The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater -- Restarting August 20th 2025

[Kirsty]

[Kirsty]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ I did end up finishing this I didn't think I would as I really didn't enjoy it. If I hadn't have been on a train with no other books I probably would have given up on this book. I know this book is really popular and I am really disappointed that I didn't like it. I just found the story really confusing and for the majority of the book I had no idea what was happening. I didn't particularly like the switching POVs and I think I would have preferred just one POV. When I think back over what I have read I have no idea how to summarise the story and explain to people what happened. I really didn't connect to any of the characters which I think made me less inclined to like the story as I wasn't really interested in what happened to the characters. I really wish I had loved this book as I've heard so many positive things but sadly this one was not for me. (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Kirsty wrote: "Finished: [spoilers removed]"

I'm sorry to hear you didn't like the book but i guess we can't all like the same stories but 5/5 for getting it finished thats always tough to do when you don't connect with a book. Even if you were stuck on a train with just this book lol

[Kirsty]

Gillian wrote: "Kirsty wrote: "Finished: [spoilers removed]"

I'm sorry to hear you didn't like the book but i guess we can't all like the same stories but 5/5 for getting it finished thats always tough to do when..."

It's just disappointing when you've heard so many positive things about the book but I am glad you enjoyed it. I usually try to finish books even if I am not enjoying them as I like to give them a fair chance :)

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

(view spoiler)[ Chapter 9: Interesting. I wonder if they're all going to have their own Ravens lol.

Chapter 12: Hmm...Noah's definitely got some juicy secrets. I wonder why Gansey's worried about death not just for his own but the for the other boys as well. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

(view spoiler)[ That reading was crazy and eerie! I wonder what Blue is or who she is. I'm a little bit annoyed by her lack of curiosity. She did try asking her mom about it but still she doesn't seem to have any determination for this kind of stuff and it's her heritage. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I don't know how if some of you know because it happens later in the book, but I was wondering what will happen with (view spoiler)[Gansey's fate. (hide spoiler)] At the very beginning of the book, we're told that he's going to die within the year, but since we've been informed so early on, I am sure there's more to it. What do you think will happen? I'm inclined to believe she does kill him, but because of something bigger. I refuse to accept that if he does not die, it's because he's Blue's "true love" and therefore, he should not die. I hope the resolution is not something simple.

[[deleted user]]

Nicole wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I agree! Even though she may be tired of getting no answers, I do believe it's something worth insisting or, hopefully, she'll find other ways of getting that information. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapter 14: (view spoiler)[ This chapter was confusing. I think this book needs to start revealing some of the mysteries, otherwise I'm going to be really lost. But finally they're going to the psychic! I feel like that took way too long. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

@Anna (view spoiler)[ Well Neeve saw his fate and she said that he's going to vanish into nothing and Maura keeps saying not to kiss anyone. Maybe it has to do with what she is. Maybe if she kisses someone then she can make them vanish. What a power that would be lol. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

@Nicole (view spoiler)[I didn't remember the "vanish into nothing" part, but it is sure interesting. I want to know more. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[Even though the book took a long time setting everything together, characters and backstories, I didn't find it boring. On the contrary, it was interesting to read and had me wanting to know more.
Also, I've been thinking for a while about Ronan, especially once he got the raven (I am also wondering if they will all have ravens). Could he be linked to the supernatural world too? O was thinking that maybe he is connected to the Glendower storyline. Could he be a reincarnation? Or something to do with his memories? I trully don't know what is possible within this book, (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

@Anna i think a great deal is possible with the series a great deal of setting up was done in this book little seeds were planted here and there ready to sprout in the other books. I think i will end up reading it again as its one of those stories that make you keep wanting to flick back and check on bits.

[[deleted user]]

Gillian wrote: "@Anna i think a great deal is possible with the series a great deal of setting up was done in this book little seeds were planted here and there ready to sprout in the other books. I think i will e..."

I was thinking that once I finish the series, reading the first book again would be great so you could pick everything up.

[[deleted user]]

Chapter 26: (view spoiler)[Could the car have something to do with Noah's death? I know it hasn't been confirmed, but I'm sure he is. And maybe that is also related to Whelk; it could be his car.

I was really good at Latin in high school and really enjoyed it but I wouldn't be able to translate it, and even less interpret it. I also wonder why Gansey and Noah were the ones to hear the trees (more curious about Gansey) and when did Blue and Ronan talk to them. Or when they will be talking to them. Timey-wimey.

