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“She wasn’t interested in telling other people’s futures. She was interested in going out and finding her own.”

What is the Book about?

Every year, Blue Sargent stands beside her clairvoyant mother as the spirits of those destined to die in the upcoming year pass by. Blue herself never sees them—until this year, when a boy emerges from the shadows and speaks to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a “Raven Boy”—a wealthy student from Aglionby, the local private school. Normally, Blue steers clear of Aglionby, as Raven Boys only mean trouble. And Gansey is not alone: Alongside Adam, the scholarship student who resents the privileges around him; Ronan, whose emotions range from anger to despair; and Noah, the silent observer who notices much but says little, he is on a secret quest.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause the death of her true love. She never thought she would fall in love. But now, as she delves into the mysterious world of the Raven Boys, she is no longer so sure.

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Rating
Plot ★★★☆☆
Characters ★★★★☆
Excitement ★★★★★
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing Style ★★★☆☆

Favourite Character
Adam

My thoughts while reading it

From the very first pages, I found myself immersed in the mysterious narrative surrounding The Raven Boys and a mysterious girl named Blue. Magic and enigmatic forces have held a special fascination for me as far back as I can remember, making the core theme of “The Raven Boys” perfectly aligned with my tastes. I surrendered to the story, eagerly absorbing every tidbit of information, skillfully presented by Maggie Stiefvater in her trademark vivid, detailed, and elaborate style—a necessity given the multitude of characters and the unconventional plot. Yet, even amidst the lush descriptions, a veil of ambiguity persists, leaving me eagerly anticipating the subsequent volumes.

At the heart of this enigmatic narrative is a cast of characters so intricately drawn that they become living, breathing entities within the pages. Blue Sargent, with her spirit and the weight of her clairvoyant lineage, propels readers into a world where the ethereal meets the tangible. The Raven Boys, led by the charismatic Gansey, form a fellowship that transcends the boundaries of ordinary friendship, delving into the profound realms of sacrifice and shared destiny. Blue emerges as a compelling protagonist, instantly relatable, and her motivations resonate effortlessly. As Gansey, and by extension, the rest of the “Raven Boys,” enter her life, she sets aside initial skepticism, delving into their quest for the ley line and the legendary Welsh king, Glendower. I refrain from divulging more, as doing so would spoil the intricate tapestry of the narrative. The mystery surrounding the ley line is dark, mysterious, and leaves many secrets unrevealed in this first installment, fostering an insatiable curiosity. Gansey, seemingly different from Blue at first glance, reveals a multifaceted personality. Behind his “cool and fantastic” facade lies a vulnerable and often insecure individual, perpetually fearful of losing his friends and being alone. Noah, Adam, and Ronan couldn’t be more distinct, yet each contributes indispensably to the whole. While Adam and Noah found a place in my heart swiftly, Ronan remained enigmatic for quite a while. Yet, this complexity is what I appreciate about Maggie Stiefvater’s characters—they are not flawless beings but rather individuals with edges and flaws, laden with problems, doubts, and negative energy. The interplay between the protagonists, amidst the often somber atmosphere, is brilliantly executed, and humor, especially evident in the interactions of Blue’s mother and her friends practicing their clairvoyant abilities, adds a delightful touch. For those expecting a grand love story, patience is required. With four books in total, there’s ample room for a narrative that evolves in a way contrary to the conventional “boy meets girl, and undying love blossoms instantly” trope, lending it an authentic and realistic quality. However, “The Raven Boys” is not devoid of emotions—every page brims with both positive and negative feelings.

One aspect that astounds me is Maggie Stiefvater’s boundless creativity. Her story is unconventional and resist mainstream trends, providing readers with an element of unpredictability. The unexpected twists that characterize her narratives leave me staring at the pages in disbelief, and “The Raven Boys” is no exception. There’s an element that took me completely by surprise, even though subtle hints existed—a testament to Stiefvater’s storytelling prowess. This, coupled with her exquisite and unparalleled writing style, distinguishes a “Maggie Stiefvater” novel from the ordinary literary fare. Stiefvater’s prose is a potion, concocted with equal parts elegance and raw emotion. The narrative unfolds with a cadence that mimics the beat of a heart, each word a brushstroke adding depth to the canvas of mystery. The setting, the small town of Henrietta, becomes a character in itself, its secrets echoing through the forests and ley lines that crisscross the landscape.

Comparisons to the phenomenon that is “Stranger Things” are inevitable, for both tales share a common thread—the exploration of the extraordinary within the ordinary. While “Stranger Things” immerses us in the nostalgia of ’80s pop culture and government experiments gone awry, “The Raven Boys” beckons us into the timeless realm of Welsh mythology and ley line energy. In the echoes of each chapter, resonances of the supernatural converge. Both narratives are a paean to the power of friendship, where bonds forged in the crucible of mystery and danger become unbreakable. Yet, where “Stranger Things” draws its strength from a collective of children facing otherworldly horrors, “The Raven Boys” finds its power in the interplay of characters whose destinies are interwoven like the threads of Fate’s loom.

Prepare yourself for a singular tale enveloped in an eerie atmosphere, laden with a plethora of emotions, and featuring protagonists that are both brilliant and profoundly layered—awaiting behind the captivating cover. The enchanting and mysterious narrative is propelled by the author’s stunning and absolutely ingenious style, a literary craftsmanship that never fails to captivate. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, this is a must-read. However, even for those who cannot resist exceptional stories, this is a stopping point you won’t want to miss.

Reading Recommendation? ✓
Favourite? ✘