite being 18/19 - plus there are new characters introduced, like Farooq-Lane, who are fully adults. That being said, despite some cursing (it is about Ronan Lynch after all) and violence, there's nothing to make this inappropriate for a high school audience.
We also learn that there is a group called the Moderators who are trying to eliminated dreamers, who they call Zeds, from existence. Moderators work with Visionaries, who help them find both Zeds and other Visionaries; all of the Visionaries are convinced that a dreamer is going to bring on the end of the world. We get a POV as well from Carmen Farooq-Lane, a businesswoman-turned-Moderator with a personal investment in eliminating Zeds, even as she begins to question the Moderators methods.
I was hesitant to pick up Call Down the Hawk because, although I loved The Raven Cycle, I found it ultimately unsatisfying as a trilogy (the end of book 4 was not good imo). I didn't want to go into another Maggie Stiefvater series without knowing if the same thing would happen. But then I got into an audiobook slump, and I knew the audiobook for Call Down the Hawk would be excellent (it's the same person who did TRC, truly one of the best narrators I've experienced), so here we are.
This was a really good read. Maggie Stiefvater excels at beautiful language and compelling characters, and this book has both in spades. The prose is so unique and thoughtful, alternating between vivid descriptions and pithy dialogue, it's simply a delight to read. The characters in The Raven Cycle were my favorite part of the series, and that continues here - not just the characters we already knew, but all the new ones who get introduced as well. I love the slightly more balanced Ronan we met in this book, and I can't believe that Stiefvater got me feeling sorry for Declan - Declan! - just a few chapters into this book. I loved the dynamic between Hennessy and Jordan; Jordan might be my favorite new character of the series. Carmen Farooq-Lane's sections were a bit harder to get through, partially because she is currently a Bad Guy, but I have a feeling she isn't going to stay that way for long.
All that being said, I didn't feel there was much actual plot to this book - it mostly felt like a lot of set-up, further world-building and introduction of new characters, to carry us into book two. Despite some intense things happening, the stakes felt pretty low until the very end of the book, and it didn't feel like anything was resolved at the end, even for a temporary pause - I still have a lot of questions because so many things were introduced, and none of them were answered. So I remain slightly concerned about how the series is going to come together, but I'm not opposed to a series opener that is mostly world-building - I will definitely be reading book 2.
Call Down the Hawk reads less like YA than TRC did, for me, because even though most of the characters are still teenagers, they're acting like adults - I mean, Declan has always been a mini adult, and is technically 21(?) at this point, but Hennessy and Ronan are living on their own and doing what they want despite being 18/19 - plus there are new characters introduced, like Farooq-Lane, who are fully adults. That being said, despite some cursing (it is about Ronan Lynch after all) and violence, there's nothing to make this inappropriate for a high school audience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
nevermoregothic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Violence, and Gun violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Suicide, and Child death
Minor: Vomit and Body horror
trintrin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I think this is genuinely the most fun I've had reading a sequel series. Sequel series are always in that weird grey area of scratching the same itch that only your favourite characters from the main series could, but also either risk going overboard with additional world-building, new characters, and plot devices, or risk going stale with same old characters, and same old world. This book hits a sweet, sweet spot.
I was kinda indecisive seeing this is gonna be about Ronan (and by extension, Adam, who would obviously be a major part of his life) because Ronan Lynch is my absolute favourite character and I do not want to tarnish the perfect image I have of him in my head. I didn't know what other adventures little old Henrietta offered, seeing that the quest for Glendower is over, I didn't know what the focus is going to be in Ronan and Adam's relationship, seeing as he would've gone to college. But, boy, oh, boy, did the Lynch brothers deliver.
I was kinda indecisive seeing this is gonna be about Ronan (and by extension, Adam, who would obviously be a major part of his life) because Ronan Lynch is my absolute favourite character and I do not want to tarnish the perfect image I have of him in my head. I didn't know what other adventures little old Henrietta offered, seeing that the quest for Glendower is over, I didn't know what the focus is going to be in Ronan and Adam's relationship, seeing as he would've gone to college. But, boy, oh, boy, did the Lynch brothers deliver.
