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The Nutcracker: The Classic Christmas Fantasy - The Original Tale In Two Versions
E.T.A. Hoffmann, Alexandre Dumas
The Raven Boys and Blue Sargent are back and continuing their quest to find the lost Welsh king Glendower. Originally I became interested in The Raven Cycle series because of its similarity to Arthurian legends. Usually young adult novels don't mention the medieval time period, which is one of my favorite historical eras to study.
Much like the 1st book in The Raven Cycle series, "The Dream Thieves" took me a while to catch up to its rhythm. The author frequently jumps from multiple character perspectives and timelines, and what she's writing about isn't always clear. The reader has to realize that another part of the plot is then being explored, while maybe other events are occurring simultaneously.
In general, I found that I enjoyed "The Raven Boys" more so than this sequel. The previous book has more Welsh history included (specifically in reference to Glendower). I feel that in this version, sure his name is mentioned, but not much more than that. Also the out-of-this-world, totally jaw-dropping forest the author described in the last book wasn't explored in great detail again. Yes that was done in the previous book, but I'm sure more could have been included besides what happened to the pool at the end of this book. That's the only specific reference the reader gets as to new physical features in the landscape. Oh and Adam moves a rock.
I'm beginning to root for Blue's character more than ever, but I think she still has much more soul-searching to go through. She's still not sure who she is yet, or what her purpose is amongst her friends. The only time I questioned her actions in this book was with how she treated Adam, but otherwise her sass is still fiery and opinionated. I hope for a fantastic ending for her, even more so than the Raven Boys. She shouldn't have to feel like a sidekick forever.
I'm interested to see what backstories are explored in the rest of the series, and I can't quit reading till I know if the boys (and spunky Blue) accomplish their overall quest.
Much like the 1st book in The Raven Cycle series, "The Dream Thieves" took me a while to catch up to its rhythm. The author frequently jumps from multiple character perspectives and timelines, and what she's writing about isn't always clear. The reader has to realize that another part of the plot is then being explored, while maybe other events are occurring simultaneously.
In general, I found that I enjoyed "The Raven Boys" more so than this sequel. The previous book has more Welsh history included (specifically in reference to Glendower). I feel that in this version, sure his name is mentioned, but not much more than that. Also the out-of-this-world, totally jaw-dropping forest the author described in the last book wasn't explored in great detail again. Yes that was done in the previous book, but I'm sure more could have been included besides what happened to the pool at the end of this book. That's the only specific reference the reader gets as to new physical features in the landscape. Oh and Adam moves a rock.
I'm beginning to root for Blue's character more than ever, but I think she still has much more soul-searching to go through. She's still not sure who she is yet, or what her purpose is amongst her friends. The only time I questioned her actions in this book was with how she treated Adam, but otherwise her sass is still fiery and opinionated. I hope for a fantastic ending for her, even more so than the Raven Boys. She shouldn't have to feel like a sidekick forever.
I'm interested to see what backstories are explored in the rest of the series, and I can't quit reading till I know if the boys (and spunky Blue) accomplish their overall quest.
The third book in The Raven Cycle series begins with The Raven Boys and Blue Sargent's family searching for Maura. This brings the characters even closer to discovering the location of Glendower and the secrets of Cabeswater.
Unlike the book that preceded it, "Blue Lily, Lily Blue" doesn't focus on one character's innermost thoughts, instead it explores all of the main characters' reactions to Maura's disappearance. Also the book explores how Adam's coping with his link to Cabeswater, Gansey's indecision towards his growing relationship with Blue, and Blue's determination to find her mother. While I liked Ronan being the star of the last book, as he's such a mysterious character, it was important for me to see what the other characters were thinking and feeling now that the ley lines are awakened.
What first drew me into reading "The Raven Boys" was it's unique perspective and interpretation of historical figures and locations. The fantastical descriptions of the settings were unlike anything else I have ever read, and they had a fairytale feel to them without sounding too sappy. In "The Dream Thieves," I feel that the book was more focused on telling Ronan's backstory than further developing any of the locations and historical connections. Now in "Blue Lily, Lily Blue" these otherworldly descriptions of the forests and caves have returned. Along with this was the introduction of Gansey's friend Mallory (every time I hear his name I think Sir Thomas Malory, I can't help it) who provides more information on the ancient king that the boys are searching for. I felt that knowing more about the personal life of Glendower on their search could help in future, and it was fascinating to hear the stories of his adventures told within this story.
Again another cliffhanger ended this book and I'm glad I thought ahead and have the final book in The Raven Cycle series in front of me. The part I can't wait to read is how the curse on Blue plays out in the book. I hope Gansey's death scene is written in Blue's perspective and at this point I have no idea how the series will conclude. Unlike other series I have read, I couldn't guess how this will end, but I'm intrigued to find out.
Unlike the book that preceded it, "Blue Lily, Lily Blue" doesn't focus on one character's innermost thoughts, instead it explores all of the main characters' reactions to Maura's disappearance. Also the book explores how Adam's coping with his link to Cabeswater, Gansey's indecision towards his growing relationship with Blue, and Blue's determination to find her mother. While I liked Ronan being the star of the last book, as he's such a mysterious character, it was important for me to see what the other characters were thinking and feeling now that the ley lines are awakened.
What first drew me into reading "The Raven Boys" was it's unique perspective and interpretation of historical figures and locations. The fantastical descriptions of the settings were unlike anything else I have ever read, and they had a fairytale feel to them without sounding too sappy. In "The Dream Thieves," I feel that the book was more focused on telling Ronan's backstory than further developing any of the locations and historical connections. Now in "Blue Lily, Lily Blue" these otherworldly descriptions of the forests and caves have returned. Along with this was the introduction of Gansey's friend Mallory (every time I hear his name I think Sir Thomas Malory, I can't help it) who provides more information on the ancient king that the boys are searching for. I felt that knowing more about the personal life of Glendower on their search could help in future, and it was fascinating to hear the stories of his adventures told within this story.
Again another cliffhanger ended this book and I'm glad I thought ahead and have the final book in The Raven Cycle series in front of me. The part I can't wait to read is how the curse on Blue plays out in the book. I hope Gansey's death scene is written in Blue's perspective and at this point I have no idea how the series will conclude. Unlike other series I have read, I couldn't guess how this will end, but I'm intrigued to find out.