nut free nerd

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Number of Pages: 439

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: September 17, 2013

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.

– Goodreads.com 

After reading and loving The Raven Boys a few summers ago, I’ve been itching to read the highly anticipated sequel, The Dream Thieves. I started listening to the audio book version of this before switching to a paper copy about half way through, but I thoroughly enjoyed both formats. The voice narrator fit the tone of the story perfectly, but it’s always nice to actually read Maggie Stiefvater’s enchanting writing on a page.

We learn a lot about the guys in this book, unlike in The Raven Boys. I liked the change of scenery provided by traveling beyond the walls of Blue’s home and into the more personal lives of Ronan, Adam, and Gansey. Ronan’s childhood is especially interesting, although it’s quite sad. I disliked Ronan before reading this book- he’s so chaotic, angry, and moody, like a raging storm. However, learning about his undesirable childhood and family life made me more empathetic towards him and understanding of his actions. He’s still not my favorite character (Team Richard Gansey III, anyone?) but I do like him a bit more now.

As with Ronan’s childhood, the idea of the dream thieves themselves was really interesting to read about. Ronan’s discovery and gradual understanding of his ability happens in a realistic, logical way, which I appreciated. Not in the sense that it’s plausible in real life, but in regard to the pace of it all. First he takes only small things out of his dreams, like car keys to the Pig and Chainsaw, the raven. As he becomes more comfortable with it he beings to take out larger objects more frequently. I think this is often the natural progression of newfound power, from discovery to, in many cases, abuse of it. Bonus points to the wonderful Maggie Stiefvater for really making that process come to life!

Also, I think the additional plot line of the Gray Man is a great touch because it adds an extra wrinkle into the story. He is frighteningly emotionless in the beginning, but by the end of the book I actually grew fond of him- talk about character development! It’s not often that I do a 180 degree spin with my thoughts about characters over the span of a single novel, so I was really impressed by the transformation that this side character underwent. That’s what surprised me most about it- the Gray Man is more of a supporting character than anything else, yet he had as much of a back story and personality as do most main characters.

Overall, The Dream Thieves is a strong continuation of the Raven Cycle series, but I can’t say that I liked it better than the first book. I just didn’t feel the urgent need to read on like I felt while reading The Raven Boys. Nevertheless, it’s an impressively unique and exciting story, which makes it a sequel well worth reading. And after that crazy cliffhanger ending, I definitely can’t wait to read the third book!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) 4 out of 5 smileys

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Absolutely! Although I would highly suggest that they read the first book beforehand, or else they will be REALLY confused!

Have you ever read this book or series? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments section below!

Yours,

HOLLY