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stephielb78's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it, but I'm ready to shelve this series for just a little bit. It was a lot!
luceem's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.25
brokenrecord's review against another edition
4.0
I think this was a good but not great ending to this series. The one thing it really did right was Ronan/Adam, which was what I was most looking forward to from this book, so I’m glad it delivered on that front. Both kisses had me absolutely dying!!! The fact that we even got 2 separate kiss scenes was great since I was really only expecting one. Before reading this, I would’ve bet everything that it would be Adam to make the first move because I couldn’t really see Ronan risking it or believing enough that Adam felt the same way as him to try something, but I actually really loved how it was handled, so I’m not sorry to be wrong about that. I also loved that we got Adam initiating the 2nd kiss (AND RONAN CALLING HIM ADAM!!!). I also loved Adam coming to term with his feelings (realizing he shouldn’t play with Ronan’s emotions if he’s not serious, but then realizing that he wasn’t playing) and talking to Gansey about it. And getting Ronan’s POV was SO MUCH, since we haven’t had it since “Ronan’s second secret was Adam Parrish,” so getting Ronan thinking things about his feelings for Adam and how he would burn cities and start wars for his smile and the fact that he KNOWS that Adam knows about his feelings for him were just a LOT to handle.
This book didn’t do as much for me with Blue/Gansey as previous books did, but I think that’s partially because we had already gotten most of their development in the previous books and they’re basically together at the start of this, the only thing that’s missing is her being able to kiss him, and it’s also partially because this book seemed to focus much more on Ronan/Adam than on them (which was fine with me considering how much I love them and because, like I said, I think we got plenty of them in the previous books). The two of them together at the toga party was pretty wonderful, though, and also Gansey describing his love for Blue on like several occasions.
My biggest complaint is just that it felt like the book ended too soon?? In large part because I JUST WANTED MORE OF RONAN AND ADAM. I know that this book had a plot beyond them, but they were basically all I could focus on in my first read through. Someday I will be able to reread this book and focus on things that are not them. But here, as absolutely perfect as them getting together was, I just wanted MORE. I know this series isn’t just about them, but we don’t really get much after their second kiss??? Like, there are very, very brief moments, and there’s Adam driving Ronan’s car (and Adam’s dad referring to Ronan as Adam’s boyfriend, although I think that’s probably more meant to be an insult than a factual statement about their relationship status) but that’s kind of it? I mean, would it have killed Maggie Stiefvater to add a scene in the epilogue that included both Ronan and Adam??????? I’m just saying!! I guess we’re supposed to assume that Adam’s going off to college out of state but that he’ll come back after for Ronan, but just… idk, I’d like to feel more certain about how their relationship is going to work post-graduation. And beyond them, it would’ve been nice to see a little more of Gansey and Blue actually getting to be together now that they can kiss and not worry about their love being doomed and all that.
I also thought Gansey’s death ended up being kind of anti-climactic after 4 books of build-up; maybe it was because there was so much build-up that when it finally happened, it was just like, “Oh, ok, so that’s happening now.” I just expected to feel more at his death, I guess?
My other major complaint was that it seemed like there was a lot less of the 4 of them (plus Noah) hanging out and just being friends. There was a little of that at the goodbye party for Matthew, but also not really, since the focus was more on Ronan/Adam development there, but it definitely seemed to be a lot less than previous books, and there generally seemed to be less humor, and that was all just disappointing because the humor and the friendship scenes were one of the main reasons I fell in love with this series. I was at least super into Adam being protective of both Blue AND Gansey by asking Gansey if he knew about Blue’s curse, and then telling Gansey that he and Ronan kissed and asking Gansey about how he knew he loved Blue.
Anyways, overall I think this was a fairly satisfying ending for the series! I will definitely be rereading this series on numerous occasions in the future, and I also think I ended up liking BLLB more upon reread, so hopefully that will end up being the case with this one as well.
This book didn’t do as much for me with Blue/Gansey as previous books did, but I think that’s partially because we had already gotten most of their development in the previous books and they’re basically together at the start of this, the only thing that’s missing is her being able to kiss him, and it’s also partially because this book seemed to focus much more on Ronan/Adam than on them (which was fine with me considering how much I love them and because, like I said, I think we got plenty of them in the previous books). The two of them together at the toga party was pretty wonderful, though, and also Gansey describing his love for Blue on like several occasions.
