Reviews

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

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emiann2023's review against another edition

4.0

While still a good read, I felt that this was the weakest book in the quartet. There was so much that felt unnecessary, so much left unaddressed, and so much that just didn't make sense to me. I got the impression that the author hopes to continue the story one day, and if she does, I will definitely read it, but I'm going to beg for more clarity and closure. We get glimpses of some of our characters at the end. And they are good, genuine moments, but so many others got sidelined that it left me feeling more frustrated than satisfied.

The other issue was the cast of not important characters that never really amounted to anything, story-wise for me. Artemis. Henry. Gwenthlyon (idk how to spell this...did an audiobook). La monieu or whoever/whatever they were.

And then, there were the plot points that didn't make any sense. I'm mostly thinking of Noah at the end here. Like, I get the whole full-circle thing and all, but it just felt cheap and unsatisfying for that to be the reason for Noah's continued existence. And the bringing Artemis and Gwenthlyon back. They seemed to exist only for exposition. Which just felt like such a waste for two characters who could have been incredible. I also felt like the plot point with Gansey's wierd command magic, and the constant references to him as a King, and the others as his Magicians, his Court, were very disappointing. The ravens all gave me the impression that Gansey was the Raven king, so I was expecting/hoping for a reincarnation plot point or something similar. As it was, I felt really disappointed by the lack of resolution there.

Despite it's flaws, overall, this was still a good read. The necessary honesty was good, the resolution between Decland and Ronan was perfect, and I enjoyed them bringing out Opal. Henry was an interesting character, I just wish he'd been in the story from much earlier, and that his roll was far better clarified.

I hope Mrs. Stiefvater does continue the story. because I do want answers to my questions, I just hope there is more clarity when she does so. Overall, 3.7 stars from me.

amybobreads's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

3.25

Not what I was expecting!!! More things kept getting added for no reason. For being the last book it felt confusing. They were actually gay that was shocking. Blue and Gansey and now Henry??? crazy