Thursday, May 2, 2013

Audio Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races
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
Haunt Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter


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.

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

16 comments:

  1. I have this one, but I haven't read it. Sean and Puck sounds interesting, and the racing I think would be great. Wonderful review.

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

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  2. Aw, sorry the action and romance didn't live up to what you wanted it to be. I keep eyeing this one but am not sold on it.

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  3. I just bought this one last week so I can finally read it and now I am a little wary about it all. I have to be honest, this is the first non-rave review I have read for it, so now I have my expectations in check, which is great! I am curious about these horses who murder people for sure! Great review Jennifer, sorry the action and romance wasn't all you wanted it to be.

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  4. Well, this is interesting. I have heard of this book but most of the reviews I read were mostly negative. This book does not have a lot of adoring fans but the idea is amazing. The water horses are scary and i am definitely going to add this to my TBR
    Your reader,
    Soma
    http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

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  5. This was a really slow starter for me too. I struggled through about the first half, then gave in to the subtle romance because it was quite beautiful and pure. I do wish there was more of a spark and urgency between the two. But such was the times. Maggie just has a way with words, and she conveys them wonderfully but very creatively and differently in this book. Loved it!

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  6. I tried to read this months ago and couldn't get into it either. I'm glad the audio worked out better for you !

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  7. I know this book is hit or miss with most readers. I still need to read it. I am usually a big fan of Maggie's writing even though she disappointed me a bit with Raven Boys. I must read this and check it out for myself. I am glad that you ended up liking it overall.

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  8. This book is really slow at the beginning, I almost DNF because of this, but I did enjoy it.
    Great review.

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  9. I liked this book but The Raven Boys ended up being an even more amazing read for me. This one was just too slow-I wanted something to happen!

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  10. I agree, TSR was a snore for me, and I couldn't get into it, I actually DNF it. I read plenty of reviews that had such high praise for this, but I don't think this one will be for me, your last paragraph sealed the deal for me as to why I will not read this one. Great honest review!

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  11. I have heard mixed reviews about this one as soon as it was released. I think that may be why I never picked it up. I am glad you enjoyed it. Kind of sad too that it didn't have an epilogue, I love those as well.

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  12. I don’t think audiobooks are for me. I’ve listened to about 5 hours of Clockwork Angel and I don’t understand what the hell is going on! I don’t know when they switch POV’s. I’m gonna keep going only because I’m dying to listen to book 2, well mostly Ed Westwick’s voice :)

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  13. I go back and forth with this one. Sometimes I feel excited to read it, and then not so much other times. I haven't read any of this author's book, but I think I'd want it to be this one if I did.

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  14. I'm glad you enjoyed this, I remember loving it. I am yet to listen to an audio book with multiple narrators but I'd really like to!

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  15. Yeah, I'm sad this book didn't completely do it for you, too. I loved it when I read. I just thought the characters were so much fun and the plot was so interesting. But yeah, it's definitely not as romance-y as other books.

    Brynna

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  16. Stiefvater crafts a beautiful and dangerous world with beautiful and dangerous horses and people. Lyrical and haunting, this book gripped me from the first page. I typically blitz through books, but took my time in Thisby because I couldn't bear to leave.
    Highly recommended Alaska Bear Viewing tours

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