Shiver

Shiver

by Maggie Stiefvater

2009

400 pages

Summary: Ever since she was attacked as a child, Grace has had a strange fascination with the wolves in the forest by her house. There is one wolf in particular that she feels drawn to, there is just something about his eyes that seem so familiar. Sam lives two lives, one as a wolf in the winter, one as a boy in the summer. During both seasons there is just one thing on his mind, Grace. When Sam turns human one last time he and Grace finally come to realize the strange connection between the two of them. However, things might not work out happily ever after. If their love is to survive they will both have to fight demons from the past and the ever increasing cold that threatens to take Sam forever.

Review: Shiver was a confusing read for me, as I’m really torn about whether I like it or not. It has an incredibly slow beginning, and the pacing really goes up and down throughout the entire book. I thought that the dialogue was a little shallow and the characters undeveloped. At times it seemed like Stiefvater played too much into the stereotypical teen idea of romance and it seemed over the top and cheesy. However, that’s not to say that there weren’t really great aspects. I liked that the narrative was split and I really enjoyed the concept behind the book and the werewolf storyline was very engaging. There are tons of people who love this book, and I do recognize many of the appeals. I also admit that despite my perhaps negative review I can’t wait to read the second book.

You might enjoy Shiver if you like books with: a supernatural feel, a romance that is constantly threatened, split narratives, lyrical-esq storytelling.

Other books by Maggie Stiefvater: Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception, Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie, Linger

If you liked Shiver you might also enjoy: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, Graceling by Kristen Cashore, Immortal by Gillian Shields and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Additional Info: fans will be exited to know that there is a Shiver movie in the works and the second book in the series of three, Linger, is set to be released July 20th 2010

Rating: W 3/4 C 1.5/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP 4/4 CR3/4
Grade: JS