Flash Review: The Raven Boys & The Dream Thieves
There is something to be said for hardbacks. I admit that I don't love them as much as I used to and I even usually prefer paperbacks (*cough* cheaper *cough*). But, gosh, The Raven Cycle books are gorgeous in hardback. So, I think I've added something to my bookish bucket list- I need (read: want) to get all of the books in hardback format.
End of discussion.
On other topics though, I've decided to review The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves in one post which means I've also decided to introduce something called a "flash review" (in honor of flash fiction). Basically, a flash review is just a really short review. I don't know if other book blogs have used this term or not, so it's not my intention to steal anybody's ideas.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
My sister got me a paperback copy of The Raven Boys for my birthday. :D So, thank you SO much again, Tansie Gray. ;)
I loved it. Everything about it was amazing, and now I want to borrow The Scorpio Races (also by Maggie Stiefvater) from the library again and see if I like it better than last time since my reading taste has evolved.
The characters were awesome. Blue was like a sarcastic ray of sunshine in the guys' lives and all the guys are so conflicted and complicated and how does the author make such beautiful characters. The friendship that the guys had was so loyal and sweet. I love when there are strong friendships in books, like you know if the world was ending they'd still stick together.
The plot was a little slow in the beginning. Basically, I wanted to read about Blue and the boys interacting so I was impatient. But when the plot started, whoa did it start. I was glued. And I know I've raved about this on Goodreads but the characters lives are so intertwined. It's crazy! Also, cliffhangers. And plot twists. I read it a while ago and I still get into crazy feels and fangirl mode when I think about it.
The setting was very unique. The whole ley lines and magical energy and ghosts is not a common subject in YA fiction, so it was a nice change. Maggie Stiefvater has such unique ideas for all of her books!
This book tore my soul apart. I will not be consoled. I felt so much and it's only one of the few books that had me extremely emotionally invested in the characters almost from the start. So many things happened, and GAH. ASDFGHJKL.
.png)
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
I borrowed this one from the library (It was hardback. *sigh*) Yes, I stroked it and I'm not ashamed. :P
I was going to do a flash review for this one too. But I got my sister addicted to The Raven Boys (mwahahaha) and so I don't want to ruin the reading of this one for her. So NO SPOILERS.
I will say that I liked how I got to know Noah and Ronan a lot better in this book, but I didn't like some of the romantical aspects of the book.
.png)
My rating on Goodreads was 4.5 stars, but in my very logical foresight I didn't make half-ratings for my rating system. *rolls eyes*
Disclaimer: I was not reimbursed for this review in any way. I have written it solely for the entertainment of the readers of this blog and myself.
As I said before, I got my sister to read The Raven Boys with extremely positive results (i.e. crying, hyperventilating, gasping, falling in love with the characters, widened eyes, etc.) and we're going to do a vlog on it. It will be up soon (maybe this weekend).
I am coming to the point in my blogging where I'm undecided on whether I should continue under only my pen name or whether I should reveal my real name but keep blogging with the pen name. What do you think? Have you gone through the same "crossroads" type deal here?
End of discussion.
On other topics though, I've decided to review The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves in one post which means I've also decided to introduce something called a "flash review" (in honor of flash fiction). Basically, a flash review is just a really short review. I don't know if other book blogs have used this term or not, so it's not my intention to steal anybody's ideas.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
My sister got me a paperback copy of The Raven Boys for my birthday. :D So, thank you SO much again, Tansie Gray. ;)
I loved it. Everything about it was amazing, and now I want to borrow The Scorpio Races (also by Maggie Stiefvater) from the library again and see if I like it better than last time since my reading taste has evolved.
The characters were awesome. Blue was like a sarcastic ray of sunshine in the guys' lives and all the guys are so conflicted and complicated and how does the author make such beautiful characters. The friendship that the guys had was so loyal and sweet. I love when there are strong friendships in books, like you know if the world was ending they'd still stick together.
The plot was a little slow in the beginning. Basically, I wanted to read about Blue and the boys interacting so I was impatient. But when the plot started, whoa did it start. I was glued. And I know I've raved about this on Goodreads but the characters lives are so intertwined. It's crazy! Also, cliffhangers. And plot twists. I read it a while ago and I still get into crazy feels and fangirl mode when I think about it.
The setting was very unique. The whole ley lines and magical energy and ghosts is not a common subject in YA fiction, so it was a nice change. Maggie Stiefvater has such unique ideas for all of her books!
This book tore my soul apart. I will not be consoled. I felt so much and it's only one of the few books that had me extremely emotionally invested in the characters almost from the start. So many things happened, and GAH. ASDFGHJKL.
My rating:
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
I borrowed this one from the library (It was hardback. *sigh*) Yes, I stroked it and I'm not ashamed. :P
I was going to do a flash review for this one too. But I got my sister addicted to The Raven Boys (mwahahaha) and so I don't want to ruin the reading of this one for her. So NO SPOILERS.
I will say that I liked how I got to know Noah and Ronan a lot better in this book, but I didn't like some of the romantical aspects of the book.
My rating:
Disclaimer: I was not reimbursed for this review in any way. I have written it solely for the entertainment of the readers of this blog and myself.
As I said before, I got my sister to read The Raven Boys with extremely positive results (i.e. crying, hyperventilating, gasping, falling in love with the characters, widened eyes, etc.) and we're going to do a vlog on it. It will be up soon (maybe this weekend).
I am coming to the point in my blogging where I'm undecided on whether I should continue under only my pen name or whether I should reveal my real name but keep blogging with the pen name. What do you think? Have you gone through the same "crossroads" type deal here?
I'm glad to hear you liked these books so much! I have heard nothing but praise for them - supposedly the writing is gorgeous. Especially after reading your praise of the characters - I like the idea of a sarcastic ray of sunshine - I'm starting to think I should pick this series up.
ReplyDeleteYes, you totally should! I loved it SO much. It's weird because the Raven boys have this whole brotherhood thing going on and then there's Blue who makes their lives a little quirkier and brighter (and I love the name Blue, especially for a girl).
DeleteI am insulted. I did not cry. I TEARED UP. Big difference. (Also you're welcome for the book. Aren't I just wonderful?) ;)
ReplyDeletePsh, there were tears coming out onto your cheeks okay? That means you were crying. You are wonderful (only when you give me books and back away though). :)
DeleteI didn't like these as much as you did, but I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Maggie is such a great writer, isn't she?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks so much for sharing, and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3
~ Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf
Thank you so much! :))
DeleteI loved them, but I can understand you not liking them as much because I followed the hype for The Scorpio Races ages ago but didn't really love it either. Each to their own :D Maggie is an awesome writer! Her style of writing is almost specific and vague at the same time.