Helpful Score: 8
My Thoughts: I'll start off by saying I've heard this book compared to Twilight multiple times. Some people hate it, some people love it. I am a huge Twilight fan. Yes, I'm one of "those."
Well, what can I possibly say to sum up this book? I'm in love with it. Like seriously all the way in love with it. I finished it in a day. Once I started it, I could not stop. Eating became a chore because I just needed to have the book in my hand or else I would go insane. I'm still left breathless. The whole story, the words, the plot, the characters are beautiful. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Its just too bad I had the ARC, because now I have to buy the finished copy! Its definitely one I need to have sitting on my bookshelf. It must be bought! haha! I loved Grace, but most of all I loved Sam. I loved him as a wolf, I loved him as a human. I loved the way the chapters unfolded. Each chapter is told from each characters point of view, one will be Grace's and the next Sam's. But it does not jump around and it goes along as the story goes. We learn how they felt each other through each other. I usually do not like books that switch points of view, but this just made it more special. I really wanted to know what Sam was thinking and how he "felt." Amazing! It is a good thing its called Shiver, because it will literally make you Shiver. The whole book, I wanted to go out and play in those woods!! Now I am left wanting to read Linger, which isn't due out for a while. Darn me. LOL! I won't go into too many other details because you need to just read this book!!! I don't give too many books this kind of review, because most books I read once than I move onto something else. Its just my way. But this one,,,, lets just put it this way, if you haven't read it yet, go to amazon and buy it right now! If you like beautiful romance stories, this is for you!
Overall: GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT, Do you get my point yet?
Well, what can I possibly say to sum up this book? I'm in love with it. Like seriously all the way in love with it. I finished it in a day. Once I started it, I could not stop. Eating became a chore because I just needed to have the book in my hand or else I would go insane. I'm still left breathless. The whole story, the words, the plot, the characters are beautiful. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Its just too bad I had the ARC, because now I have to buy the finished copy! Its definitely one I need to have sitting on my bookshelf. It must be bought! haha! I loved Grace, but most of all I loved Sam. I loved him as a wolf, I loved him as a human. I loved the way the chapters unfolded. Each chapter is told from each characters point of view, one will be Grace's and the next Sam's. But it does not jump around and it goes along as the story goes. We learn how they felt each other through each other. I usually do not like books that switch points of view, but this just made it more special. I really wanted to know what Sam was thinking and how he "felt." Amazing! It is a good thing its called Shiver, because it will literally make you Shiver. The whole book, I wanted to go out and play in those woods!! Now I am left wanting to read Linger, which isn't due out for a while. Darn me. LOL! I won't go into too many other details because you need to just read this book!!! I don't give too many books this kind of review, because most books I read once than I move onto something else. Its just my way. But this one,,,, lets just put it this way, if you haven't read it yet, go to amazon and buy it right now! If you like beautiful romance stories, this is for you!
Overall: GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT, Do you get my point yet?
Helpful Score: 6
I didn't really like this book at all. I thought that the initial premise held promise - trying to re-write _Twilight_ with werewolves... but the changes made to the traditional werewolf myth fell flat. There was a scene with dogs that was utterly stupid - and it was obvious that this book was not researched enough. And the ending was just completely lame. There are MUCH better werewolf stories out there.
Helpful Score: 5
This book has been quite a disappointment to me. I cannot find a reason for the hype it has caused, and I had an extremely difficult time keeping through with it 'til the end -- it was a page-turner, but only in the sense of wanting to hurry up and get to the end, not to the next page.
For one, the plot was awfully sub-par; it was like an offshoot of Twilight (that being said, I'd recommend this to any of those Twilight 'junkies'). The female, Grace, was very strange and one-dimensional, crying at everything, and fostering an intense love for an animal she didn't even know was a man. A pathetic make-up of a man, at that. You think a werewolf would be masculine, hard and tough, but this guy is extremely feminine and seemingly has no common sense whatsoever - I do not understand his point for being there, nor why he depends on Grace so much (they've known each other for, what, two days?), nor why he repeats himself so often and tends to act like a frilly, emotional wreck of a 12-year-old.
And for two, the writing style is very childish and youthful (as was the almost nausea-inducing "romance", if you can even call it that). It did not capture me in any way, and in some parts I just wanted to throw the book down and give up. The authour takes way to long to get into things, and when she gets into them they aren't even worth all the pages it took to get to them.
I suppose this story could've been decent if executed better, but it still feels way too Twilight-y to me (and not in a good way).
Yet... there was something in it that made me keep reading. Even though there were countless times I just had to shake my head and set the book down, I always picked it back up again. My guess is that I looked through the cheesy written romance and the hopeless romantic deep inside of me connected with the "love conquers all things" theme.
*Also, the blue type is killer on the eyes; hope the next book's not in green...
For one, the plot was awfully sub-par; it was like an offshoot of Twilight (that being said, I'd recommend this to any of those Twilight 'junkies'). The female, Grace, was very strange and one-dimensional, crying at everything, and fostering an intense love for an animal she didn't even know was a man. A pathetic make-up of a man, at that. You think a werewolf would be masculine, hard and tough, but this guy is extremely feminine and seemingly has no common sense whatsoever - I do not understand his point for being there, nor why he depends on Grace so much (they've known each other for, what, two days?), nor why he repeats himself so often and tends to act like a frilly, emotional wreck of a 12-year-old.
And for two, the writing style is very childish and youthful (as was the almost nausea-inducing "romance", if you can even call it that). It did not capture me in any way, and in some parts I just wanted to throw the book down and give up. The authour takes way to long to get into things, and when she gets into them they aren't even worth all the pages it took to get to them.
I suppose this story could've been decent if executed better, but it still feels way too Twilight-y to me (and not in a good way).
Yet... there was something in it that made me keep reading. Even though there were countless times I just had to shake my head and set the book down, I always picked it back up again. My guess is that I looked through the cheesy written romance and the hopeless romantic deep inside of me connected with the "love conquers all things" theme.
*Also, the blue type is killer on the eyes; hope the next book's not in green...
Helpful Score: 3
What a strong start! Grace is haunted by the eyes of the wolf that saved her as a child, and when she must save him she finds a young man in front of her. Their growing relationship is set against the harsh backdrop of another boy's "death," and local wolf hunting that leaves the whole pack in danger. Their relationship just reads as being strong and healthy. They have a mutual appreciation that goes beyond looks and into their character - with Sam being a poet and Grace's need to nurture. Their time together reminds me of a more fleshed out version of Bella and Edward. Also nice is how the narrator bounces back and forth between Grace and Sam, which helps move the story along quickly. With a surprise ending, I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Helpful Score: 3
Reviewed by Lynn Crow for TeensReadToo.com
Years ago, Grace was attacked by a starving wolf pack, and only survived because one wolf, the one with brilliant yellow eyes, protected her. Ever since then she's watched for "her" wolf each winter, caught in a longing she can't quite explain. Then one fall a boy appears on her porch, injured, with those same yellow eyes. Grace knows he is her wolf.
Grace feels more connected to Sam than anyone else in her life, and Sam would do anything for her. But right from the beginning, a shadow looms over their time together. As the weather gets colder, it's harder and harder for Sam to stay human. And he's sure that this time, when he turns into a wolf, it will be for good.
SHIVER is a melancholy, romantic novel with equal parts tenderness and passion. Readers will find themselves swept up in Grace and Sam's unfolding relationship as they are finally able to talk and touch, and struggle to hold on to what little time they have together. The book is filled with gorgeous imagery that comes alive in your mind, and adds to the sense of fleeting beauty.
Some may find the story a little slow-moving: many of the scenes are simply Grace and Sam being together, and of the few subplots that increase the suspense, all but one are dropped with little or no resolution. But the book is well worth picking up just for the character study of a boy growing up torn between human and animal worlds, and the main characters' chemistry and frantic attempts to hold off Sam's change will keep appreciative readers glued to the page.
Recommended for paranormal fans who prefer thoughtfulness and simmering emotion to action and violence.
