Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Book Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 390 pages
Publication Date: August 1, 2009

Goodreads:
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without.

Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.


Review:
Even though these books have been out for awhile, I only discovered them in the last few weeks.  I'll admit I love all things wolves.  I also love the shy emo boyfriend.  So when the shy emo boyfriend is a wolf it's hard for me not to like the book.  The basic storyline surrounding the wolves of Mercy Falls is actually very interesting and there are many  compelling secondary characters.  Sam's back-story is heart breaking and you can't help but want to see him happy. 

I didn't feel quite as strong a connection with Grace.  Part of the problem was her ridiculous parents and her relationship with them.  I was also frustrated by the relationship between the three friends and not understanding the sources of tension between them.  I definitely would have appreciated more opportunities to get to know Grace before Sam arrived on the scene.  I'm looking forward to learning more about Grace as the books progress.

If you haven't tried this series, I would definitely recommend book one which is a complete story on its own but it leaves you wanting to know more.

Posted By: Sheri

4 comments:

  1. I have been wanting to try this series out and actually just any of Maggie's books. I've heard such good things about her. And I love wolves! Have you read The Sight? I can't remember who it's by but I read it way back in the day in either middle school or early high school? All about wolves and I remember loving it.

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  2. I loooooooooove this series. Shiver is forever and ever my favorite, but they're all fantastic. The writing, for one, is gorgeous, but omg Sam and Grace have such an amazing relationship. It fills my heart up with happiness. (And, helloooo, Sam is one of the best book boyfriends ever.)
    I didn't have a problem connecting with Grace, but I did with Isabel, who gets a POV in the next two books...

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  3. I have owned the three Shiver books for years now, but still haven't got to them. I really need to hurry up and start this series, especially with the companion novel out.

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  4. Ashley is a big fan of this series but I am not sure these books are for me even though I loved Steifvater's other books. But I am glad you liked them!

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