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:

Ornament

6 thoughts on “Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater: Audiobook Review

  1. shannonjoe says:

    This trilogy sounds interesting. I have never listened to an audiobook before and need to take the plunge and try one. Thanks for the review!

    Shannon
    http://extremereadingandwriting.wordpress.com

    1. Lucy says:

      I think Forever is the only one that is a full-cast audiobook, but the narrator for Grace is consistent throughout.
      Hope you enjoy trying audiobooks!

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  5. […] Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater: Audiobook Review (thereadingdate.com) […]

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