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kellygillespiewv's reviews
636 reviews
Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher
3.0
actual rating 3.5
I liked this book a lot, but like most books that I read about an illness, disorder, etc., I struggled with the believability of that aspect. I am not saying this couldn't happen (if I did, that would make me no better than those at Hannah's school), but, again, it was a struggle. I did like the concept of the book and how it was told, and, of course, I had a soft spot for Clay.
I liked this book a lot, but like most books that I read about an illness, disorder, etc., I struggled with the believability of that aspect. I am not saying this couldn't happen (if I did, that would make me no better than those at Hannah's school), but, again, it was a struggle. I did like the concept of the book and how it was told, and, of course, I had a soft spot for Clay.
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
4.0
***Full book review on wildandwonderfulreads.com***
Actual rating: 4 stars
The Dream Thieves picked up where The Raven Boys left off. However, I quickly discovered that the second installment of The Raven Cycle primarily focuses on the story of Ronan Lynch. The reader continues on the mission to uncover the mysteries of Henrietta and Glendower, but the point of view shifts to mostly that of Ronan. I started off reading this book slowly because, to be frank, I was not the biggest Ronan fan in The Raven Boys, but I learned to love him by the end of this book.
What do I love most? I know the streets of Henrietta and the trees of Cabeswater. I know the sounds and smells of the Pig. I know the unique personalities of the boys of Aglionby Academy. I know the chaos of the ladies of 300 Fox Way. I know the twisting history of Glendower. I feel this way not because it is a reality, but because Maggie Stiefvater has the distinct capability of describing the people and places in her works so fully that I walk away from her books feeling like it could be a reality.
Henrietta and Cabeswater became characters themselves, and there is emanating personification of the two throughout the book. I felt concern and relief for them, as I did Adam or Ronan, and began to know them as if I had actually been there myself or as if they were people in the book, too. The Pig became nostalgic. Broken down or wrecked Pig became customary. I feel like I KNOW each of the boys; truly know them. They have each experienced things in their lives that have made them who they are, and without those experiences, I don’t think they would be Blue’s boys; I don’t think the story would have ended the same way. Blue is the best kind of firecracker! Light her up and she goes flying in a stream of heat and embers. I think Blue found a bit of herself in this book that she didn’t know existed before, and it took a little of each of her Raven boys to lead her there (there was also a scene with Noah was so so sweet — and I will not spoil it — that had me grinning but still feeling sorry for her at the same time). I also think the chaos and protectiveness of Blue’s family played a key role in this book, especially with the elusive Mr. Gray. Lastly, Glendower has brought this group together and, at times, nearly torn them apart. More continues to be revealed, and I find myself wondering if Glendower is worth it.
As a final thought, Maggie has this uncanny ability to create malefactors that surprise me, and The Dream Thieves had several. Mr. Gray had quite a few characters revolve around him, which made the plot very intriguing. I could not bring myself to dislike him at any point, although, I found myself questioning Maura Sargent’s parenting a time or two during scenes involving him. On the contrary, I did easily dislike Joseph Kavinsky. His character, though, helped reveal a few key plot elements, so I am thankful to his character for that.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Dream Thieves. I grew to like Ronan more by the end, but I think the book being largely about him and my lack of an inclination towards him is what kept me from giving this a 5-star rating. It was well-written and a good follow-up to The Raven Boys.
Actual rating: 4 stars
The Dream Thieves picked up where The Raven Boys left off. However, I quickly discovered that the second installment of The Raven Cycle primarily focuses on the story of Ronan Lynch. The reader continues on the mission to uncover the mysteries of Henrietta and Glendower, but the point of view shifts to mostly that of Ronan. I started off reading this book slowly because, to be frank, I was not the biggest Ronan fan in The Raven Boys, but I learned to love him by the end of this book.
What do I love most? I know the streets of Henrietta and the trees of Cabeswater. I know the sounds and smells of the Pig. I know the unique personalities of the boys of Aglionby Academy. I know the chaos of the ladies of 300 Fox Way. I know the twisting history of Glendower. I feel this way not because it is a reality, but because Maggie Stiefvater has the distinct capability of describing the people and places in her works so fully that I walk away from her books feeling like it could be a reality.
Henrietta and Cabeswater became characters themselves, and there is emanating personification of the two throughout the book. I felt concern and relief for them, as I did Adam or Ronan, and began to know them as if I had actually been there myself or as if they were people in the book, too. The Pig became nostalgic. Broken down or wrecked Pig became customary. I feel like I KNOW each of the boys; truly know them. They have each experienced things in their lives that have made them who they are, and without those experiences, I don’t think they would be Blue’s boys; I don’t think the story would have ended the same way. Blue is the best kind of firecracker! Light her up and she goes flying in a stream of heat and embers. I think Blue found a bit of herself in this book that she didn’t know existed before, and it took a little of each of her Raven boys to lead her there (there was also a scene with Noah was so so sweet — and I will not spoil it — that had me grinning but still feeling sorry for her at the same time). I also think the chaos and protectiveness of Blue’s family played a key role in this book, especially with the elusive Mr. Gray. Lastly, Glendower has brought this group together and, at times, nearly torn them apart. More continues to be revealed, and I find myself wondering if Glendower is worth it.
As a final thought, Maggie has this uncanny ability to create malefactors that surprise me, and The Dream Thieves had several. Mr. Gray had quite a few characters revolve around him, which made the plot very intriguing. I could not bring myself to dislike him at any point, although, I found myself questioning Maura Sargent’s parenting a time or two during scenes involving him. On the contrary, I did easily dislike Joseph Kavinsky. His character, though, helped reveal a few key plot elements, so I am thankful to his character for that.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Dream Thieves. I grew to like Ronan more by the end, but I think the book being largely about him and my lack of an inclination towards him is what kept me from giving this a 5-star rating. It was well-written and a good follow-up to The Raven Boys.