Blue Lily, Lily Blue

Gr 9 Up—Troubled Ronan, ghostly Noah, Gansey, Adam, and Jane (called Blue by everyone but rich and handsome Gansey) continue their search for the body of Glendower, the lost Welsh king. Listeners will need to be familiar with the first two "Raven Cycle" books to fully enjoy this installment. Stiefvater continues to weave her dark and magical prose, and though this story is an ensemble, Blue and the search for her missing mother are center stage. When the Aglionby boys and Blue find a tomb that is quite possibly Glendower's in the dangerous caverns of Cabeswater, they come closer to finding Blue's mother as well. Will Patton continues his excellent narrative style. The story has frequent dark humor, and Patton's vocal choices for Jesse Dittley and Mallory deepen the dry humor innate to both characters. Stiefvater's large cast, rich prose, and intricate plot lines mean most listeners will need to give this recording their full attention. A must-have where the first two books are popular.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX