The Raven Boys
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater on goodreads:
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.
Maggie Stiefvater always has a way with words and crafting pheneomal stories. So, when her new series the Raven Boys were announced I was eager to be drawn into a new world!
Meet The Raven Boys
Initally, I didn’t get the title and I admit sheepishly that I thought those boys would turn into ravens – somehow! Oh Boy I was wrong! This whole world has nothing to do with shape shifting but everything with mystery, magic and an old old lore… Gantsy, Adam and Ronan are the Raven boys, and the name actually comes from the privileged private school they attend. However, ravens will play a big role later on in the series, creating a wonderful enigmatic title! All three boys were easily to love insanely, each of them distinct with different burdens and purposes. What I loved most was their deep caring friendship, which almost felt like family, just more! Those boys would go through hell and back for each other and made the boys and their relation just the more alluring.
Blue and her eccentric family are the female counterparts…
…in this story and just have an as fascinating dynamic as the boys! Blue lives with her psychic mom and occasionally some other female psychic relatives and friends live with them. Blue was an incredible enigmatic and eccentric character with a wonderful heart and braveness! I loved this girl and her unique family. They just spiced up this story with their quirks, psychic abilities and magic!
Secrets, Mysteries, Magic and Old Lore
The plot was phenomenal and managed to captivate me right away. Gantsy is on a quest to find Ley Lines – old magic energy lines and he hopes one day to find and awake king XXX. Being wealthy means he lives with his “boys” in an old factory and this is also where the headquarter of all his research is. The first encounter with this room left me speechless and I saw this room in my head as if I was there arlreay. Maggie just manages to do this to their readers!
At first , we need some time to get introduced too all the characters important in the story, the basics , Gantsy’s quest, Blue’s involvement and so much more. So, this first book is about introduction and world building! But, despite having to introduce so much, there is a lot going on that keeps turning pages and pages after some strange things happen.
This plot will Surprise You! Entice You and Compel You!
Blue and The Raven Boys – a dynamic on its own
I absolutely adored how Blue got to know the boys and slowly made it into their inner circle. Having been told she will once kill her true love with a kiss, she wary and tries not to let her feelings getting in the way.
Easier said then done and Blue is attracted to two of the boy for different reasons. With that being said, there is a love triangle and with Blue’s “curse” there is no kissing involved in this first book. I was sad that the romance was played down, but didn’t hurt me as it usually would do. The rest of the story was just so incredible that I didn’t felt the lack of romance.
Bewitched Rating
Bottom Line
Raven Boys was an epic introduction into a world of wonderment! Seriously guys, there is so much wonder in this book. So much that I cannot put it in words and my review won’t even do it justice. But, Maggie can – her words were beautiful and her writing again something that stands out and draws you in, not letting you go until you closed the book… Raven Boys will surprise you! Entice You and Compel You!
Additional Info
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I am so very jealous right now. I absolutely adore Maggie’s writing, and have been waiting for this since i saw it was announced! I’m thrilled to see that it lived up to (surpassed?) your expectations, and that you loved it so much!
Thanks for a chance at winning a copy!
kelly recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday!
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Yes it totally surpassed my expectations! I mean I liked her Linger series, but this one was so soooo good!!!
Danny recently posted..Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield
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I can’t wait to read this book! It sounds so great! Thanks for the Giveaway!
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Okay, you say Gantsy, Adam and Ronan are the Raven boys. Who is Noah? Is he not a part of the group?
I can’t get excited about MS. I didn’t like the Wolves of MF and though I loved her faerie books, I feel like she never finished the series, something that was a problem with the Wolves. So I’ll just let you read and gush. I’m sure if you like her writing it’s a great series. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Heather
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Oh I won’t say anything about Noah, he’s enigma and I won’t spoil anything!
I also was not the biggest fan of the Linger series, but I loved her writing! But, Raven Boys is different and so so awesome!!! If you loved her Fairy series, maybe you give this one another try! It totally surprised me by how enthralled I was!°
Danny recently posted..The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater – Review
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Thank you so much for this giveaway!!! Maggie is one of my favorite authors and I want this book so very badly! This review was awesome and makes me want this book even more!
