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A review by keysmashhh
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Plot: 4/5
Character: 4.5/5
Relationships: 4/5
World-Building: 4/5
Genre: 4.5/5
Plot: Generally the Plot was strong. I liked the focus on the search around the lay lines, with the school dynamics and relationship dramas as sub Plot. At points I felt the Plot was a bit predictable (eg. Noah actually being dead, The teacher being the killer etc) but there were moments that genuinely shocked me. The ending felt a little rushed but I think the fact that the book is part of a series is its saving grace, I can't wait to read the sequel.
Character: I loved the characterisation of the main characters. Gansey's depth and his desperation made him a really interesting charecter to read about. Adam was probably my favourite, his determination was really interesting to read in parallel to Gansey. Ronan and Blue were the charecters I connected least with - I don't know what it was but I just felt less aligned with them. I will say the whole of Blue's family/the physics fell a bit flat for me, and I kept mixing up who was who.
Relationships: the whole if you kiss him you die thing was really interesting and provided a nice undercurrent to all romantic relationships. I did read a little spoiler online about one characters romantic relationship but that defintly didn't negatively impact my enjoyment of the book. I'm not usually a super fan of the 2 boys in love with the same girl stereotype but the building competition between Adam and Gansey over blue is increasing, especially as only one is her true love/victim. I liked the Blossoming friendship between Blue and the boys, especially her and Noah, I thought there were some really cute moments.
World-Building: I loved the combination of the real elements such as the school setting and the mythological like the woods. I felt like the lore was largely left unsaid but it worked for the book - combined with Ganseys desire to tell anyone and everyone the story of Glendower, I felt like I wasn't lost in the lore.
Genre: the balance of contemporary and fantasy was just right and just how I like it. I loved the pacing of this book, until the end I felt like I was still in suspense. I can't wait to read the 2nd book!!
Character: 4.5/5
Relationships: 4/5
World-Building: 4/5
Genre: 4.5/5
Plot: Generally the Plot was strong. I liked the focus on the search around the lay lines, with the school dynamics and relationship dramas as sub Plot. At points I felt the Plot was a bit predictable (eg. Noah actually being dead, The teacher being the killer etc) but there were moments that genuinely shocked me. The ending felt a little rushed but I think the fact that the book is part of a series is its saving grace, I can't wait to read the sequel.
Character: I loved the characterisation of the main characters. Gansey's depth and his desperation made him a really interesting charecter to read about. Adam was probably my favourite, his determination was really interesting to read in parallel to Gansey. Ronan and Blue were the charecters I connected least with - I don't know what it was but I just felt less aligned with them. I will say the whole of Blue's family/the physics fell a bit flat for me, and I kept mixing up who was who.
Relationships: the whole if you kiss him you die thing was really interesting and provided a nice undercurrent to all romantic relationships. I did read a little spoiler online about one characters romantic relationship but that defintly didn't negatively impact my enjoyment of the book. I'm not usually a super fan of the 2 boys in love with the same girl stereotype but the building competition between Adam and Gansey over blue is increasing, especially as only one is her true love/victim. I liked the Blossoming friendship between Blue and the boys, especially her and Noah, I thought there were some really cute moments.
World-Building: I loved the combination of the real elements such as the school setting and the mythological like the woods. I felt like the lore was largely left unsaid but it worked for the book - combined with Ganseys desire to tell anyone and everyone the story of Glendower, I felt like I wasn't lost in the lore.
Genre: the balance of contemporary and fantasy was just right and just how I like it. I loved the pacing of this book, until the end I felt like I was still in suspense. I can't wait to read the 2nd book!!