SHIVER, LINGER Review

I'm doing these reviews together, because I think it's kind of a waste of your time to do two separate posts.




There are no spoilers for Linger if you haven't read it yet, 



Shiver and Linger by Maggie Stiefvater


From Goodreads (for Shiver): 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.

Cover: I didn't really like these covers at first, to tell the truth. I first saw SHIVER's and I thought the monotone of the blue wasn't really that appealing. After reading, however, the covers have grown on me. I understand how they fit now into the bigger picture of the novels themselves. Now I wonder how FOREVER is going to fit it's cover?

Plot: I love the plot of these books. Stiefvater has created a world of werewolves that is absolutely unique, but still recognizable for us to understand. She has mastered the idea of a "ticking clock" in her fiction, and knows that there needs to be something at stake. There is a lot at stake in these two novels, which follow the lives of Sam and Grace, who are in love. But, because of the wolves, they can't really be together. The second book is even more complex than the first. At first I questioned what was happening, and then I began to understand. All I could think was, "Very sneaky, Stiefvater; very sneaky." They are fun to read. And technically they both end on cliffhangers, but I personally think the first one was worse than the second.

Characters: Stiefvater has created 100 percent believable characters. They have issues and thoughts and quarks and hopes and fears and they are hands down fantastic. We get additional points of view in the second book that we don't in the first, and I absolutely fell in love. They are all different, with such distinct voices. I would love to be able to explain exactly, but I have no words for Stiefvater's amazingness. And I know that's not a word - but that's all I'm left with. 

Writing: Stiefvater has a very simple writing style that I like. That's not to say that it isn't beautiful. She does a fantastic job of making the voices believable, which I think takes some time and effort and talent. Her descriptions aren't over used, but are gorgeous. I would list specifics here, but I lent SHIVER to a friend. 

Overall: These are great books. I give SHIVER four stars and LINGER five stars. I would have given Shiver five stars if I hadn't already read Linger. Linger was on a totally different level when it comes to characters and writing that makes me can't wait for the next one! 

Comments

  1. You didn't like the covers? Huh. Well, sounds interesting. Will look forward to reading them.

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  2. I LOVED the first book so I can't wait to read Linger! Especially since you gave it a 5/5 ( !!!) I also agree that both Grace and Sam are believable characters ;)

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  3. I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said! I absolutely love Maggie Stiefvater's writing - she has such a beautiful way with words. I love this series. I loved Linger even more than Shiver too, particularly because of the extra POV's. I can't wait for Forever!

    Have you read Maggie's other novels, Lament and Ballad? If not, you totally should! Both are just as amazing as this series, especially Ballad :)

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  4. I'm just past 3/4 way of Linger and your comment about Stiefvater being sneaky is making me curious - I'm just hoping that I'd get what you mean!

    So far my comment is I think I'm over Grace, bring on Isabel!

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  5. Thanks for the wonderful review, and I always love books with realistic characters. I need to start reading this series!

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  6. I loved this book, I had some trouble at first because the book was written in green but it was an awesome story

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  7. I have been wanting to read this series and now with this awesome review I so will. Thank you!

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  8. Oh I just won Shiver and I have been so looking forward to reading it.

    Thanks for this review :)

    Val @ Truth Be Told

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  9. This was on my list of "to reads" and now that I've read your review I can't wait to read it even more! :D Thanks!

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  10. Hmm I totally agree with you on the greatness of these series, but you still should have written two different reviews... there are soo many things one could write about Shiver and Linger. BTW I love Cole:D

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  11. I've only read Shiver and have yet to read Linger but I hope to read it soon! :) I also think this is a wonderful series with an original plot and likeable characters with flaws. Great review!

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  12. Ugh I need to read these books soon! I keep hearing wonderful things about them. I'm not quite sure how I'll like the werewolves thing, as I haven't read a werewolves-only book (that's what it is right, no other paranormals?), but I'm sure I'll like it.

    I'll probably request this from my library after the next batch :P.

    Thank you for your review!! :)

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