The Dream Thieves

Stiefvater, Maggie. The Dream Thieves. Book 2 of the Raven Cycle. 2013. 439p. ISBN 978-0545424941. FIC STI on the library shelves.

Searching for the mythical Welsh king Glendower led Gansey, Ronan, Blue and Adam to the mysterious forest of Cabeswater in The Raven Boys. Adam’s sacrifice led to the activation of the ley lines surrounding Henrietta, Virginia, and now all sort of paranormal phenomena are occurring throughout  the area. Their destinies begin to tear them apart from one another, though they seek the same goal.

Ronan is the most affected. The ley lines have made his dreams stronger, and now he realizes that he can pull objects and people out of his dreams, much as his father did. They were not the only ones, however. Joseph Kavinsky, another Aglionby boy, is known as a master forger, but everything is a dream for him, and, as he heads down a path of destruction, exclaims to Ronan that “death is just a boring side effect.” Sought by a collector, Ronan’s abilities can be used for good, or for evil…

Adam made a pact with Cabeswater when he sacrificed himself, and now he is bound to protect the forest. But the draining of the ley line as more and more objects are pulled out of Cabeswater threaten to destroy everything. And his relationship with Blue is on the rocks since she won’t kiss him, and he doesn’t know why. Still searching himself, Adam is running out of time to discover his true purpose.

Blue, for her part, is transfixed by her dilemma. Is Adam her true love, or is it Gansey? The arrival of the Gray Man, a hitman hunting for the grey warren, and his immediate attraction to Blue’s mother complicates her life. Her lack of psychic abilities may be her strongest asset, but how can she help her friends find the old king?

Finally, Gansey witnesses forces beyond his control threatening his friends and his own search for Glendower. As others seek the buried king, the race is on to hold his circle and protect them from the deadly menace that slowly draws towards them.

Unusual for a second book in a trilogy, this book is even better than The Raven Boys, and features impossibly well defined characters. Fans of Stievater will not be able to wait for the release of the third book.

The story continues in Blue Lily, Lily Blue.

Maggie Stiefvater's blog post on The Dream Thieves

http://maggiestiefvater.com/blog/the-dream-thieves-video-and-lots-of-fiddly-stuff/