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The Scorpio Races
The Scorpio Races
The Scorpio Races
Audiobook11 hours

The Scorpio Races

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

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About this audiobook

With her trademark lyricism, Maggie Stiefvater turns to a new world, where a pair are swept up in a daring, dangerous race across a cliff—with more than just their lives at stake should they lose.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateOct 18, 2011
ISBN9780545448550
The Scorpio Races
Author

Maggie Stiefvater

After a tumultuous past as a history major, calligraphy instructor, wedding musician, technical editor, and equestrian artist, Maggie Stiefvater is now a full-time writer and New York Times bestselling author of the Shiver trilogy, The Scorpio Races, and The Raven Boys. Her debut series, the Books of Faerie, is published by Flux. Maggie lives in the middle of nowhere, Virginia, with her charmingly straight-laced husband, two kids, four neurotic dogs, and a 1973 Camaro named Loki. Follow her on Twitter at @mstiefvater, and visit her online at www.maggiestiefvater.com.

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Reviews for The Scorpio Races

Rating: 4.311035709494451 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

1,622 ratings181 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I read this book after reading a review and am really pleased that I did. The story is intriguing and I like how it is based on the water horse myth, Stiefvater makes them quite believable. I also like both protagonists, Sean and Puck, and enjoyed how the chapters alternate between their points of view. My only 'complaint' would be that the build up to the race takes most of the book, then suddenly the race is over. Covering topics such as death, hope, friendship and families, this is a surprisingly enjoyable read and girls who enjoy horses, adventure and romance will be drawn to this book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Instead of Werewolves, Stiefvater takes the Celtic myth of water horses and creates for them a hardscrabble island that has not much else going for it. The carnivorous horses seem strangely out of place in the story even though they are at the center of it. There is plenty of danger and romance and I enjoyed the double narration of the audiobook.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    HOLY MOLY never did I think I would find myself crying over a horse, yet here I am.

    Now if you know me, you know I *love* The Raven Cycle. Like, I feel like I gave a piece of my soul to those books. Yet, I couldn't help but think when I turned the last page of the Scorpio Races that it *might* be better.

    The first person perspective really lets you dive into the characters, and I love how strong both Sean and Puck are. Although entirely different, they are such dominating characters that it's hard to decide who you love most-- and also who to root for. The characters wants and desires are also incredibly strong, which makes you want to cheer for them even more.

    I think what makes this book so strong is not the magical yet realistic plot, nor the characters, nor the seamless prose, but rather the fact that you can tell that Maggie poured so much of her heart into the story. It feels very personal, like someone is whispering it to you in the dark of the night as you shut your eyes to listen. It's entirely beautiful, and unlike anything I've ever read.

