The Raven Boys | FAQ & 12 Books Like It

The Raven Boys | FAQ & 12 Books Like It

February 28, 2024
·
4 min
Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there, fellow bookworms! Ready to dive into the mystical world of The Raven Boys? Well, buckle up because this series is a rollercoaster ride that combines friendship, secrets, and a healthy dose of the supernatural. If you're a fan of atmospheric stories full of complex characters and unpredictable twists, then The Raven Boys might just be your cup of tea. So, grab your favorite reading spot, take a deep breath, and prepare to be enchanted. Now, I'm sure you've got plenty of questions swirling around in your eager little mind. Fear not, my friend, because in this overview/FAQ, we're going to cover all the basics. Who are The Raven Boys? What's the central plot? And most importantly, is there a swoon-worthy romance in the mix? I'll be your trusty guide, shedding light on all these burning questions, while making sure to keep the spoilers at bay. But wait, there's more! If you fall head over heels for The Raven Boys and find yourself yearning for more tales with a similar enchanting vibe, fear not. I'm here to help satisfy your craving for more atmospheric YA reads. In the rest of this overview, I'll be sharing a curated list of recommendations that capture the essence of The Raven Boys, ensuring that you won't have to suffer from a book hangover for too long. So, let's embark on this literary adventure together and discover the wonders that await us!
The Book Cover Image of The Raven Boys
The Book Cover Image of The Raven Boys
Mystery
Supernatural
Historical

The Diviners

"The Diviners" is a thrilling blend of mystery and the supernatural set in the 1920s. As a group of individuals with extraordinary abilities known as "Diviners" are drawn together, they must unravel a series of grisly murders that seem to be connected to dark forces lurking in the shadows of New York City.
Author
Libba Bray
Year Written
2012
The Diviners
Fantasy
Adventure
Mythical

The Scorpio Races

"The Scorpio Races" by Maggie Stiefvater is a gripping tale set on a dangerous island where annually, fierce water horses called Capaill Uisce emerge from the sea. Pitting humans against these untamable beasts, this race for survival becomes a thrilling test of courage and loyalty.
Author
Maggie Stiefvater.
Year Written
2011
The Scorpio Races
Fantasy
Romance
Mystery

The Night Circus

The Night Circus is a captivating tale of two young magicians who are bound in a mystical competition that unfolds within a mysterious and enchanting black-and-white circus. With its intricate storytelling and vivid imagery, this book will transport you to a world filled with magic, romance, and suspense.
Author
Erin Morgenstern
Year Written
2011
The Night Circus
Fantasy
Heist
Young Adult

Six of Crows

Six of Crows is a thrilling fantasy heist novel set in a richly crafted world, following a gang of young, diverse characters as they embark on a dangerous mission full of twists, turns, and betrayals. This fast-paced book is filled with complex relationships, morally gray characters, and high-stakes action that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Author
Leigh Bardugo
Year Written
2015
Six of Crows
Fantasy
Fae
Intrigue

The Cruel Prince

"The Cruel Prince" is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, as she navigates the treacherous world of the fae, filled with political intrigue, deception, and a cruel prince who becomes her greatest adversary. With its immersive world-building and compelling characters, this book takes readers on an enthralling and darkly magical adventure of survival and power struggles.
Author
Holly Black.
Year Written
2018
The Cruel Prince
Fantasy
Romance
Folklore

The Darkest Part of the Forest

"The Darkest Part of the Forest" is a captivating fantasy novel that explores the boundary between the mortal world and the magical land that lies within a secluded forest. With a blend of dark folklore and enchanting characters, this book takes readers on an exhilarating journey filled with secrets, danger, and a haunting love story.
Author
Holly Black
Year Written
2015
The Darkest Part of the Forest
Fantasy
Young Adult
Romance

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Daughter of Smoke & Bone tells the story of a young art student named Karou who discovers a hidden world of supernatural beings and embarks on a journey that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Filled with enchanting prose and intricate world-building, this novel explores themes of love, identity, and the power of choices.
Author
Laini Taylor
Year Written
2011
Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Fantasy
Adventure
Coming of Age

The Name of the Wind

"The Name of the Wind is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the life of a legendary magician as he recounts his story of fame, tragedy, and seeking the truth behind his true name."
Author
Patrick Rothfuss
Year Written
2007
The Name of the Wind
Fantasy
Adventure
Romance

Shadow and Bone

"Shadow and Bone" is an enthralling fantasy novel that follows an orphaned mapmaker named Alina Starkov as she discovers a dormant power that could save her war-torn country. As she trains with the Grisha, an elite group of magical soldiers, Alina must navigate dangerous alliances and face the dark forces that threaten to consume her world.
Author
Leigh Bardugo
Year Written
2012
Shadow and Bone
Mystery
Adolescence
Witchcraft