The Characters
Sure, this book doesn't have the ride-or-die friendships like the Gangsey, but it does have interesting characters. Absolutely head over heels in love with Jordan and Hennessy, I would sacrifice myself to the ley-line to protect these girls. DECLAN LYNCH!! I knew he would pull through, always had faith in him. Someone needs to give this boy a hug, some warm cocoa, and peace. Also, fuck Niall Lynch. I used to think he wasn't that bad, just a very absent father, but good lord. A very interesting side to Matthew which I didn't even consider was possible. Hopefully we get to see more of that. Still kinda lukewarm on Farooq-Lane. Interesting character, certainly, just not sure how much I like her. Parsifal, too soon, my boy, too soon . Bryde, the ever-mysterious Bryde. Excited to get to know him better. Lilliana too, I have high hopes for her.
The Plot
The plot is darker than TRC, which is expected considering four teenagers going on a hunt for a dead Welsh King is going to be more on the friendshipy-adventurous side, while organisations that hunt down dreamers and dreams would be significantly darker and grittier. The world is much bigger than a small, rural town in Virginia, whaddayaknow. Especially when you throw the Lynches into the equation, as it's both about their messed up family history and narrated by them. The introduction of new characters was perfect, the pacing was perfect, the development of both the plot and the characters was perfect, the unexpected Mór Ó Corra plot-twist which I totally should've seen coming was perfect, Stiefvater's beautiful writing in all her glory was perfect, all in all, perfect. :D
Should you read this if you loved The Raven Cycle?
I would say it depends on which part of TRC you loved. TRC had a good plot, but the phenomenal characters were what carried the series. Whereas, this series has incredible characters, but the amazing plot is the focus. Fair warning though, there's little to nothing of Gansey, Blue and Noah, and only crumbs of Adam, if that's what you're looking for. If Ronan, Chainsaw, Orphan-Girl, Matthew, Declan, and the Lynch family history mystery with some cool new characters sounds like your thing, definitely give it a try!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gun violence, Violence, Death, Body horror, Suicide, and Gore
Moderate: Self harm, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Chronic illness
Minor: Animal death, Cursing, and Vomit
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, Gun violence, and Violence
Minor: Vomit, Death of parent, Suicide, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
readwithria's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Call Down the Hawk is a good book that I just don’t have any strong feelings about. I don’t even have that much to say about it, honestly. It was fine, and I neither liked it nor disliked it.
I feel I am not this book’s intended audience. I like a plot heavy book with a goal of some kind, and this ain’t that. I like my books to be medium to fast paced, and this book is slow and methodical. I like when the choices the protagonist makes impact the plot, and this book felt very reactionary. None of these things are bad things, they’re just not what I prefer.
I did really enjoy Declan Lynch, which was a pleasant surprise! Jordan was also a wonderful addition to the world.
I honestly don’t know if I’m going to keep reading this series. Right now I feel like I’d rather read a Wikipedia article (mostly so I can figure out what the actual plot is, because I don’t really know).
This was a book, and I didn’t dislike it, but honestly I just don’t care about it. 3 stars.
I feel I am not this book’s intended audience. I like a plot heavy book with a goal of some kind, and this ain’t that. I like my books to be medium to fast paced, and this book is slow and methodical. I like when the choices the protagonist makes impact the plot, and this book felt very reactionary. None of these things are bad things, they’re just not what I prefer.
I did really enjoy Declan Lynch, which was a pleasant surprise! Jordan was also a wonderful addition to the world.
I honestly don’t know if I’m going to keep reading this series. Right now I feel like I’d rather read a Wikipedia article (mostly so I can figure out what the actual plot is, because I don’t really know).
This was a book, and I didn’t dislike it, but honestly I just don’t care about it. 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and Child death
tracilynn33's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
elizmoe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
if there’s one thing maggie stiefvater is gonna do, it’s give me explicitly queer urban fantasy with intriguing conflict set in locations I have hiked numerous times. and i cannot get enough of it!!!
.
.
