Quick Take

From bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater, a gripping tale of darkness, miracles, and family. Saints. Miracles. Family. Romance. Death. Redemption.Here is a thing everyone wants: A miracle. Here is a thing everyone fears: What it takes to get one. Any visitor to Bicho Raro, Colorado is likely to find a landscape of dark saints, forbidden love, scientific dreams, miracle-mad owls, estranged affections, one or two orphans, and a sky full of watchful desert stars. At the heart of this place you will find the Soria family, who all have the ability to perform unusual miracles. And at the heart of this family are three cousins longing to change its future: Beatriz, the girl without feelings, who wants only to be free to examine her thoughts; Daniel, the Saint of Bicho Raro, who performs miracles for everyone but himself; and Joaquin, who spends his nights running a renegade radio station under the name Diablo Diablo. They are all looking for a miracle. But the miracles of Bicho Raro are never quite what you expect.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: All the Crooked Saints

Introduction

"All the Crooked Saints" by Maggie Stiefvater is a captivating tale that weaves together themes of darkness, miracles, family, and love. Set in the small desert town of Bicho Raro, Colorado, the story follows the Soria family, who possess the ability to perform extraordinary miracles. The book explores their struggles, desires, and the longing for a miraculous change in their lives. With its vivid descriptions, complex characters, and intricate plot, "All the Crooked Saints" has garnered rave reviews from readers.

About Maggie Stiefvater

Maggie Stiefvater is a renowned author known for her bestselling works, including "The Shiver Trilogy," "The Raven Cycle," and "The Scorpio Races." She has a talent for creating immersive worlds and crafting characters that resonate with readers. Stiefvater's writing style is characterized by its atmospheric and whimsical nature, which adds depth and magic to her stories. Her ability to blend elements of fantasy and realism has earned her a dedicated fan base.

Analysis of Views

Beauty and Lyrical Writing: Many readers praised the book's lyrical writing style, which evokes a sense of magic and wonder. Stiefvater's ability to create vivid imagery and craft beautiful sentences captivated readers, transporting them into the world of Bicho Raro.
Complex Characters: The characters in "All the Crooked Saints" were highly praised for their depth and authenticity. Readers appreciated the exploration of their motivations, struggles, and relationships with one another. The Soria family members, in particular, were seen as fully realized individuals with their own unique stories.
Atmospheric Setting: The desert setting of Bicho Raro was widely praised for its atmospheric qualities. The heat, dryness, and dusty surroundings were described in such a way that readers felt immersed in the environment. The setting played a significant role in shaping the mood and tone of the story.
Miraculous Elements: The miraculous aspects of the story were a highlight for many readers. The idea of miracles and the lengths people go to seek them resonated with readers. The exploration of the consequences of such miracles added depth to the narrative.
Lack of Purpose: Some readers felt that the book lacked a clear direction or purpose at times. They felt that the story wandered or lacked a clear resolution. However, this was not a universal sentiment, as many readers found the journey to be enjoyable and immersive.

Reasons for Recommendation

Magical Storytelling: Maggie Stiefvater's magical storytelling ability shines through in "All the Crooked Saints." Readers appreciate her ability to weave together elements of fantasy, realism, and complex characters to create a captivating narrative.
Atmospheric Setting: The atmospheric setting of Bicho Raro adds depth to the story and immerses readers in the world of the Soria family. The desert landscape serves as a backdrop for the unfolding events and enhances the overall reading experience.
Complex Characters: The well-developed characters in "All the Crooked Saints" make for an engaging reading experience. Readers appreciate the opportunity to delve into their motivations and emotions, which adds depth and complexity to the story.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Clarity: Some readers felt that certain aspects of the story lacked clarity or direction. They found it challenging to follow certain plot points or understand certain character actions. This lack of clarity may deter some readers from fully enjoying the book.
Limited Character Development: While readers appreciated the complexity of certain characters, some felt that certain individuals were not as fully developed as others. They wished for more insight into certain characters' thoughts and feelings, which could have added depth to their portrayal.

Conclusion

"All the Crooked Saints" by Maggie Stiefvater is a captivating tale that explores themes of darkness, miracles, family, and love set against a backdrop of a desert town filled with saints. Stiefvater's lyrical writing style, complex characters, and atmospheric setting immerse readers in a world where miracles unfold and secrets are uncovered. While some readers found certain aspects lacking in clarity or character development, others found it to be a magical and enchanting read that they highly recommend. Overall, "All the Crooked Saints" offers a unique blend of fantasy, realism, and heartfelt emotions that will leave readers wanting more from this talented author.