The Graces

The Graces is a captivating coming-of-age story that revolves around the enigmatic Grace family, and the obsession and allure they hold over the protagonist, River. This atmospheric novel explores themes of friendship, identity, and the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary in a hauntingly beautiful way.
Author
Laure Eve
Year Written
2016
The Graces
Fantasy
Mystery
Friendship

The Raven Cycle

The Raven Cycle is a captivating series that follows a group of friends as they uncover the mysteries of the ley lines and search for the elusive Welsh king. Rich in atmosphere and filled with complex characters, this fantastical story will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
Author
Maggie Stiefvater
Year Written
2012
The Raven Cycle
Survival
Infection
Vampires

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

"The Coldest Girl in Coldtown" is a gripping vampire novel set in a dangerous world where vampire infection is spreading. Tana, the protagonist, must navigate a terrifying journey to save herself and those she loves from the chilling coldness of the vampire city known as Coldtown.
Author
Holly Black
Year Written
2013
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

FAQ

Overview

In the small town of Henrietta, Virginia, there's a private school that attracts the rich and privileged. But the real intrigue lies in the lives of four students, known as the Raven Boys. Their leader is Richard Gansey III, a driven and wealthy guy on a quest to unravel the mystery surrounding an ancient Welsh king. Joined by Blue Sargent, a non-psychic outsider; Adam Parrish, a scholarship student with a troubled past; Ronan Lynch, a rebellious and enigmatic boy with a talent for dreams; and Noah Czerny, a quiet and peculiar member, they embark on an adventure that will challenge them in unexpected ways. As they dig deeper into their quest, these unlikely friends discover a hidden world of ley lines and magic. Blue, whose only ability seems to be amplifying the abilities of others, becomes intertwined with their destiny. Along the way, they encounter psychics, ancient curses, and supernatural mysteries. The Raven Boys is a captivating blend of adventure, friendship, and the search for something greater, as these characters navigate the complexities of their own lives while pursuing an ancient legend that could alter their future forever.

Length of Read

The average reader, reading at a speed of 300 WPM, would take 6h56m to read The Raven Boys

Main Characters

- Blue Sargent: She comes from a family of psychics, but lacks the ability herself, making her a unique outsider in the supernatural world she gets involved in. - Gansey: He's a wealthy, adventurous, and determined guy on a quest to find a long-lost Welsh king, and his unwavering ambition drives the entire story forward. - Adam Parrish: A scholarship student with a difficult home life, his determination to rise above his circumstances and his secret connection to the magical ley line make him a crucial player in the group. - Ronan Lynch: A rebellious and brooding character with a hidden talent for bringing objects from his dreams into reality, he adds an element of danger and unpredictability to the group dynamic. - Noah Czerny: The quiet and mysterious member of the group, his true nature and the role he plays in the story is gradually revealed, making him an intriguing and essential character.

Ending & Meaning

Alright, buckle up for the ending of The Raven Boys! In a wild twist of fate, our gang of misfit adventurers finds themselves face-to-face with the mysterious sleeping Welsh king, Glendower. But, plot twist number two, it turns out he's not actually sleeping at all! Ronan, one of the raven boys, has the power to bring things from his dreams into reality, and he unknowingly created a replica of Glendower in his own mind. So, the gang has to face the crushing disappointment of realizing that the real Glendower is still lost somewhere in the depths of time. But fear not, dear reader, for all is not lost. In the midst of this heart-wrenching revelation, Blue, our resident psychic girl, finally confesses her love for Gansey, the fearless leader of the raven boys. And guess what? Gansey doesn't die! Yep, that's right, he manages to cheat death and escape the clutches of a powerful supernatural being known as the Grey Man. And just like that, The Raven Boys leaves us hanging on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting the next installment in this enchanting series. Now, let's dig into the potential themes and meanings that can be gleaned from this ending. One theme that stands out is the power of dreams and imagination. Ronan's ability to bring things from his dreams into reality serves as a reminder that our dreams can have a profound impact on our lives. It encourages us to embrace our own imaginations and the limitless possibilities they hold. Another theme that emerges is the importance of friendship and loyalty. Throughout the story, the bond between the raven boys and Blue grows stronger, and their unwavering support for one another is what ultimately leads them to the truth. It's a testament to the power of true friendship and the lengths we're willing to go for the ones we love. So, dear reader, if you're seeking a thrilling tale of adventure, friendship, and the magic of dreams, The Raven Boys is the book for you!
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