Omg this book! Where do I start?!?!? The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater is such a good story. This is so lovely... 5 stars from me. So so good.

Maggie Stiefvater’s The Listeners is a lyrical and haunting exploration of connection, creativity, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. Blending her signature poetic prose with a sense of eerie mystery, Stiefvater crafts a narrative that feels both deeply personal and profoundly otherworldly.

The story revolves around characters bound by secrets, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways as they are drawn into a web of supernatural intrigue. Themes of belonging, obsession, and the cost of truly listening—to oneself and to others—are beautifully woven into the narrative.

Atmospheric and thought-provoking, The Listeners is a mesmerizing tale that will resonate with fans of magical realism and introspective storytelling.

Maggie Stiefvater is a master of subtle horror and mysteries, brought to life through her love for detailed surroundings and light shifts in mood. With 'The Listeners' that skill decisively gets to prove itself to an adult market and doesn't fail to envelope one in its mysteries and intrigues throughout the story.

I took a class in college called "the weird, the eerie, and the uncanny" where we read shirley jackson and lovecraft watched hitchcock and lynch and unpacked questions precisely like the one maggie stiefvater said she posed herself when writing this book: "what do you call the genre that approaches fantastical elements with awe instead of terror?" where she landed on Wonder, we decided that genre was simply Fantasy, as a collective. i was so eager to read this book precisely because of the way she handles this genre of hers, Wonder (and Fantasy), in the raven cycle, easily my favorite series of all time. as I have grown since the first time I picked the series up in high school, so too has my interpretation of the elements of that series, and I see the matured version of the themes of class and yearning that first bubbled up in trc make their way into the listeners, with some added explorations of thematic questions like "what is luxury, really?" the writing, of course, brings an emotional magic far outside of the literal magic of the plot; even descriptions for the most mundane objects and actions become preternaturally awe-some in the true sense of the word. this, too, is a return to one of the aspects of the raven cycle that makes it so special to me, even all these years later. in the dream thieves, ronan is thrust ("shoved" or "pushed" I believe is the word used) into a dream, and one of the first, tone-setting descriptions we get is "the air grinned." in the listeners, the tension in the avallon has come to a head, and "the air shimmered" to match. this is a debut, an entrance into the world of adult storytelling — a transition that stiefvater has written about for her newsletter, in an article that gives a surprising amount of insight into the process — but in some ways, it feels more similar to the raven cycle than anything else of hers I've read. it feels like a homecoming, but also an evolution, a reinforcement of strengths and a trimming of weaknesses. this book isn't even out yet, but I already need whatever story she tells next.

Over a decade has passed since I was transported by Maggie Stiefvater's writing in Shiver. While a lot of the finer details of Shiver might be lost to me, Maggie Stiefvater was imprinted on my brain as an author that could really transport you through their writing. For this reason, The Listeners was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025.

From its first chapter, I was fascinated by the Avallon Hotel & Spa and my attention was demanded by each new character introduced. The plot is character-driven with countless deviations from the central story. However, each pivot provides meticulous detail to characters no matter how minor they may seem. The story slowly ticks along and is held together by references to a mystic force - sweetwater. I really loved this mythical element, and the complexity it gave to the character of June. My only wish was to have more insight into the mystery of the fourth bathhouse and June’s relationship with it.

I found myself simultaneously not wanting the story to end, and still so satisfied with its clever, though predictable ending. The tension built particularly well in Part 4. Finally, I loved that when I really started to doubt the realism and faithfulness to historical fiction, the Author’s Note really put me in my place. An incredible amount of research and accuracy has been poured into this novel. I can’t wait to tell everyone I know to read this book in June!

First, thank you to Headline and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first ever read by this author (Yes, I know, how? I plan to read The Raven Cycle this year do no worry) and in retrospect I think it was best since it’s very different from her previous work. Her first adult novel as well. An historical fiction set after Pearl Harbour happened, in the beginning of WWII and based on real events twisted with eerie Appalachian magic. Enough to be curious, right? I definitely was and it did not disappoint.

