The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Published by Scholastic Press October 18 2011
Hardcover 416 Pages
Reviewed from ARC borrowed from a friend.
Summary
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.
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.
Maggie Steifvater posted an entry in her livejournal a few weeks ago that completely moved me. It was about one of the things she hoped readers would takeaway from her books. "Be the Hero in Your Own Life" I printed it out and posted it on my bulletin board in a place where I could see it everyday.
While I was reading The Scorpio Races, those words repeated over and over through the characters of Sean and Puck. Both enter the races for seemingly different reasons, but really both are entering to win their freedom. I loved Sean Kendrick, his rough exterior masking his love for Corr. Puck (Kate) was my favourite. Strong, courageous, she fought to save herself and her brothers. Water Horse Mythology was new to me, but I found the thought of these powerful and ruthless animals terrifying and fascinating.
The writing was incredible. There is a depth, tone and style to Maggie's writing that stands out, and I think I could pick out her writing anywhere. Vivid and dark she gets to the heart of the matter often pulling out my heart in the process. But her words are beautiful and I felt like I was riding along side Dove and Puck smelling the salt in the air and having the wind rip through me. Highly recommended.
Sounds so good, I can't wait to get a copy! I've been wanting to read this one so badly.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so good! I keep reading all these phenomenal reviews of this--I need to go out and pick up a copy!
ReplyDeleteI've never read any of Maggie's books (yet) but I think this is going to be my first! This one really caught my interest with its description for some reaosn, and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on it! hopefully I'll be able to go pick a copy up soon :)
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