Friday, December 23, 2011

Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

October 18, 2011
Scholastic

Synopsis:
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.


My Review:
Dark and deadly, THE SCORPIO RACES will sock and awe you and leave you panting for more. It doesn't skimp on the violence and terrifying details, and while it did get to me at times, I went with it. The capall uisce are not your average horse--they are water horses and killing is in their nature. I am very thankful that they don't exist in our world! I think I would be more worried about them than sharks if I was swimming in the ocean!

Puck's life is in shambles. She and her two brothers Gabe and Finn were orphaned when their parents were killed by the deadly capall uisce. They are barely getting by and their family ties begin to crumble when Gabe announces his leave to the mainland. Desperate to keep him with her longer, Puck announces her participation in the Scorpio Races, hoping it will change his mind. She isn't at all prepared for what the Races have in store for her.

Sean has just as tough a life as Puck. His father was also killed by the capall uisce and he is left to fend for himself in the world. The Scorpio Races have made him strong, cold, and fierce. He has one the Scorpio Races year after year and is the guy to beat. He has a deep love for the capall uisce, even though they are very bad. Puck's entrance in the Race shocks him and is the catalyst to many crazy events that will have your heart racing!

I absolutely loved Sean and Puck. Stiefvater lets us into both of their heads, making it easier to identify with both of them. Their personalities are so completely different from each others, but somehow it works. The romance doesn't blossom until well into the story, making it much more believable. The Scorpio Races are insane. The deaths are aplenty and the capall uisce will terrify you. Stiefvater is a master at world building and I can't brag enough about it!

I am in awe of THE SCORPIO RACES. I don't normally like books with as much gritty and scary details, but this one just flat-out blew me away.

My Rating:

7 comments:

  1. So, it's "Hildalgo" in a fantasy world?
    Thanks for the review. I've been trying to decide whether to read this one or not.

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  2. Gah, I still need to read this one. I wasn't a fan of the Wolves of Mercy Falls but everyone seems to love this one so I'll try to get to it over the break.

    Happy holidays, Bailey!

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  3. Wasn't this one amazing?? I totally loved everything about it. The beginning was a bit slow, but I was still interested... I think it just has a quieter feel to it, despite all the craziness going on, but it's just really magical feeling, like it really brings you into the setting when you're reading it.

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  4. Yes Yes YES!!!! I LOVED this book so so much! The world building, the characters, the action--everything added up to make this one of my favorite books of the year!


    Smiles!
    Lori

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  5. I absolutely loved this book, especially all the 90s references. Very nostalgic for me. Great review!

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  6. I'm reading this one right now, and loving it so far! Fab review! :)

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  7. Thanks for all the comments lovelies. =) It is such an awesome book!!! So glad that you are reading it now Lily. =)

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I love comments and make sure to read everyone of them. I'd love to hear what you think!

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