Nerdspecial The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel
The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel
By Maggie Stiefvater. Tailored by Stephanie Willisam and illustrated by Sas Milledge
Viking Books for Younger Readers, August 2025, $24.99
Grades 8 and up
Blue has grown up in a household of psychics, however her personal capacity is restricted to being an “enhancer”—somebody who can amplify one other individual’s visions, making them louder or brighter. When she meets a gaggle of boys from the elite boarding college in her small Virginia city, she turns into entangled of their quest to seek out Glendower, a legendary Norwegian king stated to be sleeping beneath a close-by mountain.
The plot unfolds slowly, with the suspense constructing at an much more deliberate tempo, echoing the signature type of Maggie Stiefvater. (Full disclosure: I haven’t learn the unique trilogy, however I’m accustomed to a few of her different works.) An eerie tone permeates the graphic novel, underscored by a way of foreboding as Blue grapples with a chilling prophecy: if she kisses her real love, he’ll die. The thrill begins to mount across the midway level, because the story begins to speed up.
SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST
The gradual, measured pacing might deter extra reluctant readers—even in graphic novel type—however those that stick to will probably be rewarded. Halfway by, the narrative features momentum, racing towards a gripping crescendo. Readers unfamiliar with the unique collection will doubtless be shocked by the plot twists and left craving for extra when the story ends. (Fortunately, the unique books type a trilogy—so there’s hope, expensive readers!)
The art work mirrors the novel’s eerie, somber tone, with stark illustrations and rustic coloring. Collectively, the visuals and storytelling create a compelling and atmospheric addition to the rising assortment of graphic novel variations on bookstore cabinets.
Filed below: Graphic Novels, Opinions, Younger Grownup
About Esther Keller
Esther Keller is the librarian at William E. Grady CTE HS in Brooklyn, NY. As well as, she curates the Graphic Novel assortment for the NYC DOE Citywide Digital Library. She began her profession on the Brooklyn Public Library and later jumped ship to the varsity system so she may have summer season trip and a job that might align with a rising household’s schedule. On the facet, she is a mom of 4 and often critiques for SLJ. In her previous life, she served on the Nice Graphic Novels for Teenagers Committee, the place she solidified her love and dedication to comics.
0 Comment