October 28, 2013

The Dream Thieves - Maggie Stiefvater

[Please note that this is the second book of The Raven Cycle, and so there might be spoilers for the first book included in this review. If you're interested in trying out the series, check out my review of the first book, The Raven Boys, instead.]

The Dream Thieves - Maggie Stiefvater
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Raven Cycle #2
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: September 17, 2013
Source/Format: BEA 2013 || ARC
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. 

Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. 

Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after... (from Goodreads)

Each time I read a Stiefvater novel, my firm belief that her writing is magic is reinforced. She picks the most poetic words to express sentiments, which personally draws me to her works like a bee to honey. She also manages to take hold of multiple stories and characters, and completely tangle them together in a way that still seems artistic. The Dream Thieves might be the second in a series, but it was even more impressive than its predecessor in terms of storytelling, character development and overall appeal.

While The Raven Boys does a commendable job of introducing us to the characters, the lore and the big picture story, The Dream Thieves takes what we already know and expands on the story. The reading experience moves along at a faster pace, with constant action scenes and unexpected twists. It was a much more exciting read than the first, and I definitely sped through the pages a lot faster. If you're looking for epic Stiefvater storytelling, this book is a prime example.

I will admit to being predisposed to liking the book even without cracking it open, mostly because it tells readers more about Ronan. Ronan was the mysterious one in The Raven Boys, and since I love a good mystery, I was intrigued by him. It was such a treat to learn more about his past, his present and his abilities. Though I feel satisfied with what I've learned, I sense that there's more to who Ronan is and that it'll be explored further in the series... and I can't wait.

The Dream Thieves was an incredible follow-up to The Raven Boys, and I'd definitely say that starting this series is even more worth a shot after reading it. Stiefvater's writing might not be for everyone, as she makes use of very lyrical, tangled prose, but it certainly works for me. If you're not daunted by the probability of working hard to understand story elements, and have enough patience to wait to fall in love with the characters, then I'd recommend this series with absolute certainly. Stiefvater is a magician, and she's done it again -- left me in a place where I'm fully satisfied and yet chomping at the bit to find out what happens to Blue and the Raven Boys next.

7 Comments:

  1. Stiefvater IS magic! I love her writing style and how all of her books feel kind of heavy and sticky, so they kind of pull you in and trap you. The Raven Cycle and The Scorpio Races are where her writing is strongest, in my opinion.

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  2. Yes! I thought that getting to know Ronan was a nice bonus to this book. All of the characters are so well done. I love this series!

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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  3. I had to skim read your review as I haven't read The Raven Boys yet (my tbr pile is insane!!). I have just started reading my first Stiefvater book, I am reading Shiver and I totally get you, when you say her writing is not for everybody but so far I enjoy her heavy poetic writing style! I think I will try reading more of her books and have a go at the The Raven Cycle series!

    I am glad you enjoyed this Alexa, :)

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  4. I love this book and this series sooooo much. The writing is mystical and magical and I adore all the characters. Especially Gansey. I heart him so. And Blue, and Blue plus Gansey! Ahhh! Lovely review, Alexa :)

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  5. I love Maggie's writing!! Sometimes it felt a little over my head? haha. It's just so beautiful and it really is lyrical. I absolutely love it for the Raven Boys/The Dream Thieves because I feel like it almost adds an extra layer of mystery :)
    LOVED Ronan's story! I loved finding out more about him and that insane ability!

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  6. Maggie's strength is in making magic seem so REAL. Her stories are always so complex and rich with vivid detail and the prose is just gorgeous. You fall head first into her wonderful world and never wanna leave. I was SO happy with this book and am wondering how much further down the rabbit hole we can go. And Ronan, that beautifully tragic boy. I just adore him.

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  7. I've already mentioned this to you, but I LOVE this series! Stiefvater's writing is magical... love love love it! I think what I've loved about this series is that it's a slow build, it gets in you and before you know it the story explodes and you're completely sucked in. Great review!

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