I love Blue and Noah together, as friends. And I'm also very happy about her "friendship" with Ronan. Or them tolerating each other, I guess. So different from when they first met. It's like Adam said: they were waiting for Blue. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Isn't there a series read for this happening next week? I think I'll join that for the second book once they get there. I'm pretty sure I'll be continuing on to the rest of the series. How about you guys?

[Gillian]

there is a a buddy read for the 2nd book but series read makes sense

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapter 16 & 17 (view spoiler)[ I can see why people would find this book confusing. For me it's fine, because I have researched and have been interested in the topics of this book before. Especially with the idea of energy and fortune telling. I feel that to really like this book, you either have to have some background knowledge on some things already or just be really interested in the these topics. Like a lot of people would be confused about the term scrying. I do wonder why Neeve is really there. I'm curious as to what role she'll play later on the book. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

@Anna Here's what I'm thinking about the chapters. I will read 7 chapters or match where you're at. I think that'll be best since I read at night and your timezone's way ahead. That'll keep me from getting confused too.

Chapter 19: (view spoiler)[ I'm glad to see Blue's resolve and more interest in the matter. She's less of a blah character than before. I wonder if Adam actually sent those flowers. It feels like a Gansey move and Adam seems to be very frugal. I like how everything's still shrouded in mystery, yet there's the potential of heartbreak already. It's really keeping me reading. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[ Okay, I guess it was Adam. I'm worried and laughing at the same time. I love Orla, Persephone and even Calla. I love how we got to see expressions from both bystanders listening in on their call. It just made this my favorite chapter so far. But I'm worried. I feel a love triangle coming on. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

@Nicole

Chapter 17: (view spoiler)[I didn't know much before starting this book but I do enjoy the energy theme and that mythology and do not find any of that confusing. I suppose part of it is because they are also still digging information and Gansey keeps making little summaries of what they know. And even though we do not have all the information, I feel like that adds to the mysterious aspect, without making it confussing or difficult to follow.
I am wondering about Neeve too, and why she came to Henrietta. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19: (view spoiler)[I haven't thought about that before you mentioned it but it is a Gansey move. Adam needed him to talk to Blue in the first place, so it could have been his idea to send the flowers too. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Chapter 22: (view spoiler)[I wonder when those visions take place.
I love the relationship between all of them, but I don't see any progression with Blue and Adam. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Chapter 26: (view spoiler)[The whole conversation in Latin adds to my theory about Ronan and Glendower. Of course he'd know Latin that well. And ravens are also associated with kings...

I hope I'm not the only one thinking this. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

FINISHED. Sorry but I couldn't stop reading. So glad I picked up this book, I hope you enjoyed it as well.

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapter 30: (view spoiler)[ Why...Why would you do that? Why would you go all super creepy on me when I'm reading this at 2am in the morning! But I can't stop. What does Neeve mean? Who's the devil? How long has Noah been dead? What will there be more of when it's done? (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Nicole wrote: "Chapter 30: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[You'll be pleased to know you'll find out some of those answers. I've never trusted Neeve, especially since that scene, she just seems so creepy and mysterious, but not in a good way. I couldn't understand her but since Maura allowed her to live with them... (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Anna wrote: "FINISHED. Sorry but I couldn't stop reading. So glad I picked up this book, I hope you enjoyed it as well."

The next book is even better ;)

[[deleted user]]

Gillian wrote: "Anna wrote: "FINISHED. Sorry but I couldn't stop reading. So glad I picked up this book, I hope you enjoyed it as well."

The next book is even better ;)"

I can't wait to read it! But I have to wait until May; I scheduled a BR too. So glad I joined this one :)

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Finished!

(view spoiler)[ I was a little confused at the end. So they buried Noah's body but he's still there. Why is he still there? I liked the book and I can't wait to read the next ones. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Nicole wrote: "Finished!

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[They reburied his body on the ley line, so his body became more corporal, like he was when Blue first met him, only more.
I like how Ronan just throws those last words so matter-of-factly at the end. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Anna wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Finished!

[spoilers removed]"

They reburied his body on the ley line, so his body became more corporal, like he was when Blue first met him, only more.
I like how Ronan just throws..."

Okay that makes so much more sense! I was like wait what?! That's why you gotta read closely with this but I still really enjoyed it. I'm really excited for the next ones. When are you reading the second one?

[[deleted user]]

@Nicole We planned a BR for The Dream Thieves May 15th, and I imagine I won't want to wait long before starting book 3. You wanna join?

