The Raven Cycle, Book 1

Synopsis: “There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

Review: I remember hearing a lot about this novel when it came out in English. I hadn’t read the first translation but as another French publisher decided to release it, I thought it was the right time to discover it and I was happy to dive into this first volume.

Blue, a young girl not quite like the others, has just seen the appearance of a boy named Gansey. She doesn’t know him, but she knows that if he has appeared to her, he may die in the near future. So Blue is determined to find out who this boy is and find a way to save him.

The idea of the novel was very nice, but the pace is quite slow and I must say that I had a hard time getting hooked on the story and the characters. Maybe I was expecting too much. Anyway, I’m sure it will appeal to many readers!

 

8 thoughts on “The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

  1. blodeuedd

    I tried in audio before I liked audio so…not a good idea, but you seem to have thought the same too so maybe it is just the book

    1. Melliane

      I was wondering if it was me but I’m relieved. The rating on goodreads is quite high

  2. Melanie Simmons

    I’ve seen this story around too. I don’t know what kept me from trying it. But, based on your review, I’m not missing much. Thanks for the review.

  3. Greg

    I remember this being everywhere when it came out! Sorry to hear it was a little slow…

  4. Anne - Books of My Heart

    I’m sorry you did not like this one. I really have planned to read this one.

  5. Sophia Rose

    I’ve read books from her other series and they were okay, but they were only so-s0 for me. Maybe I’ll try this one at some point, but I’m in no hurry.

  6. Lindsi

    I’m sorry you didn’t like this one! It’s been a few years since I read it, but I remember enjoying the series overall. I hope your next read is a better fit!

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?

  7. Carole Rae

    Gah bummer.

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