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I love when I start reading an author with their very first published book and I can watch them grow as a writer. I'm able to feel a connection with the author that I wouldn't normally get when picking up a 3rd novel or a 6th. With Maggie Stiefvater, I started reading her at the very beginning -- her Wolves of Mercy Falls series and then moved onto The Scorpio Races. Now, with The Raven Boys, I can really see how she is progressing with her characters, her plotting, and how she's added more meat into each book. I love it! I've also met Maggie at the store and she is so, so nice.
So the story starts with Blue, the daughter of a psychic and a fantastic character She almost reminded me a bit of Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone. She's fiesty, independent, stubborn, yet has a soft heart. She doesn't want to fulfill the fate that her mother has always told her she will someday meet. She doesn't want to kill the boy the boy she falls in love with, yet part of her knows it's inevitable.
Gansey is a Raven Boy. He attends Aglionby Academy, is rich, privileged, and often insults people without even meaning to. He thinks money can take care of any problem and can post certainly buy happiness. He's totally obsessed with his search for a ley line, roping his loyal friends into helping him, no matter what the cost.
The richness in this story is in the descriptions and the quiet moments inside each character's head. I think Adam was my favorite, as his background really came into play and I found myself looking forward to the parts of the plot that would focus on him. I really hope he plays a bigger role in the next two books.
My only minor issue with the book was the length. I felt some parts could have been left out, not compromising the story, and we wouldn't have had such a long book. I certainly don't mind 400 page books, but there were several scenes, particularly with Gansey that I felt could have been shortened a bit.
Definitely looking forward to book 2!
The Raven Boys Maggie Stiefvater 408 pages Young Adult Scholastic 9780545424929 September 2012 Review copy
3 Comments on Thoughts on The Raven Boys, last added: 10/6/2012
I enjoyed this one hugely - can't wait for the rest of the series! But one correction - her first books were Lament and Ballad (which I liked much better than the Shiver series). I agree that it's great read an author from the beginning and see how their writing develops!
How's that for a first sentence? Blue lives with psychics, her mother and her aunts. After introducing Blue in the prologue that begins with the sentence above, the action moves to the "corpse road" behind a crumbling church on St. Mark's Eve. Here, Blue, who is notably NOT psychically talented - just psychically helpful -, sees her first spirit. Blue and her Aunt Neeve are collecting the names of local people who will die in the upcoming year - read the book if you don't understand. And this boy appears - well, his spirit does. And Blue can see him. His name, he tells her, is Gansey.
Ahhh, Gansey and his fellow rich boarding school friends! They have a mission and it involves the "corpse road", the ancient Welsh King, Glendower, a boy who died before his time and one who lived when he should have died - and eventually, it involves Blue.
Here is some noteworthy advice. Write this down. Do NOT begin a Stiefvater book in the late evening if you hope to get some sleep. It was Thursday night after 10:30 pm, and I couldn't sleep. So, I said to myself, "Self, just start that new Maggie Stiefvater book. Reading might help you sleep." Hahahahahahahahahahaha! I could not put the book down.
The book is due out in September. Go to your favorite book purveyor - I vote for a local one - and pre-order. Or request it at your public library. You will not be sorry.
0 Comments on The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater as of 1/1/1900
René Kirkpatrick has been a bookseller and book buyer, specializing in children's and teen literature, for many years.She has a degree in elementary education and reads widely across all genres. She is currently a buyer at Third Place Books.
We're honored to have her here as part of the rgz SALON, a feature where four of the top kidlit experts clue us in to the best YA novels they've read recently. Here's René, discussing Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater.
"This was, hands down, the Children’s Book Department’s favorite book this year. How can you not keep reading when the first line in a book is, 'It is the first day of November, and so, today, someone will die'.
"On a small island wreathed in fog and mist, two people prepare to race their horses for a massive pot of money. Sean and Puck have very different reasons for wanting to win the race but they are both determined to do it, only Puck is the first girl to ever sign up, and she wants to race her pony, and Sean has never lost a race on his water horse. As the two of them begin to get to know each other, we learn more and more about the lives they live on the island and how they are all entwined with the water horses that come out of the icy sea searching for flesh.
