Scan barcode
missteddybearears's review against another edition
5.0
This book is perfection. Set on the fictional isle of Thisby, The Scorpio Races tells a tale of the capaill uisce, the water horses. Captured from the sea, each November riders take their chances at glory by riding these horses in a life or death race. The story is told as a dual narrative. The two narrators are Sean Kendrick and Puck Connolly.
Plot: If you don't enjoy a character-driven plot, you probably won't enjoy this book. This book offers some of the most amazing and seemless world-building I've read. Fantasy is so flawlessly intertwined with history that Thisby became a real setting to me. Personally, I didn't have any issue with the slow-build to action because Stiefvater provided so much background, character development, and description.
Characters: Puck is delightfully spunky. Sean is reserved; a true "still waters run deep" type of character. I found myself rooting for both of them. The minor characters were fun, lively, and clearly expressed.
Overall Impression: My one critique of the book would be that I wanted to know more. I felt like I could spend so much more time in this world. I wanted to know more about this history of the race, I wanted a more in-depth peak into the lives of some of the secondary characters. That being said, there is elegance in not over-stating things. I did not come away from reading this feeling that it was lacking or that I was dissatisfied. Stiefvater's writing is exquisite, and this book made me eager to read her other work.
Plot: If you don't enjoy a character-driven plot, you probably won't enjoy this book. This book offers some of the most amazing and seemless world-building I've read. Fantasy is so flawlessly intertwined with history that Thisby became a real setting to me. Personally, I didn't have any issue with the slow-build to action because Stiefvater provided so much background, character development, and description.
Characters: Puck is delightfully spunky. Sean is reserved; a true "still waters run deep" type of character. I found myself rooting for both of them. The minor characters were fun, lively, and clearly expressed.
Overall Impression: My one critique of the book would be that I wanted to know more. I felt like I could spend so much more time in this world. I wanted to know more about this history of the race, I wanted a more in-depth peak into the lives of some of the secondary characters. That being said, there is elegance in not over-stating things. I did not come away from reading this feeling that it was lacking or that I was dissatisfied. Stiefvater's writing is exquisite, and this book made me eager to read her other work.
bex_martel's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
holyk's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Blood
Minor: Death of parent
whatshereads727's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hellorocketship's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
asl4u's review against another edition
5.0
Awesome... One of the best horse stories I've ever read... and as I'm just now planning a trip to an Island off the shores of NB Canada... there are parts of this story that are just scarey enough to carry with me...
Definately worth the read (listen - I read the audio version)...
I really enjoyed this book - will definately read again!
Definately worth the read (listen - I read the audio version)...
I really enjoyed this book - will definately read again!
medievil_'s review against another edition
5.0
ER. MAH. GERD.
Ponies! Monsters! Gratuitous death on the beach! And kissing!
How can a book GET any better?
Ponies! Monsters! Gratuitous death on the beach! And kissing!
How can a book GET any better?
desertlover's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 STARS
Stiefvater is such a beautiful storyteller with a unique style and quirkiness that makes her unique in the YA world. I haven't read a book from her yet that I didn't love.
Stiefvater is such a beautiful storyteller with a unique style and quirkiness that makes her unique in the YA world. I haven't read a book from her yet that I didn't love.
mayareadsinenglish's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Too many names! Too many first names! Too many last names! Too many first and last names!!!!!
meaghanward's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0