Blue Lily, Lily Blue | Book Review

Blue Lily, Lily Blue is the third book in the Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. It comes after the Raven Boys and the Dream Thieves. In this sequel, Blue Sargent and her Raven Boys continue to search for Glendower’s tomb, now with the aid of Gansey’s mentor Professor Mallory. However, there is a hitch in the plan, Blue’s mom is also missing and only leaving behind a note to tell them not to follow her as well as a mysterious message about three sleepers.

Maggie Stiefvater has done an fairly interesting TedTalk where she talks about her “rebel” youth days and how it correlates with success later in life. Her argument is that most of the time “bad” teens don’t magically turn into famous people, they are one and the same. I’m really doing it injustice with this summary, so be sure to check it out here.

The Good

The characters are still as awesome as ever. I love the scenes between Blue and Gansey, the scenes between Adam and Ronan. I just love the relationship dynamics of this group of ragtag adventurers. I love that other characters in Blue’s household had more prominence now that Maura was missing. Persephone for example, starts spending time with Adam to teach him how to use his abilities.

Some of the new characters were interesting too. Gwenllian and Mallory added a lot of new dynamics to the cast. And a ton of eccentricities along with it. Even a side character like Jesse Dittley was really well done. And what happens to him had me worried about Blue and Gansey’s future.

The Bad

Speaking of new characters though, I wasn’t really into the villains in this installment. There was such a great build up to who Colin Greenmantle was and he was disappointing. I like him as a character and his wife too. Their banters were entertaining. But as a villain, I just don’t feel it. They just feel so incompetent compared to what they were talked up to be. Maybe they will turn out to be something more in the Raven King, but at this moment, I can’t take them as seriously threatening villains  .

Really digging this cover

I’m seriously losing interest in the plot right now, or rather in the search of Glendower, which depending on who you ask, might not be the so-called, capital P main plot of the series. I feel like I’m reading filler whenever the group goes to explore the caves. There are points in this novel that piqued my interest once or twice, but overall I just feel like “thank God the next book is the last”. Simply put, I felt like this could have been a trilogy or less, focusing on the characters in a contemporary YA type feel without the need for the supernatural elements with the exception of the psychics of 300 Fox Way.

Others

Anyone else feel a little odd that Maura goes looking for her ex when she just got together with a new guy? I get that it’s not the reason she went to find him, but it just stuck out to me.

Verdict

A very good exploration of character relationships and dynamics. Have issues with the plot and villains. However, overall, the good far outweigh the bad.