Thursday 5 July 2012

Review and Giveaway: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater


The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle, #1)

  


  Title: The Raven Boys 

  Author: Maggie Stiefvater
  Publisher: Scholastic Press
  Publication date: September 18th 2012
  My rating 4 stars








Wow! I just now finished this and I'm sort of speechless, in a good way, but now somehow I have to form a coherent review.

Every April 24th, St. Mark's Eve, Blue Sargent and her psychic mother wait in an old church yard to see the spirits of anyone who will die in the next twelve months.  When Blue shows up to write down the locals names, it's the first time she actually sees one of the spirits, a boy that is clearly a student of Aglionby, the local private school of Henrietta's privileged.  When Blue asks, he tells her his name is Gansey.  Her aunt tells her there are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve.  Either you're his true love or you killed him.  Blue Sargent has always been told that she would kill her true love with a kiss.  So is this boy who she's never met, the one she falls in love with? Is she the reason he is to die?  Blue can hardly believe that she could ever fall in love with a "Ravens Boy," the nick-name used for the rich, arrogant, entitled boys who attend Alionby Academy. 

Richard Campbell "Gansey" III, is a senior at Alionby Academy.  For several years his passion has been to locate the burial place of Owain Glendower, a medieval Welsh noble who disappeared right before the English could capture him.  Legend has it that Glendower is still alive, but sleeping for centuries, and whoever finds and awakens him would be granted a favor.   Through his investigations, he has been led to Henrietta, Virginia as a probable place for Glendower's final resting place.  Gansey and his circle of friends, Adam, Ronan, and Noah are all part of this mystery that will collide with Blue's world. 

These are the two main mysteries in this story, but really there is a third mystery, one that doesn't become apparent until half-way through the book.  I literally gasped when it was revealed!  There are some great revelations you may or may not see coming, but it's thrilling when you start to piece everything together.  The story starts out as separate threads that gradually start to knit together as the plots unfold.  Because this is the start of a series, it took about a hundred pages to get the lay of the land and start to make sense of what is going on.  But don't let this discourage you at all, you'll find yourself slowly sucked into the story, riveted by how things are coming together. 

I've been a fan of Ms. Stiefvater's writing for quite some time.  She is truly the master of setting a mood, making you feel a scene, in showing, not telling.  This story is no exception.  You feel her characters feelings as they were your own, so it's easy to connect to each and every one of them.  Blue was a strong "sensible" girl in spite of being in a house full of anything but the usual.  Her mother, Maura, Calla, and Persephone are the eccentric and fun characters that make up her family.  You can't help but love every one of the "Raven Boys," each of them with a sad background that is gradually revealed. 

I have to say I was a little nervous that I wouldn't love this story as much as Maggie's other series.  But it turns out I had nothing to fear.  The Raven Boys is an excellent start to what I feel will be an amazing series.  The first installment ends solving some of the mysteries, but left so many unresolved.  It didn't leave off on a cliffhanger, but the story is far from finished.  I'm now eagerly awaiting the next book!

I'm so excited because I attended the ALA a couple of weeks ago and was able to get an extra SIGNED COPY to giveaway!  This is an uncorrected proof, Advanced Readers Copy.  The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL and runs for two weeks.  The only requirement is that you follow the blog via GFC.  Just fill out the rafflecopter below.  Thanks for visiting and good luck!








a Rafflecopter giveaway

118 comments:

Unknown said...

Deirdre from Lament! I love fairies :D
Thanks for the chance to win

Dannielle

Anna Scott said...

Have to admit, I've never read any of her's but desperately want to. So I'm sure I'll have a favourite at some point in the future!

Lynn K. said...

I've only read The Scorpio Races so far and I really liked it. Planning to read The Wolves of Mercy Falls soon. :)

Kate said...

I cannot wait for this book! It looks awesome. Thanks for the giveaway and thankyou for making it international!

I like the guy in Mercy Falls but for the life of me I cannot remember his name right now!

Ace said...

Great review! I've read The Wolves of Mercy Falls and the Faeries books, so if those were any indication, I'll love The Raven Boys ;).

Ace said...

My favorite character from Maggie's books would have to be Sam Roth from Shiver. Some people may think he's too in touch with his emotions, but I find it refreshing in the YA world.

Suzanne (Parabooklover) said...

My favourite book by Maggie would be Shiver and my favourite character would be Cole from that series.

Great review Rachel. This sounds like a great one, I can't wait to read it :)

Thanks for the international giveaway.

Sam (Realm of Fiction) said...

