Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)

Reader reviewed by Megan

This is a flat out gorgeous book. Not only is the cover breathtaking,
but the pages have a nice texture and the font is blue instead of your
average black. This book has been ranted and raved about recently. I
have to say that I agree.

Sam and Grace are two very cute and
believable characters. I loved how the point of view switched at least
every two chapters. It was just lyrical and fun! My biggest problem
with the story is how long it takes for anything to happen. It's mostly
fluff for the first half which isn't a problem for me, but some of you
might not like that.

The take on werewolves is unique-
triggered by temperature instead of the moon or anger. I like how the
wolves communicated as well - it was very unique. I do wish that
Stiefvater (Which I learned is pronounced Steve-otter by the way) had
explored a little more into their mythology.

In short, Shiver made me,well, shiver.I really did like Shiver and the sequel Linger will be out next fall!

B

Reader reviewed by Erica

Shiver
Maggie Stiefvater
Release Date: August 1, 2009
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 400

Rating: 5 stars

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Shiver was one of those addicting books that you cannot put down! With the first words, I was hooked. Shiver is a perfect title, because while you read it it kept you "shivering" from the beautiful imagery Maggie Stiefvater uses. I simply fell in love with basically everything about Shiver. The writing was beautiful and flowing. Maggie Stiefvater adds so much to the story writing in alternating POVs between Sam and Grace.

Sam and Grace's relationship was really something! You could feel the intensity of it, especially when Sam was still a wolf. The longing they had for each other was so apparant.

All of Shiver's characters were well-written and just seemed to click with the story. Grace was such an amiable character. She was one of those characters that everyone could relate to. Sam was just so sweet and another character you really could relate to. I also really liked Isabel as a character. She played a more minor role but she was such a strong character that she stood out among the others. The one character I would've liked to know a bit more about is Shelby. She is hostile and wants Sam and to be at the "top", but I didn't feel her as a threat as much as I think she could've been. At different points in the book, they refer to Shelby's past but you never find out what that actually is.

Shiver was an absolutely phenomonal start to the trilogy. I cannot wait for Linger, and hear more of Sam and Grace's story!