A review by mikaylay
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

adventurous 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

 Blue and the raven boys return in this fantasy series. We delve deeper into each character through their personalities, humor, and quirks. Blue demonstrates humor, loyalty, love, and independence, teaching readers that everyone has limits and being excluded can be more painful than expected. Although Noah has a smaller presence in this installment, he exemplifies humility, loyalty, kindness, and care, reminding us to appreciate the little things, from a smile to the warmth of the sun. Gansey embodies frustration, loyalty, and determination, illustrating that when a goal seems unattainable, it's not the end but a sign of our strength and the promise of better things. Adam displays frustration, anger, sadness, and unwavering loyalty, showing that while it's important to remain loyal to loved ones, it's also crucial to fight for oneself and one's aspirations. Ronan brings humor, chaos, anger, sadness, confusion, and loyalty, teaching us that dreams and nightmares may not always have clear meanings, but they contribute to personal growth, friendship, and brotherhood. Blue's family consistently adds humor, chaos, and uniqueness to the story. The characters are well-developed and exhibit growth, though some, like Noah, seem overshadowed by the plot.

The atmosphere and setting are somewhat spooky and engaging but lack descriptive depth this time. The writing is good, interesting, humorous, and generally enjoyable, though it occasionally feels rushed and repetitive. The plot resembles a rollercoaster with numerous ups and downs, maintaining reader interest throughout. The author excels at further developing the group's friendships. The search for Glendower continues, but the main focus seems to be on the characters realizing they need to search for what they truly want and need, while also striving for their current and future selves. I appreciated the continuous strengthening of bonds, character growth, and the subtle twists, but it wasn't a five-star read due to some repetition and certain characters becoming overshadowed by the plot. "The Dream Thieves" by Maggie Stiefvater is a solid sequel that emphasizes building friendships, trust, honesty, self-discovery, and the pursuit of desires and aspirations.