they still can't make me like Kavinsky

The Dream Thieves: The Graphic Novel is the second illustrated adaptation of the Raven Cycle series, and maybe an unpopular opinion, but I do think the graphic novels work somewhat better for me than the original books. Do I think the original series is still worth reading? Absolutely. But the graphic novels condense a lot of the slower parts (admittedly at the expense of some character development and subplots), and the pacing was my biggest struggle with the original series. I can also see that this adaptation might be confusing if you haven't read the source material, but as someone who read the series about 8 months ago, I thought this was a fun and beautifully illustrated read.

As far as the content itself, I devoured this book in two sittings (despite being extremely busy and having other things I probably should've been doing instead). Book 2 of the Raven Cycle is what I typically consider Ronan's book because it's mostly devoted to his character arc, though other characters still get page time and development. Ronan remains my least favorite of the Raven Boys - I still don't know why, because literally everyone else loves him - so I think this book is kind of my least favorite in the series. This adaptation did make me appreciate him more, and I will admit my hatred for Kavinsky has faded into more of a strong dislike upon finishing this book. I did feel like Blue took a backseat in this book, though her scene with Noah (if you know, you know) was way more emotionally devastating in illustrated form. Similarly, I kind of missed Adam and Gansey, so as others have mentioned, I kind of wish this adaptation were slightly longer to include some of the smaller plots. Still, I enjoyed the faster pacing and the stunning artwork, so I'm already excited for the next one.

Long story short, this isn't the most faithful adaptation of a graphic novel, but the artwork is beautiful (I could stare at it all day), I loved the friendship between the characters, and the world is easy to fall into.

4.25/5

4.25 stars (all the 4s are acc 4.25 here) || Oh how fun, mysterious, tender! I love the author’s imagination and writing. I loved theorising and analysing — finding all the parallels, layers and clues. As another review says, there were plenty “blink and you’ll miss it” moments; I was surprised several times.

It’s so much more than a cosy “love yourself” book, and even that aspect is uniquely done. The story is thoughtfully crafted and clearly very personal. CAJ has created a cast of characters that are layered, occasionally unlikable and wholly loveable. I saw myself, or others I know, in several. This was a bittersweet, but ultimately beautiful, experience. CAJ is undeniably talented.

I do think Theodora’s Tea Shop is slightly mis-marketed. Yes, it’s technically cosy but the stakes are way higher and the story is darker than I anticipated. It was sadder and there were violent deaths — be warned!

I truly loved this story, though unfortunately less so towards the end. Sooooo much happens — I loved that, at first, but I was eventually overwhelmed. Additionally, something happens towards the end that made me very upset; it felt unnecessary, for pure shock-value/tears, and thus very cheap. This definitely coloured the rest of my experience and my ratings. (If this hadn’t happened, this would have been 4.5 stars, 5 stars for enjoyment and would have gone on My Taste.)

Despite that, this story has stayed with me. I have ME/CFS and I’m autistic, too — like Dot. I really enjoyed this rep, seeing my experiences on-page and knowing that it’s possible for me to have adventures again one day too. 🧿 That there’s a future and possibility and hope. 🧿 Dot is accepting of her capacity, even at the start (though moreso at the end), and I really needed to see this. I’ve been asking myself “What would Dot do?”, and the answer is always “rest”. I’m learning to extend myself the same compassion and patience Dot does to herself come the end of the book. So, I am very grateful I read this. And even though I truly (personally) hated that thing at the end, Theodora’s Tea Shop has a special place in my heart. And overall a very lovely, magical, warm read. Thank you, CAJ.