Shiver by Maggie StiefvaterPublisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Pub. Date: August 1, 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
400pp
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.
Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.
I love Maggie’s lyrical writing style and how it captured the emotions of the characters. This is such a fascinating story and I love the different take on werewolves and how weather affects their transformation. I was ensnared from the first page and found myself so wrapped up in this book that I managed to read it in 1 day.
The characters are written beautifully. I enjoyed reading the story from Grace & Sam’s view points. This book was written in a way where you couldn’t help but feel the emotions of the main characters. I love the chemistry between Grace & Sam. I kept smiling throughout this book because Grace and Sam are so adorable and I found myself falling in love with these characters. The secondary characters play an important role in the book and bring the story together quite well. Isabel had me laughing throughout this book. Beck is also one of my favorite characters.
What can I say about the plot? Stiefvater managed to weave a wonderful storyline around forbidden love, mythical creatures, mystery and suspense to come together flawlessly. When these elements are combined perfectly, you get magic and I found myself in the whirlwind of a beautiful story that left me with tears.
I have to say that Sam and Grace are on my all-time favorite fiction couple list.
The ending left me with an “OMG!” I need LINGER, the next book in this series NOW! Maggie you have earned an automatic buy with your name. I look forward to reading more of your books.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
I don't know how you feel about Twilight, but I'm glad to hear that their relationship isn't suffocating. It isn't, is it?
ReplyDeleteThe other day I read an interview Maggie did, when she mentioned the temperature played a role in the story. That's really new to me.
This will be a nice change from vampires. Not that I've read any in a while. Finally the wolves take center stage.
I've heard great things about this book - and I'm excited to see that you gave it 5/5 stars. I want it! Stellar review.
ReplyDeleteGah! I DESPERATELY want to read this, and your review has made me want it even more! I hope my library has it for me tomorrow. *Crosses fingers* Oh, yeah, your review, sorry; it was great.
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Jessica
Oh I can't wait to start on this!! I want to read it nooow, but I have books higher on my TBR pile. Maybe I'll cheat! x)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I really liked Lament so I was already looking forward to this one, but now I'm even more excited.
ReplyDeleteGood review!!! :) I just bought this and I'm really excited to read it.
ReplyDelete-Briana
Fav all time fictional couple? WOW! Now that's quite the recommendation. :)
ReplyDeleteI just got this today.I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI NEED to get this book! All I'm hearing is good review after good review. I can't wait to get a copy of it soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review! I'm excited to see how Maggie has written her interpretation of werewolves.
Oh, I've been wanting to read this one! I adore the cover, it makes me want to read it even without knowing what it's about.
ReplyDeleteI've seen a ton of reviews on this and each one makes me want to read it more!!
ReplyDeleteI love your review, I can't wait to read Shiver! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm dying to read this. Lately there is a lot of talk about how good it is. thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you liked Shiver as much as I liked Hush, Hush. I gave it five zombies. Excellent review! I'm super excited to read this book! XD
ReplyDeleteGreat storyline! I would love to read this book,
ReplyDeletewandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
You have me curious about the dream travel part. I have to add this one to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really gotten into the vampire/mythical creature books in my older adult years and I read reviews all the time. But this book I want to read so bad. maybe if I read this book it will move me in the direction of reading more like it.
ReplyDeleteI love it when secondary characters are fleshed out and the couple actually has chemistry. It gives a story so much flavor and credibility.
ReplyDeletewow! I have read about this book before, but now your review made me want this book even more!
ReplyDeletelooks like a very different story about werewolves...
great review!
Wow!!
ReplyDeleteThis one got 5 stars!
This review is great and now I just really want to read shiver!
-Liz
Wow, this books looks SO good. I read an excerpt on teenreads.com and wow, I just can't wait! It just sounds like one of those books that everyone has to read. I need it now! Oh, and a very good review, btw ;)
ReplyDeleteSam and Grace sound like they are two amazing characters... I hope they will be on my fav couples list as well, especially since there will be a second book about them.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. This part; "I have to say that Sam and Grace are on my all-time favorite fiction couple list." makes me want to read Shiver right now!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great review - it made me want to read this book NOW!
ReplyDeleteWow! This book sounds so good, and your mention of them being one of your favorite fictional couples is making me impatient to read it!
ReplyDeletepepsivanilla14(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love how you describe the style of writing of Maggie Stiefvater and how the characters were written. Again, Great Review!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that when it comes to werewolves, I usually follow the rules set on Buffy.... but weather affecting the way they change does sound interesting! ;)
ReplyDeleteOhh! I love books with good couples in them!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I really want to read this and if you cant wait for Linger, I know this has to be good.
ReplyDeleteI love OMG endings! Those are the best.
ReplyDeleteValorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I'm really looking forward to reading this!
ReplyDeleteWonderful review! It REALLY makes me want to read Shiver! Hearing that it shows both Sam and Grace's point of views is super exciting for me. I like being able to get into both characters' heads and I haven't read many books with more than one character's point of view. I'm dying for this book... :)
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with this. Shiver is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Sam and Grace had me from page one. I'm so glad she's getting good reviews on this. I want to tell everyone that they must read this book!
ReplyDeleteEvery review I read of this book makes me want to read it more! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteglad you liked it! great review!! i really want to read this one!!
ReplyDeleteShawna Lewis'
ReplyDeleteweloveourdogs@juno.com
I want to read this so bad thanks for the review my dear and I loved the interview also keep up the great work on the blog ;o)
I'm so excited to read this book =)
ReplyDeleteI'll admit, I was getting sick of vampires and werewolves, but this seems like a completey different, refreshing story =)
Yes, I think one of Maggie's strength is her lyrical prose! I love, love love it!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your review.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading Shiver. I keep reading very good things about this book.
I just finished reading Lament...I loved it so I am hoping Shiver will be just as good.
Wonderful review! I haven't seen a bad one yet and I can't wait to read Shiver. So glad to hear you liked it!
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