Audiobook Review: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Posted January 2, 2015 by Carmel in Audiobook Reviews, Carmel, Reviews, Young Adult / 66 Comments

Audiobook Review: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
Narrator: Will Patton
Series: The Raven Cycle #2
Published by Scholastic Audio
Published on: September 17, 2013
Genres: Young Adult
Length: 12 hrs & 45 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
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If you could steal things from dreams, what would you take?

Ronan Lynch has secrets. Some he keeps from others. Some he keeps from himself.

One secret: Ronan can bring things out of his dreams.

And sometimes he’s not the only one who wants those things.

Ronan is one of the raven boys — a group of friends, practically brothers, searching for a dead king named Glendower, who they think is hidden somewhere in the hills by their elite private school, Aglionby Academy. The path to Glendower has long lived as an undercurrent beneath town. But now, like Ronan’s secrets, it is beginning to rise to the surface — changing everything in its wake.

UNIQUE cliff mystery

THE DREAM THIEVES was marginally better than THE RAVEN BOYS and that was largely thanks to the final 100 pages not the 300+ that preceded them; however it still didn’t quite measure up to what I’ve come to expect from an author of Maggie Stiefvater’s writing genius. Perhaps I’m missing out on some of the complexities of this tale by listening to it rather than reading, I don’t know, but I’m beginning to feel like something just isn’t clicking because the majority of reviewers are shouting from rooftops about this series. The story focused mainly on Ronan, and although I liked his character, I missed Blue, Gansey, Noah & Adam’s plot threads, and at times I found myself rather bored with the linear direction of this audiobook.

Looking at the title of #3, I think it’s safe to assume that going forward the author intends to dedicate one installment to each teenager. It’s Lynch’s turn in the limelight, and he just so happens to be my least favourite Aglionby student. He won’t be winning any popularity contests with me anytime soon, but I feel like I now have a better understanding of his innards. This tale was more straightforward and less dream-like than THE RAVEN CYCLE’s debut, however Stiefvater compensated by showcasing the messed-up things that live inside Ronan’s head. He teams-up with Kavinsky, and learns more about his particular skill set, I was surprised to find a few kinks in his armor where Gansey & his little brother were concerned, and I liked that he brought sexual diversity to the cast.

The introduction of the Gray Man piled on more intrigue to the boys’ search for Glendower, as did his employer, Greenmantle. I was disappointed that there weren’t more chapters from Noah’s POV, especially after the bomb that the author dropped on us at the end of the last novel; it felt like a waste of a cliff hanger. Other than the disappearance of Cabeswater, the Welsh King plot thread was practically non-existent which was weird considering that it was the main focus of book 1. The male characters have stronger personalities than all of the female ones combined which kind of trivialized Blue’s role, and the fact that she’s still stressing over her first kiss while everyone else is dealing with much bigger issues made her concerns seem silly.

I had an easier time with Will Patton’s delivery in this follow-up because I was able to overlook his questionable pronunciations of certain words having looked them up previously when I reviewed THE RAVEN BOYS. He doesn’t whisper nearly as much as he did in the last installment on account of the less mysterious nature of this tale which was a good thing, but his female voices are still lacking, especially Persephone’s. And, why the heck Kazinsky sounded like The Fonz is beyond me. This audiobook featured original music that was both written and performed by Maggie Stiefvater which was a cool value add, however I think I might try reading BLUE LILY, LILY BLUE to see if my issues with this series lie more with the narrator than the story itself.

THE DREAM THIEVES was anything but predictable, and Maggie Stiefvater’s writing is so far beyond average that it transcends words.

The Raven Cycle Series

My Review



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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!

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66 responses to “Audiobook Review: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater”

  2. Pili from In Love With  

    I hope you will give BLLB a chance and read it instead of listening to it, maybe it’ll make you appreciate the books a lil differently.

    I loved Dream Thieves because it opened the scope, even if it seemed like it pushed the ley lines mystery to the back, but everything seems so very connected! I didn’t like Ronan in book 1, but I couldn’t help but understand him better and now though he isn’t my favourite character, I love him more!
    Pili recently posted…Happy New Year 2015!!

