millhousethecat 's review for:

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

4.75

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

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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.