    And gosh, I did not expect to cry but I did. Not because of terrible plot things, or sudden heartbreak, but because I felt what the characters did, and I love love love loved them. I never wanted it to end.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I can easily wax lyrical about Maggie Stiefvater's books - the mysticism, the magical quality of the writing, the timeless story lines, realistic characters and poignant themes. Everything about them is awesome. So you won't be surprised that I loved, loved, loved The Scorpio Races.It's not really about a race - I mean it is, but the race happens right at the end, and instead the novel is concerned with what motivates our protagonists, Puck and Sean, to participate in this ruthless, bloody sport. Readers expecting a thrilling racing novel will be disappointed, but I think those looking for trademark Stiefvater depth will love it. The Scorpio Races are a time-worn tradition on the isle of Thisby (loosely based on Ireland in our world), where men prove their bravery by racing water horses - blood thirsty beasts that rise up out of the ocean and long to go back to it.Despite losing his father in the Races, Sean loves water horses and has a unique connection with them. He's a bit of a mystery to everyone around him - his aloofness is often mistaken for arrogance but he's a really sweet person once you get to know him, if a bit shy. Puck, on the other hand, is vivacious and excitable, but deeply troubled under the surface. However, her bravery and family focus are never in question: she decides to enter the Races to save her family, and she never backs down, even in the face of her whole community turning against her.I love the themes Maggie explores in this book - family ties, the importance of heritage, defying the expectations that others place on you. I think she handles the issues with care and sensitivity and I never felt that she was preaching to her readers. She turns each issue over and examines it from all sides before allowing her characters to make crucial decisions, which I really admire.Showcasing the best of Maggie's writing, The Scorpio Races isn't to be missed. Beg, borrow or buy your copy as soon as possible, because I am sure you will love it as much as I did.You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The premise: ganked from BN.com: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shiver and Linger comes a brand new, heart-stopping novel.Some race to win. Others race to survive.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 choice. So she enters the competition -- the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
As she did in her bestselling Shiver trilogy, author Maggie Stiefvater takes us to the breaking point, where both love and life meet their greatest obstacles, and only the strong of heart can survive. The Scorpio Races is an unforgettable reading experience.A 2012 Michael L. Printz Honor BookMy Rating: ExcellentThis book is something of a slow build, but by time Stiefvater raises the stakes for both her point of view characters, I was hooked by the slow and quiet tension of the story. The world-building was compelling, and I loved how the two characters, who by all rights were competitors, became friends and tried to help each other out, despite the fact that only one of them could win the race, and both of them badly, desperately needed that win. What I thought would be a predictable novel ended up surprising me at almost every turn, and the story ends right where it needs to. There were some tiny, loose threads that I wish had been tied up a bit better (the world felt almost too big for the story being told, and I only say that because that's where those loose strings are), and after reading The Wolves of Mercy Falls books, I'm getting more and more immune to Stiefvater's preferred storytelling method of alternating first person present. Still, I reached a point where I had difficulty putting it down, and it's a fast, engaging read besides. So glad I was able to get my hands on this, and I have to say, Stiefvater is starting to become a must-read author for me. She's not there yet, but with this, I won't ignore future releases, that's for sure.Spoilers, yay or nay?: Yay. Sorry folks, but it's worth talking about. If you want to avoid spoilers, please skip to "My Rating" and you'll be fine. The full review is in my blog, and as always, comments and discussion are most welcome.REVIEW: Maggie Stiefvater's THE SCORPIO RACESHappy Reading!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I received this book as a present and it took me a while to pick it up and read. The text on the back promised horses, races, and romance. Usually not my thing at all, but I read more often a book given by a friend, that I would not have picked up myself. However, I was drawn into the book very quickly. The characters are quirky, the horses are carnivorous and some sort of shapeshifter and there was not much of romance happening till far past the half way mark and even then it was kept to a minimum which I appreciated. The author also described very well so that the Scorpio Races comes to life for me.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Once upon a time, I fell in love with Maggie Stiefvater and her writing. I was given a copy of Shiver when I first started blogging, and completely fell in love with it. Then, for some reason, I never picked up another of her books. Time went by, books came and went, until finally Audible said "You might like The Scorpio Races!" and I obliged. Thank goodness I did. This story is absolutely gorgeous. It not only reminded me of why I missed Steifvater's writing, but also made me fall in love with it all over again.

    The isle of Thisby is a curious place. One where the sea runs through the blood of its inhabitants, and the terrible beauty that is the capaill uisce makes that same blood race through their veins. I instantly fell in love with Sean Kendrick and Kate Connolly, our two main characters. Their fire, their loyalty, the simple fact that they weren't afraid to face their fears head on, all added up to characters that I had a fierce love for. I didn't even mind that there was a romance brewing. These two were perfect for one another, and I was all for it.

    Now, if the setting and the characters weren't perfect enough, it was truly the writing that brought this story to life. Each page swirled with emotion and atmosphere. I felt myself pulled into Thisby, and straight into the scorpio races. I smelled the brine of the sea, mixed with blood spilled on the sand. I felt the enchantment of Thisby, and the sway that held Sean and Kate. This whole story wrapped me up in its pages, and I didn't want it to end. I listened to this on audio, which I highly recommend! It's the perfect way to experience this.