My biggest complaint is just that it felt like the book ended too soon?? In large part because I JUST WANTED MORE OF RONAN AND ADAM. I know that this book had a plot beyond them, but they were basically all I could focus on in my first read through. Someday I will be able to reread this book and focus on things that are not them. But here, as absolutely perfect as them getting together was, I just wanted MORE. I know this series isn’t just about them, but we don’t really get much after their second kiss??? Like, there are very, very brief moments, and there’s Adam driving Ronan’s car (and Adam’s dad referring to Ronan as Adam’s boyfriend, although I think that’s probably more meant to be an insult than a factual statement about their relationship status) but that’s kind of it? I mean, would it have killed Maggie Stiefvater to add a scene in the epilogue that included both Ronan and Adam??????? I’m just saying!! I guess we’re supposed to assume that Adam’s going off to college out of state but that he’ll come back after for Ronan, but just… idk, I’d like to feel more certain about how their relationship is going to work post-graduation. And beyond them, it would’ve been nice to see a little more of Gansey and Blue actually getting to be together now that they can kiss and not worry about their love being doomed and all that.
I also thought Gansey’s death ended up being kind of anti-climactic after 4 books of build-up; maybe it was because there was so much build-up that when it finally happened, it was just like, “Oh, ok, so that’s happening now.” I just expected to feel more at his death, I guess?
My other major complaint was that it seemed like there was a lot less of the 4 of them (plus Noah) hanging out and just being friends. There was a little of that at the goodbye party for Matthew, but also not really, since the focus was more on Ronan/Adam development there, but it definitely seemed to be a lot less than previous books, and there generally seemed to be less humor, and that was all just disappointing because the humor and the friendship scenes were one of the main reasons I fell in love with this series. I was at least super into Adam being protective of both Blue AND Gansey by asking Gansey if he knew about Blue’s curse, and then telling Gansey that he and Ronan kissed and asking Gansey about how he knew he loved Blue.
Anyways, overall I think this was a fairly satisfying ending for the series! I will definitely be rereading this series on numerous occasions in the future, and I also think I ended up liking BLLB more upon reread, so hopefully that will end up being the case with this one as well.
mythicgeek's review against another edition
5.0
And now I don't know what to do with myself except wait a few months and reread the whole series.
EDIT: oh look. I reread it like i said
EDIT: oh look. I reread it like i said
hayreads_'s review against another edition
4.0
Since I began these books, I have been completely unable to put into words exactly how I feel about them. I love them and yet I despise them. I comprehend them and yet I cannot understand what is happening. First, I want to say that these books are highly character-driven. Plot is not the best in this series, so if that's what you're looking for, these are not the books for you.
SPOILERY
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Shall we begin with the characters? I feel it should be said that I am utterly disappointed by the lack of Noah in this book. I personally feel and have heard mostly unanimously that everyone loved Noah and was especially entranced by he and Blue's friendship. I think I speak for most of us when I say that he was greatly abused by this book. When we began this series, we were introduced to the "Raven Boys." While this describes all Aglionsby students, in this series it more accurately describes a canon group of four guys who are bestfriends in the beginning. FOUR. Gansey, Adam, Ronan, & Noah. I found it awful how throughout the series Noah was swept under the rug as his uglier sides came out. Do these people know anything of loyalty? Ugh. Though I say that, I quite liked the other main characters. Ronan was a very intricately layer character and I enjoyed seeing how things played out, from finding out he was a dreamer, to that he'd dreamt Matthew, to that he'd dreamt Cabeswater. It was fun discovering all of these things. Adam was somewhat boring to me. I feel like that's an unpopular opinion, but it's mine. I found Adam to be... I don't know. I can't even describe my distaste for him. It is not a dislike but a disinterest, perhaps. Moving on, Blue. She was a very good protagonist in some ways. Many of her traits had the potential to become basic (such as that she was somewhat of a typically tomboyish type at times), but Stiefvater crafted her excellently. I loved her character. Gansey. Richard Campbell Gansey III. I have never loved a character so much. Maybe it is because of his simple intelligence or his interest in history. He is everything I love. His intellect is awesome. I loved him. That is all I can say.
As far as plot, there is not much I have to say. I found it to be quite like time is described— circular. I could not tell which dots connected, even at the end. The plot wasn't super interesting to me at all. I found myself often confused about the whole idea of everything. I could not explain the magic in this series if I tried. Perhaps that isn't a bad thing. I'm not sure. All in all, this plot was not the best and yet I liked it somewhat. Confusing and all. I found the ending somewhat predictable. Gansey has been marked by his future death since book one and I wish he would have actually died rather than having a cliche "hey! we can resurrect him though!" ending. I wanted more from this series... And Glendower? Ugh. There were times I was convinced Gansey WAS Glendower, but I didn't bank on it. Glendower dead, though? I'm questioning the whole point of this series. Nothing was accomplished but my utter confusion. Had the characters not had me so emotionally attached, I would have hated this series.
