The Scorpio Races by Maggie StiefvaterAdd it: Goodreads
Source: Purchased
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Format: Hardcover, 409 pages
Release Date: October 18, 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.There are some books that I want to make everyone read. I want to climb to the top of a skyscraper and scream out my recommendation to all the unfortunate passer-bys. Then there are some books where I get to the end of the last page and want nothing more than to hug the book for all it's worth. Somehow, The Scorpio Races made me feel a bit of both.
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.
Puck and Sean are both such brilliant characters that it's hard for me to imagine they don't really exist somewhere. The entire story shines with so much life and energy that I was fully anticipating hearing about The Races on the news someday when I was reading. 'Killer water horses' was what initally drew me into this read but I ended up staying for so much more than that.
Puck and Sean, Sean and Puck. I don't which of the two I prefer which is an odd thing for me. On one hand, we have Puck, who is so determined and tenacious. I adored Puck. There was so much uncertainty and vulnerability in her but all of it was covered in a veil of courage and strength. And Sean! He's a lot more quiet than I'd anticipated but it's a deliberate, careful kind of quiet. I grew to love him so much throughout the course of the book.
The island of Thisby is bursting to the seams with character. The entire book was just so atmospheric... I really felt like I'd been transported to Thisby.
I don't think I've come close to conveying how deeply I loved The Scorpio Races. Let me just say this: It was brilliant, I loved it. The end.
Cover Comments: I actually really like this cover. It has that older, classic feel to it and I think it works really well for the book.
5 Golden Crowns!
Isn't it so, so good?? It has a bit of a slower start and a quiet feel to it, but it was also so atmospheric and brilliant. And YES, the characters are completely fab! You've made me want to re-read this one. And I actually haven't posted a review of it despite reading it a longggg time ago, so I might post my review soon. =)
ReplyDeleteI always thought this was a kid's book. I don't know. It just screams kids book to me but I guess I'm wrong. I always seem to wrong about these things. The name Puck I always thought was a guys name. Again wrong...
ReplyDeleteOf course The SCORPIO Races are in November. Nice play on words... or at least it's interesting to me.
Was there a special connection to the horses or was it just about the riders where the horses were just part of the background?
Scorpio races also made me think of the setting being in the dessert. I don't know how they could make an island race so treacherous.
I'm intrigued to learn why she has to enter in the race and the dynamic of Puck and Sean.
Sean's also a weird name. It's an island. Not America...
ADORED this book. So creative and unique just like all of Maggie's work. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED THIS. It's definitely my FAVOURITE of all Maggie's novels I've read so far. (The Raven Boys may change this, we shall see!). I love how you say Sean is, "deliberate, careful kind of quiet."
You don't need to be loud to make an impression. There's something so compelling about Sean and he's that kind of person who... when he speaks, you listen, because you know his words aren't thrown around uselessly. They have meaning. And oh, Puck. I ADORED her! Honestly, like you, I can't pick a favourite between those two. You can really tell Maggie poured her heart and soul into this book and I can assure you, you have ABSOLUTELY brought your love across. I LOVE YOUR REVIEW, MY FAVOURITE CANADIAN CANOER <3
YES! I am SO glad you enjoyed this one! It's one of my favorite books of all time without a doubt and I simply fell in love with it. Puck and Sean were such wonderfully written characters and Sean's friendship with Corr moved me to tears at the end. Thisby itself was a character of its own and I was left aching it wasn't real by the end of the novel. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Sonia! Wonderful, wonderful review! :D
ReplyDelete~Keertana
Ivy Book Bindings
SONIA.
ReplyDeleteTHIS BOOK.
I MEAN YOUR *REVIEW* OF THIS BOOK. It sounds MAGINIFICENT.
And seriously, you've SO managed to convey how much you love it. WOW.
I am so so SOOOO excite to read it! *dances*
Great review! It's almost harder to write a review when you love a book so, so much, but you did a great job conveying your love for this book loud & clear! I honestly don't know why I haven't read this yet. What's wrong with me!?!?
ReplyDeleteTHE SCORPIO RACES!!!! Definitely one of Maggie's best works. It's so beautifully written and oh dear, when Maggie describes the Capall Uisce? *dies* Maggie's writing is so lyrical and when I read the book, I can hear the sound of horses racing and the sea calling to me (LOL, this sounds cliche! X)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED IT, Sonia ♥ Fantastic review!
I really want to read this one soon! I'm reading Raven Boys right now, though, so...I'm still getting my Maggie Stiefvater fix. Glad you liked it that much!
ReplyDeleteAHHHAHHAGGGH. Sonia, I just read this last night, and I LOVE IT SO MUCH I MUST USE ALL CAPS.
ReplyDeleteYour WHOLE first paragraph. YES. THIS.
Love it - your review and the magical magicness that is Puck and Sean and the book. *huggles you all*