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oatmilktea's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I have mixed feelings.
Call Down the Hawk is really slow and I struggled with the pace. But I immediately liked most of the characters, which, ultimately, were the ones that pulled me through to the end. Too late I realised that there is a trilogy preceding this, The Raven Cycle. It would have introduced me to some of the characters and explained a few things, like Adam's powers, which left me with question marks.
I generally like the subject of dreaming, the power of dreams, but it bears the risk of engendering vagueness and confusion. I couldn't follow everything that was going on and that took me out of the story a little bit at times.
I didn't dislike this book but I didn't really like it either, mostly because of the pacing. I understand that it's the first of three, so the next instalment is probably faster and more connected, since the band of protagonists have formed by the end of book one. However, I'm not eager to continue at this point.
Call Down the Hawk is really slow and I struggled with the pace. But I immediately liked most of the characters, which, ultimately, were the ones that pulled me through to the end. Too late I realised that there is a trilogy preceding this, The Raven Cycle. It would have introduced me to some of the characters and explained a few things, like Adam's powers, which left me with question marks.
I generally like the subject of dreaming, the power of dreams, but it bears the risk of engendering vagueness and confusion. I couldn't follow everything that was going on and that took me out of the story a little bit at times.
I didn't dislike this book but I didn't really like it either, mostly because of the pacing. I understand that it's the first of three, so the next instalment is probably faster and more connected, since the band of protagonists have formed by the end of book one. However, I'm not eager to continue at this point.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Vomit
frawst_disasta_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book changed something in me. Like The Raven Cycle, Maggie Stiefvater has written such a compelling book about dreams and dreamers.
This book takes place a couple months after The Raven Cycle but focuses more on the Lynch Brothers. The Brothers Lynch. I laughed. I cried. I was terrified and I am so incredibly grateful that Maggie returned to this world.
This book takes place a couple months after The Raven Cycle but focuses more on the Lynch Brothers. The Brothers Lynch. I laughed. I cried. I was terrified and I am so incredibly grateful that Maggie returned to this world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, and Blood
abitbetterbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I loved this book because it was Maggie Stiefvater, and because I was so thrilled about being back in this world, but I’m not sure if I’m sold on the actual premise & conflict of this series so far plot-wise. There’s just something missing that’s keeping me from falling in 100% but I can’t quite put my finger on it; it may just be that this is the first book of a trilogy and it’s heavy on set-up for the following books.
As always, Will Patton’s narration continues to be the highlight ofmy life this book and brings the depth of Stiefvater’s lush writing to the foreground. There’s something so unique about the way his voice lends so perfectly to Ronan in particular, but the tonal changes he adopts between different chapters depending on who we’re following is just so immersive and emotional.
I know I’m far from the first person to say this, but I do wish that Adam had been more present in this story. It makes sense that Gansey and Bkue are a bit more distant, but I hated feeling like Adam was there but slightly out of reach. Maybe that’s exactly how Ronan feels and that’s the point, but I selfishly wanted them to be working together against a bigger problem, like the set of Horror Movie Twins they truly are.
As always, Will Patton’s narration continues to be the highlight of
I know I’m far from the first person to say this, but I do wish that Adam had been more present in this story. It makes sense that Gansey and Bkue are a bit more distant, but I hated feeling like Adam was there but slightly out of reach. Maybe that’s exactly how Ronan feels and that’s the point, but I selfishly wanted them to be working together against a bigger problem, like the set of Horror Movie Twins they truly are.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence
nevermoregothic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, and Death of parent
Minor: Body horror and Vomit
trintrin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I think this is genuinely the most fun I've had reading a sequel series. Sequel series are always in that weird grey area of scratching the same itch that only your favourite characters from the main series could, but also either risk going overboard with additional world-building, new characters, and plot devices, or risk going stale with same old characters, and same old world. This book hits a sweet, sweet spot.
I was kinda indecisive seeing this is gonna be about Ronan (and by extension, Adam, who would obviously be a major part of his life) because Ronan Lynch is my absolute favourite character and I do not want to tarnish the perfect image I have of him in my head. I didn't know what other adventures little old Henrietta offered, seeing that the quest for Glendower is over, I didn't know what the focus is going to be in Ronan and Adam's relationship, seeing as he would've gone to college. But, boy, oh, boy, did the Lynch brothers deliver.
I was kinda indecisive seeing this is gonna be about Ronan (and by extension, Adam, who would obviously be a major part of his life) because Ronan Lynch is my absolute favourite character and I do not want to tarnish the perfect image I have of him in my head. I didn't know what other adventures little old Henrietta offered, seeing that the quest for Glendower is over, I didn't know what the focus is going to be in Ronan and Adam's relationship, seeing as he would've gone to college. But, boy, oh, boy, did the Lynch brothers deliver.
The Characters
Sure, this book doesn't have the ride-or-die friendships like the Gangsey, but it does have interesting characters. Absolutely head over heels in love with Jordan and Hennessy, I would sacrifice myself to the ley-line to protect these girls. DECLAN LYNCH!! I knew he would pull through, always had faith in him. Someone needs to give this boy a hug, some warm cocoa, and peace. Also, fuck Niall Lynch. I used to think he wasn't that bad, just a very absent father, but good lord. A very interesting side to Matthew which I didn't even consider was possible. Hopefully we get to see more of that. Still kinda lukewarm on Farooq-Lane. Interesting character, certainly, just not sure how much I like her. Parsifal, too soon, my boy, too soon . Bryde, the ever-mysterious Bryde. Excited to get to know him better. Lilliana too, I have high hopes for her.
