Friday, October 28, 2016

Audiobook Review: The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater


Series: The Raven Cycle #4
Ending book
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Narrator: Will Patton
Unabridged
11 hrs. 53 min.
Source: Hoopla/Library
The fourth and final installment in the spellbinding series from the irrepressible, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater. 
All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.
My thoughts:

This one was surprising. All of the books did seem to lead up to this one and the writing followed through beautifully. In one way it felt like stream of consciousness writing where things seem disjointed and pulled together at once, but in a closer look, it fits the story of finding a mythical king in a mythical forest surrounded by his magicians. Did we find the king? No and then yes. Did he grant the wish. No and then yes. All things flowed in this direction gave you the answer you didn't want and then find that it was the only answer you could have gotten. Curious? I hope so.

This is a series that must be read in order. You need that order to get to know all the characters in the book. Not everyone gets an HEA but then there was no way a mythic journey could grant all HEAs in a story. Some sacrifices were made and some were taken. You also find unexpected twists that you didn't know you wanted until it happened. I loved the romantic twists in the end and it just felt right even though it took you (and the characters) by surprise. This is one dream that you weren't sure you wanted it to end even though you know how you wanted it to end.

Will Patton also does an exceptional job voicing all the characters and setting the tone of the story. I really enjoyed listening to him tell this tale. This was a good story on audio.

I give this last installment 4 stars. Despite what I said above I would have liked a bit more coherence in some of the aspects of the story. I did like the dream-like state of the characters world, but they also had to function somewhat in ours and that is where I would have liked it to come together a bit better. However, this really is a small niggle and one series I do think ended well. I highly recommend it to those that enjoy YA stories of mythic proportions.

39 comments:

  1. I do wish there would have been a bit more to the story, especially after so much happens in all the others but I was happy with the way it all came together like you said. So glad you read this series too and loved it! Happy Friday Melissa and I hope you have a nice weekend!!

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    1. Yea, I see what you mean. It was all dreamlike and I always think it is a good thing when they leave you wanting more (but not too much! LOL).

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  2. I haven't tried this series but heard great things about it. I should try now!

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  3. I can't wait to read this one. Loved the 1st three in the series!

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    1. I couldn't wait to find out what was going on! :) I think you'll like this one.

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  4. I kind of absconded this series. Not sure why. I guess because it just didn't grab me like the WOMF did. I did listen to the last book and I loved Will Patton's narration. I guess I should get back to it and finsih it.

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    1. I think the audio really helped me. I had problems with the first book but enjoyed them after that.

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  5. I still need to start this series, I don't know why I'm waiting this long when it's got so much love from everyone!

    Carrie @ The Butterfly Reader

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    1. Oh this one is different. It can be a bit frustrating but since they are all out, at least some of that frustration will be lessened for you! :)

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    2. I've just recently finished the first one and I've really enjoying it so far. I'm so glad I read your review and decided just to give it a go!

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  6. okay it looks like I would need to know a little about the series to understand what is happening heh

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    1. Yea, this one builds on itself so you want to read in order. :)

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  7. I have not tried this series, although I do have book one on audio. It is a shame despite liking it, that there were things you still wanted from it.

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  8. I adored this series! I'd like a Ronan spin off. :)

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  9. Ohh... I've never read a Maggie Stiefvater title, and I've heard great things. It didn't occur to me to try an audio version, and since you give it such high marks, I'm adding it to my wish look. Thanks!

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  10. This one just did not work for me

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  11. I had a hard time with this series ender. I felt like the writing went over my head. I was disappointed. :/

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  12. I didn't realize that Will Patton narrated this series. That will push this series higher on my list. It has been on the list for a while. *off to check library* Great review.

    Sorry, I haven't been around much. I was on vacation and they just been busy. I hope that I'm back. We will see if it will last for now. :-)

    Melanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads

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    1. Hey, vacay is buy important! :D I do think you'll like the audio!

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  13. Well glad it ended well! I have the first one on my list I believe. Very good to know about reading in order!

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  14. I seriously need to read this series. Maybe I should just do the audio.

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  15. *quietly goes to review the other three books*

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  16. Oh wow - I'm glad you liked it. I've seen really mixed reviews.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. I can see why. It does depart in style a lot from the others.

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  17. Gorgeous review - I love how you said that you can't go on a mythical journey without not having someone not get their HEA. So true. I need to finish this seris as I loved the writing. So glad you enjoyed it, Melissa :)

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    1. It feels different than the others but I still enjoyed it. :) Hope you do as well.

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  18. I now own all four books and I've *still* yet to read it. *facepalm* I really do want to read it before the year ends. I hear nothing but great things and I do love Maggie's writing.

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  19. I'm glad you enjoyed this final instalment. I have the first book, but haven't had a chance to get to it... One day!

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