I will admit the language in this novel was a little difficult for me. This author has a very unique and strong writing style. And while I think it would be great for historical fiction readers, I personally felt quite disconnected from it, and struggled to get into the story due to the writing style.

The themes and subject matter were eerie and felt heavy, and this novel had a gritty quality about it, which I feel was executed very well, and speaks to the talent of the author, especially given that this book is set during war time and a period of darkness.

There was so so much detail to every description, which helped to build the fullest picture in my mind. This author has an incredible ability to turn the mundane into something magical. But this focus on detail definitely contributed to the slow pacing of this novel, making it even harder to get into for me.

I think the writing style has an immersive quality that has the ability to completely envelop the reader. This novel was so atmospheric. The story telling was powerful and felt very intentional, and the plot was an interesting one, but this is definitely not my usual genre, and combined with my difficulties with the writing, this unfortunately ultimately ended up as a dnf for me.

There is no doubt that this author is an incredible story teller, and I have heard so much praise for another series they have written, 'The Raven Cycle', which is on my tbr due to being so highly recommended, but I sadly couldn't get into this one.

I'm very grateful for the opportunity to receive this novel as an arc. Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.

Maggie Stiefvater has done it again. The Listeners is haunting, lyrical, and absolutely unforgettable.

The atmosphere is so rich and immersive, I felt completely pulled in from the very first page. There’s something quietly unsettling and deeply human about this story; it lingers with you. Her prose is as beautiful as ever, and the themes of connection, memory, and the unseen threads between people are handled with so much care.

This isn’t just a story, it’s a feeling. One of my favorite reads in a long time.

Let me start by saying I enjoy historical fiction and when I saw this had a slight magical realism to it, I was intrigued. However, it left me a bit disappointed.

It started out quite slowly, with some details about our main characters and the hotel business. Then the intrigue of the story was introduced: the hotel our FMC runs and cherishes is about to become a holding cell for allies of the Axis Powers (Germans, Japanese, Hungarians and Italians) in the early days of the US's involvement in WWII while trade negotiations for American hostages abroad are being conducted. I was very curious as to where this would lead us. Especially with the appearance of our mysterious MMC, an FBI agent with a hidden past. They made quite a unique couple, I have to admit.

Unfortunately, the story remained slow and it was more of a character study than a plot driven story. Which doesn't make it a bad book, by any means. It's just that at a certain point in the book, I started to question where this was going and WHY? What was the purpose? I kept feeling it was building up to something grand that failed to be delivered.

The writing was good and the imagery also made it very immersive. But there were things left unexplained (like the presence of the water; I didn't know what to make of the "bond" between certain characters and the sweetwater).
What I also thought was thrown into the storyline because it somehow "had to", was the romance. It just popped up randomly. I never felt any chemistry between the characters and when they suddenly started to develop feelings for each other, I was confused. There wasn't really anything there.

But overall, it was an enjoyable book, very atmospheric.

A haunting blend of history and magic!

Lyrical, atmospheric, and impossible to resist. Stiefvater’s prose shines in this mesmerizing WWII tale with an eerie twist!

I am really sorry to say i didnt like this book much. I found it to be slow, boring, and left with no explanation. Like what was the sweetwater, where did it come from, what was Junes connection to it, where did she go at the end, what happened to Hannahlore, how could the water destroy the hotel etc etc

It must be hard to write a story about a whole bunch of extremely unlikeable characters, nazis and nazi sympathisers and what happened to some of them in America during WW2.

The only character i liked was Hannahlore, who despite it never being mentioned was very obviously Autistic and the nazis killed disabled children en masse, look up Aktion T4, its abhorrent, so Junes rescue of Hannahlore was the only thing i liked about the book.

Whilst i loved Maggies other works, this is not a book i would either buy or read again. Sorry Maggie.

I remember being completely captivated by Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver series many years ago. Even though I haven’t read anything by her since, I’ve always thought of her as one of those rare authors whose writing truly stays with you. So picking up The Listeners as an adult felt a little intimidating—would it live up to the memory? The answer is a resounding yes.

