The dream thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Boys, bk 2. Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9780545424943.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Paranormal. Things are changing for Gansey, Ronan, Blue and Adam since the ley lines have been woken. They are still determined to find Glendower, the legendary Welsh king, but others are also on the same quest. Ronan's dreams are starting to take over, not only has he pulled a raven out of his dreams but he finds that they are starting to haunt real life with dangerous creatures. A sinister hit man, Mr Gray, is on the prowl searching for the Graywaren and Kravinsky is taunting Ronan to race against him in the souped up car races that are held at night.
Told from different points of view, the reader learns more about each character as what is happening comes from a different perspective. The dream thieves concentrates on an angry and troubled Ronan, who desperately searches for a way to bring back to life his home and his mother. He gradually begins to understand the power of his dreams but is ill prepared for what this could cost him. Adam becomes isolated and Gansey, the golden boy, is still obsessed with his quest for Glendower. Blue, as direct and practical as ever, works with her family and tarot cards to find solutions to the power surges and the disappearance of Cabeswater.
There are some very exciting moments, particularly when Ronan and Kravinsky race their cars and manipulate dreams and some poignant moments when Blue begins to think about who her true love might be. Things do no always turn out how people would like them to. Stiefvater has written a mesmerising and very intricate story with a cliff-hanger at the end to ensure that the next book is read. This is a beautifully written book that requires close attention and thought to work out what is going on and the series is sure to appeal to readers who enjoy the paranormal.
Pat Pledger