Book Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

After much prodding I finally realized that I was going to have to pick up this book. Many people I respect said that it was fabulous and worth the time, but I found myself dreading another Twilight read alike that would fall short of the original. This book, however, did not disappoint. Enjoy the review!

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When she was young, Grace was attacked by wolves and rescued by one wolf with yellow eyes. Ever since he has been her wolf and for years she has watched him in the forest not knowing that he was more than he appeared. While Grace was watching him, her wolf, a young man, Sam, trapped as a wolf in winter and a boy in winter has watched her, wanting to be close to her. When a high school student at Grace’s school is mauled by wolves, Grace and Sam’s fates begin to entwine as never before.

I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical when I first started reading this book. On a lot of levels it reminded me of Twilight and I was afraid that it was going to be another sappy werewolf/human girl romance. Shiver surprised me though. While it had a bit of a slow start, its story drew me in and I found myself cheering for the characters and hoping everything would work out. The ending even felt right. Stiefvater found the perfect moment and the perfect words for the ending of Shiver and although I know there are more to come (Linger due out in July), I felt that this one had a satisfying ending. Stiefvater’s language is poetic and her descriptions lush and vivid. Her characters are likable, yet flawed and feel like real people. The mystery pulls you through the novel and leaves you wanting more. A wonderful read.

On another note, since everything is getting compared to Twilight these days, I do have to say that this one will appeal to those Twilight fans looking for what to read next. I think, however, they will find more here than they did in Twilight.

Cautions for sensitive readers: There is no language in this book, but you will find some violence. It is implied that the main characters have sex, but there are no explicit details that would disturb sensitive readers.

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Novel Notes: Your Source for Teen Book Info 12/11/09

I hope that this will become a regular fixture on the KHCPL Teen Scene blog. I want to use the Novel Notes to give you information in teen publishing that you might find interesting or books that you might look forward to reading. Suggestions are welcome, so please feel free to comment.

Dutton Children's Books Believes they have Signed the Next Stephenie Meyer

A Publisher's Weekly article announces the signing of a new author Ally Condie. Dutton believes that Condie's three book series will appeal to fans of Meyer's Twilight series. These books aren't published yet, and there is no release date, but this author may be something to look out for. Her first book is currently titled Matched. Read more about this new author and her 7 figure book deal on PW's site:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6711080.html?nid=2788&source=title&rid=17263441

Scholastic Announces Release of Hunger Games book 3

In another PW article, Scholastic announces exciting news for fans of Suzanne Collins's Hunger Games series. The thrid book in this exciting series featuring the character Katnis is due to be released August 24, 2010. After Catching Fire left us all hanging on the edges of our seats, we anxiously await August and the third book in this exciting series. Read more at:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6709728.html?q=Hunger+Games

HarperTeen.com Announces the Purchase of Movie Rights for Popular YA Titles

In HarperTeen.com's "In the News" section on 12/11/09 they announce popular YA books that have been optioned for movies.

• Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr optioned by Universal Studios.
• L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad screen wrights aquired by Temple Hill Entertainment.
• Wings by Aprilynne Pike is being made into a movie by Disney. It will star Miley Cyrus as Laurel.
• Beastly by Alex Flinn is being made into a movie by CBS Films. It will star Mary-Kate Olsen and Alex Prettyfer.

For more information check out HarperTeen.com's In the News Column at:

http://www.harperteen.com/index.aspx

Hope you enjoyed this first edition of Novel Notes. I hope to have more exciting information about teen lit and movies next week. If you are interested in reading any of the above titles, please feel free to contact the library. (Matched by Ally Condie is still in the works, and will not be available for some time, but don't worry we will keep an eye out for it.) Happy Reading!