Years ago, Grace was attacked by a starving wolf pack, and only survived because one wolf, the one with brilliant yellow eyes, protected her. Ever since then she's watched for "her" wolf each winter, caught in a longing she can't quite explain. Then one fall a boy appears on her porch, injured, with those same yellow eyes. Grace knows he is her wolf.
Grace feels more connected to Sam than anyone else in her life, and Sam would do anything for her. But right from the beginning, a shadow looms over their time together. As the weather gets colder, it's harder and harder for Sam to stay human. And he's sure that this time, when he turns into a wolf, it will be for good.
SHIVER is a melancholy, romantic novel with equal parts tenderness and passion. Readers will find themselves swept up in Grace and Sam's unfolding relationship as they are finally able to talk and touch, and struggle to hold on to what little time they have together. The book is filled with gorgeous imagery that comes alive in your mind, and adds to the sense of fleeting beauty.
Some may find the story a little slow-moving: many of the scenes are simply Grace and Sam being together, and of the few subplots that increase the suspense, all but one are dropped with little or no resolution. But the book is well worth picking up just for the character study of a boy growing up torn between human and animal worlds, and the main characters' chemistry and frantic attempts to hold off Sam's change will keep appreciative readers glued to the page.
Recommended for paranormal fans who prefer thoughtfulness and simmering emotion to action and violence.
Helpful Score: 3
I found this to be too reminiscent of [book:The Time Traveler's Wife|14050] which I greatly disliked. Sam is a werewolf who is fascinated with Grace, who is not. Grace is obsessed with the yellow-eyes wolf she only sees during the winter months. When Sam gets shot and ends up on her deck as a human, she realizes the truth and the real story begins.
The book is told in little snippets of time, Sam's perspective, then Grace's, then Sam's, etc. A very different take on the whole werewolf and the moon scenario. I was interested enough in their dilemma to finish reading but I hope the next book is written a little differently.
The book is told in little snippets of time, Sam's perspective, then Grace's, then Sam's, etc. A very different take on the whole werewolf and the moon scenario. I was interested enough in their dilemma to finish reading but I hope the next book is written a little differently.
Helpful Score: 3
I had seen a lot of buzz around this book so I was really excited to read it. I liked it, it is a pretty darn good book. Looks like there are supposed to be two more books in the series "Linger" and "Forever".
Grace was attacked by wolves when she was a little girl. S and somewhat he remembers one wolf that drove off all the other wolves; she remembers the wolf with the yellow eyes. At almost 18 years old Grace still has a deep fascination with the wolves in the woods. In fact she sees the wolf with the yellow eyes quite often and she feels like she belongs with him. Sam is a normal kid during the summer, but when the temperature drops he becomes something different. Things get complicated when a kid is killed by the wolves, but then turns up later not at all dead.
There were a lot of good things about this story. I liked how each chapter was labeled both with the temperature and the character whose point of view it was. The idea of people becoming werewolves when the temperature lowers is intriguing, as is the idea that their time being able to convert to human only lasts so long. I also thought that the book was beautifully written, Sam especially talked in beautiful prose. The characters are very likable and easy to relate with.
The only thing that bothered me was the pace of the plot. The plot is painfully slow. There is a ton of time spent just recounting the details of Sam and Grace spending time together; and while these details are sweet, and somewhat touching, I think there were too many of them. That being said the pace picks up toward the end of the novel and the ending itself was great, if a bit rushed. If the last part of the book had taken place over maybe the last half of the novel instead of the last fifth, the pacing would have been perfect.
Overall, I liked the book. It was a pretty good read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
Grace was attacked by wolves when she was a little girl. S and somewhat he remembers one wolf that drove off all the other wolves; she remembers the wolf with the yellow eyes. At almost 18 years old Grace still has a deep fascination with the wolves in the woods. In fact she sees the wolf with the yellow eyes quite often and she feels like she belongs with him. Sam is a normal kid during the summer, but when the temperature drops he becomes something different. Things get complicated when a kid is killed by the wolves, but then turns up later not at all dead.
There were a lot of good things about this story. I liked how each chapter was labeled both with the temperature and the character whose point of view it was. The idea of people becoming werewolves when the temperature lowers is intriguing, as is the idea that their time being able to convert to human only lasts so long. I also thought that the book was beautifully written, Sam especially talked in beautiful prose. The characters are very likable and easy to relate with.
