My relationship with the second book in a series is typically quite strained. I fall so hard for the first, the newness of it all, and then the second is either a repeat of the first or simply a bridge to the third. Not so with this series. I actually enjoyed The Dream Thieves even more than The Raven Boys (which is saying something). The Raven Boys set the stage, introduced the characters, established their relationships and personalities, and played around the edges of a mystical, magical world. The Dream Thieves slams us into that world.
I am not sure if it was Stiefvater's intent but I feel a "form mirroring content" moment here. The focus in The Raven Boys is on Gansey, the academic, thoughtful one, and Blue, the mystical but also thoughtful one, and the story follows suit. In The Dream Thieves, Ronan with his tendency toward action and Adam with his desire for action are fore-fronted and those tendencies are certainly mirrored in this story.
Just like with the first, I find it very difficult to truly summarize the plot. I wish I could say that it is because I want you to experience it for yourself - I do, but that's not the only reason I'm having trouble with it. I think the story is so neatly woven that to reveal one thread requires an explanation of another thread and another and another and so on. By the time I summarized, you would know much too much.
Once again, I urge you to pick up these books; although I must say that the wait for the third book may drive me to drink.
But you have read all her other books, yes? no? She is generally wonderful. Even her fantasy series (re fae), which she wrote when much younger, are way better than most fantasy series (although not up to her later standards).
ReplyDeleteI have only read the first two in this series; I haven't read any others of hers, but I have Scorpio Races waiting on my nook.
DeleteI loved this one too, but maybe 3% less than the first, which really isn't a criticism. There definitely is something to be said for the initial falling in love with the characters. I thought that there were four books in this series, but I'm not sure. I certainly hope there are more than three. Three definitely isn't enough. And Scorpio Races. You must read that one.
ReplyDeleteFour is definitely better than three for this one; and yet, I just got a bit anxious about how long I will have to wait between books 3 and 4.
DeleteWE NEED BOOK 3 NOW *weeps* Have you read The Scorpio Races yet? If not, please do!
ReplyDeletePS: I think Sandy's right that the plan is four books.
I have not read The Scorpio Races yet, but it is next on my to-read list; I've had it on my nook for ages and haven't started it yet.
DeleteHer Wolves series is good, too - I think the first one is Shiver. I enjoyed them very much - not as much as the Raven Cycle, but they are still worth reading. I need to check out Scorpio Races, sounds like.
ReplyDeleteI have Shiver on the list already, and I started reading Scorpio Races last night. So exciting to find an author I like!
DeleteI really enjoyed this book and have also enjoyed the two previous books in the series. I recommend reading them first. I waited until right before the third book released in the trilogy just to learn that this trilogy will have a fourth book.
ReplyDeleteHighly recommended Maid Services Austin visit site