The Plot
The plot is darker than TRC, which is expected considering four teenagers going on a hunt for a dead Welsh King is going to be more on the friendshipy-adventurous side, while organisations that hunt down dreamers and dreams would be significantly darker and grittier. The world is much bigger than a small, rural town in Virginia, whaddayaknow. Especially when you throw the Lynches into the equation, as it's both about their messed up family history and narrated by them. The introduction of new characters was perfect, the pacing was perfect, the development of both the plot and the characters was perfect, the unexpected Mór Ó Corra plot-twist which I totally should've seen coming was perfect, Stiefvater's beautiful writing in all her glory was perfect, all in all, perfect. :D
Should you read this if you loved The Raven Cycle?
I would say it depends on which part of TRC you loved. TRC had a good plot, but the phenomenal characters were what carried the series. Whereas, this series has incredible characters, but the amazing plot is the focus. Fair warning though, there's little to nothing of Gansey, Blue and Noah, and only crumbs of Adam, if that's what you're looking for. If Ronan, Chainsaw, Orphan-Girl, Matthew, Declan, and the Lynch family history mystery with some cool new characters sounds like your thing, definitely give it a try!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Suicide, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Cursing, and Vomit
booksandstardust's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Suicide, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Stalking
adamparrishlover's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, and Murder
readwithria's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Call Down the Hawk is a good book that I just don’t have any strong feelings about. I don’t even have that much to say about it, honestly. It was fine, and I neither liked it nor disliked it.
I feel I am not this book’s intended audience. I like a plot heavy book with a goal of some kind, and this ain’t that. I like my books to be medium to fast paced, and this book is slow and methodical. I like when the choices the protagonist makes impact the plot, and this book felt very reactionary. None of these things are bad things, they’re just not what I prefer.
I did really enjoy Declan Lynch, which was a pleasant surprise! Jordan was also a wonderful addition to the world.
I honestly don’t know if I’m going to keep reading this series. Right now I feel like I’d rather read a Wikipedia article (mostly so I can figure out what the actual plot is, because I don’t really know).
This was a book, and I didn’t dislike it, but honestly I just don’t care about it. 3 stars.
I feel I am not this book’s intended audience. I like a plot heavy book with a goal of some kind, and this ain’t that. I like my books to be medium to fast paced, and this book is slow and methodical. I like when the choices the protagonist makes impact the plot, and this book felt very reactionary. None of these things are bad things, they’re just not what I prefer.
I did really enjoy Declan Lynch, which was a pleasant surprise! Jordan was also a wonderful addition to the world.
I honestly don’t know if I’m going to keep reading this series. Right now I feel like I’d rather read a Wikipedia article (mostly so I can figure out what the actual plot is, because I don’t really know).
This was a book, and I didn’t dislike it, but honestly I just don’t care about it. 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
keen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Blood
elizmoe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
if there’s one thing maggie stiefvater is gonna do, it’s give me explicitly queer urban fantasy with intriguing conflict set in locations I have hiked numerous times. and i cannot get enough of it!!!
.
.
.
ronan was the perfect character to center the spin-off on for obvious plotting reasons (the fact that Dreaming as a magic thing was only part of the conflict of The Raven Cycle kind of blows my mind and also makes me very happy it gets more page time in this trilogy), and also because i intensely needed more gay irish catholic goth shit in my life.
as for the new characters, jordan/hennessy is so compelling to me. art/forgery and also forging of the self…i don’t even have anything intelligent to say i just really really enjoy that storyline.
not too crazy about carmen at the moment but i am intrigued to see where the trilogy takes her, as i’m certain her slightly boring/by the books/singly motivated personality is nothing more than a set up.
also, making me feel something about declan besides disinterest or disparagement? an absolutely insane feat. hats off to you, Maggie, for writing the most annoying antagonist for Ronan only to turn around and deftly justify his garbage personality and make him someone truly empathetic. no one is doing it like her!!!
.
.
.
ronan was the perfect character to center the spin-off on for obvious plotting reasons (the fact that Dreaming as a magic thing was only part of the conflict of The Raven Cycle kind of blows my mind and also makes me very happy it gets more page time in this trilogy), and also because i intensely needed more gay irish catholic goth shit in my life.
as for the new characters, jordan/hennessy is so compelling to me. art/forgery and also forging of the self…i don’t even have anything intelligent to say i just really really enjoy that storyline.
not too crazy about carmen at the moment but i am intrigued to see where the trilogy takes her, as i’m certain her slightly boring/by the books/singly motivated personality is nothing more than a set up.
also, making me feel something about declan besides disinterest or disparagement? an absolutely insane feat. hats off to you, Maggie, for writing the most annoying antagonist for Ronan only to turn around and deftly justify his garbage personality and make him someone truly empathetic. no one is doing it like her!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail