The Dream Thieves - Maggie Stiefvater

[Please note that this is the second book of The Raven Cycle, and so there might be spoilers for the first book included in this review. If you're interested in trying out the series, check out my review of the first book, The Raven Boys, instead.]

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Series: The Raven Cycle #2

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: September 17, 2013

Source/Format: BEA 2013 || ARC

[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. 

Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. 

Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after... (from Goodreads)

Each time I read a Stiefvater novel, my firm belief that her writing is magic is reinforced. She picks the most poetic words to express sentiments, which personally draws me to her works like a bee to honey. She also manages to take hold of multiple stories and characters, and completely tangle them together in a way that still seems artistic. The Dream Thieves might be the second in a series, but it was even more impressive than its predecessor in terms of storytelling, character development and overall appeal.

While The Raven Boys does a commendable job of introducing us to the characters, the lore and the big picture story, The Dream Thieves takes what we already know and expands on the story. The reading experience moves along at a faster pace, with constant action scenes and unexpected twists. It was a much more exciting read than the first, and I definitely sped through the pages a lot faster. If you're looking for epic Stiefvater storytelling, this book is a prime example.

I will admit to being predisposed to liking the book even without cracking it open, mostly because it tells readers more about Ronan. Ronan was the mysterious one in The Raven Boys, and since I love a good mystery, I was intrigued by him. It was such a treat to learn more about his past, his present and his abilities. Though I feel satisfied with what I've learned, I sense that there's more to who Ronan is and that it'll be explored further in the series... and I can't wait.

The Dream Thieves was an incredible follow-up to The Raven Boys, and I'd definitely say that starting this series is even more worth a shot after reading it. Stiefvater's writing might not be for everyone, as she makes use of very lyrical, tangled prose, but it certainly works for me. If you're not daunted by the probability of working hard to understand story elements, and have enough patience to wait to fall in love with the characters, then I'd recommend this series with absolute certainly. Stiefvater is a magician, and she's done it again -- left me in a place where I'm fully satisfied and yet chomping at the bit to find out what happens to Blue and the Raven Boys next.