Stiefvater proves her talent for crafting eerie, atmospheric stories filled with vivid, unforgettable characters. The Listeners is unlike anything I’ve read before—slow-burning, dreamlike, with touches of magical realism and a setting in the Appalachian Mountains that felt like a perfect match for the story’s tone. The pacing is more deliberate than I expected, but it worked beautifully. It gave the story room to breathe and let the atmosphere sink in.

The characters are, as always, immaculate. Stiefvater has a gift for making them feel real and emotionally resonant. I loved this book deeply and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys literary fiction, fantasy, magical realism, historical fiction or poetic storytelling.

This was an interesting book. Yes, this is historical fiction with a bit of magic realism, but I loved how in the author's note at the end, that this kind of thing did happen during World War II, not at the Avallon (which did not exist) but the book does mention real hotels like Greenbrier that hosted the German and Japanese diplomats and other Nazi sympathizers during the upheaval after the Bombing of Pearl Harbor until trades could begin to get American prisoners of war back to the States. While the sweetwater does have its effect on the hotel and the guests (for the book), in reality, even crazier stunts were pulled by the diplomats and sympathizers that Maggie toned down for this story!

This book was not quite what I expected when I first started it (and I loved the Raven Cycle so I was kinda expecting something a bit more like that), but I still enjoyed reading it. The way June ran the hotel, her connection to the sweetwater, and how she worked so hard to keep the peace and everything smoothly running, despite the sudden influx of diplomats and their FBI and State Department handlers to make sure no codes or sensitive info made it out and to the other countries. June was absolutely magic with what she did and I really liked her as a character. I also enjoyed Tucker, Sandy, and Hannelore and their stories. Not only was this a slice of life for that time period, it was also the struggle to do what is right, not just what is lawful, and how sometimes it is best to show mercy.

This book will definitely stick in my head for awhile as I think of all the messages portrayed in this story, how sometimes it is time to let things, live your life, and don't let the past keep you stuck.

a beautiful and captivating historical fantasy with romance. Really well written. It was super immersive and kept me engaged the whole way through and the plot always moving! Love it

I was really looking forward to The Listeners. Maggie Stiefvater is one of those authors whose writing style always draws me in – and this book was no exception. It’s poetic, atmospheric, and full of vivid imagery that brings the mysterious Avalon Hotel to life.

Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t quite hold my interest the way I hoped it would. There’s a touch of magical realism (which I usually love!), but here it felt more hinted at than fully developed. The characters were beautifully described, you can tell there was care in creating them – but somehow, they didn’t find a place in my heart. I didn’t really feel connected to them.

The plot is set during World War II, and the sudden shift when the hotel becomes filled with war sympathizers and questionable figures was definitely intriguing. It had potential. But still, I never felt fully invested.

In the end, I was kind of relieved to finish the book. And that makes me a little sad, because the idea and the writing style were so promising. The Listeners just didn’t leave much of a lasting impression on me.

I don't have the words to describe this book. It is certainly original, a bit weird, and very thought provoking. But, once you start reading you will have to keep reading until the end. I did find the middle section a little slow, but I am an impatient person and often think this about books, so it is probably just me. The ending was surprising and satisfying. Recommend.

Curious and alluring, an imaginative leap from real procedures 4.5

After the bombing of Pearl Harbour, when the USA entered the entered the war, and Axis nation USA residents were interned, some very high ranking diplomats and others, whom the security services wished to have closer surveillance on, were interned in luxury hotels, specifically the Greenbriar, in West Virginia, an exclusive and elite hotel which catered for the exceptionally wealthy. There were also some high ranking Aliied diplomats who were interned in Germany, for similar reasons of control and observation, in a less restrictive environment.

