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The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater Series: The Raven Cycle #1
Published by Scholastic Press on September 18, 2012
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal
Pages: 409
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“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.
I was so late to the party on this one and now I’m mad about it because The Raven Boys was awesome! I don’t know why I don’t read more YA because that’s obviously where all the fun is happening these days. Kids get all the good stuff!
Believe it or not, this was actually the first of Maggie Stiefvater’s books that I’ve ever read. Clearly I’ve been missing out.
Characters
I found it very easy to connect with and understand each one of the 5 main characters. Their differing personalities are well fleshed out and very pronounced so that you are easily able to keep track of who is who. The main protagonist, Blue is a girl after my own heart! This chick is a strong, take no shit kind of lady which I truly appreciate. She’s intelligent and unique and honestly, I just really want to know where her name came from.
I love each one of the boys for different reasons. While Gansey is the clear leader of the pack, I found it refreshing that he wasn’t the main love interest. Now based on some spoilers that I won’t mention, I’m not sure that he’ll never be Blue’s beloved but I’m sure I’ll find that out soon enough once I get to the other books in the series. What I enjoy about his character is that, while handsome and suave, he’s a super sleuthy nerd. My kind of guy!
Adam is the one I’ve got a soft spot for. The sweet guy with a kind heart and the willingness to work hard in life. Maybe he’s not ruggedly handsome, but I feel like I would be more attracted to him.
Ronan ….. mmmmm Ronan. Not going to lie, I’m a sucker for the bad boy. If you asked me which of Rory Gilmore’s boyfriends I prefer, you’re damn straight I’m Team Jess! Tattoos, mouth like a sailor, fights at the drop of a hat … oooooooo baby!
I thought Noah was a special guy from the beginning, I just didn’t realize how special he was. I love his sweet, shy personality and the way that he’s drawn to Blue.
Setting
First of all, I’m such a fan of books that are able to seamlessly able to blur the lines between the living world with the supernatural or undead world. I’m intrigued by mediums and have been to a few myself so it was fun to read those parts of the book.
I love how each location throughout the story has a very distinct mood and feel. The house that Blue, her mother Maura, and the gaggle of intuitive women live in is a cozy, cluttered place that has a warm and welcoming feel. It is comfortable and has a very homey vibe.
In stark contrast, Monmouth Manufacturing where the boys live is large, industrial, and cluttered in a different way. It’s intriguing but doesn’t exactly give you the warm fuzzies. It definitely suits the boys who live there though. Cool like Gansey, edgy like Ronan, mysterious like Noah.
If you’ve read the post all about me, you’ll know that I am a sucker for a good graveyard. So it’ll come as now surprise that the church and graveyard is my favorite location in the book. Brooding and dark, I love it! I felt chills when I first read about Blue sitting there and encountering spirit for the first time. Such a cool place!
So now I guess I’m going to have to read the other books in The Raven Cycle series! I’m hoping I enjoy them all this much!
Are you a Raven Cycle fan? Who is your favorite Raven boy?
Ummmm, I’m a macabre weirdo, and this sentence totally made me want to read this book: “It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.”
IT’S SO GOOD!!!
Based on what you had to say, I think this book and series could be right up my alley. Thanks for the review!! However, I’m a bit scared of starting a new YA book series after my embarassing dalliance (okay, full-blown passionate affair) with Twilight (please don’t judge me). LOL.
I’m always so surprised when I love YA books, but I shouldn’t be. Have you ever read THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray? Now, THERE is some creep factor. Plus, so good and excellent writing.
Ooooooo I’m always down for creepy!! I’ve never read any Libba Bray but you may have sold me haha!
I love reading YA, but I have yet to read this one. I am also a sucker for bad boys…they are…more fun..
Hehe they sure are!