The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater Review

4.8 out of 5 stars

So, I had heard of Maggie Stiefvater and her Shiver series (which I haven’t read), but I hadn’t heard of The Scorpio Races. A friend told me it was her favorite book, so of course I had to give it a try.

Though maybe not my favorite book, it is definitely high up on my list.

Oh, and one more thing: I basically read the entire thing last night, so it’s pretty much all I’ve been thinking about.

The Scorpio Races tells the story of Sean Kendrick and Puck Connolly, and boy and a girl on a small island with a strange pastime. Each year, in the month of November, a few dozen brave men race the vicious and bloody thirsty “water horses” in the Scorpio Races. Sean, though only 19, is a four year champion of the races, and is settled in his life. But Puck Connolly threatens to turn the island upside down when she becomes the first girl to ever compete.

Wow, this book was good. The writing was great; the point of view is split between Puck and Sean, and the author definitely gives them distinct voices. You know split POV is done well when you can tell who’s talking without having to see their names. Also, I think the characters were fully developed, and Puck and Sean were impossible not to like.

 Along with the writing, the plot was super interesting. I’ve read other books about water horses, kelpies, etc., but never portrayed in this way. I think it’s important for an author to take a different view of mythical creatures because they’ve all been so overused. So in that respect, the book was amazing.

The only little flaw I could find (hence the .2 off) was the ending. It was a good ending, don’t get me wrong, but it was very open. I’m not saying that there were loose ends or anything, but I think that, for me, I wanted just a bit more.

In conclusion, I definitely enjoyed The Scorpio Races. I would say that they are about high school age. There are several violent events and some language, but I didn’t think it was too much. Even if you’re not a huge fantasy fan, I would still give this book a try.

Thanks!

Liv

P.S. If you read this, comment below on a book you want me to review. I always need suggestions!

Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park Review

4.5 out of 5 stars

This book was suggested to me, and I’m so glad I read it. It was so different than anything I’ve ever read before.

After college freshman Julie Seagle’s housing arrangements fall through, her only option is to stay in Boston with her mom’s old friend, Erin Watkins, and her family. The Watkins are eccentric, to say the least. First there’s Matt, who is nerdy and painfully socially awkward, but he’s nothing compared to 13 year old Celeste, who refuses to go anywhere without a cardboard cutout of her oldest brother, Finn. And then there is Finn himself: mysterious, attractive, strangely absent, and possibly someone Julie is falling for. As Julie becomes closer and closer with this dysfunctional family, she begins to unravel a mystery that may just tear the Watkins apart.

Wow. To say that this book is emotional is an understatement. That includes the full spectrum of laughter and anger and tears.

Julie is witty, sarcastic, and slightly vulnerably, making her instantly likeably and easy to relate to. She herself has some demons that threaten to swallow her. I guess that is one of the main things that made this book so amazing; the characterization was absolutely wonderful. Each member of the Watkins family was fleshed out and chalk full of strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies that made them distinct and full of voice and life. The romance between Finn and Julie, which mainly takes the form of Facebook messages, is funny and sweet.

Another aspect of this book that was so interesting was the psychology of it. That sounds strange, but that’s the only way I can think to put it. There are some heavy psychological issues in this story, whether from the Watkins or Julie herself, which pull you deeper into the plot. And the ending. Well, all I’ll say is that it was heartbreaking and beautiful all rolled into one.

Though I loved this book, I can only recommend it to more mature readers, maybe 15 or 16 and up. It discusses some heavy themes, and I don’t think anyone too young would be ready for it. Not that it would be inappropriate exactly, but it just isn’t a book for younger readers.

Anyway, if you’re looking for an amazing book that has the capacity to make you laugh and cry, check it out.

Thanks!

Liv