Full disclosure, I read the first book more than 3 years ago, and when I picked this up it was because I needed something light and fun to pass the time, but I didn't even remember the name of the characters. It's terrible, I know. (I did read a summary of the #1 before starting this, though!) 
 Now I've read the #2, #3 and #4 instalments of the Raven Cycle in a week, I'm utterly in love with Ronan Lynch, and adore the entire series. Now I know, for reasons I completely understand, that this book is one of the fan favourites. I am quite sad, then, that I didn't quite enjoy it as I feel I should. Probably a second reading would do wonders. 
 Apart from my wrongly-placed expectations, reasons I didn't enjoy this that much are: a) if felt a bit too car-centric, didn't it?; b) low on plot; c) so much fucking sadness. EVERYBODY IS SAD AND ANGRY IN THIS BOOK. And although I tried to, it made it very difficult to not hate Adam. Anyways, the end was quite wonderful so it was the same day I finished this that I also read 80% of Blue Lily, Lily Blue. This should tell you something. 
 Overall I must admit I'm quite in awe with Stiefvater writing.