"So deliciously fabulous, so atmospheric and romantic in all the definitions of the word, it is a book for breathing in and reading slowly. I read it in one long draught and carried it with me everywhere I went after I was done. It is a definite re-read and should be on every horse lover’s shelf. But, please, even if horses aren’t your favorite animal, pick it up and read it just so you can enjoy the way Maggie writes." 14 and up. $17.99. Scholastic.
The number of Americans who have a tablet or e-reader (jumped significantly between December 2011 and January 2012, thanks to robust holiday sales, according to Pew Research. In fact, among Millennial adults, tablet ownership — at 24%... Read the rest of this post
“The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is named for a Topeka, Kansas school librarian who was a long-time active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association. The award is sponsored by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association.” ~YALSA
If you’re like us, you can’t wait for the next Maggie Stiefvater book (to hit the shelves. We still have several months to wait for “The Raven Boys,” the first in a four book series called the Raven Cycle, which follows... Read the rest of this post
How awesome is that?! As usual, Maggie did it all herself (with help, of course, but it's all her anyway). I'm dying to get this book and have already pre-ordered it (the perks of having a debit card!).
Here's the summary if you don't know what the book is about:
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen. (Taken from Goodreads).
Maggie's having a contest on her blog where you can win an ARC of TSC. Click here to enter.
WP3 Word Play: for young readers, writers and illustrators
Charlie Carter
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Charlie Carter, Classified Information
Charlie Carter is a well-known operative in the field of children’s adventure books. However, to protect the identity of his military sources, very little else can be revealed about Charlie Carter. Read MoreClose
Susanne Gervay
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Susanne Gervay, NSW
Susanne Gervay’s parents were post-war Hungarian refugees who found a safe haven and home in Australia. Susanne is an award-winning author whose books include and the Jack series. Her first picture book is Ships in the Field. Read MoreClose
Ronit Baras
QLD
Ronit Baras, QLD
Ronit Baras is an author, educator, life coach and journalist. She is the Queensland Coordinator for the Together for Humanity Foundation. She has published two fiction books on personal development. Read MoreClose
Wendy Orr
VIC
Wendy Orr, VIC
Wendy Orr is the author of several award-winning books, including Nim’s Island, Spook&rs
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Now that the Book Bloggers Appreciation Week long-list nominees have been announced, I want to thank the organizers of this event and the cast of nominators for placing Beth Kephart Books into consideration for best Published Author Blog alongside the blogs of Maggie Stiefvater, Veronica Roth, and Beth Revis. I am honored to share this platform with them. I also celebrate those who have been nominated in categories ranging from Best Audiobook Blog and Classics Book Blog to Kidlit Book Blog, Historical Fiction Book Blog, Literary Fiction Book Blog, and Young Adult Book Blog, among others. I encourage you all to take a look at the lists and to visit those blogs to which you have not already traveled.
Those bright lights who organize this event do it for no other reason than to celebrate those who are passionate about reading and books. Where, I ask you, would we be without them?
2 Comments on Book Blogger Appreciation Week: An Honor and, yes, an Appreciation, last added: 8/29/2011
Actually, you probably don't know this. Two years ago I was asked to judge for BBAW. I read about 100 book blogs. And one of them (the lovely Miss Amy Riley) led me to your blog!
I'd like to make that an even 2,000 and get the word out about YABC even further.
So. Once we hit 2,000 likes, we're going to have a drawing for this fantasmo box set below.
When we have this drawing depends on YOU. Yes, you!
So if you haven't liked us yet, get thee to our page. And tell your book-loving friends to like us as well. The sooner we hit 2,000 likes, the sooner you'll get your paws (see what I did there?) on this hardcover box set.
It's gonna look so hot on your bookshelf. I can totally see it.
Thanks, everyone, for getting us to 2,000 likes on Facebook! As promised, we're opening up entries in our The Wolves of Mercy Falls hardback box set giveaway. Simply answer the question below and fill out the entry form to enter!
Some of you may not know that The Wolves of Mercy Falls author, Maggie Stiefvater, has written songs for all three books in her series. Head on over to Maggie's website to download the songs and answer this question:
What is the title of the song Maggie wrote for Forever?
Fill in the answer in the form below. The answer must be correct to qualify to win!
Our first Trailer Tuesday post features the highly anticipated fourth book in Julie Kagawa's epic Iron Fey series, The Iron Knight.
