Every year on Thisby, an isolated island, men riding water horses, deadly animals captured from the sea, race in what would now be called a bloody death match. The water horses, cappaill uisce, are savage, flesh eating terrors who have no desire to obey any master. Sean Kendrick has won three years running, but he has new competition this year as Puck Connolly enters the race, the first female to ever compete.
Stiefvater's writing is so wonderfully elegant and subtle. I really can't gush enough about how much I enjoyed the way this story was told. So much is happening, so many issues are tackled, and yet the story is never confused, obvious, or unnecessarily twisty. This is a well crafted blend of mythology and reality, which could also be said about the island of Thisby itself, a modern place beasts of old still call home. The community of Thisby and how the townspeople react to and speak about the island fascinated me. Some can't wait to leave, others love it like family.
The characters are wonderfully drawn, and even now, over a month after finishing the novel, I really can't find an articulate way to explain them in all their depth and beauty. Both the islanders and the visitors are unique and complex. The action is quick without being superficial, and this was definitely a read where I was physically exhibiting my emotions: gasping, holding my breath, getting a bit teary or angry or melancholy.
I realize that I've told you very little about what's happening in the book, but I have two thoughts on this: 1. I'm probably the last person to read this and 2. If you haven't read it yet, I recommend knowing as little as possible before reading.
I love it when the blogosphere goes nuts for an author! (Yet I still haven't read anything by Maggie Stiefvater. Soon, for sure.) I hear amazing things about The Scorpio Races.
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend her Jenny.
DeleteThis sounds so fun! I haven't read any of her books either... but I really want to!
ReplyDeleteI'm just thrilled to find a YAL author who impresses me so much. I've been in a real slump for awhile.
DeleteI never read any of her Werewolf books (I have them on my iPod but...). The Raven Boys, The Dream Thieves, and this one though? Magnificent. I tend to stay away from most YA books but she is just SO GOOD at them, I don't even roll my eyes. If you haven't done this, you should Google Stiefvater's book trailers. They are amazing.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely no eye rolling here. That's something I really appreciate too.
DeleteOkay, you've sold me. I'm putting this on hold at the library.
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend it. Such a good read.
Delete"Even now, over a month after finishing the novel, I really can't find an articulate way to explain them in all their depth and beauty."
ReplyDeleteI KNOW. Also, yay - I knew you'd love this.
I really don't feel I do Stiefvater justice in my summaries or analyses. I can't quite express her awesomeness. :)
DeleteI loved this story and enjoyed the dual narrative technique that was used so the reader is able to get more of a rounded version of the story. The author keeps some details vague, such as island location, and sundry daily details, so the reader is never quite sure of exactly WHEN or WHERE the story is taking place. Normally I wouldn't like this but Stiefvater handles the telling skillfully and it works.
ReplyDeleteHorse story, romance, monster story - all of these are wrapped into an exciting tale.
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