Linger

When I downloaded Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater to my Nook, I downloaded its sequel, Linger. I figured if I loved Shiver I would probably want to start Linger right away. That's exactly what I did. Now, I liked Shiver but wasn't exactly head over heels in love with it. I can honestly say, though, that I fell hard for Linger. When I finished it today, I was heartbroken. I need to know what happens next!

From Goodreads:


Their eyes, human eyes in wolf skulls, remind me of water: the clear blue of water reflecting the spring sky, the brown of a brook churning with rainfall, the green of the lake in summer as the algae begins to bloom, the gray of a snow-choked river. It used to be only Sam's yellow eyes that watched me from between the rain-soaked birches, but no, I feel the weight of the entire pack's gaze. The weight of things known, things unsaid.



Sam, who spent most of his life as a werewolf, has undergone an unlikely cure and no longer transitions between fur and skin as the temperature changes from cold to hot. This should be a happy time for Sam and true-love Grace, but just as he begins to trust his new human life, Grace feels her humanity slipping away. Sam's focus is split between worry for Grace and his role as caretaker of the werewolf pack, which for the first time in years includes new members.




Cover: Like the Shiver cover, the Linger cover was so pretty. For me, the greens symbolized the warmth and life of the spring season and when the wolves shed their furry pelts for a less hairy appearance.

Characters: Sam and Grace are still crazy about each other. Sam's insecurities seem to be exposed a bit more in this book. I was surprised at how friendly Isabel and Grace became. Cole was a nice addition to the story. His growth throughout the story was touching.

Writing: Stiefvater does such a nice job of telling the story from the various perspectives. I'm a sucker for this style of writing. I also like how she adds Sam's lyrics and poems that Sam is fond of. Her writing in this story really pulled me in. I found myself hanging on the last word of every page, just waiting for what would come next.

Plot: I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say that I enjoyed the way Shiver tied in with Linger. What's the saying? When one door closes, another one opens. That's exactly what happened in this book. Just when you thought Sam and Grace would live happily ever after, something else pops up.

Overall: 5/5 I LOVED this book! I can't wait until the next book in the series is released.

Shiver

After seeing tons of good things about this book on Twitter and my online book board, I decided I had to read Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater.  I'd been sticking with books that I already owned but was getting itchy to read a book on my new Nook.  This was my opportunity. 

From Goodreads:
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.
Cover:  The cover is gorgeous.  I love the twisting branches and little hearts hanging down from them.  The colors give it a "winter feel" with the cools blues.

Characters:  Sam and Grace are the main characters in Shiver.  There are other characters involved, but I feel like these two are the main players.  Sam seems to be an insecure, sensitive young man.  He's probably one of those guys who would be mysterious and catch all kinds of attention from girls but not know what to do with it.  Grace is a mature, independent teenager.  She plays the parent role in her family, while her parents are living their dreams.  Sam and Grace compliment each other.  Sam's insecurity is paired with Grace's confidence.  Sam's hopelessness is paired with Grace's hopefulness.  Together, they're a sweet couple who just seem made for each other.

Writing:  Stiefvater wrote beautifully in describing the relationship between Sam and Grace.  I like that she wrote from both of their perspectives.  The connection she described between the two lovers was much deeper than a physical one. 

Plot:  It was refreshing to read about werewolves.  I haven't read anything involving them before, so this was new to me.  Sam is a werewolf with a connection to a girl, Grace.  They've shared a bond for six years as werewolf and girl until a chance encounter allows Sam's human form to meet her.  Their love is strong, and they fight for a way to stay together, knowing that if Sam changes back to his wolf form he'll never change back again.  I found myself engulfed in the hope that Sam and Grace would find a way to stay together.  My thoughts went like this: "They're going to find a way to stay together."  "It's not going to happen."  "OMG!  They are going to do it!"  "Dammit!  I thought it was going to work."  I won't share my last thought at the end of the book.  I'm pretty sure one simple sentence would give away the ending. :-)

Overall:  4/5  I really liked this book.  I think I now know what all the hype was about.  I'm also really glad I bought Linger at the same time I bought Shiver.  As soon as I read the last line my head screamed, "I have to read Linger!"