To survive in the Iron Realm, Prince Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. And along the way Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
And we couldn't help but add in the amazing stop motion animated trailer by Maggie Stiefvater for her latest novel, THE SCORPIO RACES, hitting stores October 18th, 2011.
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
Thanks to Scholastic and This is Teen, one lucky reader will win a copy of The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (hitting shelves today!) PLUS a custom saddle-leather bracelet (picture coming ASAP)!
To Enter:
You MUST leave a comment on this post (with your email address!) telling me what you think of the Scorpio Races book trailer (embedded below).
+1 for sharing this giveaway (via Twitter, Facebook, etc -- must leave a direct link in your comment)
Following is not required, but greatly appreciated
US Only -- prize will be shipped from the publisher
Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
From Maggie Stiefvater, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Shiver series (over 1.7 million copies in print!), comes a brand-new, heart-stopping novel. With her trademark lyricism, Maggie Stiefvater turns to a new world where a pair are swept up in a daring, dangerous race across a cliff – with more than just their lives at stake should they lose.
4 starred reviews:
“A taut, chilling, romantic adventure [that] comes to a pitch-perfect conclusion. Masterful. Like nothing else out there now.” - Kirkus, starred review
“A book with cross-appeal to lovers of fantasy, horse stories, romance, and action-adventure, this has a shot at being the next YA blockbuster.” - Booklist, starred review
“As a study of courage and loyalty tested… it is an utterly compelling read.” - Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Stiefvater sets not one foot wrong as she takes readers on an intoxicating ride of their own.” - Horn Book, starred review
Twitter Sweepstakes
Scholastic's This is Teen is also launching a Scorpio Races sweepstakes on Twitter TODAY. Check out the details below:
15 Comments on Giveaway: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater + Bracelet, last added: 10/21/2011
I love that the trailer is animated and that it is constantly moving like a race : ) Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/iheartmykindle/status/126300302029750272 e(dot)baker219(at)gmail(dot)com
The music and the artwork fit so well together, but I was most impressed at finding that Maggie did it all herself. If I read that right at the end, WOW!!
The animation!! for book trailers they always put people who look NOTHING like the characters or where it's super awkward with random pictures and just words.... yeah I just exit out of those but this is a unique way to make a trailer!
I love you, Casey, so much for this giveaway! And, well, for other things. :D
I loved that book trailer! The music was awesome, the artwork was fantastic, and oooooooh, I like that blood. And wow, Maggie's really talented -- not only with writing!
The whole thing remind me of Mulan and Chinese calligraphy. I love Mulan, and Puck reminded me of her. Strong and daring. In a way, I see this book kinda like a retelling of Mulan, except she doesn't doesn't have a sword and isn't battling the entire Hun army.
The jerky, rhythmic style of the animation goes really nicely with both the music and the subject matter (i.e. a horse race). I look forward to reading it, whether it's this copy or another one! :-)
(Erm, if it's okay...I'd rather not post my email address here. But you have it, so you know how to reach me if necessary.)
That was one of the coolest trailers I have ever seen!! I loved how the drawings transformed like when the horse's tail became birds! tess.m.watson@gmail.com tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/TessMWatson/status/127543258019672064
At the FLUX booth at AASL (American Association of School Librarians) this past Friday. So much going on, I can't quite get it all posted and do everything else I'm supposed to be doing (including WRITING!!). Here I am with Marissa and Bethany (in the back), from FLUX, and fellow FLUX author Lisa Albert, and with Steven Pomije from FLUX. Maggie Stiefvater came a bit later (see the FLUX blog post).
Maggie Stiefvater had one of my favorite covers last year with Shiver, and Linger--her latest release--is also a favorite. I had to hear the story behind these simple, subtle designs. Here's Maggie:
"I was a professional artist before I went full-time with my writing, so I'm possibly even more opinionated about book covers than most authors. I had mocked up a few covers for SHIVER, but nothing that I was really happy with -- I was way too close to the project. They were all before the title change (which I think is crucial to the final cover design) and so they were all less wintery and more autumnal.
"My publisher didn't ask for input, but they did give me the right to go 'OMG KILL ME NOW INSTEAD OF USING THAT COVER'...
Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases, the bestsellers, and kids’ book events.
the cold. Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.
the heat. Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.
the shiver. For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.
My Opinion:
Why did I wait this long to read this? Well, hear it. Everyone who's said this book is amazing was right. It has everything a reader wants in a YA book: action, romance, mystery, suspense...
I'm not going to make this long, because I'm sure most of you have read this already.
When Grace was a little girl, she was dragged to the woods by wolves and they attacked her. They bit her. But one of them, a yellow eyed wolf, saved her. And he's been watching her in silence for years. But Grace has been watching too.
So, if they bit her, why isn't she changing with the seasons, like the others?
The pace of the book was perfect, fast, but not rushed. The way Grace and Sam fall in love is the sweetest I've read in a while: the attack on Grace, something terrible, is what brings them together. He saved her, and they've had a connection ever since. How Grace talked about her wolf, Sam, and his yellow eyes, was great. It was very posessive, but it didn't cross the line and made her look crazy. She had all the right to call Sam her wolf.
Jenna did an awesome job narrating Grace's chapters. All of Grace's emotions were transmited perfectly. Same with David, narrating Sam's chapters. Both narrators were excellent.
And Sam, oh, Sam! Why do you have to be so sweet? With your songs about your Summer Girl, and your poems. I want a Sam of my own. Maybe I'll ask one for Christmas.
Last Friday I was privileged to be included in a luncheon hosted by Scholastic Books and the New England Booksellers Association for YA writing sensations and all around awesome-women Libba Bray, Meg Cabot, and Maggie Stiefvater. The ladies were in town to visit the Wellesley Booksmith and to promote This is Teen, Scholastic's integrated teen community initiative, which works to unite teen
2 Comments on Lunch with a YA Trifecta: This is Teen with Libba Bray, Meg Cabot, and Maggie Stiefvater, last added: 6/20/2011
With summer days off from school, it’s the perfect time for students to unwind with a good book. Whether they want to dive into a serious series or just have a little light-hearted fun with a “guilty pleasure” book, Youth Advisory... Read the rest of this post
Sam and Grace have defied all odds to be together. Unfortunately, the euphoria of their triumph over fate hasn't even worn off before the universe once again conspires against them. Sam is having trouble filling his role as the pack's new caretaker, Grace's parents have suddenly decided to be a concerned presence in her life, Isabel is wracked with guilt over her brother's second death, and a new member of the pack threatens the secrecy they've so carefully cultivated. If only those were the least of their worries -- but something darker and more deadly is brewing, threatening to tear them apart from the inside out. It's just another winter in Mercy Falls.
In Linger, Maggie Stiefvater weaves another heartfelt tale of passion and desperation. Her lyrical prose and stark imagery create a magical reading experience where emotions run high and nerves are tightly wound. A constant sense of dread hangs over the novel, keeping readers in suspense from page one as they wait for the other shoe to drop on the star-crossed lovers. Stiefvater is a master at tugging on readers' heartstrings, making their hearts ache and stomachs drop as the angst and impossibility become increasingly intense. Thankfully, moments of humor provide much-needed breaks from the emotional turmoil Stiefvater so powerfully evokes.
Sam and Grace's relationship feels strained in this installment compared to their perfect fit in Shiver, as they're both in denial about the cruel twists of fate that still threaten their tenuous security. The narrative drive is less clear and the central conflict almost falls away into the background, so studiously do Grace and Sam ignore it. However, seeing them from an outsider's point-of-view brings their profound connection back into focus and assures readers that the two teens are truly meant-to-be. Though Sam and Grace are young and haven't known each other that long, Stiefvater somehow makes readers believe in their love. After everything they've been through, and the old souls that lurk inside their young bodies, it's like they've known each other a lifetime. They are complimentary opposites, bringing out the best in one another. I love the perfect balance of their dynamic -- they need each other equally, a rare and wonderful thing in modern YA relationships.
Isabel and Cole really steal the show, though. Their deeply damaged souls, hidden behind sarcastic masks, evoke sympathy in readers even as it pushes them away. They are characters of contradiction, and a perfect foil for the profound understanding between Sam and Grace. Their banter is sharp and snappy, and their rough edges feel real to anyone whose life isn't picture perfect. Stiefvater's characters are nothing if not complex, and the humanity she brings to Cole's sardonic shell is endearing, making him a fascinating character in a complicated life. Isabel also has a refreshing way of cutting right to the truth of things -- something all of the characters desperately need to hear. Despite her cold protective exterior, she is surprisingly insightful and self-aware.
