*14 Shiver

by Maggie Stiefvater

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Werewolves, Fiction, Urban Fantasy

392 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2014

About the author

New York Times bestselling author of The Shiver Trilogy, The Raven Cycle, and The Scorpio Races. Artist. Driver of things with wheels. Avid reader.

Maggie Stiefvater plays several musical instruments (most infamously, the bagpipes) and makes art in several media (most generally, colored pencils).

She lives in Virginia with her husband, their two children, many dogs, a bunch of fainting goats, and an irascible tuner car.

Reviews

[Simona B · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 (because I am a good person full of mercy and compassion).

It was torture. I can't reconcile myself to the fact that this is the same author of The Scorpio Races, that little jewel.

I think I'll just pretend this never happened.

[gabs ⛤ · Rating 3 out of 5]

If not twilight why furry

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once upon a time, I read this book, but DNFed about half way
OK, OK it wasn't that long. Truth be told, I had scored it 2 stars and had no intention of rereading. Idk. It just happened. I saw it on a shelf, and I wasn't reading anything at the time, so I thought why not?
This time, I actually finished!
*internally cheering for myself*
I had a much better experience, I have to say. I still detest that ANYONE would compare this to Twilight, because the only thing they have in common is werewolves. That's like saying Throne of Glass is basically the Titanic because there's romance in both.
Anyway, I still didn't love it.
I had some issues with the characters, namely Grace.
She was in love with Sam when he was a wolf. A wolf for goodness sakes.
Sorry, but to me, that is disgusting.
People were getting murdered by these animals, but in her mind, the wolves were the good guys. Ugh.
The romance also felt very insta-love. They knew each for what, a week? Then they slept with each other?
Honestly, I also didn't really like Sam. His character felt very inconsistent. At one point in the story, he was described as "sad and timid". Then, roughly two pages later, we see him call someone a "worthless bastard".
The arc of the plot was OK. A little weak, but satisfactory.
Overall, I still enjoyed it more than my previous attempt, and think it's a decent short read.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice and enjoyable light read! This book wasn't amazing, but I enjoyed it all the way through, I really liked it. And I will definitely be continuing this series. Though that ending left me going 'Whaaaaaat?' I sort of don't have too much to say about this book though.

It was good. It was just, good, and nice and enjoyable. There were indeed quite a few things in this book that could have been developed to be better. For instance, pretty much all the characters felt a little shallow and 2 dimensional. Like Grace was just independent. Sam was sweet and kind even despite the fact that others would see him as a monster. Parents who were way too negligent of Grace. Rachel the slightly annoying girly girl. Olivia the reserved bookworm. Jack was just, angry. Most of the characters got more interesting towards the end like Olivia and there was Beck as well, and Grace and Sam were always likeable though. I feel like they're just the way they are because this does feel like a book meant for a slightly younger audience, so it can't be quite as thick and deep, and that's fine. It was still enjoyable. And Maggie Stiefvater's writing style is just so nice and beautiful, I said this in one of my updates, it just makes the book feel so surreal and whimsical. But it's just really good in a nice simple way, like it's not overly descriptive, she'll just describe something in a nice way with maybe one sentence. She just has that special touch. It is such a wonderful writing style, that was what made me really enjoy the book too. The werewolves were obviously awesome as well, I love wolves they're my favourite animals ever, so I loved all the wolves in this. And the concept that they turn into the wolves according to the temperature, not the full moon, was really cool - lol no pun intended - and interesting. The inclusion of the temperature at the start of each chapter was a nice touch too.

The only issue that I sort of had with this book was the insta-love between Grace and Sam. But then again, at least it had something going for it and didn't just spring up completely randomly from nothing. He did at least save her from being mauled by wolves. Even though any half decent human being would do that so it doesn't exactly warrant to fall in love with said person, at least they didn't just randomly meet. And they developed it by just staring at each other from the house and from the woods while Sam was a wolf all winter. I feel like their relationship could have been a little more developed to feel a bit more realistic, but it was still fine and enjoyable. Oh my god Sam's back story though! I won't spoil it here, but so sad! Oh my gosh.

Definitely looking forward to seeing how this story progresses and there are definitely a lot of questions that I want answered!

Um, spoilers here for a moment. Sorry I just have to put these!

Spoilers!

