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The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater Audiobook Review & ARC Giveaway
Book: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, Scholastic Audio, October 18, 2011
Audiobook Info: YA Fantasy, Library audiobook, Audio length: 12 hours 6 minutes, read by Steve West and Fiona Hardingham.
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
More Info: Audible | Goodreads | Amazon
In The Scorpio Races, contestants ride on bloodthirsty water horses, and the first to the finish line wins the grand prize. Sean Kendrick is the rider to beat, but Puck Connelly, the first female rider, keeps Sean on his toes. They both are playing for high stakes in this deadly race.
I had not heard of the Irish myth about the water horses, but because I’ve read all of Stiefvater’s other books I wanted to give this one a try. When I first picked up the book, I couldn’t really get into it and so I put it aside. Later I found the audiobook at the library and thought that might be a better way to experience this book. The audio narrators are wonderful and their spirited reading kept me listening. The slow paced story does take patience to get through, but the reward is an exciting race with characters you come to care about.
The story takes place in the made-up island of Thisby, and Stiefvater does a wonderful job bringing the island to life. It’s easy to envision the cliffs, the water, the colorful characters, and the mythological horses in Thisby. The race is all everyone can talk about in the month of November, and the promise of financial riches encourages riders to participate, even though the possibility of dying in the race exists.
The story has a dual narrative with Sean and Puck trading off. Sean is calm and quiet, and is playing to win something of inestimable value to him. Puck is determined and full of life. She’s a reluctant rider, but financial circumstances drive her to compete. The pair becomes fond of each other, which complicates things.
Sean and Puck have a low-key romance built upon their mutual respect for the horses and the island. It reminded me of Peeta and Katniss, where you don’t want either of them to lose the games/race. Theirs is a quiet slow-building romance that’s not the focus of the book, but helped me to get to know the characters better.
Steve West and Fiona Hardingham narrate the audiobook. The lovely prose and nature of the story lends itself well to the audio format, and the narrators convey the right tone, rhythm, and emotion for the story. Maggie Stiefvater performs the music in the beginning and end of the audiobook and it is well suited to the story. In addition, the author speaks at the end of the audiobook about the years spent working on this book, and all of the research involved. She even created a stop-motion trailer for the book. Check it out below.
Though I’m not usually a fan of horse stories, The Scorpio Races is a unique read with great world building and characterization, and it is a fantastic audiobook.
GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. Congrats to Brandi who won a copy of The Scorpio Races ARC.
Audiobook Sampler:
Related articles
- The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (writingboutreading.wordpress.com)
- The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (caughtbetweenthepages.wordpress.com)
- The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (jillarcherauthor.wordpress.com)
- The Scorpio Races (thegrownupya.wordpress.com)
In My Mailbox (44)
In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Story Siren & inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. It is a way to feature the books you purchased, traded, borrowed or received for review each week.
Happy New Year! Hope you all have had a relaxing holiday season and managed to squeeze in a little reading time.
Since I didn’t participate in IMM last week, I have two weeks of books to share this week. And my mailbox exploded!!
Over the past two weeks I received:
Audiobooks for Review:
A Million Suns by Beth Revis (Penguin Digital)
And from Penguin Audio:
The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder (loved this!)
Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George
Lunatics by Dave Barry & Alan Zweibel
Overdrive MP3 Audiobooks from the library:
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Books for Review:
Dark Eyes by William Richter from LibraryThing Early Reviewers and Penguin.
Fallen In Love by Lauren Kate from Random Buzzers
Won:
From Sarah at The Book Life. Thanks so much, Sarah!
Just Your Average Princess by Kristina Springer and swag including a Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight eyemask, Catching Jordan inspired football necklace and playing card, and Fracture bookmark.
From Beth Revis‘s Epic Giveaway of Epic. What a nice surprise – Thanks Beth!
A Million Suns swag pack including poster, 2 bookmarks, rubber band bracelet, and koi print.
Bookish Gifts:
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta from Michelle at Bookchelle. I’m really looking forward to reading this book that everyone loves. Thanks so much, Michelle!
A Temptation of Angels magnet, holiday postcard and candy cane from Michelle Zink. Thank you! 
Amazon Gift card from my hubby – already purchased a few books including:
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
Library:
Amplified by Tara Kelly
The Girl Who Circumvented Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas
E-books:
Netgalley:
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (Abrams)
Kindle purchases: Hope you all snagged some of these bargains for your kindle or nook! (Prices below reflect price at time of purchase)
Entwined by Heather Dixon ($0.99)
Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker ($2.99)
Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn’t Have) by Sarah Mlynowski ($0.99)
Liar Society by Lisa Roecker and Laura Roecker($1.79)
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (Free!) I want to re-read this before reading the sequel.
A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler ($0.99)
Songs for a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson ($0.99)
Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle (so cute!)
Beautiful Demons by Sarra Cannon (Free!)
The Giver by Lois Lowry ($0.99 one day sale)
Untraceable by S.R. Johnannes ($0.99)
Exiled by Rashelle Workman ($0.99)
Phew- I have a lot of reading to do! What did you get in your mailbox this week?
