It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
Wow, this book ended up being something that I wasn't expecting. I had read other reviews for this book so I thought I had a pretty good idea what was coming but I was wrong.
The story starts off slowly. Building, building until by the end I am devouring pages with gusto, oblivious to everything else. I love books like that.
There were a lot of characters in this book. I felt like I had to remember the whole village. But fortunately, each character had very specific personalities so it helped me keep them straight.
My one word for this book would be bloody. I swear there was so much blood in this book. It was a bit disturbing sometimes. Well, I am a girl who really doesn't like blood anyway. I always tell kids around me, "Be careful, please. I don't do blood." There really was a ton of blood though. Yucky.
I'm happy and satisfied by the end because I got enough resolution and I can imagine for myself all kinds of happily ever after scenarios.
As far as content, there was some swearing and some crude language. There was some violent scenes and as I mentioned before, lots of blood.
I think I can handle the blood. I hope so, because I love Stiefvater, and I've heard so many great things about this one. I'd like to get to it soon! Thanks, great review!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. Monster horses + Ireland, I was hooked right when I read the summery. Although I did have a bit of trouble getting into it at first, but as soon as blood started falling I started to love it... I guess that just makes me weird. I'm used to monster books so blood doesn't bother me.
ReplyDeleteCaaleros
http://caaleros.blogspot.com/
I keep meaning to read this one but for some reason it never makes it to the top of the pile. I love novels that really capture your attention throughout and pull you towards a phenomenal ending. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
~Jessi @ Reading in the Corner
I am really interested in this book but I'm not really feeling the blood part-ick!
ReplyDeleteI really loved this story. It wasn't as good as her Shiver books, but she is such a fantastic writer, her words just flow off the pages!
ReplyDeleteI loved this one, too. It started slow, but I found I could NOT put it down toward the end. Great book, great review. My review is here: http://justbookinaround.blogspot.com/2012/04/book-review-scorpio-races.html
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Maggie's work beyond a couple of short stories. Of her novels, this one sounds the most intriguing to me. If I don't have it on my wish list yet, I'll put it there now.
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