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This has sounded so good on all the reviews I’ve read. Can’t wait! Thank you.
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I loved this book so much, but I always love Maggie’s books! 🙂 I’m already anxious for the next one.
Lori recently posted..Review: Through to You by Emily Hainsworth
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This sounds so good. I’d love to read it. Thanks for the giveaway!
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Woohoo!! Fingers crossed!! Can’t wait to read this 😉
Kristen has assured me this is more awesome than “Scorpio Races” yays!!
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You know I loved this one too Danny, even though like you, I was a tiny, tiny bit disappointed there wasn’t more romance. It absolutely made sense though given her “curse” so it was easy for me to get past that and just fall in love with all the characters. Maggie writes the most brilliant characters, and all the boys in this one are so dark and damaged and I loved them all. I found the ending to be a touch confusing, especially the last line, but I have faith Maggie will make it all make sense moving forward:)
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Yes I also would have loved more romance! Also, I am still not sure how this love will develop!?!? It’s actually quite interesting!
Seriously, when I read about the curse in the beginning, I was disappointed since it was clear we wouldn’t get a lot of kissing! ;((
But, the characters and the tale was soooo awesome, it made up for it!
Danny recently posted..Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield
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I got a chance to read an e-ARC of The Raven Boys but because I am such a ginormous fan of Maggie Stiefvater, I would love to own a copy!
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You had me (at HELLO LOL no, just kidding..) at old lore, secrets and mysteries. This sounds like MY kind of book. I am ashamed to admit, that I haven’t yet read any of Maggie’s books, though I own most of them. I do plan to read them (hmm.. that calls for a read-a-long!), but I just need to find time.. UGH!
But this book… the way you described it sounds wonderful. I am especially fascinated by old lore and mysterious events, and if the characters are well fleshed-out and their relationship is not only believable but also very heart-warming.. well, sign me up!
Wonderful, insightful review! I love how you break it down into segments with titles! LOVE IT! Thank you for the giveaway, too! <3
Evie recently posted..Waiting On Wednesday (#31)
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LOOOL Evie!!! *hugs*
Raven Boys will be a wonderful intro for you in Maggie’s world! For me. this was her strongest work so far, truly! I mean I liked Shiver, but I’m not the biggest werewolf fan so that was a led down for me. But Raven Boys???? AWESOME!
Danny recently posted..Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield
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This book sounds sooooo good! I’m so jealous you read it already! Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
Nikki H recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday: 9/12/12
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I am so excited to read this book! Thanks for the review and giveaway!!
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I’ve heard so many good things about this book!!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Brittany @ The Book Addict’s Guide recently posted..Origin – Jessica Khoury
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I have this one and have been dying to read it! But September has been a CRAZY month for new releases! I can’t even get them all read! But your review has me excited about it again so hopefully I can read it really soon!
Candace recently posted..Interview with Rae Carson & Review of Crown of Embers
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I have been waiting for this book for a while now! it sounds so good! Thanks for the giveaway!
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Awesome review. The whole book sounds amazing. Blue isn’t what I expected though. 🙂
TayteH recently posted..Giveaway Alerts!
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Thanks for this chance to win!
I love Maggie’s books and I really want to read this one!
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Thanks for te review can’t wait to read this book.
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Eeep! I haven’t read one of Maggie’s books before but everyone is just gaga over them, I see that this one is no exception. Great review!
Jenni @ Alluring Reads recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday (30)
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I’ve been hearing a lot of great things about this book. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
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I absolutely love Maggie’s writing and the Wolves of Mercy Fall is one of my favourite werewolf series !! I can’t wait to read The Raven Boys and I’m so glad that you loved it Danny .. 🙂
Elodie @ Once Upon a Quote recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday : Meant to Be :
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I am just in the middle of Forever and I can’t wait to dig into this new series! It sounds amazing!
Melissa recently posted..Book Review: Slide by Jill Hathaway
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Beautiful review, Danny! I completely agree with your points and loved this book to pieces. The more I think about it, the more I start to wonder if it might just have been my favourite read of the year so far. Gansey and the boys were amazing! I loved the relationship between them too and agree that it was family-like. Can’t wait for the next book! 🙂
Sam @ Realm of Fiction recently posted..Review: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
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Gansey was such a fascinating character ! I loved this boy and his sidekicks! Each of them were incredible unique. Raven Boys was definitely a character driven story which I always love!
