2. Shiver

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Series: Duet
Status: 2
Genre: Young Adult
Tags: Wolves, true love, musical and emotional
Website

Summary:
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Review:
Shiver is a beautiful book, with a story that captivated me from start to finish. Stiefvater places you in a winter wonderland filling with wolves. A place where true love is unbearably close and enchantment can bring together or break apart lovers. The story is heartwarming and reads like a classical fairy tale. I enjoyed the change in point of view between both protagonists – Sam and Grace. This gave an interesting perspective to the story, since Sam spends most of his time as a wolf. So the reader is able to see what he is thinking/feeling when he watches his untouchable girl from afar.

I think Maggie’s background in music sparkled through in her writing. I found her metaphors and descriptive language like a song. The way the point of view switched and the lovers interacted was almost like a duet. This created a stunning world filled with characters to fall in love with. Maggie created her own trailer for Shiver that is worth checking out. I admit I had the song from the trailer trapped in my head the entire time I was reading. Book Trailer

The characters she created are real and act in a realistic manner when faced with the paranormal. I still will not get over Olivia’s reaction and Rachel’s wonderful Christmas trip despite everything going on. Even the characters set up to dislike found a place in the song and became loveable. Thought I still think my favorite character is Sam, I want to cuddle him. Sam is such a great name for a wolf, its soft, yet firm – perfect.

I also have a confession, I cried, which made this book my favorite for 2009. I’m super excited for the sequel, Linger, coming out next year. With winter over I’m looking forward to summer.

Overview:
Story: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Setting: 10 /10
Language: 10/10
Overall: 10 /10 S (for spectacular)

~ Kitty <3