She is truly the master of setting a mood, making you feel a scene, in showing, not telling. - This is my favourite things about Maggie Stiefvater's writing and you said it perfectly. I am very excited for this book. Even though the Shiver books weren't perfect for me, I have a feeling this one will be just my sort of thing. Amazing review, Rachel! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :)

Jennifer said...

I have read the Scorpio Races which i loved. And the Shiver series. But i am definitely going to read Lament and Ballad soon.

I think my favorite book was probably Forever.

TayteH said...

My favorite book? Shiver. I loved Sam in it too. :D

Unknown said...

I loved Lament & Ballad

Unknown said...

My favorite book is The Scorpio Races, I loved it!
Penny Pe

Tanja - Tanychy said...

My favourite is The Wolves of Mercy Falls series!
I really love that series! :)

Rachel said...

Amazing review Rachel!!!!!!! I love any books with one good mystery and this one has three, Yay!!!!
My favorite Maggie book would be Shiver because It was so simple and relaxing to read. Maggie definitely knows how to write incredibly!

Jenny said...

YAAAAAY! I'm so glad you loved this one Rachel, I cannot wait to finally get to it. And I'm dying to know what this third mystery is that's revealed halfway through. Love when a book makes me gasp aloud:) Thanks for this review, it's enough to tide me over until I can get my hands on this one!!!!

Aa'Ishah said...

I love Sam, and just the Wolved of Mercy Falls series in general! Awesome giveaway! :)

Steph said...

Thanks for the giveaway! This book is at the top of my wishlist!! I haven't read any books by Maggie yet, but I have the Mercy Falls series waiting on my bookshelf.

Gaby said...

Sam fron Linger

Anonymous said...

I so want to read The Raven Boys, and am just waiting for an ARC to appear for me to read! Great review and contest. ;)

Anonymous said...

You should try the Lament and Ballad (the 2nd is far better than the first) and The Scorpio Races. Great reads coming up to summer!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant review, Rachel. I was already very excited for the release of this book now I'm even more excited after reading your review.
The characters seem absolutely wonderful and I have no doubt I'll love the Raven Boys ! :)
I can't wait !
Thanks for making the giveaway international ! :D You're just too nice. :)

Lisa (The Nocturnal Library) said...

My favorite book is still Shiver but my favorite character is definitely Puck from Scorpio. Thanks for the giveaway!

Shane @ItchingforBooks said...

I've heard so much about this book. Thanks for the boost. Awesome review!

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

It's good to know that there's nothing to fear, Rachel! I feel better even though I promised myself I'll totally relax about Maggie's new books because she's never failed me, not once. My favorite character is Sean Kendrick, just like Scorpio is my favorite book. Sam is a close second, though. :)

-Ria xo said...

This sounds so good. I've read countless reviews for it, all raving.

And to hear you say it's as good as the Shiver books makes me even more excited to read it.

Thanks so much for the giveaway, Rachel!

-Ria xo said...

As for my favourite character, I've only read Shiver, so that would be my favourite. :D

nurmawati djuhawan said...

SAM from SHIVER...luv him so much...:)

thx u for this awesome giveaway...

Filia Oktarina said...

Shiver,... i love this book :)

Thanks so much for the giveaway, Rachel!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Awesome review! I'm not entering the giveaway because my co-reviewer, Alicia, has a copy being sent to me. Otherwise, I totally would. it sounds like a great start to a new, exciting series.

-Lauren

Bookie Bee said...

My favorite book by Maggie Steifvater would have to be The Scorpio Races!

Ellisa said...

The Scorpio Races is a lovely read, and I love both Puck and Sean! Deidre from Lament is also my favorite (her musical talent)! Thank you for the giveaway!

btw, those who haven't read Stiefvater's work should do it soon!

Beverley said...

'Wow! I just now finished this and I'm sort of speechless, in a good way, but now somehow I have to form a coherent review.' - That line alone has convinced me to read it, Rachel! I'm so glad you enjoyed this book and it sounds a little creepy and spooky but I'm still entering the giveaway and keeping my fingers crossed! I've never read a Stiefcater book but I like how you said she makes the reader feel the scene - I love it when authors show and not tell! Awesome review, Rachel and thank you for the giveaway too <3

Vegan YA Nerds said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Rach! It sounds fantastic!

My favourite book is Shiver, but I've enjoyed all of her books so far

Anonymous said...

Excellent review, Rachel. The premise sounds quite good, and I'm glad you loved this. :) I'm not entering the giveaway because I'm not a huge Maggie Stiefvater fan, but thanks for your generosity nonetheless. :)

Julie M. said...

