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
This is an absolute gem of a novel that truly deserves all the praise it has received. From the first page to the last, this book captivates readers with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and stunning prose.
The story follows Blue Sargent, a teenage girl from a family of psychics, who has been told since birth that she will cause the death of her true love, and as a result, she has always been careful to avoid getting too close to anyone. She becomes involved with a group of boys from a nearby private school – known as the Raven Boys – who are on a quest to find a mythical Welsh king. Blue, the protagonist, is a strong and independent young woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself and those she cares about.
The characters are complex and well-developed, with each of the Raven Boys (Gansey, Adam, Ronan, and Noah) having their own distinct personalities. They’re unique and complex, with their own struggles and motivations. Gansey, in particular, is a fascinating character, obsessed with finding a mythical Welsh king named Glendower and convinced that he is destined to do so. Adam is a scholarship student at Aglionby, struggling to fit in with his wealthy classmates and dealing with an abusive father. Ronan is rough around the edges and prone to violence but hides a deep pain and vulnerability. Noah, meanwhile, is quiet and mysterious, with secrets of his own.
Stiefvater’s writing is masterful and beautifully atmospheric, with vivid descriptions that bring the world of Henrietta to life and a lyrical quality that makes even the most mundane moments feel magical. The plot itself is full of twists and turns, with each revelation adding new layers of complexity to the story.
But what really sets “The Raven Boys” apart is the depth of emotion and humanity that Stiefvater brings to her characters. Each of them feels like a fully-realized person, with their own hopes, fears, and flaws. Blue is a wonderful protagonist, smart and capable, but also vulnerable and struggling with her own sense of identity. Her relationship with Gansey is a highlight of the book, with their slow-burning romance unfolding in a way that feels both natural and heart-wrenching.
At its core, “The Raven Boys” is a story about friendship, loyalty, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. Stiefvater explores themes of identity, family, and the power of belief in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. The book is also a masterclass in world-building in a modern setting, with its rich mythology and history adding depth and texture to the story.
“The Raven Boys” is a stunning achievement and one of the best young adult novels of recent years. It’s a book that will appeal to readers of all ages, with its mix of mystery, fantasy, and romance. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favour and pick it up – you won’t be disappointed.
Rating: ★★★★☆
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