I love this series. Read these books. The characters are brilliant and I promise you'll fall in love with them.
SPOILERY
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Shall we begin with the characters? I feel it should be said that I am utterly disappointed by the lack of Noah in this book. I personally feel and have heard mostly unanimously that everyone loved Noah and was especially entranced by he and Blue's friendship. I think I speak for most of us when I say that he was greatly abused by this book. When we began this series, we were introduced to the "Raven Boys." While this describes all Aglionsby students, in this series it more accurately describes a canon group of four guys who are bestfriends in the beginning. FOUR. Gansey, Adam, Ronan, & Noah. I found it awful how throughout the series Noah was swept under the rug as his uglier sides came out. Do these people know anything of loyalty? Ugh. Though I say that, I quite liked the other main characters. Ronan was a very intricately layer character and I enjoyed seeing how things played out, from finding out he was a dreamer, to that he'd dreamt Matthew, to that he'd dreamt Cabeswater. It was fun discovering all of these things. Adam was somewhat boring to me. I feel like that's an unpopular opinion, but it's mine. I found Adam to be... I don't know. I can't even describe my distaste for him. It is not a dislike but a disinterest, perhaps. Moving on, Blue. She was a very good protagonist in some ways. Many of her traits had the potential to become basic (such as that she was somewhat of a typically tomboyish type at times), but Stiefvater crafted her excellently. I loved her character. Gansey. Richard Campbell Gansey III. I have never loved a character so much. Maybe it is because of his simple intelligence or his interest in history. He is everything I love. His intellect is awesome. I loved him. That is all I can say.
As far as plot, there is not much I have to say. I found it to be quite like time is described— circular. I could not tell which dots connected, even at the end. The plot wasn't super interesting to me at all. I found myself often confused about the whole idea of everything. I could not explain the magic in this series if I tried. Perhaps that isn't a bad thing. I'm not sure. All in all, this plot was not the best and yet I liked it somewhat. Confusing and all. I found the ending somewhat predictable. Gansey has been marked by his future death since book one and I wish he would have actually died rather than having a cliche "hey! we can resurrect him though!" ending. I wanted more from this series... And Glendower? Ugh. There were times I was convinced Gansey WAS Glendower, but I didn't bank on it. Glendower dead, though? I'm questioning the whole point of this series. Nothing was accomplished but my utter confusion. Had the characters not had me so emotionally attached, I would have hated this series.
I love this series. Read these books. The characters are brilliant and I promise you'll fall in love with them.
whitcam430's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this unique world that was built in four books. As a dreamer, I loved all the magical elements that came from dreaming. I also loved the concepts of chosen family throughout the series. I could have done without the distracting side stuff of Piper, Greenmantle, and the Laumoniers because it felt pointless at times. Overall I loved these books.
defectivemoxie's review against another edition
3.0
The Raven King is one long fangirl scream.
Artemus is a tree. I couldn't stop laughing.
Henry spoke every little detail I was feeling.
Blue and Gansey!!!! That. Kiss.
I loved that Adam went back to his parents at the end for closure. Mostly because we learn that Adam and Ronan are a lasting thing.
Ronan dreamed Cabeswater!!! Did not see that coming.
OMG. When Ronan was dying was Declan calling and panicking about Matthew?????
I'm going to miss 300 Fox Way and Monmouth Manufacturing. I feel like I'm leaving home and going off to college.
Spoiler
-That Ronan and Adam make out session. Holy crap!!!!!Artemus is a tree. I couldn't stop laughing.
Henry spoke every little detail I was feeling.
Blue and Gansey!!!! That. Kiss.
I loved that Adam went back to his parents at the end for closure. Mostly because we learn that Adam and Ronan are a lasting thing.
Ronan dreamed Cabeswater!!! Did not see that coming.
OMG. When Ronan was dying was Declan calling and panicking about Matthew?????
I'm going to miss 300 Fox Way and Monmouth Manufacturing. I feel like I'm leaving home and going off to college.
klenarto's review against another edition
5.0
This series is hard to describe to people. It's like trying to describe a dream - I remember how I felt while reading it but not the details, other than it's like nothing I've ever read before.
How I felt. In awe of the world and characters Maggie created. The surprises, flow of the story, everything.
How I felt. In awe of the world and characters Maggie created. The surprises, flow of the story, everything.
jewelhathaway's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
This series was okay. It wasn't anything ground breaking. The concept was there and the characters were great it just didn't feel 'done,' like a burger with no cheese.