The only thing that bothered me was the pace of the plot. The plot is painfully slow. There is a ton of time spent just recounting the details of Sam and Grace spending time together; and while these details are sweet, and somewhat touching, I think there were too many of them. That being said the pace picks up toward the end of the novel and the ending itself was great, if a bit rushed. If the last part of the book had taken place over maybe the last half of the novel instead of the last fifth, the pacing would have been perfect.
Overall, I liked the book. It was a pretty good read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
Helpful Score: 2
Loved Loved LOVED This book!! It was amazing. Sure, that's probably just my lame girly side talking, but I really did love it.
It's the story about two people who fall in love under impossible circumstances and what they do to keep it together. I got the audio version of this book because I have such a huge stack of unread paper books. I figured I could just listen to it at work and mark it off my list. Well, I listened to it at work for the last two days, and now that it is finished I miss it. I miss Grace and Sam already.
The next book, Linger, doesn't come out until July 20 so I have a little while to wait. What I hate more than waiting the 3 months for the next book is that it's only the second in a trilogy and book number three, Forever, wont come out until 2011.
Why do get so wrapped up in books that take forever to complete the series?! It's because they are good. That's why.
It's the story about two people who fall in love under impossible circumstances and what they do to keep it together. I got the audio version of this book because I have such a huge stack of unread paper books. I figured I could just listen to it at work and mark it off my list. Well, I listened to it at work for the last two days, and now that it is finished I miss it. I miss Grace and Sam already.
The next book, Linger, doesn't come out until July 20 so I have a little while to wait. What I hate more than waiting the 3 months for the next book is that it's only the second in a trilogy and book number three, Forever, wont come out until 2011.
Why do get so wrapped up in books that take forever to complete the series?! It's because they are good. That's why.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Helpful Score: 2
SHIVER is one of the most unique takes on the werewolf-human love story that I've read. (Granted, I haven't read many of them.) The cold world that the werewolves exist in is multifaceted, fascinating, and slightly frightening too. Maggie's writing is lyrical yet accessible, making Grace and Sam's world and romance all the more poignant.
However, there was just something about SHIVER that wasn't my thing, that I couldn't get completely into. Was it how I never connected with Sam and Grace, never felt the intensity and veracity of their feelings for one another? Was it the way that all the secondary characters were drawn two-dimensionally? I don't know. I don't see anyone else having this problem. Maybe it is just me.
It's a fascinating concept and some great writing, but together, it wasn't quite working for me. I didn't feel a desperate desire to find out what happens to the characters, even though I did shed a tear or two near the end (what can I say? Great writing does that to you). I encourage you to go out and pick this one up, and then make of it what you will.
However, there was just something about SHIVER that wasn't my thing, that I couldn't get completely into. Was it how I never connected with Sam and Grace, never felt the intensity and veracity of their feelings for one another? Was it the way that all the secondary characters were drawn two-dimensionally? I don't know. I don't see anyone else having this problem. Maybe it is just me.
It's a fascinating concept and some great writing, but together, it wasn't quite working for me. I didn't feel a desperate desire to find out what happens to the characters, even though I did shed a tear or two near the end (what can I say? Great writing does that to you). I encourage you to go out and pick this one up, and then make of it what you will.
Helpful Score: 1
I too heard this was a Twilight esk book and was excited to read it. I did like the story line and the book overall but I couldn't get over the lead male character's personality. He was not believable, he seemed very feminine and said/thought things that men don't say/think or at least not the ones I know. Most of the romance in the book was very cheesy. Im not sure if it was written that way intentionally or if its because the author is a woman but either way he was much to soft and sweet.
Helpful Score: 1
This has you hooked from the start. Two teenagers fall in love under strange and other worldly conditions. Its a simple book but I fell in love with the characters almost instantly. Grace being a lot like I was when I was a teenager. And Sam, in love with "the girl next door" in a way. I did not know what to expect all the way to the end. Then I found out it was a series!
Helpful Score: 1
I stumbled upon this book last year and loved it! A different take on the werewolf concept.