One minor character demands a special mention -- Rachel. I would read an entire book about Rachel. She provided much of the comic release in this novel, and was a fabulous best girl friend for Grace. She has so much to offer, and it would really round out Grace's character to spend more time with someone not wrapped up in the pack madness.
In Mercy Falls, love is a struggle. It can never be e
15 Comments on Review: Linger (Wolves of Mercy Falls #2) by Maggie Stiefvater, last added: 7/13/2011
I LOVED Shiver, and I've got high hopes for Linger. Sounds like Maggie did a good job showing that no relationship is perfect and that there's always friction beneath that Happy Ever After.
As I prepare for the release of Forever, I've been thinking back about these books and I really appreciated the addition of Isabel and Cole who I did end up really liking. Can't wait to see what happens next!
I love Rachel. She is a fabulous best friend for Grace (she's the one who calls Sam "The Boy," right? I read Linger two months after it came out so my mind's a little fuzzy on the small details.)
I like Isabel and Cole, maybe because of their broken selves.
Ooh, I really can't wait for my copy of Forever to come. Great review!
I agree with how their relationship didnt seem as real as in the first one. Hopefully forever will be as good as Shiver... Anyways, great review, as always! (:
I've got Linger but I held off reading until Forever is released. I need to recap Shiver and read them altogether. I have heard whispers of Cole being yummy???
I am not sure why but I really love Cole. I guess his character just seems so real. Actually that is one thing that I think makes this series so unique, the characters all seem so down to earth. Thanks for the review.
I agree with the idea of Rachel, she's funny =D and I think the same about Sam and Grace love, their love is pure, despite the fact that they are young, their love is real...
Spoiler Alert. If you have not read Shiver or Linger, there may be spoilers ahead.
Publisher: Scholastic Press (July 12, 2011) ARC: 386 Pages Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3 (My Reviews of Shiver and Linger) Genre: YA Fantasy (shifters/werewolves) Maggie Stiefvater'sWebsite | Blog | Twitter
From Goodreads.
then.
When Sam met Grace, he was a wolf and she was a girl. Eventually he found a way to become a boy, and their love moved from a curious distance to the intense closeness of shared lives.
now.
That should have been the end of their story. But Grace was not meant to stay human. Now she is the wolf. And the wolves of Mercy Falls are about to be killed in one final, spectacular hunt.
forever.
Sam would do anything for Grace. But can one boy and one love really change a hostile, predatory world? The past, the present, and the future are about to collide in one pure moment - a moment of death or life, farewell or forever.
Review by Kate
FOREVER, by Maggie Stiefvater, is the final book in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series and what an ending it is! We last left off where Grace shifted into a wolf leaving Sam, Cole, and Isabel wondering if she will come home in the summer...
This book was incredibly bittersweet. I've loved this series since the beginning and it's all lead up to a wonderfully semi-wrapped up ending for these characters. I say semi because the ending was a bit open-ended but not a complete cliffhanger. I thought about the lives of these characters long after I finished reading and I appreciated that.
Many story lines intertwined through this book. We learn a lot more about Beck and Sam's relationship and the reason Beck bit Sam. Cole and Isabel's relationship was tumultuous at best, but darn it I love those two. The chemistry between them was electrically charged and I loved their banter. Isabel's father was in charge of the hunt for the wolves and the race to save Grace, Cole, and the other wolves from an unfair death. Sam and Grace were adorable as usual. Sam's unwavering love for Grace kept her grounded after everyone thinking he was the cause of her disappearance in the winter.
I loved getting into the mind of the wolf in this book. I don't recall there being too much of that in the previous books so I appreciated it in this one. The fight to keep some humanity while still a wolf was the most challenging for Cole, Sam, and Grace.
All these story lines built up to an amazing ending to the book and series. I look forward to more from Stiefvater in the future.
*FTC Disclosure: I received this ARC from the publisher. I do not receive payment of any kind in exchange for a review. I do not receive monetary compensation from any book links in my review.