Why did Sam get so few years of being able to switch back for the summer? Why did he turn from a wolf into a human upon being shot? What's Shelby going to do? I'm honestly scared of her, she's gonna return and cause bad stuff I know it... Will Grace's dad be a danger to Sam at all? I don't get the point of that tension that he was in the woods with a gun during that hunt where Sam got shot but nothing really happened, I just wonder if it's foreshadowing for something that happens later. Also Olivia, hoo boy, I hope we see more of her. And lastly, of course, that ending! Like, why did it end that way?! Why did Jack die but Sam survived?! Only because he got half of the meningitis virus but Jack got too much? Did it completely cure Sam? That's what it seemed to imply in the preview of book 2. And also, it almost seemed to imply that Grace becomes a wolf in Linger. Like what?! How?! Oh and if course that's the biggest question that's actually referred to in the book and still yet to be answered. Why didn't Grave become a wolf after being bitten? Or was it just because she nearly died from being overheated in a car shortly after she got bitten because her father left her in there? We shall see...

Spoilers End.

I am definitely interested in continuing this series when I can. I give Shiver a 6/10, it had a couple of issues and maybe could have been better, it wasn't amazing, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I love me a nice story about wolves. Though it's so much more than that of course. Sam and Grace's story is definitely something I'll continue with a light and warm heart. I hope the series gets even better!

[baileyyy (firebreathingreader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me actually cry.

I didn't expect this to be a five star read for me (probably a 4.5 but I'll give it the full 5) but here it is. This is the first book in a long time that made me fall in love with reading again.

Yes, it's a cheesy, strange paranormal romance (the first one I've ever read) but I absolutely loved it.

[Carly McCunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m confused.

[preru ♡]

on hold for now 🥺

[Acordul Fin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't a fantastic book, but I liked it well enough. It was sweet but quite hopeless at times. There was barely any action, but luckily I didn't mind the characters and their interactions. I was quite taken by their relationship, even though it was overshadowed at times by signs of codependency. But then I though, they're teenagers experiencing their first love. And unlike other books relying heavily on romance, this wasn't an insta-love, it was more of an insta-connection that grew into an all-consuming love, but you get to see the development so it's not that bothersome.

I guess I'm a sucker for Stiefvater's writing. It's always a little hard to get into at first, but once I get over that threshold, I just need to go on with the story. I didn't love this as much I loved "The Raven Boys" but I still couldn't help care about the characters and their fate.

[Jennifer Madero (Boricuan Bookworms) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find more of my reviews at Boricuan Bookworms!

There always comes a time for a reader when you finish a book, and ask yourself the million dollar question of the millennium: WHY DIDN'T I READ THIS BOOK EARLIER IN MY LIFE?! I've had it in my Amazon wish list for a while and until a few weeks ago I saw it at a bookstore and though "meh, why not. Sounds good."

Maggie Stiefvater has a way of arranging the words of a sentence in a way that sounds poetic, ensnaring you with its beautiful prose that will not let you put down the book. I loved the details she gave in the story, specially how it seemed that she focused the most on things about the forest and the senses. It was all very vivid. The story is told from two points of view, by Sam and Grace, and it was very easy to distinguish between the two. I loved particularly loved how these two interacted with each other, how I would sigh nonstop with the romantic moments and chuckle or laugh out loud with the funny ones. In these very prominent moments I would shove the book in my friend's faces for them to read ONLY that. They agreed with me that it was swoon worthy and would totally let me fangirl in front of the teachers.

One thing that bothered me were some of the characters. While I loved Grace with her simplistic and independent qualities, Sam with his smart and sweet demeanor, and even Isabel with her popular girl attitude and misunderstood vibe, the rest of the cast was a bit frustrating. Let me start with the total absence of parents and parental supervision. I don't how parents are in the USA, but I can't even go walking to the Walgreens next to my house. I can't go wandering in the forest that's on the other side of my house. I can't even go to the basketball court that's at least five houses away, and my parents aren't that overprotective, just cautious because there are a few human dangers around. Now in this book, Grace's parents are next to nonexistent. They appeared when you were on the brink of forgetting they even existed or to cause problems to the plot. The rest of the times they were around God knows where just to focus even more on just how independent Grace is. The other thing that bothered me was that Grace had basically forgotten about her friends while she spent time with Sam. I understand wanting to spend time with him because BOO HOO impending doom. But the least you could do is send a text message or call your friends to tell them not to worry about you and that you're fine. They are, after all, your best friends.

