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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
Wow! This book was amazing. It feels so real; the integration into our world is so seamless you feel like bloodthirsty water horses could really crawl out of the ocean. It also helps that the emotions and actions of everyone on the island are a true depiction of human nature. The desperation is so real too, especially the rub up against money and powerful people. I do wonder: why do the people on the island not try to help the orphans instead of just hating Puck when she enters the race? Love relationship between Sean and Corr. Part of me thought the love between Puck and Sean cheesy and part of me loved every bit. The telling, words, so lovely, magical: through Sean you totally fall in love with this surprisingly beautiful, violent relationship between island and sea. From Puck you get amazing tenacity. Highly recommend. The sparse prose, emotional attachment to characters' problems, and vivid images pull you right in; no need to warm up to this book.
This is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Five stars just aren't enough. It had me hooked from the first page right to the last and my husband has had to fight with it for my attention lol. Maggie Stiefvater does it again. As if there was ever any doubt. Amazing!!!!
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-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:
Yes
Sean Kendrick is the undisputed champion of the race held every November when the ocean calls to the capaill uisce (pronounced cap uhl ish ka), the sea horses, and men try their hand at riding the wild beasts.
All you have to do is hang on until you cross the finish line. For these water horses are fiercer, stronger and full of blood lust for both their riders and the surrounding horses, so it is a nearly impossible task.
But this is also Puck’s story. Puck, né Katherine Connolly, isn’t supposed to want to race. It’s a game for men. But she’s determined to enter and ride her island pony, Dove.
The two teenagers each have a reason for entering.
Sean who watched his father’s fear envelop him and end his life in the races when Sean was just ten. Tormented incessantly by the son of his boss, Sean dreams of winning one last race, and using the money to buy freedom for his beloved capaill uisce, Corr, and move away from Thisby.
Puck and her brothers were orphaned years ago, and when the oldest, Gabe, decides to leave the island, Puck must win the race to save their home and convince Gabe to stay.
Despite a difficult first meeting on the beach, there is something between Puck and Sean. They are more alike than either wants to admit, and their blossoming friendship will only serve to complicate things.
Neither is prepared for what will happen as old jealousies, raging waters, and wild beasts come to the beach the day of the race.
I listened to the dual narration audio of this fantastic book and I loved it - the accents, the emotion, the tension - all worked beautifully.
Puck is a flawed and honest heroine, drawn to the island in a way that is undeniable and part of her wild spirit. Sean is fiercely determined and single minded yet has the gentlest touch for his beloved horse, Corr.
The author’s note at the end explains that the story is loosely based on the legends of Celtic water horses.
I loved this gorgeously atmospheric fantasy novel about two orphans who do what they can to survive in an unforgiving world.
this book has lived in me for over a decade. sean and corr mean so much to me. I’LL SAY NOTHING ELSE OR I’LL CRY.
I didn't enjoy the second half as much as the first but damn, this was so good.
This is a beautifully and vividly written book. The water horses are gorgeous and terrifying, the setting is wild and free in a way that isn't stereotypical of those types of settings, and the characters feel real and relatable. I adored this book and feel a bit obsessed with it now.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Racing stripes with mystical deadly water horses??? Yes please!!
I read this book slowly over the course of a couple of months, and u fell like every time I opened the book (Libby app) I was blown away by how incredible of a writer maggie steifvater is. I think because I used to live on an island with magical qualities, horrible weather and impressive cliffs, I could really picture thisby in an almost nostalgic way.
I loved this story, these characters and everything about it. Although it was a YA, it didn’t feel juvenile to me at all.
If you didn’t sob at the end you are HEARTLESS
I read this book slowly over the course of a couple of months, and u fell like every time I opened the book (Libby app) I was blown away by how incredible of a writer maggie steifvater is. I think because I used to live on an island with magical qualities, horrible weather and impressive cliffs, I could really picture thisby in an almost nostalgic way.
I loved this story, these characters and everything about it. Although it was a YA, it didn’t feel juvenile to me at all.
If you didn’t sob at the end you are HEARTLESS
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was so charming. Would have turned me into a horse girl if i'd read this when i was young, absolutely not doubt there.
didn't really know what to expect when i started it but i absolutely fell in love with the setting and the story. Some of it did feel ever so slightly cliche or predictable, but i also read this at 30 years old when it's geared towards teenagers AND it was still such a good read that absolutely achieved everything it set out to do & did it with beautiful writing and imagery so!! i loved it!
Struck a perfect balance between being dramatic and dark and yet heartfelt and really cute, too. The characters ended up being really compelling and nuanced with very distinct voices, and the author did a beautiful job writing about complicated feelings and growing pains. would give my life for Sean Kendrick and Puck Connolly and their horse besties
didn't really know what to expect when i started it but i absolutely fell in love with the setting and the story. Some of it did feel ever so slightly cliche or predictable, but i also read this at 30 years old when it's geared towards teenagers AND it was still such a good read that absolutely achieved everything it set out to do & did it with beautiful writing and imagery so!! i loved it!
Struck a perfect balance between being dramatic and dark and yet heartfelt and really cute, too. The characters ended up being really compelling and nuanced with very distinct voices, and the author did a beautiful job writing about complicated feelings and growing pains. would give my life for Sean Kendrick and Puck Connolly and their horse besties
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gore, Misogyny, Blood
Moderate: Bullying, Death of parent
slow-paced