I’ve previously heard about the author's character work and prose. Now I understand all the praise. The writing transported me up the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia with such an ease as well as thought the rooms and backstage "staff only" restricted areas of the luxurious Avallon Hotel! The characters were so compelling, complex and well written too. From June, our enigmatic General Manager to Tucker, the very bureau-minded federal agent of this operation but also, Sandy, Pennybacker, the whole staff and of course, Hannelore.
Even if we mostly follow the story through June’s journey, as the caretaker of the sweetwater, I loved the three POVs, they were very complimentary.
The mysterious "magical" elements were so interesting too. Some people hear the water laugh, speak? Some say it heals. One person especially is afraid of it, while June seems to understand it. 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. It definitely raises more questions than answers, but it didn’t bother me personally. It’s an atmosphere I really enjoy.

The pacing was so good. I couldn’t put it down - especially towards the end! (I ended up reading until 2 am one night without really noticing). I highlighted so many quotes.. I’m just sad I can’t fit everything in here -nor share everything since some of them could spoil some parts.
I found it so interesting that the story follows this side of the war, through the diplomatic plot. It’s not something I’ve seen/read about before.

It’s definitely a story that follows you a long time after. I can feel it. Like the sweetwater itself flooding near.

I absolutley adore Maggie Stiefvaters writting style. The atmosphere in this book was immaculate. The story itself hit a bit too close home for what is going on right now around the world for my comfort, but I guess that makes it so very important.

Maggie never misses. By far one of my favorite reads in January, Stiefvater has written a beautiful story about the human condition. It’s stuck with me and I can’t wait for the official release.

Check in The Avallon for a poetic experience in which the beauty of luxury and the ugliness of World War II intertwin with each other. A charming cast of characters will lead you into a story of magic realism and romance and the unreality of war times far from the war.

I wonder if Stiefvater would have ever suspected how well timed this book release would be. History tends to rhyme, after all.

Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for a review copy of this novel. I have long been a fan of Maggie Stiefvater’s storytelling in her YA novels, which I read as a librarian of children’s services. Her manner of creating worlds and a sense of place is vivid, but also she also adds a witty twist or otherworldly charm that makes her stand out from other writers. This novel, though not quite like her other novels that have stronger elements of paranormal or fantasy threads, still contains those wonderful aspects. This novel woos you, slowly enchants you, just like I imagine the Avallon hotel would if it were real. There’s a definite charm in the novel and the hotel with an undercurrent that’s unsettling, but despite that unsettling feeling, you have to know more. And as the hotel’s name suggests, the hotel has an otherworldly suggestion that hints at perfect happiness.

The Avallon Hotel, situated in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia is a place of luxury, especially in the onset of the second World War and June Hudson knows its value and as its manager is famed for maintaining its perfection in the wake of the recent death of its owner. June grew up in the surrounding mountains, dirt poor and definitely strange, but as someone who knows the sweetwater that flows from its mountain and made the hotel famous. But that sweetwater, the hotel and June find its match when the government appropriates the hotel to house Axis power diplomats, their staff and other well known figures of these countries who’d resided in the USA. Secrets, lies and betrayal are their currency and for June, who relies on her ability to keep the contentment and happiness of her staff and guests at a high level, she finds her heart mind and soul at risk amidst the turmoil. Her surprise support and quiet help through this is not the owner’s lothario son, whose long declared admiration and love for her is belied by his constant carousing in New York, but the taciturn FBI agent, himself a former resident of the locale. His own fear and rejection of his very roots have driven him to be a man of the agency, to reject anything personal, something the sweetwater itself challenges the moment he arrives.

The novel is powerful on many levels and its thread of what might be described as magical realism embodied in the sweetwater that permeates the book is so seamlessly part and central to the story that somehow the reader is committed to its truth and existence just as it pulls the truth from those who are near it. The novel is inspired by real events which contributes to its magic in a way, because the alchemy that such a gathering, with the tension of war surrounding these people, could only have created something out of the ordinary. In Maggie Stiefvater’s hands we get a novel filled with richly drawn characters, compelling in their depth and humanity, their flaws and struggles. We also get a tense filled plot with twists and turns that keep the pages turning, and we get wonderfully wrought sentences and some wit that lets you know that in Stiefvater’s hands you have a wonderful book. Highly recommended.

went into this with no expectations; turning the last page with my mind blown.
The Listeners has all the magic of old fantasy I used to read under the covers with a flashlight. It weaves together WW2 and coal country and sentient water and the most complex interpersonal relationships so easily that you don't even realize how many layers this has till you try to explain it to someone. It approaches the very tenuous political climate of multinational diplomats stuck in a hotel together with surprising clarity. It feels like the kind of story that becomes a classic. It is and isn't a love story. It ends how you'd expect but somehow that makes it better not worse because of how it gets there. I will be thinking about this for a while.