Other than those things above, I really liked the book to pieces. The plot was a bit predictable at times, and at others it had those twists that would let your mouth hanging. And tears. Maggie had wanted to make a book that would make people cry, anyway, and she made it. I cried. And cried. More than The Fault In Our Stars (I cry with everything except with TFIOS lol).



I was left with a hole in my chest with that ending that left me baffled and wanting to buy the next book and every other Maggie Stiefvater book ever made. It was a sweet, funny, and sentimental book with its own unique twist if the all well know werewolves. And angst. This book was a work of art to get me back into reading like I used to read before blogging. No scrutinizing involved, just simple and enjoyable reading. Maggie has won another fan of her marvelous storytelling abilities

Rating: 5 stars

[Liwy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mi gente, es oficial: estoy en un bloqueo lector

El último libro que acabé es el de El dios en llamas a finales de febrero. Un mes ENTERO sin leer un libro completo, la Liwy de 13 años estaría temblando ahora mismo. A día de hoy pienso que un gran responsable de mi bloqueo es precisamente este libro, además del enorme cansancio mental que me supuso presentarme a las oposiciones otra vez y no sacármelas otra vez lmao. A eso hay que sumarle que me ha dado por leer libros tochos y densos (véase Alchemised o El camino de los reyes), y así obtenemos una mezcla mortal. Por eso decidí que era momento de leer algo ameno, corto y que no me haga pensar mucho, y ahí es cuando me acordé de Temblor.

Mira, yo nunca he sido de hombres lobo. Edward puede ser un muermo, pero hazme elegir entre un vampiro misterioso, inmortal y mamadísimo o un lobo peludo y con problemas de gestión de ira y no me lo pienso dos veces. Pero Temblor fue una trilogía que me llamó la atención en su momento, quizás porque por aquel entonces las historias paranormales brillaban con su lleno esplendor, quizás porque terminó acabando teniendo mucho éxito. Sea como sea, Temblor se posó en mi lista de pendientes, hasta que ha sido rescatado por mi yo de casi 28 años (duro).

Temblor se centra en la historia de Grace, una chica adolescente que vive en un pueblito rodeado de bosques llamado Mercy Falls. Dichos bosques son habitados por una manada de lobos, la cual llegó a atacar a Grace cuando no era más que una niña. Grace sobrevivió gracias a un misterioso lobo de ojos amarillos que la rescató de sus compañeros, y desde aquel entonces nuestra protagonista no puede dejar de pensar en dicho animal. Le encanta el invierno porque es cuando lo ve junto a su grupo, observándola desde la lejanía. El verano, al contrario, le resulta eterno, ya que dichos animales desaparecen misteriosamente. El problema aparecerá, no obstante, cuando uno de los chicos del instituto de Grace será asesinado por los lobos, y el pueblo de Mercy Falls decidirá darles caza, entre ellos al lobo de ojos amarillos.

Debo decir ya de antemano que una cosa que me ha sorprendido enormemente de este libro es lo triste que es. Considerando que éste se publicó en 2009 y que se dirige al público adolescente, me esperaba la típica historia protagonizada por personajes tontísimos e intensos, que se enamoran a primera vista y viven obsesionados el uno con el otro. ¿Que esto tiene lugar aquí en Temblor igualmente? También, pero no me esperaba que iba a estar rodeado de una aura tan nostálgica y melancólica.

Creo que eso tiene que ver también con la forma en que Maggie nos presenta los hombres lobo, alejándose bastante del prototipo de la luna llena y agresividad incontrolada. En este caso, los hombres lobo están relacionados con la temperatura, su transformación dependiendo del frío y, por tanto, sin poder ser controlada por la persona. Por otra parte, esta es una condición que con los años se apodera más y más del hombre, llegando al punto en que uno ya no puede volver a ser humano y se queda en forma de lobo para siempre. Me ha parecido muy interesante esta concepción de los hombres lobo ya que, aunque han pasado casi 20 años desde que se publicó el libro (DURO), realmente me ha parecido una versión bastante novedosa. También me ha gustado el detalle de que realmente parece haber poca conexión entre el lado humano y el lado del lobo, y que esta segunda es tan animal y primitiva que apenas se puede comprender y recordar cuando uno es persona otra vez. Es una serie de elementos que han ayudado bastante a mantener este aire de pesar, remarcando el hecho de que, al menos para Sam, su situación se siente más como una maldición que un regalo.

