Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pub.Date: August 1st 2009
Age Range: young adult
Pages: 392
Format: ARC
Source Of Copy: from the publisher - Scholastic Press

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.



These days I'm feeling lucky because all the books I pick up to read turn out to be just as great or even better than I've ever expected. While Grace is impressive in an empty way, Shiver is breathtakingly gorgeous and mysterious. Fans of paranormal? Fans of romance? I think you've just found the perfect book.

If you sick of vampires and want to read about another different creature, then Shiver can totally satisfy you. It's basically a book about a forbidden love between a human and a werewolf, which is full of actions, romantic moments and myths. With this book, you don't just learn more about the wolves; you learn more about human as well.

This is the first time I've read a book by Maggie Stiefvater whom I've heard plenty of compliments on and I have to admit that she makes me fall in love with her writing just after a few chapters. The atmosphere built for Shiver is perfect. It's dark, chilling, dangerous and secretive. The whole winter theme contributes a huge part to the success of the book. It's the first thing that draws me in. Also, Maggie Stiefvater's narration in both perspectives is amazingly neat and beautiful. There's a dreamy feeling to it, making things half real and half unreal. The plot is very unpredictable. I like the fact that I can't even once tell what's going to happen next. And of course, there are many twists to surprise the readers.

I love Grace. She's a character that seems as fragile as a snowflake but when needed she's stronger than anyone else and can actually fights for what she lives for. Sam is uncertain, which makes him even more attractive. Their connection feels so unconvincing yet it's still powerful as well. Other characters have great impressions on me but I'd love to see more of them in the future, especially Olivia. I think I have a love-hate relationship with her.

To make it really short, you have to read this book as soon as possible. The next installment has also come out, to pick up both books as well. I'm sure that Maggie Stiefvater won't disappointany reader with this series.

Rating: 4/5