‘The men who didn’t smile have no control, so they will always serve those who do’

300 Axis diplomats are sent to be interned in a luxury hotel in the mountains of West Virginia—where magic flows through the water and someone is listening at every door.

Stiefvater’s prose is clear yet lyrical, and not afraid to be humorous. The setting of the hotel is painted intricately, and each character sketched with deft skill.

On the topic of characters, all our POV characters were likeable in their own way. Tucker won me over slowly, whereas Hannelore was instantly a favourite, and June, with her quiet strength, was the piece that held the rest together. A special note of appreciation for the depiction of autism in Hannelore, and how much love she was given by the narrative.

The slow unfolding of the magic of the sweetwater was masterful, and kept me reading. The sinister undertones of the novel—there are Nazis present, after all—were not shied away from, nor diluted. But alongside the horrors, there was wonder. The conclusion of the book was satisfying and bittersweet, a reflection on the impact of WW2 on American society and a portrayal of the end of an era.

Overall, a beautiful book from one of my favourite authors!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7384056682

I've not read this author's YA books so I came to this free of any expectations, and enjoyed it. I've become a little bored of WW2 historical fiction over the years, but this is a very new take on the genre - set in the US, rather than directly in a war zone, and concerned with the fate of diplomats from hostile states cordoned off in a luxury hotel while the government decides what to do with them.

There is a supernatural / magic realism element at play throughout the novel, which very much adds to rather than detracts from the story. And as with many other supernatural novels (shout out to Stephen King), the choice of a hotel as the main setting is inspired.

The themes are all around what people are capable of doing to other people - both acts of great good and acts of great evil - and how individuals cope with the morally grey choices life can through at them, particularly in wartime.

So overall a really thoughtful, interesting read, and I would come back to this author again. Thanks to her, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

So atmospheric and evocative - A brilliant read.
If you’re a Maggie Stiefvater fan, or a history buff or you love books with Moooooood, or you’re the intersection of all three in this reading Venn diagram, then I think you’ll really enjoy The Listeners. Set in a West Virginian luxury hotel as it becomes temporary home to Axis diplomats ahead of being traded back to Europe during WW2, I got completely wrapped up in it; the dynamics of a hotel, it’s guests, its staff, its owners, the politics between them, and in the context of both world events and its own location. Stiefvater’s writing has her usual richness, with sharp observations, wry humour, tension and tenderness. The meticulous research is deftly woven into the fabric of the story, never shoehorned or cumbersome. And as is signature for Stiefvater, nature is its own character, as the (here) paranormal waters of West Virginia run deep in this story, giving and taking and requiring care from the brilliantly drawn characters. Highly recommended.

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater is a genre defying novel set in a luxury hotel in the mountains of 1940s Appalachia. General manager, June Hudson, and FBI Agent Tucker Rye Minnick are thrown together when the hotel is requisitioned to hold enemy diplomats at the outbreak of WWII.

The Avallon is a haunting, dreamlike setting: a vast luxury hotel built on natural springs containing a mysterious and seemingly sentient “sweetwater.” The sweetwater has the power to smooth over and wash away negative emotions but must be carefully tended, lest it absorb too much negativity and turn bad. Stiefvater takes her time introducing us to the Avallon’s quirks in beautifully lyrical prose.

Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC in return for my honest review.

The Listeners is Maggie Stiefvater’s first adult novel and it takes place at the Avallon hotel. Jane Hudson is the general manager of the Avallon hotel. The Avallon offers luxury and does not judge any of the guests. The Avallon is called upon to help during WWII by hosting three hundred diplomats and Nazi sympathisers. June has to keep the diplomats, the FBI and the sweetwater happy but it’s not easy as dark alliances and unexpected attractions come to the surface.

This was absolutely amazing. I loved reading this and I have not stopped thinking about it since. There was so much to love about this and this was all the best parts of Maggie’s young adult fiction made into an adult novel. This was unlike any book I’ve read before and it was so unique. The magical elements were well done and very quiet. The WWII elements and commentary was so good and I really liked the wartime feel. I loved the unexpected romance in this and I could feel the chemistry. I need Maggie to write a romance novel. The FBI elements were interesting and I just had such a great time. I would recommend this novel and you can tell how long the author has been working on this. It was incredible and I loved it.

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.