    • Carmel  

      Ronan is incredibly messed-up, and that’s part of his charm, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I like him. I’ll definitely be giving Blue Lily, Lily Blue a whirl later this year.

  3. Amanda  

    I listened to the first in this series on audiobook and was intrigued about it, though I listened to it over the course of a month or more (because I only listened during walks and it was the middle of winter).

    With all the other Raven Cycle books out, I’ve been considering picking up the series again. Maggie’s pose translates well to audiobook (even if the narrator is less than impressive).
    Amanda recently posted…Amanda’s 2015 Blogging Manifesto

    • Carmel  

      Her prose is what first convinced me to go the audiobook route with this series, well that and Sinner; however Will Patton just isn’t doing it for me. I can’t imagine stretching this novel over an entire month, I’d be so lost!

  4. Bookworm Brandee  

    Great review, Carmel. I appreciate you laying out your issues with this installment. And I’m really interested to see if reading, rather than listening, improves your opinion of the series. I listened to a book recently – from a series where I’ve read all the previous installments – and it just wasn’t the same. So maybe it is possible that some books are good for audio and some aren’t???

    Happy Friday!! I hope 2015 is off to a great start for you!
    Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**#FREE Book Blitz & Giveaway ~ The Darkest Part ~ Trisha Wolfe**

  7. Amir  

    I was planning to read this soon and although I’m slightly disappointed that it will be mostly about Ronan since my favorite characters are Blue and Gansey. He also happens to be my least favorite character too. But judging from your rating, I can see that Stiefvater wins again. I can understand your feelings for the narrator too, I just find him too old for the characters…but original music by the author? That’s worth it for me! I was going to read this book but I think I’m going to try it on audio again, just to get that special feature! Lovely review Carmel! 🙂
    Amir recently posted…Review: Little Peach by Peggy Kern

    • Carmel  

      Gansey is by far my fav, so I’m guessing that Stiefvater will probably leave his tale until last. *sigh* That’s usually the way it goes. I had my iPhone on speaker in the final chapters, and the music freaked my dogs out. Hehe!

  11. Melissa (Books and Things)  

    The Fonz? LOL

    I liked this one as well. I was a little frustrated that things didn’t progress further but then I would have wanted all the details presented here. I guess I just want the next one now. 🙂

    I listened to the first one on audio and enjoyed it, but I may keep reading these. Plus, right now I can’t get the Fonz out of my head. Ayyyyy!
    Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Low Midnight by Carrie Vaughn

  15. Braine Talk Supe  

    I so agree, I was hoping we’ll know more about these Welsh she teased us with in the first book. Still this was a great sequel, I still have to read Blue Lily but Maggie S. requires some preparation for me, her prose isn’t meant for easy quick reading, it requires absorption and with my ADD kicking in, I feel I might miss out on its awesomeness!
    Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Loved It: Hungry Like The Wolf by Paige Tyler + Seven Fun Facts

    • Carmel  

      I agree, Stiefvater’s books need to be devoured in one or two sittings otherwise it’s easy to miss stuff. Mind you, I found her wolves rather simple compared to these.

    • Carmel  

      Aaww. That’s too bad. I struggled with Shiver as well, but once I made it to Linger I was hooked. That second book was essential IMO. Hopefully The Raven Boys will make an impression on you.

  17. Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)  

    I skimmed your review because I haven’t read The Raven Boys yet–which I am definitely going to do sometime this year. I tried it last year but I didn’t like it at all but I’ve always been wanting to give it another shot.

    Lovely review, Carmel! <33

  18. Melliane  

    I heard so many great things about this series but I confess that I haven’t read them. I had tried another series and it was nice without being awesome but maybe this one is better. thanks for the review.