Los personajes también han sido una sorpresa bastante grata para mí, aunque es cierto que estos cojean en algunos puntos. La que me ha causado más ambivalencia ha sido Grace, sobre todo por el hecho de que nos es presentada de una manera determinada y luego, así de repente, su forma de ser cambia rotundamente. En un principio, Grace es introducida más bien como una chica reservada e introvertida, no muy charlatana y bastante seria. A pesar de que esta seriedad se mantiene todo el libro, sí me sorprendió bastante el cambio que pega al conocer a Sam, de golpe volviéndose muy atrevida y coqueta. Que tampoco creo que eso sea un punto negativo en sí, sino que simplemente no me encajó con su versión inicial. Pero bueno, es una protagonista de la que he disfrutado bastante ya que me ha parecido muy sensata, aunque a veces llega a ser muy intensa y algo desconsiderada con los demás.

Sam me gustó bastante también, sobre todo porque difiere del perfil típico de protagonista masculino. Sam es un chico más bien tímido e inseguro, mostrándose muchas veces cortado e incómodo y dudando de él mismo. Me ha parecido especialmente interesante la parte relacionada con la lucha constante en la que se encuentra por su identidad, ya que Sam teme enormemente perder su parte humana y, así, perderse a sí mismo. Averiguar quién es exactamente es un elemento constante en el desarrollo de este personaje, cosa que le aporta mucha cercanía y humanidad.

Pero, obviamente, no todo podía ser maravilloso, así que vamos a hablar de la chicha del libro: el romance.


¿Qué fumada ha sido esta?

A ver, la relación de Grace y Sam cojea por todos los lados, pero lo que se lleva ya la palma es, sin dudas, su inicio. Era bastante evidente de que su vínculo iba a construirse en base a la conexión que tenían con la versión lobuna de Sam. Desde el buen principio nos es remarcado lo importante que es el lobo que rescató a Grace para ella, que esto les ha permitido establecer cierta afinidad y afecto. Para Grace, no es un lobo cualquiera, es “su” lobo. Lo que yo me esperaba era que, una vez que Grace descubriera que Sam en realidad es “su” lobo, que esto iba a producirle algún tipo de disonancia y que tendrían que reconstruir su vínculo desde cero. Lo que no me esperaba, es que cuando Grace se entera de ello, lo primero que hace es besar a Sam.


Aun me hallo shockeada

Sé que es una situación complicada de imaginar, así que permitid que os lo facilite con un ejemplo más cercano. Si tenéis mascotas, pensad en ellas. Si no tenéis, pensad en las mascotas de vuestros familiares o conocidos, lo ideal sería sobre todo que sea algún animal que conozcáis desde hace tiempo ya. Poneos en la siguiente situación: durante años, convivís con vuestras mascotas/conocéis las mascotas de otros. Es un gato, perro, periquito, lo que sea, al que tenéis cariño. Si es vuestra mascota, lo más seguro es que la habéis visto crecer y habéis compartido momentos especiales con ella. Y, de repente, llega un día y ¡PAM!


Os la encontráis en su versión humana

Llamadme loca, llamadme insensible si queréis, pero, por más guapo que sea, dudo mucho que a mí me entraran ganas de besar la versión humana de mi gato. El mismo gato al que he visto comer moscas y limpiarse el culo con la lengua. LLAMADME LOCA, pero puedo decir con toda la seguridad del mundo que no me resultaría muy atractivo. Entonces que Grace se encuentre con Sam en su versión humana y lo primero que quiera hacer es besarle, hombre, me parece raruno. Me atrevería a decir que hasta estaríamos rozando algún tipo de parafilia.

PERO LUEGO LA COSA NO MEJORA. Volvemos al ejemplo de la mascota. Aunque no quieras besar a tu perro-ahora-humano, te surgirían dudas. ¿Desde cuándo es humano? ¿Es algo que siempre ha podido hacer? ¿Hay más como ellos? Lo normal sería que tuvieras algún tipo de inquietud, una duda, ALGO.

¿Pero os creéis que eso le pasa a Grace?




Grace lo que hace es, básicamente, invitar a Sam a vivir con ella ya que sus padres pasan de su culo, y luego los dos durante semanas se encierran en su burbujita de amor y besitos. Que obviamente todas las cuestiones que tienes tú como lector se acaban aclarando por el avance de la trama, pero es que yo lo que no entiendo es que Grace no haga nI UNA PUÑETERA PREGUNTA AL PRINCIPIO.

