Monday, July 27, 2009

Book Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Ever since a yellow-eyed wolf saved her from an attack by other wolves, Grace has felt drawn to “her wolf” and looks out for him. Sam is that wolf – allowed to be the human he was born as for a few months each summer – but who must change back when the cold weather comes. A twist of fate brings them together finally, and Sam must fight to retain his humanity and to be able to stay with Grace.

Recently a few authors and bloggers were making lists of their favorite YA couples. Since I’m not too big on reading romance, I didn’t make my own list because I couldn’t even come up with five favorites. But after having read SHIVER, an engrossing novel with an amazingly unsappy romance at its’ core, I have to say Sam and Grace would easily make my list. The scene in the candy store could have been totally cheesy, but it was pitch perfect. *sigh*

Sam is attracted to Grace because she brings out the humanity in him even when he’s a wolf, and Grace is attracted to Sam for his gentle yet protective personality. Grace feels neglected by her largely absent parents and yearns for the closeness Sam shares with the “wolf pack”. This pack and the mythology surrounding them was one of the best parts of the novel after Grace and Sam’s relationship. Beck’s story was especially heartbreaking. Although we only really experience the pack’s summer escapades as humans through Sam’s remembrances of them, these scenes were some of the most vivid, making me prefer them over the scenes featuring Grace and her fully human friends.

The ending definitely brought tears to my eyes, and I 100% look forward to LINGER, the sequel/companion novel coming out Fall 2010.

SHIVER comes out this week in hardcover. Find out more about it, watch two different trailers and listen to Maggie read the first two chapters at Maggie's website.

36 comments:

Vanessa said...

Great review. I'll link to it from mine, if that's ok. I loved this book as well. I saw Maggie tweet the other day that she got a preview of the cover art for LINGER, so maybe we'll at least have that to sustain us til release day.

Tasha said...

Glad you enjoyed this! I liked it, too.

bermudaonion said...

You've made that book sound wonderful. I would have sworn I picked that up at BEA, but it's not in my stack, so I guess I didn't. Sigh.

Jess (The Cozy Reader) said...

I too was a fan! :) Can't wait for Linger.

ReaderGirl said...

Awesome! Can't wait to read it!

KT Grant said...

Shiver is a beautifully written book. The love story is sweet and heartbreaking. Maggie is one YA author to keep your eye on. Meyer better watch her back. LOL

Beth Kephart said...

Thank you for this (and) it's so nice to have you back.

Kami Garcia said...

I have to read this book. Its sitting on my shelf calling for me.

Jen said...

Sounds really haunting! Im looking forward to reading it ^_^

Angiegirl said...

Ah, the candy shop scene. So perfect! Great review, Lenore. I loved this one and am so glad you did, too.

Lenore Appelhans said...

NotNessie - I love the SHIVER cover so I am expecting great things from the LINGER cover as well. Can't wait to see it!

Charley - YAY!

Kathy - Aww...too bad.

Jess - You and me both!

RG - Hope you love it!

KB - Yes. I have the two books so far in the Faerie series too and am really looking forward to reading them.

Lenore Appelhans said...

Beth - Thanks!

Kami - Give in to its' call!

Jen - I'm pretty sure you'll love it.

Angiegirl - Isn't it? *sigh*

Jenn's Bookshelves said...

Maggie's a Virginia author so I'll be featuring SHIVER next month. I received my copy from Amazon yesterday. I, too, thought I picked it up at BEA but it must be lost in my piles of books!

Anonymous said...

Awesome! When I read the first part of the review, I wasn't sure if it would be something I'd enjoy... but I can definitely get behind a story with a sweet, romantic and unsentimental romance at its core! I'll look for it soon! :)

Nely said...

I just got this last night in the mail! I'm reading it next week - your review has totally hyped me up for it. :D

Thao said...

I'm so happy this is going to be a series because the greatness won't stop here. I love werewolves!

PJ Hoover said...

Totally on my list. I bought it on audio, but I'm not sure if I want to listen to it or read it. I'm leaning toward read because I'll be able to get through it faster.

MySharonAnne said...

Oh I gave up on this book before making it to page 50. Reading your review makes me want to go back and give it another chance. I was sort of put off by the idea that she loved his dog smells. That just seemed creepy to me.

Mishel (P.S. I Love Books) said...

I really can't wait to pick myself up a copy. I loved your review Lenore. I've seen some other really great ones in other places too.

Sadako said...

Looks awesome! Great cover, too.

Ladytink_534 said...

I'm kind of curious about this one. I'm really loving YA at the moment!

Pam said...

Ok I have to admit that this isn't my normal reading but the cover is super compelling and it keeps appearing everywhere. I may have to check it out. Great review.

Corey said...

Argh, I knew I forgot to pick something up today.

This review really makes me want to jump in the car and get a copy.

Corey said...

Whoops, I somehow translated "out this week" to "out right now" in my head. Good thing I didn't hop in the car after all!

Serena said...

this sounds like another great book I should be reviewing and reading. thanks for the tip!

Bonnie said...

Your review has definitely made me want to read this book. I'm reading more YA authors and enjoying them. This sounds similar to Meyer's Twilight storyline with the wolves and Jacob which I liked so am drawn to this book.

Zibilee said...

This doesn't seem like the type of book I normally read, but your review makes me want to take a closer look. I am glad you enjoyed it!

Zibilee said...

This doesn't seem like the type of book I normally read, but your review makes me want to take a closer look. I am glad you enjoyed it!

Jess said...

Great review! I've heard nothing but raves about SHIVER so far. In fact, I tried to pick it up at Borders last Sat and it was already sold out. I've got to try again soon!

Lenore Appelhans said...

Jess - So it's already out in the wild! Great!

Briana said...

OMG I saw this book at BN yesterday but I didnt buy it :( I am disappointed in myself now. I will get it soon!! Your review is awesome! This book definitely sounds amazing!! Thanks!!

-Arielle.

Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours said...

This book is completely different from everything I've been reading lately but it sounds fabulous. It's going on the TBR list right now.

Beth F said...

Oooh. This sounds so perfect for me! Super review.

J.T. Oldfield said...

Sounds terrific. I don't read a ton of YA, but this sounds really good!

Mari - Escape In A Book said...

Great review! I have Shiver in my TBR pile and I'm really looking forward to read it =)

Laughing Stars said...

I thoroughly enjoyed your review. :-) I linked to this post at my blog.