I think candles might be my favourite form of book-related fan product. They get me into the world of the book like nothing else, enveloping me in the scent of a scene or a place or a character. They’re perfect for reading to, but also amazing to write to. Candles just set the right mood, and are always burning when the writing muse strikes.
My absolute ultimate candle is one inspired by Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Cycle – and now, I suppose, Call Down the Hawk and the other upcoming books in The Dreamer Trilogy as well. Something about the world of Henrietta and Cabeswater and The Barns is so connected to the idea of scent for me: these places seem tangible, and immersive, and above all, magical. I want to feel like I’m in them.
I had a favourite site for Raven Cycle candles, but unfortunately they closed down. So I went on the hunt. After much looking around, asking friends, and frantic Etsy searches, I’ve got a group of candles that I can confidently say are near-perfect snapshots of The Raven Boys experience. There are some places, and some characters, and I think they all enrich the experience of reading (or rereading) these magical books.
Ley Lines by Rose and Adder
This one references a big part of the series – those mystical ley lines – and captures them through the scents of rain, grass, and sandalwood. It’s somehow refreshing, and very outdoorsy as well.
View this post on InstagramInspired by ‘The Raven Cycle’, ‘Ley Lines’ is an aromatic blend of water notes and green growing things. 🍃 I’m starting up a new rep search tomorrow! I’ll be sure to post about it in my story too but this is a heads up if you’re interested! 🍃 Beautiful photo by @literaryxqueen . . . #ravencycle #leylines #roseandadder #bookish #bookishcandles #booklover #booknerd #bookaddict #bookishmerch #bookishmerchfeatures
300 Fox Way by Spark and Sparrow
Although I picture Fox Way smelling of tea and incense, I bought this candle from Perth-based company Spark and Sparrow and was converted. With the smell of honeysuckle, violet, and musk, this candle turns the home of the psychic Sargents into somewhere you feel like you can visit.
View this post on Instagram✖️HAPPY THURSDAY✖️ how are you spending your Friday-eve? My sister is on her way over to pick up miss Ava and have quality Aunty/Ava time so that I can smash out the last of my market prep for this afternoons @scarborough_sunset_markets – if you are in the area or just in the mood for some amazing food and shopping local small businesses then come and say hi! Or if you’re in need of a laugh come down at 2 and watch your girl struggle to erect the gazebo by herself 😂 that alone will be worth the trip! . . . 📸 @bookworminadigitalworld ft. 300 Fox Way with a sneaky guest appearance of Princes Bane!
Raven Boys by Briarwick
Raven boys are bastards, and this candle captures that perfectly. It smells of gasoline, motor oil, and soft leather, bringing to life what it must be like to ride in the Pig with Gansey.
Cabeswater by Novelly Yours
The place everyone truly wants to visit: the dreamscape that is that magical forest, Cabeswater. This candle brings it to life with scents of meadows, rain, outdoors, cotton and leaves – everything sure smelled by Blue Sargent and her boys as they explored its depths.
Aglionby Academy by Orbiting Pluto
The Raven Boys has some elements of dark academia, what with the exclusivity of the notorious Aglionby Academy – and of course, all the Latin. The stately halls of Gansey, Noah, Ronan, and Adam’s school are capture by smells of coffee, oak, and thunderstorms.
View this post on Instagram“The thing was, Henrietta looked like a place where magic could happen. The valley seemed to whisper secrets!” . . . #bookstagram #bookishcandles #bookishcandleshop #henrietta #theravenboys #thedreamthieves #bluelilylilyblue #theravenking #maggiestiefvater #booklover #bookworm #etsyshop #etsystore #handmade #selfmade
The Raven Boys set by Ruthless Heroines
This set contains four candles, each inspired by one of the Raven boys. The King, Gansey’s candle, smells like mint, orange and mandarin. Ronan’s candles, The Dreamer, is darker: leather, woods, and suede. Adam’s candle, The Magician, references his famous Coca-Cola shirt and his connection to Cabeswater. The final in the quartet, Noah’s candle, smells like marshmallow. Each of the candles can be bought individually, so you can show the love for your favourite Raven boy, or indulge in the whole set.