0 Comments on ARC Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater as of 1/1/1900
Yesterday, I woke up and the heat was....gone! Like a miracle. Like it was all a sticky uncomfortable dream. A breeze blew and the wind chimes clattered and I decided before the heat rose again, I was going to bake up some rhubarb muffins. A fellow rhubarb enthusiast found a great recipe made with whole wheat flour, oatmeal and brown sugar. No muffins stay as moist and luscious as rhubarb muffins. And this is good because I have LOTS of rhubarb.
In the afternoon the skies opened up. And our new "water feature" - a bucket set under the second floor air conditioner to catch the condensation - became a lake. I don't want to dump that good rain water but I don't want to invite mosquitoes to stay either. I will solve that dilemma in the morning if I have time to water.
I have two interests that I need to look into and they both involve water. The first is an easier way to re-use grey water. I scoop out my shower water and pour it on the flower beds when I have time. But what about dishwasher and washing machine waste water? How can those sources of relatively harmless water be tapped?
The other is to find and install a rain barrel system for watering the vegetable garden. And can rain water be used for other things such as washing clothes? Older homes had cisterns for catching that water and then city sewer and water became the norm. I'm just wondering here.
I am having a dry spell with my reading. I still have about 15 ARCs from Book Expo to finish but I can't decide what I want to read about - a disaffected teen who has been forced to relocate? A boy whose palm bears a mysterious mark and who lives with his Uncle Phineas?
OH MY STARS AND BOLTS!!! I just found a Maggie Stiefvater book in my BEA Bag of Swag. Thank you, God! I am reading The Scorpio Races this week. It comes out in October. Happy Desk Chair Dance!!!
If you like kids' books - and I do -, check out Delightful Children's Books, a website devoted to producing book lists on just about anything for children of almost any age. This week's featured book list is devoted to birds. Story program planners, take note!
So...rhubarb muffins in the kitchen. A breeze blowing in the window. A good book to look forward to. Lunch with a long time friend where we talked and talked. Tomorrow is the last day of Stories in the Schools. The Storytelling Workshop next week is full up. Yeah, life is good.
Surf and hooves! It's my new exclamation. Maggie Stiefvaters' The Scorpio Races deserves an exclamation all its own. Teeth and Manes! Could be another one, actually. I like them both.
Imagine an island in the Northern Sea (I think). This island loves its horses, the land-based ones we all know, and the water horses from the sea. The flesh-eating wild water horses driven to land every Fall where they hunt anything with blood in its veins.
The Scorpio races bring tourists and money - and death - to the people on this island of Skarmouth. The races have a history longer than memory. Sean Kendrick has won four out of the last six races on the water horse he calls Corr. Corr was his father's mount the year his father died in the races but it was not Corr that ate Sean's father.
Puck Connelly and her brothers lost both their parents to the sea and to the water horses. Now, her older brother is abandoning the family to go to the mainland. Puck decides to win the Scorpio Races, on her own horse, or on a water horse, if she can find one, in an attempt to keep her family together.
There is the set-up, gentle readers. And oh my, excuse the pun, but this book is a wild, wild ride!
And I want to learn to ride a horse!! Yes! I want to race the wind on a horse that I love, on a horse that loves me.
And I want to be brave and alive, the way Sean and Puck are brave and alive. But, if I can't be, then I am so happy that Maggie Stiefvater has written this book so I can imagine that braveness and alive-ness running in my sluggish veins.
I love when I start reading an author with their very first published book and I can watch them grow as a writer. I'm able to feel a connection with the author that I wouldn't normally get when picking up a 3rd novel or a 6th. With Maggie Stiefvater, I started reading her at the very beginning -- her Wolves of Mercy Falls series and then moved onto The Scorpio Races. Now, with The Raven Boys, I can really see how she is progressing with her characters, her plotting, and how she's added more meat into each book. I love it! I've also met Maggie at the store and she is so, so nice. 
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I enjoyed this one hugely - can't wait for the rest of the series! But one correction - her first books were Lament and Ballad (which I liked much better than the Shiver series). I agree that it's great read an author from the beginning and see how their writing develops!
Oh gosh, thank you! I totally meant to write those in first...fixed now!
Sure! I'd hate for people to miss those 2 since I think they're great.