Ah no, perdona, le pregunta si sabe hacer TOSTADAS.

...
O sea, ¿QUÉ?

A todo esto hay que sumarle que también el argumento es algo vago y no tan bien definido. Se abren numerosas tramas a la vez y cuesta determinar cuál de ellas es realmente importante. Durante la gran parte del libro he tenido la sensación que Grace y Sam tan solo van dando vueltas por ahí en su fantasía de tortolitos inseparables y, de vez en cuando, se van acordando de sus obstáculos (como que hay un nuevo lobo loquísimo que va perdiendo la cabeza cada dos por tres o que Sam en cualquier momento se nos va a ir para siempre para emprender su vida lobuna). También no sé si ha sido precisamente por esto o por la forma de escribir de la autora, pero han habido muchas partes del libro me han parecido como muy… ¿superficiales? Me cuesta explicar a qué me refiero exactamente, pero ha sido como una sensación de que lo que me están narrando no es tan importante realmente sino que tan solo me están poniendo en contexto y que en cualquier momento ya nos centraremos en el meollo de la cuestión. De hecho, en el primer momento yo pensaba que Grace tan solo nos está narrando su pasado pero que ahora nos centraremos en el presente y… ¿no ha sido así? No sé, ha sido una sensación muy rara.

La forma de escribir de la autora me ha gustado y sorprendido mucho, dejándome con ganas de leer otras obras de ella. Maggie escribe con mucha delicadeza y sentimiento, usando numerosas metáforas y toques más líricos que añaden mucha nostalgia a su narración. A pesar de centrarse más en las reflexiones y el mundo interior de los personajes, el libro no se hace para nada pesado en ningún momento (aunque sí algo repetitivo).

Finalmente, en relación al desenlace, es algo predecible pero, a la vez, está presentado de una forma que no veía venir. Se queda en un punto abierto además de dejar algunos hilos sueltos, por lo que te deja con curiosidad de descubrir más sobre el mundo de Sam y Grace.

En resumen, Shiver (o Temblor) es un libro sencillo y ameno, que no tiene giros muy sorprendentes pero que sí logran mantener la atención. Creo que destaca por la originalidad con la que presenta los hombres lobos, además que tiene personajes que se hacen querer y que están narrados con mucho sentimentalismo. Sí hay que decir que cojea en el romance y la presentación del argumento; pero, aun así, pienso que es un buen libro para pasar el rato sin tener que estar muy concentrado.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost didn't even try to read this book, simply because people always say how bad it is. But I'm glad I didn't listen.

This wasn't AMAZING. It was a little juvenile, sure, and the plot/trope is nothing new either (although granted this book was published in 2009). But the characters were excellent, the romance was sweet, and the writing was solid. I really don't see why people trash this book. This gave me a lot of Twilight feels (although I think it's much better written than Twilight) and I probably would of REALLY loved this if I read it back during those times, but I still enjoyed it now, even though I don't read/really like paranormal/werewolf stories. Maggie Stiefvater is just really good at crafting a story and characters. Definitely going to be finishing this series.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have been satisfied with just this one book as the complete story. There’s character growth, problem solving, and overall Shiver created a really interesting world that (so far) the first few chapters of the sequel detract from, or at least dont captivate me in a way that motivates me to finish the series. I loved this first book more than I expected, overlooking sometimes silly lyrics (the charm of ya!) for a cool wolfy story and a sweet romance that didn’t feel cookie cutter.

[Al Anoud · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Maggie's writing style, how it can make a young adult series seem so mature and whimsical at he same time. This book is no different. Shiver is whimsical, lyrical, calm, steady, and is just so wintry it makes it perfect for this season. Even though it was a bit slow I still enjoyed it greatly.

[Yunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really need to start this book again. On hold for now :)

[Amber Scaife · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Grace was a little girl, she was dragged from her back yard and into the woods by wolves, who nearly killed her. One of them, a wolf with yellow eyes, saved her, and from then on the two of them, girl and wolf, watched each other across the distance from her home to the woods and across the years. Grace is in high school when a classmate is killed...by wolves. And she's worried about her yellowed-eyed friend.
Yep, high school girl/werewolf love story. And I loved it. Steifvater's characters feel genuine, and her story is well-paced and fun. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wolves. High school. Poor parenting. A bit like Twilight, but better written. Maggie Stiefvater wrote this series prior to the very excellent The Scorpio Races, and it shows. The dialogue is cringe-worthy at times, and the plot is loosely held together by the merest threads, but it was entertaining enough to read the next two installments. Take this young adult offering as the pleasant diversion it is, then read The Scorpio Races for beautiful prose and an engrossing storyline.