.
ronan was the perfect character to center the spin-off on for obvious plotting reasons (the fact that Dreaming as a magic thing was only part of the conflict of The Raven Cycle kind of blows my mind and also makes me very happy it gets more page time in this trilogy), and also because i intensely needed more gay irish catholic goth shit in my life.
as for the new characters, jordan/hennessy is so compelling to me. art/forgery and also forging of the self…i don’t even have anything intelligent to say i just really really enjoy that storyline.
not too crazy about carmen at the moment but i am intrigued to see where the trilogy takes her, as i’m certain her slightly boring/by the books/singly motivated personality is nothing more than a set up.
also, making me feel something about declan besides disinterest or disparagement? an absolutely insane feat. hats off to you, Maggie, for writing the most annoying antagonist for Ronan only to turn around and deftly justify his garbage personality and make him someone truly empathetic. no one is doing it like her!!!
.
.
.
ronan was the perfect character to center the spin-off on for obvious plotting reasons (the fact that Dreaming as a magic thing was only part of the conflict of The Raven Cycle kind of blows my mind and also makes me very happy it gets more page time in this trilogy), and also because i intensely needed more gay irish catholic goth shit in my life.
as for the new characters, jordan/hennessy is so compelling to me. art/forgery and also forging of the self…i don’t even have anything intelligent to say i just really really enjoy that storyline.
not too crazy about carmen at the moment but i am intrigued to see where the trilogy takes her, as i’m certain her slightly boring/by the books/singly motivated personality is nothing more than a set up.
also, making me feel something about declan besides disinterest or disparagement? an absolutely insane feat. hats off to you, Maggie, for writing the most annoying antagonist for Ronan only to turn around and deftly justify his garbage personality and make him someone truly empathetic. no one is doing it like her!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Body horror, Gun violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
billyjepma's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The additional worldbuilding and new characters Stiefvater introduced in her sequel series are total gold and feel like perfect extensions of everything she did with The Raven Cycle. She had a unique, incredibly compelling way of merging reality with fantasy without diminishing the strengths of either. This is a creative, exciting, and big story and I enjoyed it immensely for all those reasons.
But the central protagonist is a mostly one-note character whose perspective is so shallow that I almost dropped off entirely in the second act. Ronan Lynch is a perfect supporting character—he adds the right kind of tension and dimension to an ensemble that steals the spotlight without fully claiming it. But as the protagonist, his shortcomings become distracting. I like where he ends up at the end of this book, so I have hope for the following two books, but I was bored by him here, especially considering how interesting his supporting cast is. Every other character is so cool and engages with the dangerous, fantastical world Stiefvater dreamt up in unexpected ways. It’s exciting stuff, and thankfully, all of that comes to the forefront in time for the thrilling third act. The various storylines finally come together and Ronan gets to work off other characters, which is where he’s at his best.
My trepidations aside, I’m excited for more and even more excited to see Stiefvater lean harder into the wilder, almost cosmic fantasy (horror?) she’s been teasing us with.
But the central protagonist is a mostly one-note character whose perspective is so shallow that I almost dropped off entirely in the second act. Ronan Lynch is a perfect supporting character—he adds the right kind of tension and dimension to an ensemble that steals the spotlight without fully claiming it. But as the protagonist, his shortcomings become distracting. I like where he ends up at the end of this book, so I have hope for the following two books, but I was bored by him here, especially considering how interesting his supporting cast is. Every other character is so cool and engages with the dangerous, fantastical world Stiefvater dreamt up in unexpected ways. It’s exciting stuff, and thankfully, all of that comes to the forefront in time for the thrilling third act. The various storylines finally come together and Ronan gets to work off other characters, which is where he’s at his best.
My trepidations aside, I’m excited for more and even more excited to see Stiefvater lean harder into the wilder, almost cosmic fantasy (horror?) she’s been teasing us with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Violence, Body horror, Death, Cursing, and Murder
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, Car accident, and Animal death
triley's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Blood, Vomit, Violence, Drug use, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Murder, Suicide, and Gun violence
imds's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Abandonment, Death of parent, Vomit, Violence, Terminal illness, Gun violence, Murder, and Grief