Be sure to enter my Contemporary YA Giveaway for a chance to win ARC’s of The Disenchantments and The Probability of Miracles!
Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater: Audiobook Review
Book info: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater, Scholastic Audio, July 12, 2011.
Format/Audio Info: MP3 Audiobook from the library, 12 hours, 16 minutes, read by Jenna Lamia, Pierce Cravens, Dan Bittner, Emma Galvin, and Maggie Stiefvater.. Also available in Hardcover (390 pages)
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
More Reviews & Info: Goodreads | Audible | Amazon
Forever is the final book of the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. I loved everything about the first book, Shiver, and I immediately devoured Linger as soon as it was published. But for some reason this book has set on my shelf for months. When I saw the audiobook available at the library though, I grabbed it. The full cast audio version of the book sounded like the perfect way to finish the series.
In this book Sam and Grace are still dealing with the complications of their werewolf romance, and wanting to lead a normal life. Another death occurs that helps Tom Culpeper’s case to take the wolves off the protection list. And Cole is trying to perfect the medication that would enable the wolves to transform to human.
This book again has the multi point of view of Sam, Grace, Isabel, and Cole. I appreciated the Cole and Isabel chapters more and more, as the Sam and Grace chapters were so filled with angst. Sam’s head especially is a dark place to be. The reunion of Sam and Grace is teased for a while, but during their time of isolation we get to learn about the challenges that await them, as wolves and humans. Cole really comes into his own in this book and is focused and caring in his own way as he works to find the cure and battle his personal demons. Isabel’s sarcasm is appreciated to counteract some of the angst she also shows a lot of growth in this book.
The story is leisurely told and it doesn’t seem like there is much happening in the first half of the book, though the small events do add up to something in the end. And the conclusion provides some tying up of loose ends and satisfying action scenes. Maggie Stiefvater’s writing is lovely and lyrical as always, and she comes up with very creative and intricate phrases that add interest to her storytelling.
It’s rare that the conclusion to a series is completely satisfying. I was surprised with the way this series ended, but I think it was appropriate to the series. And overall I’m ready to say goodbye to these characters.
I would really recommend listening to this book in audio format. The different character voices bring the book alive and add interest to otherwise slow moving parts of the book. For some reason I’m much more patient with atmospheric type books in audio format, and this one is very well done. Like the book, the voices of Cole and Isabel were my favorite. Emma Galvin always portrays sarcastic well, and is the perfect choice for Isabel. Dan Bittner also handles the cocky, turbulent voice of Cole with ease. And Maggie Stiefvater also does an impressive job as the voice of Shelby. As the voice of Sam, Pierce Cravens actually sings the songs in the book and sounds low-key and thoughtful like the character. And Jenna Lamia as Grace is a good match to the character as well. I got through this 12-hour book quickly since I was very entertained by the audio production.
I’m glad I finished this series. Shiver will always remain my favorite book of the series, but the series overall is unique and beautifully told. I look forward to reading The Scorpio Races soon.
Watch the stop motion book trailer:
Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books I Enjoyed but Never Reviewed
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish featuring a new top ten list each week. Everyone can participate- head on over to their blog and sign up.
This week’s topic is Top 10 Books you loved but never reviewed, or that you read long before you began reviewing books. I try to review all the books I read, but sometimes don’t feel that my review can do a book justice or that I have anything to say that hasn’t already been said. When I have a strong emotional reaction to a book, both positive and negative, I have trouble getting my thoughts down.
The following list includes books that I’ve read and enjoyed over the last couple years and want to shine a spotlight on, even though I never reviewed them. In no particular order:
1. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins – I loved all three books and have both read and listened to them in audio format but for some reason never wrote a review for any of them. Though most everyone has read this series by now, I have to say it holds up well through re-reads. I always discover something new.
2. The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater – Shiver was one of my favorites and I’ve recommended it a ton, but never reviewed it. I liked Linger also, and haven’t even read Forever yet. Maybe I’ll review that one.
3. If I Stay by Gayle Forman – Another book I adored and in fact it’s one of my all time favorites. I did review the follow up Where She Went though. A great, emotional read.
4. The Study series by Maria V. Snyder – I was surprised to see I did not review these, because I reviewed her other Glass series. It’s a lovely fantasy series with wonderful characters.
5. Sea by Heidi R. Kling – A sweet and emotional contemporary and romantic read that deals with the aftermath of the tsunami in Indonesia. I liked the book but just had trouble getting the words down.
6. Graceling by Kristin Cashore – One of my favorite fantasy series books. I read this before I was writing reviews, but I wrote a review for the companion book Fire. Can’t wait to read Bitterblue next year.
7. The first 3 books in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare – I enjoyed all of these books and even wrote a review of book 4 City of Fallen Angels. I think because I started the series kind of late I felt that I did not have anything more to add to what had already been said.
8. The first 2 books in the Summer series trilogy by Jenny Han – I came into the series late and only reviewed the last book in the trilogy. All of the books are very enjoyable and above average contemporary romances. Definitely recommend for those that enjoy a good love triangle.