[Karmen (readingoncloud9) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first time I read it was back in high school so I forgot what happened. I recently picked it back up and reread it. I thought it was pretty good, but not one of my favorites. It was a cute love story. Sort of reminded me of the MTV show Teen Wolf (which I love) in a way.

[Rachel C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. While this book was certainly missing a few elements I would have enjoyed, I can't help but think that it was sweet and poignant enough that those things that are missing don't matter. I love this story and I can't wait to see where it goes.

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like Stiefvater's writing matures in her later books, which makes me optimistic about continuing this series. Even this first one is a decent enough take on werewolves, but the characters were a little flat.

[Kittynelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The beginning was really great and the end really gripped me too. The middle was slow, but I think I will read the rest. Hopefully the pace of the story gets better.

[Micheline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shiver is a book that I didn't really pay much attention to when it first came out. At the time, I was still very much on the Twilight bandwagon, and the comparisons between Twilight and Shiver made me weary. And then, when I was over my Twilight phase, I couldn't really see myself getting into a similar story. Granted back then, I wasn't familiar with my beloved Maggie Stiefvater. If I had been, I would have picked this series up in a heartbeat. Naturally, now that I have ALL THE LOVE AND FEELS for The Raven Cycle and Stiefvater's SWOONY prose I felt compelled to try out the series, which might just ease the pain as we wait for The Raven King 's release. I'm delighted to report that Shiver managed to sink it's teeth into me and delivered even more than I had expected.

Right from the first pages, I was reminded of all of the reasons why I love Stiefvater's writing. Shiver was gorgeously atmospheric and lyrical right from the start. The writing had this delicious way of making you feel as though you were right there, experiencing everything with it's two main characters, Sam and Grace. The ambience, the cold and the vivid setting drew me in easily and the gorgeous prose kept my attention glued to the pages as I plunged into a world of wolves, wilderness and romance. The story flowed easily and naturally so that before I realized what was happening, I felt surrounded by it, even when I wasn't reading.

Admittedly, it took me a while to warm up to the romance in Shiver. At first glance, it had a hint of insta-love to it that I couldn't quite shake. It seemed like very suddenly, Grace and Sam were in a romantic relationship and I wasn't sure how I felt about their devotion to each other. But then, as I continued on with the story and as I thought about it when I wasn't reading, I realized that given their history, it made sense for their relationship to evolve the way it had. In reality, they'd know each other for years! Naturally, it wasn't long until my minor misgivings were forgotten and I was completely invested in all aspects of the story, including the romance. I ship it guys. I ship it hard. Sam and Grace might be teens, but to me they read more like young adults which I really appreciated. They didn't have to change or sacrifice what makes them Sam and Grace in order to be with one another. And unlike most YA paranormal romances, Sam didn't come off possessive or stalkerish with Grace whatsoever. Their relationship was one of the healthiest I've come across in YA paranormals to date!

The actual paranormal aspects of the story were delivered in a fresh and innovative fashion. Here, the wolves transformation isn't dependant on lunar cycles, but instead it's dependant on temperature. Warmth makes them human, while cold turns them into wolves. Additionally, each 'werewolf' only has a finite number of transformations back and forth between wolf and human. Eventually, the person is lost forever and only the wolf remains. I thought it was a great way to spice up a familiar trope and I applaud Maggie Stiefvater for taking werewolves and making them her own. Now that I have read Shiver, I feel like the comparisons to Twilight have been a little unfair. Other than the atmospheric setting and star-crossed romance, there were little other similarities between the two. I mean, if you enjoyed Twilight back in the day, odds are that you'll probably enjoy Shiver, but if I'm being honest, Shiver constantly felt like the superior, better-written story out of the two.

As much as a part of me regrets having waited this long to finally read Shiver, I'm still thrilled that I now have read it. It managed to make a fan out of me, even well passed my YA paranormal romance phase. If you're a fan of gorgeous prose, absorbing settings and paranormal romances - and you still haven't read Shiver - I highly recommend that you check it out. I'd also say the same for fans of anything by Maggie Stiefvater! As it stands, I already can't wait to dive into Linger ;)

This review was previously featured on my blog:

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

“And I want, in those silent, somehow faltering times, to be with someone who knows, or else alone."