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

I probably will. I was planning on joining the series read this month but I have a busy week ahead lol. I have over buddy reads on the 15th but I should be fine if I read 5 chapters or so every day.

[[deleted user]]

@Nicole Yay! I thought the same about the series read, I wish I had seen it sooner. I'll probably read slow too, because we have Winner's Kiss, among others.

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

It should be fine as long as we don't have to finish all of it in one day lol.

[Ashley]

Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[ I'm finding this quite confusing! What exactly is going on? I understand Blue's part decently well but the boys part I'm finding a bit strange and confusing. I suppose it will all come together soon but at the moment I don't think it's too awesome. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapter 22: (view spoiler)[ I wish I knew why Ronan was being such an ass. There has to be one, otherwise he wouldn't have any friends. Is Blue going to end up in a relationship with one of these boys? I've seen around Goodreads that there's a ship called Pynch though, so I'm assuming that's Adam and Ronan. Maybe she'll end up with Gansey at some point? It would make sense but I can't see them together. I'm not meaning to make everything about a romance but I feel like there is going to be one. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapter 34: (view spoiler)[ It's been slowly getting more interesting, so I'm getting into it more and more. It's currently a 3 star read for me. It's not bad but there's nothing that's standing out at the moment to make it above average. It seems that Blue and Gansey are pretty much destined to be together. How will Adam deal with that information? (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Done: (view spoiler)[ I found the ending quite exciting, but I didn't really understand the whole thing with the mirrors. Also, what on earth did Ronan mean by his last line? I suppose that's why the next book is called The Dream Thieves? I hope in that book we learn more about Ronan because so far he's just been a strange bystander to everything, besides stepping in a few times like he did with Adam's dad. I thought the book was good but it had room for improvement. I can see things getting better in the next book, though. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting June 20th 2016. Happy Reading ☺

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[Tayla]

woo

[Brittany]

Can't wait! Should we start trying to figure out how we want to buddy read this? (i.e., chapters per day, etc.?)

[Tanaz]

Just stumbled upon this thread. I am 50% done with this book and now I need to stop. Has anyone read up to chapter 18 so that we can discuss this book? And yes I think it would be good if we had a way to buddy read together.

[Laura]

Can I join? This will be my first Buddy Read. I had already planned on reading this book this month so I'm really excited I found about this thread!

[Brittany]

@Tanaz I haven't read any of this book and won't be able to start it until the 20th. But once I get to that point, we can discuss it!

@Laura of course! Anyone can join. The more the merrier!

[Tanaz]

Brittany wrote: "@Tanaz I haven't read any of this book and won't be able to start it until the 20th. But once I get to that point, we can discuss it!

@Laura of course! Anyone can join. The more the merrier!"

I'll wait then ^_^ 20th isn't that far away anyway!

[Tanaz]

Laura wrote: "Can I join? This will be my first Buddy Read. I had already planned on reading this book this month so I'm really excited I found about this thread!"

I hope you enjoy this! It doesn't read like your typical YA book

[Laura]

Yesterday night I was able to read a little bit and I read from chapter 1 to chapter 9. I'm 21% into the book and I'm liking it so far.

Has anyone started yet?

(view spoiler)[ I really like Blue and that she has a different power than all her family. I enjoyed the scene in the church when she sees Gancey and I also liked the scenes with the Raven Boys so far. I like Adam and Ronan. I think Gancey is such a complex character and I can't say much about Noah (is it Noah? Noel?) since he hasn't appeared much yet, but he seems strange. (hide spoiler)]

This afternoon I'll read a little bit more and I hope I can update something tonight.

[Brittany]

I haven't started yet, but I'll probably start it pretty soon or this afternoon/evening.

[Tanaz]

Laura wrote: "Yesterday night I was able to read a little bit and I read from chapter 1 to chapter 9. I'm 21% into the book and I'm liking it so far.

Has anyone started yet?

[spoilers removed]

This afternoon ..."

I agree....the scenes are very well written. There's this charm to the overall writing that I don't usually find in YA>

[Laura]

I'm now near the 60% of the book and I have to say that I'm LOVING it. Since @Tanaz told me it wasn't like the typical YA book I had doubts about it but I'm definitely liking it.

(view spoiler)[ I like the characters and the fact that I'm able to connect with them and I actually care about them. I'm also very intrigued by all the stuff about "lay lines" and the trees that speak in latin and I can't stop thinking about all that. (hide spoiler)]

Today was my last day at work before holidays (I'm a teacher) so tomorrow I'll have plenty of time to read and I can't wait to finish this book.