The premise of this book is really unusual and as I’m always a sucker for a bit of magic thrown in with reality, I was really intrigued. I loved June’s character and that of the Sweetwater, both of which flow through this book and it really added an extra dimension to the narrative. There were some elements of the story that I would have like to see developed further, such as what happened to Hannelore, and I did feel the pacing dropped through the middle section, but it was beautifully written and overall I really enjoyed it. Many thanks to the author and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy.

Maggie Stiefvater is one of those authors I would very strongly associate with my teenage reading years - both The Wolves of Mercy Falls and The Raven Cycle had me in a chokehold when I was younger, so it's incredibly exciting to be able to read her adult novel debut!

The synopsis felt so unlike any of her previous books, and I think if readers dive in expecting this to contain the same levels of fantasy as her earlier works, some may be a little disappointed. But only a little! Any magical and fantasy elements do not take the forefront of this story, but nonetheless, they were well crafted and woven into the narrative. This is very much a slow burn of a historical plot, but the poetic prose, with rich and vivid world-building alongside the overall sense of space and character development, made it incredibly engaging and super easy to fall into.

Absolutely loved this read. It felt so different to any other Stiefvater book I've read before but nostalgically familiar at the same time. I normally don't enjoy wartime historical fiction, but this was a worthwhile exception and I regret absolutely nothing.

Thank you NetGalley and Headline for a copy of this ARC

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Posted on Goodreads and Storygraph 26/02

Quality Rating: Four Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars

Of course, The Listeners has fascinating subject matter, well played with; a luxury hotel in the mountains turned indulgent prison (and at some times, a stage) for the opposition's diplomats during the early Second World War. But that's all really just the backdrop to a story about how people pretend, present and project themselves onto those around them, and what those people do in response.

Plot-wise, the start has a lot of exciting paths being shown to us, then there's slow-going progress through the middle before the satisfying and rousing finale in the last 15%. The final twist could've used a bit more buildup, but overall I was hooked almost the whole way through. Stiefvater also presents a fantastic use of magical realism to make the story feel full, to materialise these feelings of utter loss and dread and listlessness and steadfastness in a world falling apart, and a cast of characters screaming into the void as it happens.

I am utterly in love with the neurodivergent representation, so seamlessly in place. It's never called that, or really given a name at all, but it resounded so true and personally with me, and clearly what Stiefvater was intending. The power and respect June has, and the 'unusual' parts of how she thinks that make it possible, fills my heart. As a protagonist, she is idealistic and insightful and unmoving, but also not infallible and scared and stubborn. What an adaptation this would make if done well.

I was dithering between 4 or 5 stars for this book while reading - it's a great concept, creatively told, but dawdles in the middle and almost falls into the listlessness of literary fiction. But, actually, I haven't felt this moved in a way I can't articulate in a long time; so 5 stars it is.

The Raven Cycle is one of my favourite YA fantasy series so when I heard Maggie Stiefvater was publishing an adult book, I was instantly intrigued.

In some ways, this couldn’t be further from Stiefvaters young adult books, it’s a historical fiction with the slightest hint of magical realism. But the prose, atmosphere and setting are every bit as beautiful, vivid and whimsical as her previous works.

The Night Circus is one of my favourite books so I really love when a setting becomes an important character in itself, I was completely transported to the Avallon and fell in love with all of its enchanting quirks and enjoyed discovering its many secrets. I loved that there was such a large ensemble cast to get to know with the staff and clientele and I really loved watching June interact with them all.

This is an extremely character driven story so if you’re looking for an action packed plot you won’t find it here. You can tell it’s been impeccably researched and it was really interesting to see just how steeped in truth it was reading the authors note at the end.

Stiefvater remains an auto buy author and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does next.

A fabulously written haunting story that was a pleasure to read. I would absolutely recommend this book, it was brilliant

A beautiful and lyrical novel about a luxury hotel in Appalachia that is forced to host detainees during World War II and the effect this has on the hotel's staff, guests and the sweetwater that runs beneath it. Gorgeously written, with vivid characters, an atmospheric setting and a clever plot. This will be a book I read over and over again to catch every detail.

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.

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.

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.