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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
I started this book with no expectations whatsoever (I hardly knew what it was about) and have now emerged with a lot of feelings. I LOVE what Maggie has done with the many myths about waterhorses and the way you can tell the old traditions still dictate the way of life on the island. Not much is explained other than through exposition, and it works so, so well in this story! It leaves just the right amount of stuff unexplained for you to fill in yourself. I highly recommend reading it!
A sweet romance, orphans, a ruthless villain, an island of quirky characters, and killer horses that come from the ocean... what more could you want from a YA thriller?
As an ex horse rider, I couldn't not love this book. It had everything i wanted to read and more.
This book was an amazing adventure, I loved how the author decided to put some folklore into an original, beautiful and deep book. The relationships between humans and water horses is something that reminded me a lot of the relationship between a horse and myself: you never command it, but more likely ask him to do something. I found myself thrown into this book, I read it in one go, I love every character and every dynamic in it.
He is slow, and the sea sings to us both, but he returns to me.
final vote: 5/5
This book was an amazing adventure, I loved how the author decided to put some folklore into an original, beautiful and deep book. The relationships between humans and water horses is something that reminded me a lot of the relationship between a horse and myself: you never command it, but more likely ask him to do something. I found myself thrown into this book, I read it in one go, I love every character and every dynamic in it.
He is slow, and the sea sings to us both, but he returns to me.
final vote: 5/5
I'm beginning to feel a little repetitive giving every Maggie Stiefvater book I've read this year 5 stars, but I really am just in love with her writing and her use of mythologies and just everything she does.
The Scorpio Races started off a little slow, but about a quarter of the way through I found myself (as always) pulled so deeply into this world Stiefvater created. For some reason I've found The Raven Boys and The Scorpio Races to be so much more exciting and enjoyable than the Shiver series, possibly because of the mythology. Though the Mythology in The Scorpio Races seems so loosely based on the Kelpie myths it doesn't fail to capture the imagination just as all her others have.
I would recommend this to any lover of Celtic mythology, or anyone who loves an realistic female protagonist - trust me on this, Puck Connolly is angry and would kick you to prove it.
The Scorpio Races started off a little slow, but about a quarter of the way through I found myself (as always) pulled so deeply into this world Stiefvater created. For some reason I've found The Raven Boys and The Scorpio Races to be so much more exciting and enjoyable than the Shiver series, possibly because of the mythology. Though the Mythology in The Scorpio Races seems so loosely based on the Kelpie myths it doesn't fail to capture the imagination just as all her others have.
I would recommend this to any lover of Celtic mythology, or anyone who loves an realistic female protagonist - trust me on this, Puck Connolly is angry and would kick you to prove it.
On the rocky, chilly island of Skarmouth, November is both the most challenging and exhilarating time of the year. Each November, the predatory and beautiful creatures known as the capaill uisce emerge from the sea and the islanders (and any brave tourists) risk their lives to race the capaill in the Scorpio Races for the chance at a hefty prize purse. Sean Kendrick, a groom at a local stable, is the returning champion but is betting his future on winning the gamble one more time. And for another local, Puck Connolly, entering the races as the first girl ever to do so is the only thing she can think of to keep her family together. The Scorpio Races will challenge them both to bring their best if they want to make it out alive and victorious.
Scorpio Races is a very Celtic mythology inspired young adult story that blends fantastical elements like predatory water horses (capaill uisce) with what feels roughly early 20th century island life. Stiefvater builds an atmosphere on Skarmouth that makes the island feel like a character itself and one that isn’t necessarily all that kind to its inhabitants. Life on the island is tough, not the least because the water horses known as the capaill uisce are a constant threat from the sea and are known to drag down any unwary fisherman or beach goers. Like many small communities, many of the children choose to move to the mainland for better jobs and futures so the only ones who remain are those that harbor a complicated love for the island.
To me, one of the greatest strengths of this story is in the characters. Puck is prickly, proud and private, disinclined to trust anyone outside of her brothers and a few of the other islanders but in over her head when it comes to the races. I’m not sure that everyone will love her but I loved how full of piss and vinegar she was. Sean is quiet, not exactly easy to read but easy to empathize with as someone who just wants to be able to live his own life. The relationship that develops between Puck and Sean starts as wariness and mutual respect and never gets too sappy or “fated love”, which I appreciated. It felt like a real relationship, where they learn to work with each other. Family is also a huge theme throughout the story as the Connollys try to figure out where they stand with each other and what they want out of the future.
As someone who has always loved the dangerous sort of mythological creatures who are as likely to kill you as help you, Scorpio Races was already up my alley. I first read it in my early twenties and coming back to it ten years later, I’m still impressed by how much I love the relationships among the characters and how much I cared deeply for them by the end of the story. It’s an ideal pick for anyone interested in a YA story with fantasy elements, strong character building and a rainy, brooding atmosphere. I'd honestly recommend it not only to a younger audience but also adults, as Stiefvater has a talent for writing very accessible, entertaining fiction regardless of age.