    Suffice it to say, this book gets a solid 5 stars from me. I'm hooked, and I'm not the least bit upset about it.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I like the concept of water horses. I appreciated that Steivfater did not say "there is only one way to love a homeland". I liked the descriptions on the November cakes. My only problem was that it seemed to drag on in the middle. I skipped ahead to read the final race after about 40%. I did go back and read the rest, but I didn't really feel like I missed anything the first time through the ending. Not sure what that says about the writing. Maybe it just says something about my impatience with young romance.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I did not expect to like this as much as I did. The island of Thisby is fascinating. Kate Connolly's character is tough and young, and although she falls in love with Sean not unexpectedly it is not too mushy. The horses are important to the story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I loved this book!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really enjoyed this book, particularly since it's based on the myth of Celtic Water horses. Puck against all odds becomes the first woman to race in the Scorpio races with her land horse and surprises not only the town but herself about how when you put your mind to it, anything's possible. My only regret is not reading it sooner. I hope Maggie has another similar story in the works!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I usually hesitate to give a book 4 stars, but since I really have no complaints about "The Scorpio Races," I'm going to go with 4. Really really lovely story--understated prose style and yet a super thrilling read at the same time. Who knew the subject of mythical, terrifying water horses could be so intriguing and, to my complete and utter surprise, not at all corny.

    I really liked the characters and the setting and the feeling I got while reading it. Made me want to move to Ireland and ride horses. :)
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The premise was good and the characters were well developed, but nothing. ever. happened. When the race that should be the climax of the book only lasts the last 10 pages, something's wrong.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It took me a surprisingly long time to pull this title out of my queue and read it, partially because of the first few bleak chapters. Puck and Sean soon stole my heart, however, and by book's end I wasn't ready to let go. Stiefvater, once again, has proven that her characters are utterly captivating (both human and non).
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Oh my goodness... such a compelling and evocative story. The island of Thisby is a hard and lonely place most of the year, but in October, things heat up for the annual Scorpio Races along the dangerous shorelines. More than a horse race, this is the island's celebration of mastering the capaill uisce-- the bloodthirsty water horses that can occasionally be lured from the sea. There is plenty of fight-to-the-death action, as riders and their mounts prepare for the annual November 1 race, but the real story is about so much more: family and love and not backing down from what you believe in. Stiefvater's pacing is impeccable as she draws readers in to Puck's and Sean's developing relationship. Beautifully written: read it, read it, read it.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Beautiful, lyrical writing that resonates with sound, smell and Irish magic. Stiefvater pulls from several old myths about water horses and fairies to create something new. Essentially, a story about families and the tensions caused by the pull between traditions (Catholic vs old tales) and a failing economy (tourism vs economic independence). Highly recommended.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    And with this book Stiefvater has fully come into her own out of the Stephanie Meyer paranormal romance shadow. With the Shiver trilogy I don't think it was her fault. Just the luck of having your book with similar themes come out against the far popular, more well-known book.
    With Scorpio Races I think the setting, the mythology, the characters are singularly unique. There's not a comparison to anything else out in YA right now which is refreshingly wonderful. There's still that immersion quality to her writing that throws you right into the story. It's a primal story and Stiefvater uses her word carefully, sparsely and with impact.
    Oh and the narrators were incredible. I want to hunt Steve West down to see if he looks as much like Richard Armitage as he sounds. Hot!

    I remember my father's white-knuckled hand holding my arm. Be still.
    She stands besides Corr, looking up at him.
    I want her to love him. - Sean

    I say, "I will not be your weakness, Sean Kendrick."
    Now he looks at me. He says, very softly, "It's too late for that, Puck." - Puck

    "We're in training." - Puck
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    If the book club I belong to hadn't chosen this book as their next book, I wouldn't have read it, but I'm so very glad they did.

    I would never have picked it up otherwise, and to be honest for the first few chapters I was wondering how I would make myself finish it. But I kept reading and somewhere along the way I realized that I loved it. I was completely entranced in the world of Thisby and the quiet power of the water horses and the quiet power of Kate 'Puck' Connely and Sean Kendrick and I liked them so much that I kept changing my mind about which one was my favorite every other chapter.

    This book was so well written, but I can't really descibe how the atmosphere and the prose worked so perfectly together. The feeling of the place and the people of Thisby were in every word of odd descriptions and folk sayings, in the strange rightness and deeper meaning of the slight quaintness to the dialogue and the characters thoughts. Everything happened for a reason and everything had that quiet, deep resonance of a timeless myth or an old folk story.