Danny recently posted..Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield
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Thanks for the contest! I can’t wait to read this book. I just finished The Scorpio Races the other day and loved it.
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Thank you for the giveaway! I have really been wanting to read this!!!!!
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I first read Maggie’s Mercy Falls series and loved those books, and after reading the absolutely AMAZING Scorpio Races, I am definitely a huge fan of her writing. Can’t wait to get my hands on this book and read it–it sounds just as great as her other work! 🙂
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Love Stiefvater, but not this one. It’s all the time it takes to get to the good part. I just haven’t been able to get through it. And I feel so bad, because I won the ARC from Bewitched Bookworms! I’m going to try it again sometime… And you can see my link to The Diviners review, which I LOVED and also won from you…so…thanks again!
Annette recently posted..Book Review: The Diviners, by Libba Bray @libbabray
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Oh that is so sad Annette! I heard a few times that people had a hard time getting into the story but somehow I didn’t feel that way!
I’m so happy you loved the Diviners! 🙂
Danny recently posted..Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield
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Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I really must have this book. Tore923@aol.com
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I am in love with Maggie Stiefvater’s writing, and am absolutely DYING to read The Raven Boys. Thank you so much for this epic opportunity!
Grace Lo recently posted..Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
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I can’t wait to read this! I still need to read The Scorpio Races but I’m really excited for this one!
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starting this today!:)
seasarah recently posted..Holy Alien Sex God — Where have you been all my life?
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I am SO excited to read this one! LOVE Maggie 🙂 Great review.
Heidi @ YA Bibliophile recently posted..Pushing the Limits
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Love the review. Thanks.
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I have enjoyed all of her books thus far and I am excited to read this new series from Maggie! Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
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Hehe I don’t blame you for thinking they would turn into ravens! Anything was possible with that story. This was such a great book and loved your review, Danny!
elena recently posted..(kiss of death) review: the raven boys by maggie stiefvater
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Love, love, love boarding school books. The title and the raven on the cover is somewhat misleading. I was thinking the boys in the book might turn into ravens, too! Hmmm….now I’m really intrigued. Can’t wait to read it 🙂
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I loved The Raven Boys. I couldn’t read it fast enough! Thank you so much for the giveaway.
I adored the first 2 books in the Wolves of Mercy Falls. The third book disappointed me tremendously. Talk about an ambiguous ending! I could have made up my own ‘ending’ after book 2 (and it would have been an actual ending with answers to all of the questions that never got cleared up.) So I am hoping beyond hope that she is successful in finishing this new series in an amazing way.
Sandra recently posted..Review: Of Poseidon (Of Poseidon #1) by Anna Banks
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I’m so excited about this book! I can’t wait to get my hands on it~ it sounds fabulous and review only makes me want to run out and buy it more than I already did. 🙂
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I was expecting actual ravens too, but this sounds so much more exciting. And different! I was totally blown away by the blurb and review.
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This would mean so much to win.. Here’s hoping.
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I’m so glad you loved it! She’s going to be doing a signing at a bookstore near me next week and I’m so planning on going (gotta see is she’ll sign my Scorpio Races book too!).
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A fantastic review! I haven’t read anything by Maggie S but I’ve been really eager to get hold of The Raven Boys, it sounds amazing (I thought it was about Shifters/Ravens)..
It’s a shame the romance was lacking and I dread love-triangles so I’m keen to see how this one plays out.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thankyou for sharing.
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Sigh I have been so afraid to start this book! I have read Shiver and couldn’t get through LInger and ever since then I’ve been leary about Maggie’s books. I know that she tends to write in a certain slower build up style but sometimes that style of writing just takes too long to get to the actual point for my taste. Since I got an arc of this at ALA I hope I get a chance to read and love it soon.
Thanks for the great review!