These higher ranking diplomats, on both sides of the conflicts, were also candidates for reciprocal exchange

Maggie Stiefvater has imaginatively created a fictional hotel, catering, pre-war, to the exceptionally wealthy, and run by an exceptionally wealthy family . Cleared – as was the case with the Greenbriar – of its usual residence, by Government directive, Federal Agents move in to monitor the residents, but the hotels own management and staff are tasked with running the hotel as usual

So, here is offered a wonderful way of examining class, race, patriotism, prejudice, freedom and control, all via the creation of a fascinating cast of characters. Prime amongst these are June ‘Hoss’ Hudson, the General Manager of the exclusive Avallon Hotel, who has risen through the ranks, to become the only person able to balance the conflicting demands when ‘patriotic duty’ means serving ‘enemies’ in such a privileged way, when American servicemen are in the field of war. ‘Hoss’ also has her own challenges here, as Federal Agent Tucker Minnick, a man with as complex a background as June’s is rigid and abrasive in his handling of such tangled nuances.

Stiefvater, an author known before this as a YA writer, who weaves fantasy and speculative themes into her fiction, also injects a fascinating supernatural or magical theme into this highly realistic account. The Avallon owns its pre-eminence to the health giving qualities of its natural waters, as a spa resort. ‘The ‘Sweetwater’ though is more than just its mineral content, but has a particular power, and a carefully maintained relationship with those within the hotel. The water can ‘turn’ like a wild and powerful creature, to become a force of destruction, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, not only as a physically destroyer of structures and lives. June – and also the recently deceased owner of the hotel – had both been responsible, in a shamanic way, for keeping the water ‘sweet’ and ensuring its power remained benign

I dropped my rating a little for what seemed a little drawn out in the slow burn trajectory, and a slightly overworked personal relationship strand for June, particularly with the strand involving Hannelore, the child of one of the interned couples, but as the book neared its end, particular twists and reveals were excellently unfolded.

I recommend this, and will be interested to explore more by Stiefvater

I found this book to be really atmospheric and beautifully written. The setting seemed quite unique and gave the story a haunting, almost surreal vibe. I enjoyed the story being mixed with hints of folklore and magic, especially the idea of sweetwater.
That said, the pacing felt pretty slow, and there was a lot of build-up without much payoff. I also had a hard time connecting with the main character, she felt kind of distant. Some of the magical elements were a little vague too, and I was left wishing for more answers.
Overall, it’s not a fast paced read, but if you like quiet, character focused stories with a touch of the weird, it’s definitely worth checking out.

This is such a departure from Maggie Stiefvater’s other books and I feel like it stands out as her adult debut. The way she builds the setting is great, you can tell a lot of research went into this to portray the historical elements in as much detail as possible. The result is a really atmospheric book with some elements of magical realism. The characters are three dimensional and interesting. The plot could be a bit slow, but I enjoy her writing enough that I didn’t mind.

Having read (and fallen in love with) "The Raven Boys" as a kid, I was thrilled to be able to read an ARC of Maggie Stievfater's new adult fiction novel.

Set in a luxurious hotel during WWII and focusing on character progression over plot, "The Listeners" is about difficult choices, overcoming denial, and letting go of one's old self. The writing is beautiful and the characters are interesting, but my favourite part was the atmosphere and the magical realism surrounding the narrative.

Thank you Netgalley and Headline for the chance to read this eARC.
Not much to say other than this just wasn't quite what I thought it would be and I found myself rather bored. Lovers of historical fiction may enjoy this more.

What a unique and magical read this was!

In this book we follow June, who is the General Manager of the Avallon hotel in West Virginia. The book takes place during the Second World War, when the Avallon is asked to take in an array of individuals with connections to the war. If you love character-driven stories, magical realism, and historical settings, you’ll probably love this one!

Maggie’s prose is to die for! It’s lyrical and has an almost meditative quality which feels like balm for the soul. The combination of the gorgeous prose and the hints of magical realism really just sweeps you away.

