I will edit this after I finish the series and give a better overview, but I thought I’d put up my first impressions before I head into Glass Sword. As always, I’m going to try and give a spoiler-free review.

I enjoyed this book for what it is. Another novel about a special girl who is unlike any other. If that’s a trope that irritates you, obviously you might not like this book. I didn’t feel like she was overly whiny or bratty, which I think some readers did, and I do say overly because she is a teenage girl in a YA novel so of course she at least a little whiny and bratty.

I went into this book knowing a small spoiler, which probably influenced my read. While others said they found the book boring or slow, I found myself pushing forward, which might in part be due to my nugget of knowledge going in. I can’t say what it would have been like going in blind. So hey, maybe it was a good thing.

I found the plot enjoyable and while I didn’t fall in love with any of the characters, I did find them interesting. Mare is pretty typical of a YA protagonist, and by far less annoying than others I’ve read. Her relationship with both the princes is well done, in my opinion. I enjoyed the dynamics set up between both of them (individually, not in the sense of the whole love triangle thing). As far as love triangles go, this one felt natural and not thrown in as an afterthought to spice up the drama.

I very much liked Cal and am excited to see if we get to delve into his character more. He seems like a very conflicted young man who had a lot of hard decisions ahead of him, not only for what to do but for what kind of person he wants to be. I did not care for Kilorn, Mare’s childhood friend, who may or may not end up serving as another love interest. But frankly, as far as I’m concerned, Kilorn is already out of the picture. I hope she doesn’t rely on him too much to cause drama in later novels (a false hope, I’m sure).

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

I’m going to give a general review for the entire series lacking any spoilers, now that I’ve finished it.

The Raven Cycle is officially at the top of my list of favorite books. Maggie Stiefvater’s characters and world-building are amazing, not to mention her writing in general. I can’t wait for a chance to read lines out loud to people, because they’re so beautifully put together than it’s like music for an avid reader and writer.

The Best Parts:
1. Ronan. I don’t think I can find the words to encapsulate how much I adore him.
2. Blue. She is an amazing example of a strong female character who doesn’t fall into the “kick-ass” trope that so many heroines do. She’s spunky and definitely has a sharp tongue, but she doesn’t have any amazing fighting skills like Katniss with her bow or Tris with, well, everything.
3. The world. I’ve never read anything quite like the world that she’s set up. Psychics, ley lines, and ancient kings? You won’t find that anywhere else!
4. An intricate plot.
5. As previously stated, I find the writing utterly beautiful it makes my inner write weep with happiness.

Like I said, this is a general review for the whole series. Keep reading! If you’re like me, you won’t be disappointed by the ending.