Completely different from any other Stiefvater book I've read but I very much enjoyed it. I loved June and all of her staff and the Avalon came alive for me.

A great read.

The Listeners is a hauntingly beautiful read. Maggie Stiefvater’s writing is lyrical and atmospheric, drawing you into a world of strange, quiet mysteries. I loved the eerie vibe and the way the characters' emotions and connections unfold. It’s slow at times, but the story sticks with you long after you finish. Perfect for fans of Stiefvater’s unique, introspective style!

Very pleased with this read. Some great characters and the storyline was really interesting. Would definitely recommend to other readers.

I couldn't decide whether or not I wanted to talk about the Raven Cycle in this review for ages but have ultimately decided that I can't avoid it. That series is everything to me, each time I've read it I feel I've discovered something new about my reading tastes and all of those characters are very close to my heart. I find that often Stiefvater's characters come across so well because of the level of seemingly irrelevant detail that goes into them - how a guy tucks in his shirt or how a girl looks across a room when she first walks in - that then turns out to be the damning nail in the coffin for the most heart-wrenching character analysis you've ever read.

I don't know if I'm explaining that very well, but just want to try and express how unique her writing style is. So I knew, even as a pulled myself slowly and carefully through the first half of this novel, that even if I didn't end up being convinced by the plot the writing would win me over without a doubt. And, to my delight, this is almost exactly how my reading experience went. The setting of this novel is the Appalachian mountains during World War II, and I knew already going into this novel that historical fiction (even historical magical realism) is not usually my cup of tea. However, I was beyond curious to see what this new project would entail!

This feels like an increasingly rambling review all to say that I found it a slow moving novel and I thought I felt largely indifferent about the large cast of characters until the 70% mark when I realised that actually I cared so deeply about all of them that I couldn't put the book down and felt like someone had punched a hole in my chest once I'd finished. Luckily I had a whole train journey to sit and stare out the window dramatically as I reflected on it.

This felt rather meandering. I will be very forthright: I only finished this to keep my NetGalley score intact, otherwise I would have DNFed. There's just very little actually happening and reading this felt like a task rather than a treat. I also think that if your premise is going to be we are hosting Nazis in this hotel you need to do more with the abhorrentness of it all. How are there only a handful of lines addressing part of the main premise? And I think this is particularly interesting in contrast with how the Japanese were treated in WWII - are people here for being a Nazi or for the crime of being Japanese? How do you balance the need to stay employed during a world war and the fact that the US government wants you to provide hospitality to Nazis?
I did enjoy Hannelore when we got to see her! There's this odd trend lately where people seem to want to see autistic characters whose autism is just a quirk, when we have tons of ambiguous disorder characters in the world and it's people with high support needs that have more stigma attached and who struggle more in a world not designed for them. I was very worried the sweetwater was going to cure her of being nonspeaking and was very glad this wasn't the case!
I think this book just wasn't for me and that's okay! I'm similarly not a fan of cosy SFF where very little
happens, and I think this is more reflection on the past than plot in the current day, so maybe it would work for someone who prefers that mode of storytelling. I'm also more of a fantasy reader than a historical fiction or magical realism enjoyer, so take me with a grain of salt!

Thank you to NetGalley, Stiefvater, Viking and Headline Press for an ARC of this book.


*Note for the publisher: As this is a low review, please contact me if you'd like me to pull this and wait until a certain time after the book's publication.

It's been a while since I read a book of Maggie's, and I loved her work as a teen, so I was particularly interested to read this. I'm glad to say it did not disappoint!

This book felt so magical and slightly eerie at times, but it took a bit of time to familiarise myself with the characters. I felt slightly confused throughout, there were quite a few characters to keep track of.

The hotel felt almost like a separate character that connected everyone else. The sweetwater concept was unlike anything I've ever read before (but then again, this entire book was unlike anything I've ever read before). I loved how the author used the hotel and the sweetwater in June's character arc. Difficult to understand, but I really came to appreciate June, and I loved getting glimpses of her past. Absolutely loved <spoiler>seeing her let go of her first (undeserving) love, along with the hotel which kept her trapped for so long.</spoiler>

Maggie's writing, as always, was incredibly beautiful and magical.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free digital copy of this book.

Maggie Stiefvater’s The Listeners is a beautifully written and atmospheric book set in January 1942, amidst the delicate tension of wartime America. The story takes place at the Avallon Hotel & Spa, an elegant haven in the wilds of West Virginia, where the sweetwater springs beneath the hotel are believed to wash away the troubles of high society. June Porter Hudson, a local girl turned general manager, has guided the hotel through the initial challenges of war. Trained by the aristocratic Gilfoyle family, who owns the hotel, she has kept things running smoothly. However, everything changes when the family heir strikes a secret deal with the State Department to house captured Axis diplomats, and June is tasked with persuading her staff—many of whom have loved ones at the front lines—to treat Nazis with luxury and care, all with a smile.