Helpful Score: 1
There are spoilers in this review!
This book was given to me as a gift because normally I'm not interested in any of this teen-wolf hype. But I started reading it and I didn't stop because I liked the characters and I was curious to find out what happened.
Other reviewers describe Stiefvater's writing as slow. I would agree, but it a good way. I enjoyed how the book took it's time to describe characters and situations and locations. I am left with a very distinct image of Mercy Falls, the woods, and the people that live there.
However, I was very disappointed with her choice to "cure" the wolves with an injection of bacterial meningitis. I mean really! In any other situation I would have probably stopped reading at that point but you know how that goes. I felt that it was a pretty cheap way to wrap things up.
But maybe if I read the second book I will find out why Jack died, but Sam miraculously is cured? Guess I just got suckered into reading book 2.
This book was given to me as a gift because normally I'm not interested in any of this teen-wolf hype. But I started reading it and I didn't stop because I liked the characters and I was curious to find out what happened.
Other reviewers describe Stiefvater's writing as slow. I would agree, but it a good way. I enjoyed how the book took it's time to describe characters and situations and locations. I am left with a very distinct image of Mercy Falls, the woods, and the people that live there.
However, I was very disappointed with her choice to "cure" the wolves with an injection of bacterial meningitis. I mean really! In any other situation I would have probably stopped reading at that point but you know how that goes. I felt that it was a pretty cheap way to wrap things up.
But maybe if I read the second book I will find out why Jack died, but Sam miraculously is cured? Guess I just got suckered into reading book 2.
Helpful Score: 1
In the world of vampires, faeries, ghosts, and witches, it seems like werewolf books aren't so common (unless you count Twilight, which focuses more on vampires than wolves). Maggie Stiefvater does a wonderful job in constructing the plot here: girl is saved by a werewolf whom she ultimately falls for over the course of watching him for years.
The story of Grace and Sam is one that could easily become cliche and rife with sappy sentiments. Instead, the author makes their love intense and grounded, making it transcend the average teen romance.
While there are the inevitable times where I can only assume the hero/heroine is having a typical teenager tantrum and acting like a fool (times where I literally rollled my eyes), overall the plot was solid. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to reading it's sequel.
The story of Grace and Sam is one that could easily become cliche and rife with sappy sentiments. Instead, the author makes their love intense and grounded, making it transcend the average teen romance.
While there are the inevitable times where I can only assume the hero/heroine is having a typical teenager tantrum and acting like a fool (times where I literally rollled my eyes), overall the plot was solid. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to reading it's sequel.
Helpful Score: 1
I can't say enough good about this book. I went into it not expecting too much, but was blown away with Grace and Sam's relationship. I highly recommend this one, and don't be fooled with it being a YA book. It will appeal to readers of all ages!
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great YA Book. Sam and Grace are great characters. Its the beginning of a love story that goes above and beyond average. Sam is a werewolf who must change into a wolf at the end of the summer until the beginning of spring until one day he just wont change back. Grace its just your average teenage girl right? Wrong she was bitten by the werewolf's one winter then saved by Sam. Something happens and she ends up not changing but sam must still follow the cycle. Will they ever get a chance to be together and if they do how will it work out?
I really loved this book I enjoyed all of the characters even the ones your supposed to hate. The writer makes it easy to even understand the point of view of the bad characters.
If you love YA were books you should try this series!
I really loved this book I enjoyed all of the characters even the ones your supposed to hate. The writer makes it easy to even understand the point of view of the bad characters.
If you love YA were books you should try this series!
I never even glance at vampire or werewolf books the hype is just too crazy. I love new books however so, when I saw this book at my library I thought I'd give it a try.
The plot of the book isn't very original, a girl loves a werewolf and can't be with him. Surprisingly, it did catch my interest, but not until the end... I enjoyed the story, but Stiefvater's writing is just so meticulous and slow. I won't be reading the next two in the series.
The plot of the book isn't very original, a girl loves a werewolf and can't be with him. Surprisingly, it did catch my interest, but not until the end... I enjoyed the story, but Stiefvater's writing is just so meticulous and slow. I won't be reading the next two in the series.