One thing I particularly love about the writing in The Listeners is the way that Maggie zooms in on seemingly mundane details about our characters/the hotel, because it’s these details which bring the entire vision to life. There’s also a romantic subplot which is BEAUTIFUL and every little interaction is written to absolute perfection! June is such an endearing main character - she’s written as such a strong FMC whilst remaining realistic about the 1940s time period. She’s also got 3 dachshunds which makes me love her even more!

I know I’m loving a book if I can connect to it emotionally, and The Listeners truly made me FEEL!! The way the book deals with themes of childhood trauma, nostalgia, and love (in many forms) is so beautifully handled. The entire reading experience felt like a gentle hug. The book also has incredible rep for neurodiverse characters!

This book is so strange and wonderful and if you pick it up I promise you it will be one of the most unique reads of your year!!

Thankyou so much to Headline Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC!

This book is as sumptuous as the Hotel it takes place in. For those concerned that the blurb mentions no magic (For a Maggie Stiefvater book?!) relax of course there's magic. It soft and tied to nature and both whimsical and terrifying at the same time.

A West Virginian Mountain Girl born and raised, June Hudson has risen to General Manager of the Avallon Hotel under the mentorship of its late owner. The Avallon offers unrivalled luxury for the wealthy patrons who can afford to enjoy the Spa's healing waters.

When the war arrives at the Avallon's front door and they are forced to become a luxury detention centre for axis diplomats and sympathisers June is forced to face the cost of luxury and the sacrifice only she can make to keep the staff, the detainees, the government, and the fickle sweetwater that is the heart and soul of the hotel happy.

I loved June and her quiet, determined fortitude that coupled with Appalachian forthrightness and fortitude keep the hotel running like a well oil machine even as the war and the FBI keep throwing spanners into the moving parts.

Her relationships are so beautifully drawn, both with the Gilfoyles, the family that owns the hotel and views her as one of them, up to a point and her strained, complex romance with Edgar that counterbalances and is exposed by her blossoming relationship with Agent Tucker Minnick. Tucker is the second POV and Stiefvater slowly unwraps the man underneath the agent and the history that brought him here so deftly you can't help but cheer for him and June.

The tension that strains at all the central characters as they consider who they are looking after and the choices between right and wrong that face them runs throughout the story and Hannelore's arc had me deep in my feelings.

The magical Sweetwater is a character in and of itself and as the only person who can communicate with it, June is the only person who can balance its mood and its potentially destructive force.

Stiefvater has referred to trying to write books of "wonder", books that provoke awe instead of Horror that evoke terror and this book does just that. It's both whimsical and yet hits hard topics in a real and meaningful way. I couldn't stop reading and the world lingers long after you've turned the final page.

The listeners is a historical fiction set in 1942 about a hotel, the Avallon, and June Hudson, who is the general manager.

This is definitely a setting and atmosphere based story rather than a plot focused one. Through the pages the Avallon hotel becomes vivid and the atmosphere of the hotel is the main aspect that is explored. We do get to know a handful of characters but they aren’t as distinct as in some of Maggie Stiefvater’s other work. Plot wise hardly anything happens but that didn’t bother me too much.

Perhaps an unpopular opinion, especially as someone who loves magical realism, but i don’t think the story needed the slight magical realism element. It feels like a pure historical fiction and in my opinion the magical realism didn’t play a very tangible role.

The writing was the highlight for me. Maggie Stiefvater weaves sentences so beautifully and the pages just fly by. I also found that the book really hooked me in the second half and I read that in one sitting. There were even moments towards that end that did move me.

If you are interested in this story of a hotel during WW2, the people who run it, and the diplomats that are staying there, I’d say pick this one up! Just expect a slower story with beautiful prose.

This is a very lyrical, very hard to put down novel that plays to Stiefvater's strength. I really enjoyed it.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I missed Maggie Stiefvater’s strange brand of magical realism! This time it’s set during the aftermath of Pearl Habor, giving it all a historical edge that was incredibly interesting to read about!

I loved June as a main character, and her connection to the strange Sweetwater. It never leads to a really high stakes plot ; but I still really enjoyed this character driven journey.