Meanwhile, FBI Agent Tucker Minnick, whose coal tattoo hints at his Appalachian roots, quietly listens for the diplomats' secrets as he watches the hotel from the shadows. Tucker carries his burdens, and he knows all too well the dangerous consequences of June’s balancing act. The sweetwater beneath the hotel, which is meant to heal, has the potential to do just as much harm.

As June navigates the delicate task of hosting the diplomats, she finds herself facing a moral conflict that threatens to crack the veneer of luxury she so carefully maintains. The guests may not be who they appear to be, and June's unwavering hospitality is tested as she grapples with the complex realities of war, loyalty, and her role in a conflict that is now, in many ways, in her backyard.

The Listeners is a slow-moving historical fiction that blends elements of magical realism, with its sense of deep, almost mystical connection to place and history. The book is not only a story about war but also about the price of luxury, the weight of secrets, and the quiet but powerful ways in which war infiltrates every aspect of life. Stiefvater’s prose is rich and evocative, drawing readers into the world of the Avallon and the conflicting emotions of its characters. This book will captivate readers who enjoy a slower, more reflective pace and who appreciate intricate character-driven narratives set against a complex historical backdrop.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

This is a very hard book to review as for much of it I wasn’t really sure where the story was going or even what sort of book I was reading. It really is a genre defying novel, a mash-up of historical fiction, magical realism, family drama with a light touch of romance but whichever genre it lands in I really, really enjoyed it. There is an ethereal quality to the writing, the story unfolds gently, characters are gradually revealed, and the shape of the novel isn’t truly finished until the final page. It’s a novel about secrets, about hidden things, about the uncomfortable things we do to survive until change becomes necessary. This is an author who knows how to craft a tale that will haunt you long after you finish it, and an author that I won't hesitate to pick up again. If you’re looking for something a little different, something gilded with wonder and touched by magic but set firmly in the real world then I’d highly recommend picking this up.

Maggie steifvater has done it again. I'm a huge fan of the Raven Cycle books and I really didn't know what to expect going into this book but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Historical fiction isn't sually my go to genre but the magical realism elements sprinkled in kept me intrigued throughout the story. I loved the character of June and her relationship with the Avallon and all of its staff.

Steifvater's writing is incredible as always and make you feel like you already know the characters and world on the pages. I will say it is very different from The Raven Cycle and it might not be for everyone who love that series but I would definitely recommend giving it a go

The Listeners is an intriguing, cosy, slow burn read that will keep you wanting to read more

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater

High in the Appalachian mountains is a place quite unlike any other. The Avallon Hotel and its enigmatic General Manager, June Hudson, are famed for offering unrivalled luxury, season after season, to those who come from far and wide to indulge in its beautiful hot springs and take the healing waters. Everything is perfect. Perhaps too perfect.

Wow ! Never read a book like this before , completely weird but in a brilliant way .
Once read you feel you've been on a journey , you almost feel like you need we compress .

"The Listeners" is a really interesting story. It's set in a hotel high in the mountains, where listening is a special power. The hotel itself feels like a character, with its own secrets. June, the main character, has to deal with hidden powers and dangerous people. The book mixes magic, mystery, and a bit of romance. It's easy to get lost in the story and the strange world Stiefvater creates. You'll want to know what happens next.


https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/f093e806-32b2-459b-98a7-4eab8e6c890a

I loved this. I wanted to slowly savour this magical book, but couldn’t help but read faster and faster as I got into it.

This is Stiefvater’s adult debut, but if she continues to write more books in this genre she is calling Wonder, I imagine I will want to read every one.

I have no idea if comparisons to Eva Ibbotson are considered a compliment, but from me they are certainly intended as such. From its wartime setting to the vast cast of characters, many of whom you end up caring about, this reminded me, in the best way, of Ibbotson’s A Song for Summer, a book which has stayed with me for years. In addition this book comes with Stiefvater’s precise plotting and carefully chosen words. I can see I might be thinking about this book for a long time too!

Thank-you to Headline and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read an eArc of this book.

As always, it’s a privilege to read anything Stiefvater writes, purely because of how stunning her writing is. It was my favourite part of this book. Her ability to evoke setting is some of the best I’ve ever encountered and it really allows you to sink into the story.

Ultimately, I don’t think this is a book for me. I’m already not a lover of historical fiction, and paired with a rather vague plot, I struggled to stay interested for much of this. This was furthered by the fact that I didn’t really care for any of the characters.

The touch of magical realism was wonderful and exactly what I hoped for from this novel; I only wish there was more focus on it.

At first, I struggled to fully immerse myself in the story—not because it wasn’t engaging, but because it was different from what I had expected. The plot unfolded at a slow pace, but by the halfway point, I was completely captivated. A compelling blend of historical elements, magical realism, and the beautifully lyrical prose that Maggie Stiefvater is known for.

The only thing that bothered me a little was the long chapters, which made it feel like I was progressing much more slowly than I actually was.

Set in the beautiful Appalachian mountains, Maggie Stiefvater's "The Listeners" takes place at the luxurious Avallon Hotel & Spa, offering a refuge from the chaos of World War II.