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book; I feel that is definitely better than Lament, but this is still a very young Stiefvater, writing-wise, who is falling into every cliché. However, I see a bit of promise that this trilogy will improve overtime.

I'll start with the things I liked about it: the constant quotes, songs and poetry; Sam and Grace's personalities, but mainly Sam's, I don't think we get to see enough shy and complex characters in YA like him, especially male ones; one of the things that were huge for me was the fact that Grace and Isabelle overcame the barriers of the school social chain and ended up teaming up and being almost-friends (go girl love!). Oh, and I give it some points for making me cry in the end.

Things I didn't really like: as many people have stated in their respective reviews, it was insta-lovey though I didn't mind it tHAT much, the fact that it was a bit of a cliché bothered me; which takes me to part II, clichés, they were kind of all over the place; the writing was a little ordinary at times and very not-Stiefvater-ry and I absolutely HATED!1!! the whole reasoning behind the werewolf issue, like really cold and heat? You can do better; I'm confused about the purpose and intentions of some characters like Shelby, the quickly-redeemed Beck and Paul.

Things that are in between: Jack, I really have no clue how I feel about his character; also it seemed to me like Maggie was trying to write a better and different version of Lament, and this is evident to me when she uses a phrase that goes "'You're like a song that I heard when I was a little kid but forgot I knew until I heard it again.'" which I'm pretty sure is taken right out of Lament.

Overall, I felt like it was a guilty-pleasure kind of book with a 'meh' plot but good characters that you read because it has all the right words to keep you hooked. I saw a bit of improvement in the writing in the end so I hope we see a better development of the plot and some much needed new characters! I have faith in my Stiefvater queen.-

[Dani St-Onge · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more reviews and bookish content: http://literarylion.ca/

"It is possible to be in love with you just because of who you are."

I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time and it both did and didn’t live up to expectations. I definitely enjoyed it. I much preferred it to All the Crooked Saints, the last Stiefvater book I read.

Shiver has a wonderful concept. The mythology of the wolves is really interesting and fun. I want to read more about them. I want to see more about the pack and how they live. More POV in wolf form would be really fun. I don’t usually care for weird paranormal romance, but Stiefvater has created some really unique werewolves and I’m invested in continuing their story.

However there’s that second part of paranormal romance. I didn’t really care for Grace and Sam. For starters, it feels like we start sort of in the middle of their relationship so we don’t get any of the build up (see also: the best part). I also think Grace is a little too bland of a character for me. She’s not like other girls, she’s independent and likes the wolves. Sam isn’t terribly interesting either but he’s a soft boy uwu and what else do you need in a paranormal boyfriend.

The pacing of the book is a little strange. The plot is very barren through most of the book instead focusing on Grace and Sam fluff. Then suddenly you get slammed with PLOT and then the book ends on a tantalising cliffhanger. It makes me want to keep going but I won’t deny that the beginning of the book was a little bit of a drag to get through.

In the end I’m 50/50 on how I feel about The Wolves of Mercy Falls. I’ll definitely read the sequel, but I don’t think it’s an exceptional book. You like sad boys and werewolves? You’ll probably like this. If you’re looking for something with amazingly crafted plot and complex characters, then Shiver might not be for you.

It’s a fun, dramatic romance between a girl and her wolf, but it’s not going to go down in history.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review originally posted on journeyintotheshelves.tumblr.com

I am so disappointed with this book. I wanted to like it, I really did, but I just couldn’t fully get into it. Every once in a while, the plot would grab me with one issue or another. But once it was resolved, the plot seemed to drop off and reading became painful until the next issue came along.

Some of the dialogue and plot seemed to jump around also, and the characterization wasn’t always consistent (Isabel, especially). I did find it completely strange that Grace and Sam “fell in love” with each other so quickly and while one was a wolf. I am curious, however, if the time they spent watching each other will be addressed in the following books, so I think I will pick up the rest of the series at some point.

Despite this, there were a few things I liked about this book. I did like the conflict between Beck and Sam. I did like - once I got over the idea of beastiality - Sam and Grace’s relationship. Take away the werewolf part, and it kind of reminded me of Hazel and Gus’ relationship in The Fault in Our Stars at times. The “you gave me forever in the numbered days” kind of stuff.