First thank you for doing this giveaway.

Second, I am in love with the series Shiver by Maggie. It's such a beautiful love story. I'll admit the ending sort of left me with a lot of questions, but still I enjoyed each and every one of them :)

Gigi said...

Favorite book so far: Shiver! I haven't read her other series yet! (ileana-rafflecopter)

kristina shields said...

seth from the mercy of falls series

Unknown said...

I loved Scorpio Races. Puck & Sean. Sigh.

Jana said...

Favourite book so far: Scorpio Races! Amazing :)

Tara Fuller said...

Sam from Shiver, Linger, and Forever.

Teresa Mary Rose said...

I am a huge fan of Cole St Claire. I adore him!

Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives

Lea Krnjeta said...

Shiver is my favorite book, and Sam my favorite character. He is yummy.

Celine said...

My favourite character from Maggie Stiefvater's books are Sam and Grace from the Shiver trilogy! It's my first Maggie's book too and I LOVE IT so MUCH!

Thank you for the awesome giveaway, Rachel! <3

Suz said...

I haven't read and of Maggie Stiefvater's books yet, but this one sounds great and I would love to win it!

Suz Reads

Rachel said...

I'll always love the Shiver series by Maggie!

And (here's my shame for self-advertising) Shiver's Sam is in the YA Crush Tourney! (ya-sisterhood.blogspot.com) His first round is Monday and he needs your votes! For more info, please check out my blog: beautyandthebookshelf.blogspot.com

Thanks for the giveaway!

Sarah Elizabeth said...

Hi Rachel, great review! I absolutely loved Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater but haven't gotten round to any of her other books yet, this sounds magic though! Thanks for the giveaway :)

The Headless Owl said...

Love Shiver!!! (Not too keen on the sequels though) Thanks for the giveaway!

throuthehaze said...

The Scorpio Races

Unknown said...

I really liked The Scorpio Races!

Sally@Always Lost in Stories said...

Thanks for this giveaway!
My favourite characters are Puck from The Scorpio Races, and Sam from the Mercy Falls series.
x

alicia marie said...

i've liked them all, but i guess my favorite is the scorpio races : )

Theshortone08 said...

I don't have any yet because I have not yet read any of her books. I'm hoping this will be the first :D

Flannery (The Readventurer) said...

Lucky lady that you got to go to ALA and also that you got signed books:) I've only read Shiver by MS so far but I *did* enjoy it. I think some people are just absolute die-hard fans so I didn't feel that strongly about it. I'm glad to hear that this one is as good as her other books, though!

Beza said...

I really liked The Scorpio Races it had a bitter-sweet ending!

roro said...

i loved shiver

Amanda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Amanda said...

I can not wait to read TRB! It sounds amazing from your review.
(almost forgot!) My fav book would have to be the scorpio races. It held me captivated throught the whole book

Unknown said...

My favorite character from Maggie's books would have to be Cole St Claire!

Carmen B. said...

I've only read Lament, but I really loved that one!

Gabrielly said...

Ooh I'd have to say Shiver

Mel@Thedailyprophecy said...

I only read Lament & Ballad, and I liked Ballad more! :)

Markella said...

Shiver definitely!

--Markella

Cricket said...

I would say the whole Shiver series

Maidenveil said...

I quite enjoyed her book, Lament. :)

Anonymous said...

My favorite book is Shiver and my fave character is Sam :D

Anonymous said...

I haven't read any of Maggie's books but i do love a good mystery.

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

Awesome giveaway and congrats on your followers, ladies. I can't wait to read this one. I am currently finishing the Mercy Falls series in the middle of Forever and I adore Maggie's writing!

All the Ups and Downs said...

I've never read any of her books so I don't have a favourite character from her books yet =( Hopefully that will change! x

Liss Martz said...

The Scorpie Races!! =) LOVE IT

Perla said...

My favorite book by Maggie is Shiver! :)

Ana Lucía said...

I haven't read any of her books but this one sounds amazing! Thank you for the international giveaway.

Unknown said...

Admittedly, I haven't read any of Stiefvater's work, but I have been wanting to read "The Scorpio Races" for some time. Perhaps "The Raven Boys" will be a good place as any to be introduced to Maggie's writing style. Thanks for the opportunity to win! :)

andrea b said...

my favorite book by Maggie is Shiver! (but I have yet to read Forever or The Scorpio Races...)

thanks for the giveaway!

