4,5 stars

A marked improvement on the first in the series (though I did like that as well), now that we've gotten to know the characters a little better. The found family aspect is definitely the drawing force for me. Even though the characters aren't the most likeable/morally good, something about them just makes me want to protect them and to make sure that they are okay. (Also, can I adopt Coach as my Coach?)

The plot is, to say the least, pretty wild. Which is to say, nearly fantastical. I mean, teenagers running from the mafia while playing a really popular sport that's being broadcast worldwide. However, I went into this knowing what to expect (not realism) so it hasn't really bothered me. Like I said, this is mostly about the characters.

I started this series yesterday, and I think I'm going to get started on the last on tonight. I need to make sure all the Foxes really get started on their healing and that the Ravens get their comeuppance. ( )

This was really better than the first one, but I don't really get how it's a favorite for so many people ( )

4.5★
"He was their family. They were his. They were worth every cut and bruise and scream."

The Raven King turns up a notch on it's tone, bringing a much darker and heavier narrative without being dissonant from the previous book.

The themes explored are very raw and not sanitized at all, portraying the complex way each of the characters deal with their own trauma. They are messy, and awful, and problematic, and many times make awful decisions, because each of them has different lines, morals, and experiences. Just like real people.

Neil Josten's narration is incredibly unique. Extremely dramatic and with skewed priorities, his personality shines in how and what he chooses to describe, managing to keep the reader engaged from petty interrelationship drama to bloody mafia life-or-death situations. ( )

I can't even begin! There is a moment in this book where I just straight up ugly cried. I stayed up till 7am to finish this book. It is everything I wanted out a third book. I have never been so emotionally wrecked by a book series! This is good thing! ( )

Para mi 3.5, es mejor que el anterior, es un libro por encima de las novelas juveniles y sus cliches aburridos, dinamico el juego, buen desarrollo de personajes. Un tanto plana la historia pero no termina aburriendo. Buenas escenas con violencia. Es recomendable. ( )