I really wanted to like this book, but the plot line seemed played out to me. Though, honestly, it might be because I read this 6 years after it was published when stories like this started becoming really popular (thank you Twilight), but I honestly don’t know. I do, however, hope the next book picks up.

[Ashley Earley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot is pretty cool and the writing was great! I love books about werewolves, even if sometimes they can be unoriginal. This werewolf book definitely stood out to me though because of the writing and storyline!

However, I am sad to say that I don't feel a strong connection with these characters. I liked reading from Sam's perspective but I sort of struggled to connect with him too. BUT I can understand why I didn't.

For me, the reason why I couldn't connect with Grace is because I didn't learn a whole lot about her. Her hobby was to watch the wolves, and she was obsessed with her wolf (who we come to find is Sam) but I never learned any basic things about her. Her parents are barely present in the book and that was something she admitted drove her a little nuts because she's been raising herself.

I wanted to know more about her and the other characters. I knew more about Sam than any of the other characters, however. He was homeschooled (which I loved since I was homeschooled too), he loves to learn, craves to be human, and his parents had tried to kill him after being bitten. I like his backstory, and I can understand why we aren't told his basic likes and dislikes - it's because he's lived as an animal and can't develop many.

I hope to learn more about these characters in the second book, Linger.


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-Ashley Earley

[emmalee · Rating 2 out of 5]

this story was giving tvd minus hot vampire brothers plus 10x more cringe.
1. grace was in love with sam before she knew he was HUMAN. THATS WEIRD!!!
2. instalove… with a wolf…
3. sideburns on an emo kid. imagine.
4. why was sam always writing such cringey songs??? and why was that something he did all the time but the significance of music in his life was never touched on? he just did it. no explanation.
5. graces parents are awful parents.
6. sam and grace did not need to make out around their friends all the time. imagine ur making quiche with your 2 friends. and suddenly “their song” comes on. and they’re making out and you’re just awkwardly there with the uncooked quiche. stupid.
7. olivia was so crapped on by grace when she actually made SUCH good points about grace not prioritizing anyone else.
8. not them making out in a bookstore

overall, not as good as i thought in high school but funny to reread

[natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to try reading the fantasy/supernatural genre again. Fourth Wing and Poison Princess truly convinced me that the whole genre wasn’t for me, but it turns out those were just not my taste in terms of writing and plot…and everything about them who am I kidding🤪

So I read this one and I was expecting it to be the same experience , but I didn’t mind it! I didn’t love it but I liked it, it was fun to read. In a way this series is my preparation to read the Twilight series😆. This was surprisingly simple to navigate the origins of the wolves and their strengths and weaknesses, which I appreciated.

I quite liked the storyline. While it wasn’t perfect, with some cringy flirty interactions (especially from the fmc), and the development of relationships blossoming too fast in my opinion, it was still interesting enough to keep me reading.

I’m excited to read the next book in the series and see how this goes!

PS: I love the book cover!! It looks so cool!

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second read:
Upon rereading, I find that I don't really care for Grace too much. She's rude and kind of distant with her friends, and when the possibility for romance arrives, she pretty much ditches them completely. She also refuses to engage Isabel when Isabel is clearly asking for help.
Sam, however, is a good character, despite his slightly cliche manic-pixie-dream-boy love and understanding of poetry.

First read:
Stiefvater does it again. I say "again" but this was written before The Raven Cycle. What I mean is, I've found another series to love. Wish I had the rest of them now.

It's a story about werewolves, but not a creepy horror gothic. It's teenagers dealing with life and love, with the added hurdle of lupinism.

[Kat To · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book 2 stars, but I finished it, so I figured that gave it enough credit for a third star. the writing was okay... I guess? what bothered me the most was the romance between grace and Sam. also, I did some research and found out the ending to the series and now I refuse to read the rest of the series because honestly, from what I have read, Maggie made a dick move to her fans with the ending of the series. totally turns me off wanting to invest my time in the other 2 books. it sounds as if she became more of a fan of the "other couple" as she wrote the other 2 books and forgot all about sam and grace, giving them a backhanded "ending". not pleased. oh well.

[Nadwa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't help but find a lot of references/parallels to Twilight. Such a cliche story. It was too cheesy for my liking. I sort of expected it to be something better. I mean, the reviews and the ratings were pretty good, but it actually lacks originality. And it feels like the author was going in circles. I thought Grace was super annoying and overreacting. I know I sound rude but I was really disappointed. And I don't think I'll be reading the whole series.