The Scorpio Races
by Maggie Stiefvater
Hardcover, 401 pages
Published October 18th 2011
by Scholastic Press
ISBN 054522490X
4.5 stars
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.
Having grown up with the Chesapeake Bay in my back yard and a view of an island in the bay not far from the banks and sandy beach we played on, I was familiar with the story of Misty of Chincoteague Island as well as the legends of “Chessie” our own monster that came from the sea. Maggie Stiefvater’s Scorpio Races brought me back to my childhood with its magical tone. Set on the island Thisby with dramatic stone cliffs, The Scorpio Races follows the weeks leading up to the deadly races which happen each November. Men try to capture the capaille uisce from the sea, wild flesh eating water horses then race them down by the shore in a deadly tradition that melds magic and brute strength. Sean Kendrick is the favorite as four time winning jockey and horse trainer of Corr. But this year the stakes are even higher as the race gets personal. Both Sean and the alternate protagonist Puck (Kate) have their hopes and dreams on the line. Puck may lose everything as an orphan who’s parents died at the hands of the capaille uisce. She and her younger brother Finn are left to fend for themselves when their older brother announces he is set to leave for the main land. If Kate can race she’ll assure he sticks around a while longer and maybe even save their fledgling family.
Maggie’s lyrical style spins a character driven fantasy that explores loyalty, class and gender division. While the pacing felt a bit off and it took me about 160 pages to get into the flow, by the end I was breathless. Dang can she write! The Scorpio Races is raw and gritty with nothing held back while at the same time beautiful in its conclusion. Each character is fully fleshed out with their own idiosyncrasies, Finn with OCD, Puck with downright stubbornness and Sean with a silent but acute wisdom. As well the side characters and setting are unforgettable. I would recommend The Scorpio Races if you’re looking for a slow paced fantasy with a subtle tease of romance. There are a few minor swear words and moderate violence, so it is probably best for readers over 14 year old. Before or after picking up the book you’ll want to check out Maggie Stiefvater’s website for a playlist, slide show of photos and the unforgettable hand drawn trailer I’m embedding below. Maggie has done it again!
Check out The Scorpio Races the @this_is_teen #ScorpioRaces Twitter Sweepstakes! Prizes includes limited edition custom necklaces & autographed copies of the book. Get more details at http://on.fb.me/iga0vf
Fire and Ice is giving away one advanced reading copy of The Scorpio Races and Scholastic This Is Teen has added in one custom bracelet plus a hardcover copy. Two winners. To enter to win click here and fill out the form.
Victoria
I’ve read quite a bit on this one and it sounds great. Thanks for the excellent post and giveaway.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
A Backwards Story
Thank you so much about this giveaway opportunity. This story intrigues me!
Lisa B.
I can’t wait to read this. Thanks for the review too. Now I’m even more thrilled to get my hands on a copy.
Agent Bookworm
I can’t wait to read this book! Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
Mocha ღ Latte(Cupcake and a Latte)
Excellent review! I can’t wait to take a dive into Maggie’s latest novel =)
–Wendy from A Cupcake and a Latte: YA Reviews
Roshini
Awesome review on The Scorpio Races! Thanks for reviewing it!
-Roshinibd@gmail.com
Tracy M
I’m so excited for this book 🙂 I love Maggie’s writing.
Vivien
I’m uber excited for this one. I just adore Maggie!
Stephanie
I think this book sounds interesting, thanks for the giveaway!!
Bekka
So excited for this one. I loved the Wolves of Mercy Falls series, so I’m sure I’ll love this!
SupaGurlbooks
Sounds like an amazing story! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Teril
Happy Release Day!
I cannot wait.
izy
can’t wait to read this one. Hope to win it would be hard to find a copy for me. Thanks
Jessica ( frellathon )
Sounds great. On my must read list.
fishgirl182
i’ve been dying to read this one. thanks for the giveaway.
lizzy1931
I can’t wait for this blog!
Burgandy Ice
Thx for the Giveaway!! I’m a new follower… and I gotta say… WAY COOL PICTURES OF OLD CARS!!!!
Angie
Thanks for the giveaway! I just discovered your blog. Awesome giveaway btw. You just earned yourself a new follower 😉
TheGirlOnFire
I am so excited for her new series! I loved the Wolves of Mercy Falls!
skyla11377
What a great review, thanks for your honest opinion. I am a huge fan of Maggie’s ever since I read her Mercy Falls Series so I can’t wait to check out this book.
I tweeted about this giveaway on Twitter (@skyla11377).
https://twitter.com/#!/skyla11377/status/128478251717894145
skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com
Lunarwolves86
Wow I really can’t wait to read this book! Thank you so much for such an awesome contest! 🙂
Eleanor
Ooh! I have really been wanting to read this book!
Kelly
Thanks for the giveaway and all you do
delivery(dot)RN@gmail(dot)com
Jolene and Family
Soo excited for this book!!! Great giveaway
june111(at)att(dot)net
SarahS
Awesome review, I can’t wait to read it.
SarahS
sarah_sal90{at}yahoo{dot}com
Suz
Thanks for this amazing giveaway! This book looks great and I would love to win!
susanw28 (at) mindspring (dot) com
Taffy
LOVE the bracelet! Thanks for the giveaway. This books is on my TBR list.