Mrs. Silverstein said...

I loved, loved, loved The Scorpio Races! It's a tough call whether I love Sean or Puck more...I think Puck might win by a nose.

Lis said...

Shiver and linger... I haven't read the others, but I love those!

Unknown said...

i havent read any maggie's books,,so wish i win and reading this books..
thanks ^^

Meli ^^ said...

Sam Roth <3

Karey said...

Would love to read this. I've read Maggie's other books and love her writing. Thanks for the giveaway.

Mervi said...

I haven't read anything by her yet, although I have The Scorpio Races and Lament on my TBR pile. Thanks for the giveaway! :)

Passing Pages said...

The Scorio Races and Ballad is a close 2nd :)

DeeDee Griffin said...

My favorite book is The Scorpio Races with Shiver as a close second. Favorite character is Sean Kendrick - "It's late for that, Puck."

aparajita said...

I haven't read any yet although i do have the Shiver in my to-do-list

Kimberly Lim said...

I love Grace & Cole of Werewolves of Mercy Falls.

I so wanna win this book~!
I love Maggie so much. I read almost all her books

Ashley said...

I really enjoyed Shiver!

Unknown said...

Definitely The Scorpio Races!

miscellaneous said...

I haven't read any of Maggie's. Hope this one is awesome

-wni

Michele O. said...

I haven't had the chance to read any of her books ): Hopefully this book is my first :)

Sarah said...

Shiver would have to be my absolute favourite

Imel Cullen said...

my favourite character by Maggie Stiefvater is Sam Roth on Shiver (Mercy Falls series)

thank's for giveaway^^

SarahS. said...

I loved Lament & Ballad

Fiza said...

I enjoyed The Wolf Mercy Falls series but I LOVED The Scorpio Races it was awesome.

Kristen said...

The Scorpio Races! ♥

Lilian said...

I loved Shiver, but The Scorpio Races wins!

Lilian @ A Novel Toybox

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

The Wolves of Mercy Falls

Unknown said...

I've never read any of her work, but am an avid reader!! I'll read anything I can get my hands on, so I would love to try a new (to me) author.

Unknown said...

I'm starting this book tonight and I CANNOT wait. I enjoyed your review immensely and thank you for the chance to win a hard copy! I have a galley but I am such a raging fan of all things Stiefvater that I would LOVE to have a copy for my bookshelf:)

Fave character in a Stiefvater book: Tie between Cole St. Clair and Sean Kendrick:)

Emily @ Falling For YA said...

I think I have read all of Maggies books actually and I love them all! But my favorite has got to be The Scorpio Races, I just loved Sean Kendrick =)

BookwormInBarrie said...

I loved the Mercy Falls series! Just bought Lament and Ballad tonight!

Nataly said...

The Scorpio Races

Sara @ Forever 17 Books said...

I really liked The Wolves of Mercy Falls books, especially sweet Sam! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

Danielle B! said...

I liked Deirdre from Lament. Thanks for the giveaway! :D

Kristia said...

I only read The Wolves of Mercy Falls series and I liked them. Thank you for the giveaway :)

Liz. R said...

Thanks for the giveaway! The Scorpio Races is my favourite so far, I really loved that book.

Anonymous said...

I like Sam from Shiver. :)

Megan said...

I love Sam from Shiver!

Desiree said...

I haven't read any yet but they are ALL on my to be read list and I own the Shiver series. The Raven Boys sounds the best to me though and I can't wait to read it!

Anonymous said...

To be honest, I have only read one book by Maggie and I can't remember what it was, but I'm keen to read more.

Soumi@Pages From My Thoughts said...

My favorite is The Scorpio Races, it was brilliant and best of her work, in my opinion

Unknown said...

Great giveaway

Unknown said...

Scorpio Races was the best. Looking forward to more from her.

Fana. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I liked The Wolves of Mercy Falls series and my favourite charater was Cole. :)

Giedre said...

Sam from Shiver.

Juliette said...

Thanks for the giveaway!
My favourite my favourite charater was Sam from Shiver =)

Jen@Reading_Lark said...

Cole St Clare from The Wolves of Mercy Falls. I did a total 180 on him. <3

Unknown said...

I love Cole from the wolves of mercy falls, too. Gotta love a damaged rock star. :P

starryeyedjen said...

I love all of her books, but Scorpio Races was my favorite, I think. Puck and Sean were both great characters.

LitBtch said...

favorite would have to be Shiver :) I really love the story!

GFC - Jay
fallendream03 AT gmail DOT com

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...