Let me just start by saying thank goodness I have the third book in the series, Blue Lily, Lily Blue (yes, that’s actually the title), waiting for me, because HOLY CLIFF HANGER. The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater is the second book in the The Raven Cycle series, and so far, things are just getting better and better.
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Raven Cycle #2
Published by Scholastic Press on September 17th 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal
Narrator: Will Patton
Length: 12 hours and 45 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads
If you could steal things from dreams, what would you take?
Ronan Lynch has secrets. Some he keeps from others. Some he keeps from himself.One secret: Ronan can bring things out of his dreams.
And sometimes he's not the only one who wants those things.
Ronan is one of the raven boys—a group of friends, practically brothers, searching for a dead king named Glendower, who they think is hidden somewhere in the hills by their elite private school, Aglionby Academy. The path to Glendower has long lived as an undercurrent beneath town. But now, like Ronan's secrets, it is beginning to rise to the surface—changing everything in its wake.Of The Raven Boys, Entertainment Weekly wrote, "Maggie Stiefvater's can't-put-it-down paranormal adventure will leave you clamoring for book two." Now the second book is here, with the same wild imagination, dark romance, and heart-stopping twists that only Maggie Stiefvater can conjure.
If you’ve never read The Raven Boys (the first novel in the series), I probably would avoiding reading this review, because it may be a just a tad spoilery.
Brief synopsis: This book picks up exactly where The Raven Boys left off. The boys and Blue are still searching for Glendower, the deceased Welsh King (legend has it that the finder of his remains will be granted a wish); however, this book’s principal story arc involves the Gray Man, a hitman, who is being paid to find the Greywaren in Henrietta, West Virginia. I won’t say what the Graywaren is, because you discover that as you read the book (and it’s super cool).
1) dreams, 2) secrets, and 3) thievery
(See what I did there? Yeah, the title pretty much sums it up)
Why this book was even better than the first:
- The character development in this sequel is EXCELLENT. You get to learn so much more about all of the same characters from the first novel. You will especially get to learn more about Ronan and his family. And my goodness his storyline is fantastic!
- Along the lines of characters being awesome: The Grey Man and Kavinsky were my favorite. So complicated! I couldn’t decide if I liked them or hated them or both. I loved that confusion. Bravo Stiefvater!
- The whole explanation of the title, The Dream Thieves, and the plot revolving around it is unique as heck! I wish so badly I could explain it, but I can’t be spoiling, now can I? Overall, the plot reveals and how I foresee them relating to the series as whole were epic.
So far, I’d still recommend this series to anyone interested in fantasy/paranormal stories, dark magic, murderous happenings, and/or great plot twists. We’ll see how the series continues…
Have ya’ read this one? What did you think? I’d love to discuss with someone about all the feels I’m feeling!
Check it out here: Amazon. The Book Depository. Barnes & Noble.
A. S. Thornton has evolved from book blogger (at “the bandar blog”) to author with a particular fondness for writing forbidden love in ancient deserts. Thornton’s debut, DAUGHTER OF THE SALT KING is available now wherever books are sold.
unoriginalfangirl
I totally agree with you. My favourite character in the whole series is Ronan, so him being probably the “main focus”(at least I felt like it was) of it was heaven for me. And the battle scene in the end felt kind of out of place. I had kind of a love/hate relationship with Kavinsky, but in the end I fell in love with him – not because of something he did… I have no idea why… And for Crowleys sake – the cards on the photo, are they yours?? Where did you buy them??!?!??? So gorgeous.
Ali (@thebandarblog)
Yeah – Ronan is pretty BA. I really like his character. I have no idea where I actually purchased the cards, but it’s this deck: https://www.amazon.com/Rider-Tarot-Arthur-Edward-Waite/dp/091386613X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464787732&sr=8-1&keywords=tarot+cards For some reason I have two decks of tarot cards lying around my house? I have no idea why, haha.
anhdara13
Ahhh, I loved this book! I love this series, tbh. I think you’ll enjoy BLLB, it definitely builds on this, builds up well. I haven’t gotten TRK yet, but I’ve heard lots of good things about it. This is definitely one of those series that builds up well in each book, in my opinion.
Ali (@thebandarblog)
I’m really like BLLB so far!
Resh Susan @ The Book Satchel
Glad you enjoyed the read inspite of certain flaws. I havent read this one yet!
Michelle @ Pink Polka Dot Books
I don’t know what the reason is, but I cannot read these books fast. Like, I love the series and the characters, but for some reason they take me FOREVER to finish. I loved the Kavinsky parts and I’ll never think of white mitsubishis the same again 🙂
Ali (@thebandarblog)
I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one who reads them slow! I can’t figure out what it is either. Also glad I’m not the only Kavinsky lover!!
Tori @ InToriLex
I still haven’t started this raved about series, but glad its completed because I may just marathon them all!! Great Review
Ali (@thebandarblog)
Haha that’s basically what I’m doing right now!
Alicia @ A Kernel of Nonsense
Stiefvater is excellent when it comes to character development and I agree, she really does a great job in this sequel. I loved that it focused on Ronan because he’s such a great character with so many layers. The Grey Man is one of my favorite secondary characters, you’re kind of afraid of him but at the same time, you kind of like him. Enjoyed your review!
Ali (@thebandarblog)
thanks so much! So glad I’m not the only one who likes the Grey Men!
Book Review: Blue Lily, Lily Blue – the bandar (b)log
[…] through these books so slowly? I mentioned this in the review of the previous book in the series, The Dream Thieves, and I still am confused as to why these books just don’t grab me when I love almost […]
Kat Impossible
There definitely was utter confusion when it came to Mr. Grey and Kavinsky. I am pretty sure I hated the latter, because I never got his motivation entirely. But the Grey man, however morally ambiguous he may have been, turned out to be pretty decent hahaha