  19. Tricia from Cristina's Book Reviews

    I’m more of a reader than a listener anyway, but I think this series is would be better read than heard. I’m reading the 3rd book now & I find myself flipping back a page or so to re-read passages — looking for clues & hints. I remember doing the same with the other 2 books. She’s sometimes a tricky author & I think this series should be read slowly & carefully — or at least that’s what I’m doing because I’m afraid I’ll miss something!! LOL!! Glad you are liking it even if not as well as her other books!! And the “Fonz” comment had me cracking up & makes me kind of want to hear that, LOL!! That’s definitely not how I pictured Kazinsky!! I found it interesting that everyone seemed perfectly ok with The Gray Man’s job — like it’s a perfectly normal occupation! Anyway, great review & hope you like the next one — so far I am. Lots of interesting new facts & secrets! 🙂
    Tricia recently posted…Redeployment by Phil Klay

    • Carmel  

      It’s not as easy to backtrack via audiobook, so now I’m thinking that I should have whispersync-ed these. Ah well, hindsight is 20/20. Hopefully I’ll get it right with Blue Lily, Lily Blue. The Gray Man’s job is TOTALLY normal in Paranormal. LOL!

  25. Danya  

    Skimmed most of this because I’ve only read book 1 but I think you hit the nail on the head with your suspicion about the audiobook – when I switched from audio to print about halfway through The Raven Boys the book got WAY better. Glad to hear that Dream Thieves was more enjoyable for you…and that it focuses on Ronan because I was a big fan. Maybe I’m the weirdo? He’s a bit of a dick but I sense that there’s stuff going on there.
    Danya recently posted…Review: The Good, The Bad, and The Undead by Kim Harrison

    • Carmel  

      Aah, well it’s good to have confirmation finally from a blogger who’s attempted both. Everyone I’ve asked has either done one or the other. Not sure if this book will make you like Ronan more or less…

    • Carmel  

      Last I heard this was supposed to be a trilogy, however there are more than 3 characters in the quest for Glendower, so I’m confused how that’s gonna work.

  27. kim { Book Swoon }  

    I agree with some of your disappointments as far as wanting more about Cabeswater, the Welsh King myth and Blue as a heroine, but my gosh, the writing once again captivated me as the focus turned more on Ronan. The magic, street car scenes and the ending pushed the story into another star for me too if I remember right. I’m still need to pickup BLUE LILY, LILY BLUE and get caught up. I hope you try reading this one to see if the little nuances in her writing makes a difference 🙂
    kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Adult Book Review: Owl and the Japanese Circus by Kristi Charish

    • Carmel  

      That ending really was something else. If I fall in love with Blue Lily, Lily Blue, I might just have to go back, and read this series all over again to see what I missed out of cuz of the narration.

  29. Jessica Cooley  

    AH! That’s so great that the audio for this one is better than the first. I’m glad you kept going with these, I think they are pretty great.
    ALSO, I LOVE the new banner. The wolf is great and I like the feel of the art in general. Very nice!
    Jessica Cooley recently posted…Favorites of 2014

  30. Tabitha (Not Yet Read)  

    I’m glad this one improved for you. I think you might be right that each book might focus on another boy next but hmm I don’t remember if THE RAVEN BOYS really felt like it had focus on one boy more so then the others, I felt like it was pretty equal. I actually just started BLUE LILY, LILY BLUE and I can’t tell yet if there is focus on one boy or not. Personally I really enjoyed the focus on Ronan. This one actually had a scene that brought tears to my eyes.

    You know the one with Noah and Blue? So freaking heart wrenching for me.
    Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Review: The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow

    • Carmel  

      The first installment was more an introduction to the world, and all of the characters IMO, but the next two seem to focus on one individual. Aaah, yes, that scene was quite memorable. I hope you’re enjoying BLLB so far!

  31. Molly Mortensen  

    Cliffhangers on the sequel are acceptable, thanks for the warning though. It was nice to read a review of this series that wasn’t overly glowing for a change. I still really want to try it out though! I’m not sure how I feel about swapping leads, sometimes it’s great other times not so much.

    • Carmel  

      Leave it to me to be the odd reviewer out. I’m convinced it’s the narration. Cliffhangers are pretty much a given in YA, so I’m rarely surprised when ANY installment ends with one.