    Suffice to say that I started the book unsure if I would be able to get through it, and I ended up finishing it that evening.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Took the audio to really get this to work. More soon!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is not the type of story I typically read but I am impressed with the compelling mythology, the interesting characters, and the vivid sense of place.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    From the start I really enjoyed this story. It wasn't as much about the races or horses as I thought it would be which was a very pleasant surprise. I felt it was more about the relationships - between people, between horses, between the horses & people, and between the island itself and all those who inhabit it. I love the way she described things (events, thoughts, scenery). The romance between the characters built in such a way that was plausible and believable which is very commendable these days. I am looking forward to reading more by her!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Loved this - I was horse crazy as a kid and this reminded me of all the books I read back then but it was much more complex. The island of Thisby is almost a character all on its own and a place I'd love to visit if only it were real. I guessed some of the plot points ahead of time, but in a good way - because they had been foreshadowed and seemed inevitable rather than because they were boring or predictable choices.

    Listened to the Scholastic Audio edition narrated by Steve West and Fiona Hardingham. The narration was wonderful from both.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Adored it! There are not enough words in the English language to describe how utterly fantastic this book is! As always, Maggie Stiefvater manages to create vivid, wonderful characters you want to invite for tea, with a plot that keeps you hooked to the last hoofbeat! (And once you read this, you'll know exactly what I mean by both of those statements)
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Maybe it comes down to Those Who Want Horse Stories and Those Who Don't, and I'm deep on the side of not caring about horse stories. Maybe it's because this is among the least-believable romance I've read [heard]; I never got a feel that our main characters were actually falling in love. Maybe it's because the setting never came alive for me. I don't know what it was about this that didn't do it for me, but it was definitely something, because I know I'm in a minority of people who aren't blown away by this.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I wanted to love this. So many people whose opinions I trust kept telling me how amazing it is. I can tell it's skillfully written, but I found it overly literary and slow. I had to keep forcing myself to pick it back up. I did love the last 70 pages or so, but by then I would have long since put it down if it hadn't come so highly recommended. Maybe I'm too addicted to action? Maybe I just don't care enough about horses? Maybe I'm inherently bored by books about loners? (This is a block I know I have, in fact.) Ah, well. Your mileage may vary.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Well, I liked the story overall, and I sort of found the romance believable but I thought the big kiss scene was not good.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I loved how the characters in this book bravely faced the challenges in their lives. I also liked how the book took place in the past but the characters were contemporary.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I listened to the audio book version of this title, and I kept it running all night and finished it as the sun was rising. The greatest praise I can give an audio version is when it creates a burning desire in me to run out and buy the print or ebook so that I can have the text right in my hands. This one leaves me with just that desire. I want the luxury of going over and over the sentences and taking them apart to see how it was done . The story is supremely satisfying and the characterization is wonderful, especially the female protagonist, Puck. But what I love most is the compelling flow of the writing. If you have ever read and enjoyed the book Reading Like a Writer then you must read this book simply for the appreciation of wonderfully crafted narrative.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    What a fantastic audiobook! The readers get the tone of each character perfectly. It was a great escape and an excellent diversion from the typical teen romance story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    As an mythologist, I was familiar with stories about kelpies, flesh-eating mares, Earth Mother creators, and Celtic island lore, but Maggie Stiefvater manages to bring them all together in this fascinating coming of age story wherein a girl becomes a woman, standing up for herself, her family, and learning to understand desires of all kinds, while learning to stand as an equal with a man she learns to love. The novel has everything I have come to expect from Irish romance novels, but establishes its anti-bildungsroman stance early. Clearly, some people need to leave home to find themselves, but for others, such as Puck, home is a lifelong feeling of belonging, even while recognizing the people's differences from herself and each other. Because the story is told from two different points of view, it takes a bit to get a grasp on the complexity of the characters, their world, and these magical ocean beasts they ride in an annual race, but by the last third of the book we know them so well and are so eager to know how they each fair that book should hold you spellbound.