Reviewed by http://bibliophile-bestiary.blogspot.com/
So I read Shiver long after its initial hype. I have read Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater, and I really didn't like it. That is one reason I waited so long to read this one, and I finally did, so here goes.
It was OK, not really more than that. I think Grace could be a strong character, if she wasn't such a wimp with the world. Sam is just annoying sometimes, whinning and crying about things he can't change. I get it, you don't want to be a wolf!
Also, it seems when it goes back and forth between characters, they suddenly change who they are, or rather, maybe it is they are seen differently by someone else? For example, when you are reading Grace, she seems like a quiet, keep to herself girl. Yet when you are reading Sam, it is like Grace is this bouncy, always happy, playful girl. Where does that come from? It was very confusing at times.
Anyway, I read it. I probably wont re-read it, but at least I got through it once! 3 out of 5 stars.
So I read Shiver long after its initial hype. I have read Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater, and I really didn't like it. That is one reason I waited so long to read this one, and I finally did, so here goes.
It was OK, not really more than that. I think Grace could be a strong character, if she wasn't such a wimp with the world. Sam is just annoying sometimes, whinning and crying about things he can't change. I get it, you don't want to be a wolf!
Also, it seems when it goes back and forth between characters, they suddenly change who they are, or rather, maybe it is they are seen differently by someone else? For example, when you are reading Grace, she seems like a quiet, keep to herself girl. Yet when you are reading Sam, it is like Grace is this bouncy, always happy, playful girl. Where does that come from? It was very confusing at times.
Anyway, I read it. I probably wont re-read it, but at least I got through it once! 3 out of 5 stars.
I enjoyed this one; sort of the same idea as Twilight (ie meaningful teenage romance involving supernatural creatures) but without the abstinence parable and with a stronger main female character; also about werewolves and not vampires, but that just means less sparkle, I guess ;) It was a quick read and I liked it quite a bit, I'd suggest it to any teenaged fans of the supernatural romance genre.
When I started this book, I really didn't like it. It grew on me as it progressed. Different twist on werewolves. I like main wolf Sam very complex. I am waiting to get the second book Linger.
Alice
Alice
I loved this book, very romantic with a sexy wolf and some steamy scenes
Pretty good.. Could have gone into more description about.. Really anything. I still don't have a clear picture of the main characters in my mind and the book was nearly 400 pages long.
Found the way it goes back and forth,slowed my reading down. Was a good book,though
The basis of the story is about a boy who lives his winters as a wolf and his summers as a boy. All the while in love with a girl on the edge of the woods. He saved the girl from a pack attack when she was young and has not been able to forget her all those years.
Grace has spent her days watching the wolves in Mercy Falls always noticing a particular yellow-eyed wolf watching back. That summer Grace happens upon a yellow-eyed boy all too recognizable at the local bookstore. Grace knows this must be her wolf. Soon Grace and Sam are inseparable, but as winter approaches they are both desperate to find a way to keep Sam human because if he turns into a wolf he may never turn back again.
Let me just say I read this book in one day! I could not put it down. The love story between Grace and Sam is so precious and inviting that you just can't help but finish this book in one sitting. It is not without its adventure and excitement as Sam fights to stay human. He knows that he has little time left before he transitions to a wolf for good. The author, Maggie, has such a unique writing style that draws you into this story...it is so vivid that you feel like you are right there watching the entire story unfold.
Beware: I started crying at chapter 35!
The story is written so that each chapter is either from Grace's or Sam's point of view. It just gives the reader a valuable insight into the emotions, thoughts, and inner monologue of both Grace and Sam... an insight that just draws you closer and deeper into each character. This story is such a page turner...I cannot wait for Linger to get here ... I cannot wait to see what Grace and Sam...(not going to spoil it)...
My blog: http://cbbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Grace has spent her days watching the wolves in Mercy Falls always noticing a particular yellow-eyed wolf watching back. That summer Grace happens upon a yellow-eyed boy all too recognizable at the local bookstore. Grace knows this must be her wolf. Soon Grace and Sam are inseparable, but as winter approaches they are both desperate to find a way to keep Sam human because if he turns into a wolf he may never turn back again.
