Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Psychics, ghosts in great, spooky graphic novel adaptation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE RAVEN BOYS: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, Blue Sargent has always been told that her first kiss will mean the death of her true love, but she never gave it much thought. But then she sees the spirit of a boy and learns he's doomed to die within the next year, and she's somehow tied to his death. When she meets the real Gansey and learns of his quest to discover the burial site of a long-dead Welsh king, she finds herself falling in with him and his group of friends. As they explore the countryside outside of Henrietta, Virginia, Blue gets a taste of what it feels like to be involved with something truly magical. But soon enough, she learns that where there's magic and power, there's also danger.
Is It Any Good?
A comprehensive, beautiful graphic novel adaptation of the original book, this volume is sure to please both fans and newcomers alike. The Raven Boys: A Graphic Novel fits many of the elements that made the original story so compelling, while condensing it into a short, visual medium. The illustrations are detailed and vividly inked. The characters come to life thanks to their artfully drawn facial expressions and body language. The story, written by a master storyteller, is complex, but the pacing and art help distill the essence into an understandable and visually enjoyable read.
While much nuance was removed to fit the story into a graphic novel format, the essence of the original remains. Those who loved the novels will find much to love in this adaptation, while those who enjoy the graphic novel might be inspired to read the original series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the alliance between Blue and the Aglionby boys in The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel. How do their friendships build trust and teamwork?
If you've read the original novel, do you think the graphic novel is a faithful retelling? Why do you think they decided to adapt the story into a graphic novel?
The story hints at class and social differences, yet the characters can set them aside, for the most part, as their friendships grow. Is this something you've experienced in your own life? How realistic do you think their friendships are?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Sas Milledge
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : July 29, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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