Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)

Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Paperback, 392 pages

Published: August 1, 2009
Scholastic, Inc.

From my personal collection

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.

My thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sam loves Grace from his wolf skin in the forest. Grace loves Same from her back porch. The relationship between Sam and Grace was, in my opinion, beautiful and real. They truly feel something for each other and it comes out not only in the characters but in the way that Maggie Stiefvater writes about them. They have their share of problems but they are willing to do absolutely anything to stay together. Their relationship is what really drives the story and I really liked that. I think the addition of the issues with Jack and Isabel give Sam and Grace something to focus on besides the possibility of their time together ending. 

I loved the characters of Grace and Sam. They are both so real and genuine it is hard not to fall in love with Sam right along with Grace. The story is told alternating points of view between Sam and Grace. I really liked this because it gave the reader a chance to see inside both of their heads. You see the strong side of Sam and the damaged side. I loved seeing both sides of the story. It made everything more real. There is so much risk to their relationship that there were times that I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I wanted so badly for everything to work out for them in the end. And the ending... just let me say, I am so glad there was a sequel. 

Would I recommend this to my 9th graders? Maybe. There is only a mention of a sex scene and some language, so I might have to see what kinds of 9th graders I have. Juniors and seniors? yea, probably. 

Rating: 5/5