Reviews with content warning for Suicidal thoughts - The Raven Boys

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The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

18 reviews

jojo_fiction_'s review

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious slow-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? It's complicated

4.5

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

4.5 stars

“‘Is that all?’ she whispered.

Gansey closed his eyes. ‘That's all there is.’”

Blue Sargent comes from a family of psychics, but her own abilities are limited to amplifying the powers of others. On the feast of St. Mark, while helping her aunt speak to the spirits of those who are to die within the next 12 months, she sees a spirit for the first time. The spirit of a boy named Gansey. The problem is, when a non-seer sees a spirit, it means one of two things: they are either their true love, or they are the ones who kill them.

Gansey is a student at the elite private school Aglionby. Despite the prestigious lifestyles of those around him, Gansey is only interested in one thing: finding the lost tomb of the Welsh King Glendower. He and his friends, Adam, Ronan and Noah, take their search to the local psychic’s home. There, these mysterious boys and their quest draw Blue in, and their fates become tangled together in a web full of mysteries and magic.

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This wasn't my first time reading this book. I had tried when I was younger when it was just getting popular, but I guess I was just too young to fully absorb what was happening. However, I am so glad I decided to give it another shot.

This book was really good! However, it was a bit slow plot wise at the start. Stiefvater takes her time making sure we are properly introduced to the characters, and their dynamics with each other, before really moving us along to focus more on the plot. Now, I personally love character based stories, so I didn't mind the slow start to the action. But if you are someone who likes a little more focus on plot/action as opposed to the characters, this might not be your cup of tea, or it just might be harder for you to get into.

In terms of the style, Stiefvater has such a wonderful way with words that really draws you in. I love books that make me feel enveloped by a feeling of magic and mystery and The Raven Boys makes even the more mundane aspects of the town feel like it is covered in magic.

I also enjoy it when fantasy books have a magic system that is off putting and doesn't make logical sense all the time. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. In this case it's ghosts and spirits, stepping out of linear time, and trees that speak Latin to you.

Stiefvater gives us characters that we can't help but love. They all have good intentions, and care deeply about each other, but are dealing with different levels of pain or toxic environments that cause them to make decisions that often clash with each other. The friendships are really what sell this story. The playful dynamics that start with the 4 boys are increased when Blue joins the mix. All of these characters are closed off in one way or another, and I can't wait to see how they slowly open up to each other and further flesh out these already amazing characters. My only critique of the characters is that of Blue’s characterization. I'm not quite sure how I feel about her, but the way she is portrayed can sometimes come across as “not like other girls”. Which could just be due to the trends that were around when this book was released, but I'm still hoping she will become more developed as the series goes on.

My only critique of the book’s writing itself would be the difference in pacing from the beginning and the end, as I mentioned before. By putting such a focus on the characters in the beginning, when the plot starts to pick up it is a noticeable change that might be jarring to readers.

All in all, I can't wait to read the next book, especially since we get to see more of Ronan’s character (who I have a feeling will become my favourite character).

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chloenrogers's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

ifoundcallie's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.75

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lildawnprince's review

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.5

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nevermoregothic's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense fast-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

4.75

Content Warnings

zoiejanelle's review

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adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense fast-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? No

5.0

i CANNOT believe i did not read this series sooner. holy moly.

Stiefvater’s writing is so immersive, so poignant, so visceral. reading this reminded me why i loved the Shiver series so much, and compels me to read more of her work.

not only is the writing style utterly gorgeous, but the pacing and intricate plots are just divine. i won’t say everything i’ve read so far has made total sense, but the way the sub-plots and characters arcs are interwoven kept me on my toes and invested the entire time.

i had no idea Blue was the main character and i couldn’t be more pleased. she’s raw, and hilarious, and relatable, and i enjoy her POV the most. she is definitely the key to this whole mystery of Glendower and i am so excited to see the extent of her gift(s) in the rest of the series.

i’m in love with Adam, with Ronan, and I WASN’T AT FIRST BUT NOW I AM IN LOVE WITH GANSEY. and of course, i adore Noah. i loved getting to know each of them and watching their individual stories unfold little by little throughout, seeing their motivations become clear and watching them start to grow, and i cannot wait to see where this marvelous, treacherous, magical treasure(ish) hunt takes them next.

and here’s the deal. i despise love triangles. (there isn’t really one here [yet] but there is some complex teenage crushing happening) but oh my lord i am so invested and in love with Blue’s big Love Dilemma and i’m a total sucker for characters doing their damndest to fight destiny.

i have tooooooo many things to say about this book, but all involve spoilers so i’ll just leave this here.

incredible read, i am immediately moving on to the next book now!!!

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