Book details
The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, Book 1)
Description
An all-new series from the masterful, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater!Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue never sees them--until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks to her.His name is Gansey, 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 is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul whose emotions range from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher 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 doesn't believe in true love, and never thought this would be a problem. But as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.
Age
13-14
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
408 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging and Unique Plot: 'The Raven Boys' offers a compelling story that combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and adventure. The search for a long-lost Welsh king and the supernatural abilities of the characters create a unique and intriguing narrative that keeps readers hooked.
- Complex Characters: Maggie Stiefvater has crafted a cast of characters that are well-developed and multifaceted. Each of the Raven Boys has a distinct personality and backstory, which contribute to their group dynamics and individual growth throughout the series.
- Atmospheric Setting: The setting of Henrietta, Virginia, is richly described and becomes a character in its own right. The town's history and the ley lines that run through it play a crucial role in the story, creating an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the mystical elements of the book.
- Themes of Friendship and Destiny: At its core, 'The Raven Boys' explores the themes of friendship, destiny, and the quest for one's purpose. The relationships between the characters are deep and nuanced, and the way their lives intertwine with the larger quest they undertake offers thought-provoking commentary on fate and choice.