Book Review - The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Capaill uisce. The water horses. As beautiful as they are deadly, they emerge from the sea on the island of Thisby and once a year, in November, male jockeys ride them in the Scorpio Races – or attempt to ride them – if they live long enough to make it to the finish line. Riders include the reigning champion – Sean Kendrick and the unlikely hopeful – Kate (aka Puck) Connolly. Puck challenges preconceived notions that riders must be men when she registers for the race under her birth name. She further pushes the boundaries of tradition when she chooses to ride her own horse, Dove, instead of one of the capaill uisce. From the moment that Puck and Sean cross paths, there is a peculiar and unexpected attraction between these two very different people who eventually find that they have more in common than they think. Both are willing to fight for what they love, but at what cost if one (or both) lose?

Arising from the depths of Celtic mythology, Scorpio Races will appeal to those who aren’t in a rush to get to the finish lines of a book themselves, not for the number of pages, but for the slow pace that it takes to get there. Be forewarned: for a book about a horse race, the plot never reaches a gallop until the competition finally begins (and ends) in almost one chapter alone toward the conclusion of the story, but if you have the patience to see how the story slowly draws you in from the first to last page as it sets up the scene of the island, introduces the people who live there, and reveals how the history (and tragedy) of the past can bring two people together and slowly unfold something special between them, you will be rewarded with a story that will stay with you long after it ends.

There is no sequel and no plans for a series. This is a standalone novel. Because of the pattern of alternating narrating voices, each chapter is short and can be read fairly quickly. Descriptions of the island are balanced with plenty of dialogue, so don't be afraid to give it shot.

If you like it, let us know. If you don't like it, let us know too!

Recommended Grade Level: 7-12

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 416

This book review was written by Adult Services Librarian, Chryssi Gumina