The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) Review

Melissa Souza
Oct 20, 2016
3 min read

4.5 stars!!! I found this book really weird but in a good way. It was a bit hard to get into at the beginning as I had to get used to the way Maggie Stiefvater writes. She has a very unique way of describing things and using words. But I really liked it because she spins this captivating creepy world which borders on the surreal side and it can get really confusing at times. The story deals with ley lines, sleeping Welsh kings and physics which was fascinating. I ended up "Googling" a couple of things while I was reading to get a better understanding of things. I know that many people felt that the story was really boring as there isn't much progression, I disagree. I kind of liked that she has laid a basis for the next three books and has focused on a initial plot line for this book. I felt that it was resolved fairly well towards in the end and I wasn't left dissatisfied. In actuality, I am really looking forward to book two as Maggie's has given a great plot opening for the sequel. This book is more character - driven as compared to other YA novels and I think this is was sets it apart. Each character was fleshed out very well and is distinct from the other. They have equal weight and roles and this is what makes this story really water tight. The story focuses a lot on relationships and personalities as well as personal struggles which I think are the makings of a great book. You get more involved with the characters, they become a part of your life and you, theirs. Blue was a wonderfully delightful character. I loved her eccentric style but she really adds colour to the boys' lives. She adds a bit of sweetness to the story. Gansy is the glue that keeps the foursome together. I love how he has this caring, vulnerable side to him even though he comes across as condescending at times. I also loved how he has this sense of adventure and believing in the impossible. I think as a character, he is struggling to reconcile two different parts of himself (the son of a rich man and his true self - the one that can be softer and doesn't have to put up a front). It will be interesting to see how things play out for him in the rest of the series. Ronan is the strange one. He comes across as edgy and broken. But, we see many different sides to his personality coming forth in the book. He has a dry sense of humour, he can be fiercely loyal and protective. He also has a deeply sensitive side. We have yet to learn more about him especially in terms of his family and his father's death. However, we do get a major revelation regarding him at the end which was really surprising. While Adam Parrish is the most lovable guy ever. He might be quiet and observant, but he is so adorable. Although, he is not like the other Raven boys, I think his character is the most authentic and he was easily relatable. Noah, on the other hand, is quite a mystery but he has an endearing quality about him which makes him rather intriguing. The other minor characters were equally solid. I found Blue's mother and half-aunts to be highly amusing. They added a bit of lightness to the otherwise dark atmosphere of the book. The story doesn't have much of romance at the moment. There is a bit of attraction going on but I didn't mind this in the least. I love a slow burn romance, it makes it more worthwhile. Although, the pacing of the book is slow, they are many plot twists which added interest to the novel. Some revelations were pretty shocking and the parts which had action had a lot of it. So, I would say the book is a fairly well balanced read.