9. The first 2 books in the Dream Catcher series trilogy by Lisa McMann – One of the first paranormal series I read. The writing style is very distinctive with a gritty and unique voice.
10. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab – I liked this book and thought it was well written and suspenseful. It’s a good YA murder mystery and I found it refreshingly different.
What books are on your list? Why do you decide not to review a book?
Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books to Fall For
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish featuring a new top ten list each week. Everyone can participate- head on over to their blog and sign up.
This week is freebie week and you can choose whatever top 10 topic you like. Since back to school started up again this week in my town I am starting to think about fall. With that in mind, I made a list of my most anticipated fall reads.
My reading interests don’t necessarily change in the fall, except maybe to pick up a horror book or two in October. The books I’ve chosen are all either standalone or the first book in a series and are a mix of different YA genres.
These are the titles that have piqued my interest for fall reading:
1. Past Perfect by Leila Sales (October 4) – A contemporary book that is set in a historical colonial village. The early reviews indicate that it’s a humorous and fun read.
2. Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez (October 18) – This one looks like a good one for music lovers. It is about a musical prodigy and provides an inside look at what it takes to succeed.
3. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (October 18) – I’ve read the authors other series and I’m curious to read this one about riders that compete in a dangerous water horse race.
4. After Obsession by Carrie Jones, Steven E. Wedel (September 13) – A scary and creepy paranormal about possession.
5. The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton (September 27) – An historical fiction book about faeries set in Victorian London.
6. Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon (October 4) – A paranormal book set in Ireland with romance and an interesting mythology.
7. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi (November 15) – A dystopian where the heroine has a fatal touch. This is another one being compared to The Hunger Games, but it does sound intriguing.
8.The Pledge by Kimberly Derting (November 15) – In this dystopian world inhabitants are kept separate by the language they speak, but the heroine has the ability to speak all languages. Sounds like an interesting concept.
9. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (September 27) – I’m eager to read this story about the aftermath of an accident where the heroine has lost her memory and strange things begin to occur.
10. Fateful by Claudia Gray (September 13) – An historical fiction with werewolves on the Titanic by the author of the Evernight series. I’m so curious about this one.
Do your reading tastes change in the fall? What fall books are you looking forward to? I’m excited to check out everyone’s lists this week!
In My Mailbox (23) week ending July 16
In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Story Siren & inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. It is a way to feature the books you purchased, traded, borrowed or received for review each week.
It’s Mega Sequels week in my mailbox and I received some exciting books!
This week I received:
Bought:
Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater
Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4) by Gail Carriger
For Review:
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins (Big thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewers & Penguin)
E-books for Review:
NetGalley:
The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa
Beyond The Grave (Past Midnight #3) by Mara Purnhagen
Thanks Harlequin Teen!
I’ve been anxiously waiting to read many of these sequels for so long, but I’m trying to be patient and finish my current reads before diving in. Must try to resist!
Hope your mailboxes were great this week – what did you get? Happy reading!
Just a note that next week I’ll be at Comic-Con but will be back to share my mailbox the following week.
Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Perfect Beach Reads
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish featuring a new top ten list each week. Everyone can participate- head on over to their blog and sign up.
This week’s topic is Top 10 perfect beach reads. What I look for in a beach book is a gripping read with a great story. A book I can get lost in and finish before the sun goes down. It doesn’t matter if it’s a contemporary romance, thriller, or paranormal – as long as it has a compelling story that keeps me turning the pages.
These are the titles I am planning to read over the summer:
1. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray (available now) – A funny and feminist satire about beauty pageant contestants on a “lost” type island.
2. Wildefire by Karsten Knight (July 26) – A paranormal with a twist and a strong heroine.
3. Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson (June 14) – A psychological “Memento” type thriller.
4. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (June 7) by Ransom Riggs – A unique fantasy that incorporates vintage photographs to tell the story.
5. Moonglass by Jessi Kirbi (available now) – A contemporary read with an actual beach setting.
6. Hourglass by Myra McEntire (June 14) – This is getting some good early buzz. Sounds like a compelling paranormal debut with romance and surprises.
7. Love Story by Jennifer Echols (July 19) – A contemporary romance that uses a class creative writing project to mirror two students feelings for each other.
8. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (available now) – Another twist on mythology that incorporates romance and action.
9. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta (available now) – This one has been out for awhile and is loved by many. Time for me to dive in. If I get a chance I want to read The Piper’s Son by this author as well.
10. Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz (June 21) – Love and witchcraft collide in this author’s Adult debut.
There are also a handful of series books I’m looking forward to reading this summer:
Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles (Aug. 16), Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer (July 26), Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (July 12), Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter (June 21), and Supernaturally by Kiersten White (July 26).
Past favorites that would also make perfect beach reads are:
The Summer series trilogy by Jenny Han, Sea by Heidi R. Kling, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, Audrey Wait by Robin Benway, Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, and the Glass trilogy by Maria V. Snyder.
If you are a fan of audiobooks, be sure to bookmark Audiobook Sync to download free audiobooks of Young Adult and summer classic titles this summer (June 23- August 17). The first titles available will be Shiver and Romeo and Juliet.
What do you look for in a summer read? What are your top beach reads?
