By Maggie Stiefvater
Genre YA fantasy
Pages 409
Recommended by Angie and Steph
First sentence It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die.
Synopsis
On an island where racing wild, man eating horses that come from the sea is the norm, Puck is about as abnormal as can be. To keep her brother from leaving the island she enters the race. Not only do girls never run in the race, but she doesn't won't even be riding one of the sea horses.
What it has going for it
The only Stiefvater book I've ever read in Shiver and, well, to put it mildly, it wasn't my favorite book. So, you can imagine my hesitancy to read this one, even if it did sound awesome. I saw so many people raving about it and even had a dream about it at some point so, finally, I decided to read it. And I LOVED it! Wow, seriously, guys, this was the most unique story I've read in a long time! The beautiful, poetic, writing meshes so well with the careful build up to the crescendo of the story. I was so invested in the characters. With both Sean and Puck having a reason to win, very good reasons, I was trying to figure out how it would all work out. And, oh, how desperately I wanted it to just work out. The romance was so beautiful. No insta-love, no bossy, overprotective guy, no lust in the guise of love. No, this was a realistic and beautifully developed relationship. The setting and the plot were so vivid. Just pages into the book and you feel like you're there. Argh! I just can't describe to you how much I loved this book. In a word. Breathtaking.
I seriously never imagine movie stars as characters in books. I don't know why it just doesn't happen, but I could not get this guy...
What's lacking
The only thing that bothered me about this book was how young Puck acted. I get that the death of her parents might have left her a little wild but one would think that all her responsibilities would make her act older not younger. She seriously came off sounding like 13-14 tops. SHE didn't bug me, I just kept forgetting she wasn't a really young kid.
Favorite moment
Oh, good heavens! How am I supposed to choose just one?...Nope, I don't think I can.
Yea or Nay?
Yes, oh my goodness, yes! Read this one.
I'm glad you liked this one. I couldn't finish it. Totally agree that the writing was great. I just need more action and couldn't understand why people were so scared of the water horses. If I lived on an island with deadly horses I'd be packing at least a shot gun. I am clearly too violent for such poetic characters. I can see how horse lovers would adore this book.
ReplyDeleteLOL! That's hilarious. I didn't even think of that. I wonder why? I'm usually the one thinking that exact thing.
DeleteI don't think I have ever seen you rave about a book like this, I guess I better read it soon!!
ReplyDeleteIt was really good. Give it a try.
DeleteAH! I actually did like Shiver, but I haven't even bothered to read the rest of the series yet. But this one, it sounds like it is VERY well done. I think I will add it to my TBR after all! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is WAY better than Shiver. In my opinion, anyway.
DeleteYay! I agree Puck sounded pretty young. I kept thinking Sean couldn't be the love interest because she seemed so much younger than him. But at some point I got over it. I think my favorite part was when Sean came over for dinner, but there were lots of good parts. :)
ReplyDeleteThere were so many beautiful parts I just couldn't choose one. The dinner scene was good.
DeleteI want to read this book! I need to get out of this dadgum reading slump so I can read more books and get the books I want to read!
ReplyDeleteI hate that! I'm sorry, you probably just need a really, REALLY good book...like this one. ;)
DeleteI know, right!? This is one of the books I read last year that I just couldn't shut up about. We're talking weeks of Scorpio Races-induced gushing here. LOL Lovely review, Jenny.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yeah, I feel a little behind in my gushing.
DeleteI was just looking at this book last week! Okay, glad to hear it rocked! I am going to check it out. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYou've got to at least try it. It was so good!
DeleteI bought this book really cheap on the Kindle not too long ago, but I don't have time to read it yet. I've always heard great things about it so I figure there's a good chance I'll like it. Wish I had more time to read!
ReplyDeleteYeah, finding time to read is hard. I had this one on my phone so I could read it anywhere. That made it a little easier.
DeleteI definitely have a favorite moment. :) And sigh. I am SO FREAKING HAPPY that you loved this book. I got really nervous when I saw the review pop up. I love Puck. God... you're right, she does act young, but I loved her anyway. And she does grow up. Sigh. Sean. Okay... I'm going to stop rambling here. Everyone knows how obsessed I am with this book.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yes, it was your obsession that convinced me to hurry and read it already. ;)
DeleteYay! You loved it. And I can see Joseph. Love those two.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you can see Joseph as Sean. I couldn't get him out of my head for the part.
DeleteI really should read this book. I don't think I've seen a bad review of it. I think I'll go request it from the library right now!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan. I feel that way all the time when everyone is raving about a book. I sometimes go seeking a bad review just so I can get another opinion.
Delete