As a side note, the narration for the audiobook format is excellent. Fiona Hardingham and Steve West bring depth and emotion to Puck and Sean's viewpoints and it feels like a drama unfolding before you. It's definitely the way that I would recommend experiencing the story.
Scorpio Races is a very Celtic mythology inspired young adult story that blends fantastical elements like predatory water horses (capaill uisce) with what feels roughly early 20th century island life. Stiefvater builds an atmosphere on Skarmouth that makes the island feel like a character itself and one that isn’t necessarily all that kind to its inhabitants. Life on the island is tough, not the least because the water horses known as the capaill uisce are a constant threat from the sea and are known to drag down any unwary fisherman or beach goers. Like many small communities, many of the children choose to move to the mainland for better jobs and futures so the only ones who remain are those that harbor a complicated love for the island.
To me, one of the greatest strengths of this story is in the characters. Puck is prickly, proud and private, disinclined to trust anyone outside of her brothers and a few of the other islanders but in over her head when it comes to the races. I’m not sure that everyone will love her but I loved how full of piss and vinegar she was. Sean is quiet, not exactly easy to read but easy to empathize with as someone who just wants to be able to live his own life. The relationship that develops between Puck and Sean starts as wariness and mutual respect and never gets too sappy or “fated love”, which I appreciated. It felt like a real relationship, where they learn to work with each other. Family is also a huge theme throughout the story as the Connollys try to figure out where they stand with each other and what they want out of the future.
As someone who has always loved the dangerous sort of mythological creatures who are as likely to kill you as help you, Scorpio Races was already up my alley. I first read it in my early twenties and coming back to it ten years later, I’m still impressed by how much I love the relationships among the characters and how much I cared deeply for them by the end of the story. It’s an ideal pick for anyone interested in a YA story with fantasy elements, strong character building and a rainy, brooding atmosphere. I'd honestly recommend it not only to a younger audience but also adults, as Stiefvater has a talent for writing very accessible, entertaining fiction regardless of age.
As a side note, the narration for the audiobook format is excellent. Fiona Hardingham and Steve West bring depth and emotion to Puck and Sean's viewpoints and it feels like a drama unfolding before you. It's definitely the way that I would recommend experiencing the story.
Full review here-
http://the828.blogspot.com/2012/01/readers-ramble-scorpio-races.html
http://the828.blogspot.com/2012/01/readers-ramble-scorpio-races.html
On the rocky, chilly island of Skarmouth, November is both the most challenging and exhilarating time of the year. Each November, the predatory and beautiful creatures known as the capaill uisce emerge from the sea and the islanders (and any brave tourists) risk their lives to race the capaill in the Scorpio Races for the chance at a hefty prize purse. Sean Kendrick, a groom at a local stable, is the returning champion but is betting his future on winning the gamble one more time. And for another local, Puck Connolly, entering the races as the first girl ever to do so is the only thing she can think of to keep her family together. The Scorpio Races will challenge them both to bring their best if they want to make it out alive and victorious.
Scorpio Races is a very Celtic mythology inspired young adult story that blends fantastical elements like predatory water horses (capaill uisce) with what feels roughly early 20th century island life. Stiefvater builds an atmosphere on Skarmouth that makes the island feel like a character itself and one that isn’t necessarily all that kind to its inhabitants. Life on the island is tough, not the least because the water horses known as the capaill uisce are a constant threat from the sea and are known to drag down any unwary fisherman or beach goers. Like many small communities, many of the children choose to move to the mainland for better jobs and futures so the only ones who remain are those that harbor a complicated love for the island.
To me, one of the greatest strengths of this story is in the characters. Puck is prickly, proud and private, disinclined to trust anyone outside of her brothers and a few of the other islanders but in over her head when it comes to the races. I’m not sure that everyone will love her but I loved how full of piss and vinegar she was. Sean is quiet, not exactly easy to read but easy to empathize with as someone who just wants to be able to live his own life. The relationship that develops between Puck and Sean starts as wariness and mutual respect and never gets too sappy or “fated love”, which I appreciated. It felt like a real relationship, where they learn to work with each other. Family is also a huge theme throughout the story as the Connollys try to figure out where they stand with each other and what they want out of the future.
As someone who has always loved the dangerous sort of mythological creatures who are as likely to kill you as help you, Scorpio Races was already up my alley. I first read it in my early twenties and coming back to it ten years later, I’m still impressed by how much I love the relationships among the characters and how much I cared deeply for them by the end of the story. It’s an ideal pick for anyone interested in a YA story with fantasy elements, strong character building and a rainy, brooding atmosphere. I'd honestly recommend it not only to a younger audience but also adults, as Stiefvater has a talent for writing very accessible, entertaining fiction regardless of age.
