SHIVER

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater



My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The purchase of Shiver is a result of my frequent Twitter visitation (addiction!) and I'm so glad I heard about it.From the cover of the book to the tempeature updates every chapter this novel centers around coldness. In chapter one we are introduced to Grace as she muses on her past and her wolf.A wolf that has rescued her as a child and who hovers on the edge of the forest in her back yard. The next chapter we hear Sam's recollection of meeting Grace. We also learn Sam's secret. He is a wolf. But he is also a human. The essence of Sam in both forms is drawn to Grace.



These two are bound and seperated by the cold. Grace lives most her day's in solitary contemplation of her life and the woods. Raised by two well meaning but clueless parents she literally supports her self. When events bring Sam to her doorstep she awakens to a love and a stronger purpose than she's ever known before.



This is my first book by Maggie Stiefvater. Her style in this story is subtle and powerful. Sam and Grace are two well realised characters. I am truly impressed with Sam's character. I've recently began reading a lot o YA novels and find myself concerned with the messages some of these characters can be sending to young adults. I don't necessarily feel it's an author's responsibility to take this into account in their work, but it's refreshing to see a strong female lead character. I also like Sam's balance of love and respect towards grace.



My one complaint is I felt the ending was a litle rushed. The solution to Sam's and Grace's situation seemed a little fast, I would have much preferred either more pages or a continuance of the story in another book. This might have been done due two the upcoming novel haveing a different character focus. Maggie is back on track though with the final two chapters which are stunning and beautiful. I cried and immediately wanted to know ehat comes next :)



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