Alexa recently posted..Personal Effects
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I have seen this book adored by everyone who has read it. I have to read it and love it too!! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Lauren M. recently posted..The tornado today…
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I absolutely love Maggie Stiefvater’s writing! This book sounds great, judging from the summary and all its positive reviews. Can’t wait to read it!
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Awwwwww Danny! Magnificent review!! you said you may not do justice to this book but you totally do!! I loved it too (but The Scorpio Races still my favorite one XD) Btw, it also crossed my mind that the boys would turn into Ravens lol! But Maggie is SO clever, she did something even better =DDDDDD
I loooooooooove your review my dear and totally agree with everything ^_^
Hope you are doing fine! <333
I started classes again so Im not networking as much as before. But I keep stalkng your blog ^.^ muah!!
Happy reading my dear Danny <33
Natalia Belikov recently posted..Review: Fathomless by Jackson Pearce
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I really need to get a copy of this one, not only because your review just made me crave to read it immediately, but because I absolutely adore Maggie’s writing and can’t wait to see what she came up with now. Lovely review! Thanks for sharing and making me want to read it even more. 🙂
Carina @ Fictional Distraction recently posted..Fictional Distractions of the Week #46
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Sounds like something I would really enjoy reading. Thanks for the chance.
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I’ve heard great things about this book, cannot wait to read it! Thanks for the chance to win
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE AWESOME GIVEAWAY DANNY!!! This sounds like an amazing book, and if i do win, then I think I’ll head over to the signing in my state and get it signed!! WOOOHOO!! 😀
Shreya@CCReviews
Shreya@CCReviews recently posted..Review, Interview, and Giveaway: Bone Dressing by Michelle I. Brooks
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Maggie is such a clever artist and writer and musician-she’s the creative package! I can’t wait to read Raven Boys!
Diana recently posted..Under the Sea GIVEAWAY Hop, The Forbidden Sea by Sheila Nielson!
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Wow Danny, as usual I am Bewitched by your amazing review of, The Raven Boys! I too thought that the boys shape shifted into ravens based on the title! This book intrigues me with the psychic abilities, prophecies, magic and mystery. I imagine that you felt sorry for Blue not being able to kiss her love interest(s) for fear that she would kill one of them! Thanks for the giveaway! This book has been number one on my wish list ever since I saw the cover, read the synopsis, and saw that the author was one of my favorites! Keep up the awesome work on your blog! Reading it is one of the highlights of my day! You are a talented reviewer/writer and your blog is beautiful! Your passion for books comes through on your books and every time you review a book that you loved, you make me want to read it!!!!
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Lindy… Your comment made my day!! You have no idea what it means to me hearing that not only do you like my reviews, but also that my enthusiasm shines through…
I’m touched!!! Tons of hugs and kisses!
Thanks!!!
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Can’t wait to read this book. The cover is amazing and I love the blurb.
Thanks for the giveaway.
mada recently posted..Elita Intunecata: Hex sau Puterea Farmecelor de Chloe Neill
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love this giveaway!!
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I seriously hope and want THE RAVEN BOYS.
Andrea Lira-Martinez recently posted..Book Shopping List (September)
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Thanks for the giveaway! I can’t wait to read this one!
Ashley G. recently posted..Top Ten Tuesday (18)
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Love, love, love, looooovvvveee!!! Much comment love to you! I am so excited about The Raven Boys. With the exception of the Shiver series, Maggie is one of my fave authors. I have heard raving (hehe!) things about this book, your review being no exception. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
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The book sounds AMAZING!!!!
Can’t wait to read it.Thanks for the giveaway! 😀
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I usually shy away from books that don’t have (or have very little) romance but I love how Maggie built that into the plot with Blue’s curse. Also, I love character driven books so I cannot wait to see for myself how the friendships form and grow! I’ve heard that it takes a little bit to get emersed in the story but your review has made me want to pick this one up soon and give it a try. 🙂
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I love Maggie Stiefvater, she is like one of my favorite author of all time. Thank you so so much for having this giveaway 🙂
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Can’t wait to read this! Thanks for the giveaway!
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WHO-HO-HO! I can not wait to get my hands on this book! 😀 Thanks for sharing a fantastic review and giveaway! 😀
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This book has been on my list since i first heard about it. Glad top hear it is worth reading!!
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