June Hudson, the hotel's mysterious general manager, must handle the challenging task of hosting detained Nazi diplomats while preserving the hotel's charm and elegance. As FBI Agent Tucker Minnick hunts for secrets among the diplomats, June finds herself tangled in a web of loyalty, betrayal, and unexpected romance.

June's character is central to the story, highlighting her strength and resilience as she balances her job responsibilities with personal struggles. Her journey intertwines with Tucker's, whose past in the mountains adds depth to their relationship. Although the supporting characters are interesting, they can sometimes feel overshadowed by June's presenc

Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral dilemmas of war resonate with today's societal issues of conflict and division.

Stiefvater's writing is poetic and immersive, blending historical fiction with suspense and romance elements. The supernatural Appalachian magic gives the narrative a unique edge, though some readers might find it underutilized.

The Avallon Hotel's atmosphere is richly described, with its opulent settings and the mystical sweetwater that appears to affect emotions. However, the repeated emphasis on the hotel's luxury can feel overdone at times. The story maintains a sense of intrigue and tension, keeping readers engaged despite pacing issues toward the end.

For me, the book's strength lies in prompting reflection on the true cost of luxury and the moral quandaries faced during wartime.

"The Listeners" distinguishes itself with its unique fusion of historical fiction and magical realism set against the backdrop of World War II.

It is an enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction, based on true events, and for those who appreciate intricate, atmospheric storytelling.

3.5/5 stars

I have contemplated a lot after finishing this book, and I can say that I'm comfortable in putting it at 3.5 stars. While certain aspects charmed me like the central characters and their dynamic, most notably the writing as was expected from Maggie Stiefvater, I find the book to be quite dull at times and the pseud0-magic that the book offered to be quite confusing. I appreciate the amount of research that the author puts into writing this book, because I can feel it pouring out of the pages at how raw it feels at times, but as a story, it lacks a certain something. I still somewhat enjoyed my time reading it and didn't particularly feel anything strongly, nothing too negative or positive. I would still recommend people to read this book if they like Maggie Stiefvater or if they like historical fiction with a slightly magical or mystical element.

Clever and nuanced, in the style that I have come to expect from Maggie Stiefvater, The Listeners tells the story of June Hudson, a local girl from an Appalachian town, who has elevated to the position of general manager of the nearby luxury hotel, where she has an intimate connection with more than just the sweetwater the trickles throughout the hotel, tied to the emotions of the guests and staff. During the first months of Americas involvement in the Second World War, post Pearl Harbour, her hotel is evacuated by the government to be used as a luxury internment location for Axis diplomats, as well as FBI, CIA, and government agents. This book tells the story of the small moments between the June and the various inhabitants on the hotel, and how they interact and make connections with these unusual guests, and with themselves.

Firstly, congratulations on the book cover. Irresistible!
What a story, what a setting, high in the Appalachian hills. an old family Hotel is required to house many and varied people from across military boards, to help the War effort. The housekeeper/owner June is responsible for the organisation of the crowds that arrive. There is much to wonder about, complications between races, mystery abounds, and a love interest too. It's a very good book, tightly written.
Thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read and review the book.

The Listeners is a good read but didn't quite make me think it was a 'brilliant' read. The story of June, an accomplished hotel manager, who takes a number of WW2 Germans as guests as their status is being considered is interesting but for me, spoilt in places by the unnecessary concentration on the hotel's location in Virginia and its healing 'water' which is piped into every room and by all accounts is a bit smelly but considered necessary for good healing etc etc. It's like the author really wanted to press home this matter but I didn't feel it was necessary quite so often. The main characters are interesting, especially Tucker, the FBI agent put in charge of the care of the Germans. But even his character is kept very stark until he falls for June and truts her with all his issues. To be fair,her character is so well-developed, you believe she's a great person and so you don't blame him. In places, this novel had an otherworly grandeur; it is very well written and the characters are very well drawn. June, especially, is someone you would like to meet, interesting, beautiful and charismatic but also plain-spoken and hard-working. The hotel has been in the same family for decades and we are introduced to a number of the members across the book and the author gives interesting throwback stories to develop their importance and June's involvement with each of them. This has been a difficult book to review; I liked it but at times felt like the pacing was a little drawn out. That said, I'd be astonished if the film rights weren't bought and it wasn't turned into a really great movie. Now I'm wondering who should play June.

I’ve seen a lot of confusion about the plot summary of this book and I get it. I also did not know what to expect, but this book was a pleasant surprise! Like all Stiefvater books, this world was so magical and atmospheric, and all of the characters fit right in, even the ones you don’t expect to. June and Tucker are fleshed out characters with mysterious backgrounds and rich inner lives. There is a very cute, very slow burn romance, but more than that I really loved June’s bond with all of the staff members at the hotel. The plot moves slowly and the ending was a little rushed, but it kept my attention anyway and I was satisfied with the conclusion. I am being very vague about the story but it’s a Maggie Stiefvater novel, so I am not going to attempt to explain the plot. The vibes were my favourite part of the book anyway. I do know this story is really unique and daring and full of heart.

I received an arc from Netgalley and Headline in exchange for an honest review <3