Let me just say I read this book in one day! I could not put it down. The love story between Grace and Sam is so precious and inviting that you just can't help but finish this book in one sitting. It is not without its adventure and excitement as Sam fights to stay human. He knows that he has little time left before he transitions to a wolf for good. The author, Maggie, has such a unique writing style that draws you into this story...it is so vivid that you feel like you are right there watching the entire story unfold.
Beware: I started crying at chapter 35!
The story is written so that each chapter is either from Grace's or Sam's point of view. It just gives the reader a valuable insight into the emotions, thoughts, and inner monologue of both Grace and Sam... an insight that just draws you closer and deeper into each character. This story is such a page turner...I cannot wait for Linger to get here ... I cannot wait to see what Grace and Sam...(not going to spoil it)...
My blog: http://cbbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Loved this one even if it is more for a teenager. The story grabs you right away and makes you wonder what's next. Eagerly looking forward to getting the next book and reading about how the story progresses. Highly recommend for teens that enjoyed Twilight or that sort of on the edges of humanity kind of paranormal thing.
To me, this book was mostly teenage angst and I have been trying to steer away from that lately. It was a good love story and I thought the end was sweet and romantic.
Maggies musical talents come to life as her words flow like poetic lyrics on page after page. Shiver is difficult to put down because the lyrical flow rarely stops.
The story begins with Graces obsession with the wolves, one wolf in particular, the stormy gray wolf with the yellow eyes. You find yourself wondering, Whats going on with Grace and this wolf?
You soon discover she was bitten by a wolf as a child and saved by the gray wolf, only to become extremely sick. Grace grew up with absent parents and felt neglected much of the time. It would only make sense for her to find safety from her wolf. She feels a strange sense of connection to him and looks for him every winter.
Once another child is bitten by a wolf, the hunters in the community set out to kill every single wolf in Mercy Falls. Grace becomes hysterical, trying to get the hunters, including her dad to stop hunting the wolves. When she finally arrives home, she finds an innocently naked, injured boy on her porch. She looks into his eyes and knows he is her wolf. His name is Sam.
Not knowing how much time they have before he might turn back into a wolf, Grace and Sam savor every moment they have together. They quickly develop an intense bond of friendship, love, and a desire to protect one another. All while being responsible yet risk taking teenagers who come from different worlds; wanting more than anything to live in the same world.
Will their love survive?
Will Sam stay human or turn back into a wolf?
Will the hunters succeed in killing the wolves?
Thought provoking moments full of suspense, anger, laughter, tears, friendship, and love. A must read young adult fantasy series with a paranormal twist; recommended for all ages, regardless of your favorite genre.
Incredible audio for audible book lovers, with background music performed by non-other than the author herself, Maggie Stiefvater.
The story begins with Graces obsession with the wolves, one wolf in particular, the stormy gray wolf with the yellow eyes. You find yourself wondering, Whats going on with Grace and this wolf?
You soon discover she was bitten by a wolf as a child and saved by the gray wolf, only to become extremely sick. Grace grew up with absent parents and felt neglected much of the time. It would only make sense for her to find safety from her wolf. She feels a strange sense of connection to him and looks for him every winter.
Once another child is bitten by a wolf, the hunters in the community set out to kill every single wolf in Mercy Falls. Grace becomes hysterical, trying to get the hunters, including her dad to stop hunting the wolves. When she finally arrives home, she finds an innocently naked, injured boy on her porch. She looks into his eyes and knows he is her wolf. His name is Sam.
Not knowing how much time they have before he might turn back into a wolf, Grace and Sam savor every moment they have together. They quickly develop an intense bond of friendship, love, and a desire to protect one another. All while being responsible yet risk taking teenagers who come from different worlds; wanting more than anything to live in the same world.
Will their love survive?
Will Sam stay human or turn back into a wolf?
Will the hunters succeed in killing the wolves?
Thought provoking moments full of suspense, anger, laughter, tears, friendship, and love. A must read young adult fantasy series with a paranormal twist; recommended for all ages, regardless of your favorite genre.
