Audio Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Release Date: October 18, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 498
Genre: YA Water horses
Source: Library
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
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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 chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

ADD TO GOODREADS

I tried to read this book when it first came out and just couldn't get into so I gave the audio a try. Great narrators. It always takes me a little while to get used to their voices but they both did a great job as Puck and Sean. Although the narrator for Sean was kind of funny when he was speaking Puck's lines during his chapters. Each person switched off for the two POVs. I also loved that at the end of the book Maggie Stiefvater speaks about the book and how her idea developed. Gave me a greater understanding of the book.

Sean Kendrick witnessed his father murdered during the Scorpio Races by a Capiliska. He said he will never hesitate like that and he never does. He has won 4 races with his horse Corr.  Sean is the water horse whisperer. Everyone on the island is so rude to him but as soon as they have a problem with a horse they go screaming for his help. Sean is seriously badass with the horses. Even though they murdered his dad, he takes control of crazy situations. A horse will be murdering someone and he just steps in and fixes things. He also truly truly LOVES his horse. Corr is his world. If he wins this race he gets the chance to buy her.

Puck Connelly needs to win the race in order to keep her house. Her brother is leaving for the mainland. The island of Thesby is known for the races. In November you stay away from the ocean. The horses just come out of the water and gobble people up! Puck decides to enter because she desperatly needs the money and uses it as an excuse for her brother to stay. Although she uses her island horse and not a water horse! She meets Sean and a friendship begins and Sean trains her. It was a bit of a slow beginning. I love the details of the island.

I think part of my disappointment was I went into this expecting more action and romance. The romance is very slow and subtle. I do love a good buildup but it just lacked a bit of spark I needed. When they finally got to the race it was amazing! I expected the race to be longer and a bigger part of the book. It was quick. Although I was surprised how much Sean protected and helped Puck. They grew close but not that close. If it was me I would have been just winning that race and not looking back for Puck but they both were so worried about each other. Cute but maybe not the best strategy LOL Though I think it worked out well. I kind of wanted an epilogue though. I've been getting spoiled by those and I like to see where the characters go. The ending was still gorgeous!



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

"I hear laughter and someone asks if I need help, not in a nice way. I snarl, "What I need is for your mother to have thought a little harder nine months before your birthday."

"Sean reaches between us and slides a thin bracelet of red ribbons over my free hand. Lifting my arm, he presses his lips against the inside of my wrist. I'm utterly still; I feel my pulse tap several times against his lips, and then he releases my hand.
"For luck," he says. He takes Dove's lead from me.
"Sean," I say, and he turns. I take his chin and kiss his lips, hard. I'm reminded, all of a sudden, of that first day on the beach, when I pulled his head from the water.
"For luck," I say to his startled face.

"Does anyone ask you why you stay, Sean Kendrick?"
"They do."
"And why do you?"
"The sky and the sand and the sea and Corr."

Rating: 3/5