If you've read my blog for a while, you know I'm a pretty big fan of Maggie Stiefvater. When I heard about her new series, The Raven Boys, I was beyond excited. New characters, new stories to get lost in.
Since I actually have a job this summer I can't slip away to wonderful events like Comic-con or ALA, places where I could have snagged an ARC. So I can't even explain to you the joy I felt when this baby landed in my hands.
Isn't it be-yootiful??!!
Thank you, Book Loft!
Seriously, if you ever find yourself in Solvang, best book store ever!!I'm only on page 93, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to want the hard covers of all three books. Which means I'll probably be giving this lovely ARC away at some point.
Stay tuned!
Nobody writes longing like Maggie Stiefvater. It clings to every page, wraps itself around your heart. Trust me. When you're done reading one of her books, you are ready to make the person laying next to you happy. Very happy.
I read
Shiver last fall after
Myra McEntire raved about it repeatedly. I was not disappointed. I liked it so much I bought more copies and gave them away for Christmas gifts. I told everyone I knew to read the book. Then hubby brought me
Lament as a souvenir from his business trip to Seattle. I devoured that one and immediately went out to buy the sequel,
Ballad.
Oh. My.
(Fans herself and swoons)Is it wrong to fall in love with a character who lives only between the covers of a book? I thought I loved Sam when I read Shiver. I thought Luke was amazing in Lament. But James? No one can compare to James. His self-deprecating wit, his intense feelings, his fierce protectiveness -- everything about him made me love him from page one. I didn't put the book down until I was done reading. And then I went back and read certain parts over again.
First of all let me say that one of the things I appreciate about
all of Maggie Stiefvater's books is the fact that each one can stand on it's own. She doesn't leave you dangling off the edge of some precipice for ten months while you wait for the gods of publishing to put out the next book. She gives you a complete story. And you know what? You're still eager for the next one to come out. You're just not alternating between loving the story and hating the author for ending it badly. And that's a good thing.
Ballad is a story of love and friendship, dangerous urges and impossible choices. It is a beautifully composed ode to longing, hope, joy and love -- that just happens to include a few homicdal faeries.
Maggie was kind enough to provide
an autographed copy of Ballad for me to give away here on the blog. I considered keeping it for myself. But no. Some lucky ready gets to have it instead.
If you think you have the luck of the Irish, I have only two requirements: follow this blog and leave a comment. That's it. I'll enter your name into the drawing and on March 17, someone will win a copy of this magical book. What can I say -- clovers, Irish music and homicidal faeries go together well with St. Patrick's Day ;D
Just remember this: when you read it, be prepared to fall in love.
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what a GORGEOUS looking creation.
How awesome! I'm supposed to be getting one. I hope it comes soon. I love all of Maggie Stiefvater's books.
I finished it a few weeks ago--email me when you are done so we can "book talk"!!!
And that's all I can say for fear of leaving a spoiler!
Shelley
Beth: Yes, Scholastic definitely spent some bucks on that custom cut box. It's very cool!
Natalie: I agree. Maggie's books are wonderful.
Shelley: Ooo, can't wait to have this conversation!!
I loved Shiver. But for some reason I couldn't get into the rest of the series. Maybe it was too many point of views for me? And for some reason I couldn't get into Scorpio Races either. But I'm thinking I didn't give it enough pages. I'm going to try again. I assume our library will get this new one in so will try it. Not sure why I don't feel the love for her stories. Her writing is terrific though. So happy for you that you got an arc!
It is beautiful.
I read SHIVER and SCORPIO RACES is in my TBR pile. I'd like to read more Stiefvater.