Let’s discuss the negatives first to get this out of the way. It took me a depressingly long time to get into this book and enjoy the story. Admittedly, I was so confused with what was happening that I began to dread the reading process, so I started listening to the audio book in order to get through a huge chunk of the book (a solution I do not suggest, considering how completely horrendous the narration is, but it worked). Even so, the point of this hunt for a Welsh King was utterly lost on me, if not at times convoluted and irrational. I had the sinking feeling that I had just picked up another disappointing read thanks to my inability to exit the hype train.

BUT! Once I got a good chunk in I realized that The Raven Boys is a book structured around characters and relationship, rather than story line. There was never a question in my mind that the character development was top notch and intentionally the centerfold of this story. Even if I didn’t like a character, it was fun to dislike them, and I unexpectedly felt very attached to everyone I met regardless of likeability. (But we all know that Blue and Noah are the GREATEST OF ALL TIME). As I began to grow attached to these characters and understand that this story is not completely about the paranormal, the Welsh King, or this impossible quest, I began to thoroughly enjoy The Raven Boys.

Maggie has a way of making you feel emotionally invested in each personality. I hurt when Adam hurt, felt giddy with Gansey, understood Ronan’s anger, and felt Noah’s emptiness. I am not sure the last time I felt so intimately connected to a character, let alone a whole slew of characters.

Also, Maggie has a knack for cliffhangers…