Incredible audio for audible book lovers, with background music performed by non-other than the author herself, Maggie Stiefvater.
Ashley B. (daredevilgirl013) reviewed Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Bk 1) on + 746 more book reviews
This book was a little bit of a disappointment. This story is very much about emotions, and that is what is told through most of the book. There is a story in there but you have to go through a lot of pages of the characters just expressing their emotions for themselves and for each other. That was what dragged this story down as it was like, ok yes we get it, you're lonely, or you're afraid, or you love him and he loves her, etc etc. Other than that, if the author would have left out so much of the emotional descriptions the book would have moved along at a much nicer pace and the story would have flowed better as well. Still a good read, though slow, with some interesting twists here and there. The start of the book is good, the middle drags, and then it gets better in the end. Hopefully the next book will be better.
I thought the relationship was very sweet with that edge to it. I enjoyed both characters. This is a keeper for me.
Kimberly N. (kimberlyrav) -
I was not over the moon about this book. I bought the rest in the series but wish I hadn't. There were parts of this story that I liked but they were few.
Its your typical story of werewolves and humans along with the same ole thing of "girl meets werewolf and both fall in love". Im kind of bored with this type of story line. The only thing I found worthwhile and unique was the fact that the werewolves only live for so long but depending upon the temperature of the air and the seasons then determines if and when the wolves change from wolf to human and back. Strange but unique nonetheless.
The book did have a good ending and an incentive to want to check out book 2 and so on. I will finish the series only because I bought them without reading book one first. If I had not have, I would not be reading any of the others.
I would recommend others to pass on these.
Its your typical story of werewolves and humans along with the same ole thing of "girl meets werewolf and both fall in love". Im kind of bored with this type of story line. The only thing I found worthwhile and unique was the fact that the werewolves only live for so long but depending upon the temperature of the air and the seasons then determines if and when the wolves change from wolf to human and back. Strange but unique nonetheless.
The book did have a good ending and an incentive to want to check out book 2 and so on. I will finish the series only because I bought them without reading book one first. If I had not have, I would not be reading any of the others.
I would recommend others to pass on these.
Loved it! Definitely for older teens. Well written and heartfelt. Left me wanting more.
One of the better young adult werewolf books I've read.
Ever since that day as a child when the wolves dragged her into the woods, Grace has watched them. And one of them watched her back. With distinct yellow eyes, Sam wasn't always a wolf. In the warmer months, he no longer needs his fur. When a student at her school is killed by wolves, the tide turns against Grace's beloved animals as the woods fill with gun-toting locals. Sam is able to shift his form, a rare feat with winter's cold creeping in. Can he hold onto himself long enough to keep Grace for forever?
Interesting twists and heartbreaks. I liked the hot and cold aspect of Stiefvater's werewolves. Definitely interested in reading the sequel, Linger.
Ever since that day as a child when the wolves dragged her into the woods, Grace has watched them. And one of them watched her back. With distinct yellow eyes, Sam wasn't always a wolf. In the warmer months, he no longer needs his fur. When a student at her school is killed by wolves, the tide turns against Grace's beloved animals as the woods fill with gun-toting locals. Sam is able to shift his form, a rare feat with winter's cold creeping in. Can he hold onto himself long enough to keep Grace for forever?
Interesting twists and heartbreaks. I liked the hot and cold aspect of Stiefvater's werewolves. Definitely interested in reading the sequel, Linger.
This book had quite a bit of an effect on me. At first I just thought it was ok, then it got boring, then it was alright again, but then it got to the point where it almost made me cry. Overall it was a decent book, but had an abrupt ending. the first thing I thought when I read the ending was, "What..." So in that aspect it could have been drawn out a bit more, but other than that everything was fine.
Really interesting story, switching charaters between the 17 year old girl that was bitten but never turned name Grace and a 18 year old boy that is in his last year of turning into a boy name Sam. Grace has always been interested in a wolf with golden yellow eyes and one day the hunters were killing the wolves, Later Grace came home after stopping the hunters to fine a naked boy by her back door bleeding from a gun shot wound to the neck. He opened his eyes and Grace felt she knows its her yellow eyed wolf in human skin.
