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caitcoy 's review for:
The Scorpio Races
by Maggie Stiefvater
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.