As a side note, the narration for the audiobook format is excellent. Fiona Hardingham and Steve West bring depth and emotion to Puck and Sean's viewpoints and it feels like a drama unfolding before you. It's definitely the way that I would recommend experiencing the story.
Scorpio Races is a very Celtic mythology inspired young adult story that blends fantastical elements like predatory water horses (capaill uisce) with what feels roughly early 20th century island life. Stiefvater builds an atmosphere on Skarmouth that makes the island feel like a character itself and one that isn’t necessarily all that kind to its inhabitants. Life on the island is tough, not the least because the water horses known as the capaill uisce are a constant threat from the sea and are known to drag down any unwary fisherman or beach goers. Like many small communities, many of the children choose to move to the mainland for better jobs and futures so the only ones who remain are those that harbor a complicated love for the island.
To me, one of the greatest strengths of this story is in the characters. Puck is prickly, proud and private, disinclined to trust anyone outside of her brothers and a few of the other islanders but in over her head when it comes to the races. I’m not sure that everyone will love her but I loved how full of piss and vinegar she was. Sean is quiet, not exactly easy to read but easy to empathize with as someone who just wants to be able to live his own life. The relationship that develops between Puck and Sean starts as wariness and mutual respect and never gets too sappy or “fated love”, which I appreciated. It felt like a real relationship, where they learn to work with each other. Family is also a huge theme throughout the story as the Connollys try to figure out where they stand with each other and what they want out of the future.
As someone who has always loved the dangerous sort of mythological creatures who are as likely to kill you as help you, Scorpio Races was already up my alley. I first read it in my early twenties and coming back to it ten years later, I’m still impressed by how much I love the relationships among the characters and how much I cared deeply for them by the end of the story. It’s an ideal pick for anyone interested in a YA story with fantasy elements, strong character building and a rainy, brooding atmosphere. I'd honestly recommend it not only to a younger audience but also adults, as Stiefvater has a talent for writing very accessible, entertaining fiction regardless of age.
As a side note, the narration for the audiobook format is excellent. Fiona Hardingham and Steve West bring depth and emotion to Puck and Sean's viewpoints and it feels like a drama unfolding before you. It's definitely the way that I would recommend experiencing the story.
The premise for this is awesome: racing killer horses on the beach. I mean, what's not exciting about that? The teaser line was something like, "It is the first of November. So today someone will die." OMG, I was thinking, HUNGER GAMES READ ALIKE. I think I set my sights a little too high, though. Poor Maggie Steifvater could not have lived up to how much I hyped this in my head. It was a pretty good story, but I thought it was a little boring in parts and most of the actual Scorpio Race action was packed into the very end.
If you are a horse lover, you might love this and it might make you sick. All but a few of the horses featured in the story are not your standard real-life kind, but an Irish fantasy water horse species called cappal uisce (or something like that). These horses are freaking scary. First of all, they're insane carnivores. Second of all, they stink and scream like bloody murderers. Kind of cool, but not if you're into like Misty of Chincoteague.
The story is told by both the girl hero, Puck/Kate, and the boy hero, Sean Kendrick. I didn't especially like either one of them, but I was super drawn into the love story and I couldn't wait to get to the actual race at the end.
I think the best thing I can say about this book, and this is high praise, is that it was unpredictable. There were many moments when it could have gone a cliched route, but it really kept me guessing. I enjoyed reading it a lot, but I skimmed a lot of sections, too. If it hadn't been for my complete and utter disbelief of one very important plot point, I might have given it four stars.
If you are a horse lover, you might love this and it might make you sick. All but a few of the horses featured in the story are not your standard real-life kind, but an Irish fantasy water horse species called cappal uisce (or something like that). These horses are freaking scary. First of all, they're insane carnivores. Second of all, they stink and scream like bloody murderers. Kind of cool, but not if you're into like Misty of Chincoteague.
The story is told by both the girl hero, Puck/Kate, and the boy hero, Sean Kendrick. I didn't especially like either one of them, but I was super drawn into the love story and I couldn't wait to get to the actual race at the end.
I think the best thing I can say about this book, and this is high praise, is that it was unpredictable. There were many moments when it could have gone a cliched route, but it really kept me guessing. I enjoyed reading it a lot, but I skimmed a lot of sections, too. If it hadn't been for my complete and utter disbelief of one very important plot point
Spoiler
How does Kate's regular horse become as fast as a water horse in the span of a few days of training? I was completely dumbfounded when she won on speed. It made no sense. It was set up very clearly in the beginning that the water horses would have to be out of control for her to win on Dove, right?
The beginning of this book started a little rocky for me & terrifying but reading further I fell in love with all things Thisby. The story is beautiful written & draws you in without you being aware of the fact. The main characters are engaging & flawed but you grow to love them. I highly recommend this book as it is very different that any other book out there right now.
This book is so sneakily beautiful. You’re reading along, thinking, “hmm, it’s like 3.5, 4 star book so far…” and then somewhere in the second half, you’re just overtaken by the world this author created. It’s just beautiful.