If you’ve ever wanted one of the best characterizations of teenagers, look no further than Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys. Seriously, I’d had this on my list of books that I’d been meaning to read and I found it available as an audiobook from my library. It wormed it’s way into my heart, and even though I originally was wary of if I’d like it that much, I’m a convert.
The gang that the book revolves around are enigmatic and seemingly lit with an almost manic energy. Gansy, chasing a long dead king on a ley line; Ronan, the devil-may-care and looking for trouble best friend; Adam, smart and homegrown, looking to leave his roots; Noah, our sweet, kind boy; and Blue, the psychic’s daughter who brings us all together. Their relationships, banter, and moments will have you laughing, swearing, sweating and hopeful.
Maggie also brings to life Henrietta, in a way that is is as much of another character as our ragtag crew. A small town in West Virginia that is hiding so much more than anyone could know. This is all tempered with the humor that comes from 300 Fox Way, Blue’s home, filled to the brim with psychics in the same way you might find a clown car packed to the brim, and just as interesting. However, the friendship and depth of the relationship with Blue and her mother Mara, and Mara’s friends, highlights the challenges of adolescence, family, and growth.
This book is so lively, because each of the characters have their own lives and challenges, and yet they all seem to be drawn together. While Blue is trying to stay away from whomever her first love is, because her kiss will cause his death, Gansey is drawing them all into the hunt to reawaken a long dead Welsh king. What none of them realized is they aren’t the only ones wrapped up by the mystery of the ley lines.
The Raven Boys is full of humor, but also the unmistakable truth of messy relationships, surviving as a teenager, growth, friendship, and loss. I was entranced by this book and have already started listening to the second one. I highly recommend this strange story, and I recommend it as an audiobook too! The narrator brings the characters to life very well.
You can get The Raven Boys here through Bookshop.org, which supports local independent bookstores!
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