The Scorpio Races

by Maggie Stiefvater

Paperback, 2013

Call number

JF STI

Publication

Scholastic Paperbacks (2013), Edition: Reprint, 416 pages

Description

Nineteen-year-old returning champion Sean Kendrick competes against Puck Connolly, the first girl ever to ride in the annual Scorpio Races, both trying to keep hold of their dangerous water horses long enough to make it to the finish line.

User reviews

LibraryThing member beserene
There are quite a few things I could complain about with this book -- and I will, because I am not one to mince words on that sort of thing -- but I think I should start by saying that I really enjoyed the story. There are quite a few reasons for that: the novel uses an obscure Celto-Gallic myth,
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and I'm a sucker for those kinds of allusions; the setting and characters push all the right cultural buttons; the atmospheric elements -- horses, the sea, crags and cliffs -- are all things with which I have positive associations, etc.

My enjoyment, however, does not make this a Very Good Book; I must recognize that not everyone is going to respond to the ingredients of this mildly magic potion in the same way I do. Essentially, Stiefvater has written yet another teen romance with mytho-supernatural ingredients. There are certain plot moments that feel as stiff as yesterday's zombies... but those are also balanced by fresher additions. The appropriation of the "water horse" myth from the British Isles is, in my opinion, a nice change from the usual paranormal fare. I also think that, in maintaining the cultural context for the myth (a fictional Scots-Irish island), Stiefvater has worked with an already-atmospheric environment to some success. I liked the feeling of Thisby, the island, and its battle with the sea's spirits.

Unfortunately, the novel's descriptions did not always do that atmosphere and imaginative content justice. Stiefvater's writing isn't the best -- the book rings with clunky passages and intentional repetitions that, though apparently intended to intensify the first-person narration, simply fall flat. The pace is also inconsistent, with some insignificant moments crawling forward while other, more interesting happenings zip by with few details.

Perhaps these are simply the hallmarks of an author who has not yet hit her stride. I don't say this out of any mere charity, but because there are some genuinely brilliant moments in the novel. The storm passage, during which one of our pair of young heroes experiences the quiet, dangerous stalk of a newly-landed water horse, is perfectly timed and genuinely chilling. Similarly, there are a couple of subtle scenes between the two heroes -- who are also *not really a spoiler* love interests -- in which the emotional interchange rings true. These moments elevate the novel from being bogged down in the "oh, another one of those" category, into which we might throw any number of hastily constructed YA romances.

My wish here is that the brilliant moments came more often. There is a lot of potential in this novel. The climax is romantically predictable, but certain of its details shine -- I shan't give them away here, but I did very much like that the book shifted its focus back to the mythic rather than just the romantic at the very end, and reminded the reader that it was the *other* relationship that was more significant, in many ways (people who read horse books will connect with the details to which I'm referring). There are enjoyable characters, some complex and some not, whose roles exceed their lines (to mix my media metaphors), but other figures are inexplicably wise or over-convenient. Essentially, the whole package suffers from a case of inconsistency across the board.

Even so, the fact that I still enjoyed reading it, that I was caught up in the story and the atmosphere and the lives of the characters -- that says something. Maggie Stiefvater might not be the best writer, but what she lacks in craft, she seems to make up for in emotion and imagination. That is no small thing. I am not yet a fan, but I will be on the look-out for her next effort.

PS: It has been noted by others that this novel has a high body-count -- and it definitely does. This is solidly YA -- not a children's book -- and fits alongside Suzanne Collins' 'Hunger Games' in its constant dance with violence. In fairness, however, it is based upon a myth about a sea-borne horse spirit that grabs people and kills them. So, death sort of came with the package. Even so, best avoid this if you are squeamish about people's throats being bitten out, etc.
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LibraryThing member skaohee
This is the story of a girl named Puck who lives on an island with her two brothers. Their parents were killed by these terrible "water horses" (fantasy horses who live in the sea and are ravenous), and so Puck and her two brothers are left to try to survive on their own. When Puck decides that she
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must ride in the Scorpio Races, she has no idea what she has signed up for. Cut-throat competitors, male chauvinistic pigs, and surprise ally.

The Scorpio Races was unlike anything I've read all year. Not only in terms of the story but mostly in the way that it was written. Maggie Stiefvater has a way with words. Her beautiful prose and luxurious writing style are second to none. If you've read Shiver, then you know what I'm talking about. The Scorpio Races' writing was so refined and so exquisite and yet, I don't think that many people will enjoy this read as much as I did. And it saddens me to say that because I really did love this book.

This book is not one for someone who is looking for a great love story where the characters are made for each other; where they pine for each other throughout the entire book. It is not an angsty read and if you're looking for a "romance novel", this is not it. It IS, however, a wonderful journey and although it may start out rather slow and confusing, once you're aware of what is going on you'll be dying to find out how it all ends.

I think I would recommend this for older YA readers, just because the characters are a little bit older and mature. It might be hard for a 12 year old to connect to the story. Also, it's hard to say "if you liked this book, then you might like The Scorpio Races" so instead I'll say if you're looking for a good story and aren't looking for romance, then you'd enjoy this one.
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LibraryThing member ladycato
This book is what you get if you cross The Hunger Games with carnivorous horses, but deeper. The suspense is there but this is really more about the people than the action.

On the isle of Thisby, the water horses come ashore each year and can be tamed to ride--but closeness to the sea drives them
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mad. Every November 1st the men of the island gather for a race that leaves men and horse strewn across the beach or carried into the waves, never to be seen again. Puck Connolly is a girl on a mission. Her parents are dead. She and her brothers are about to lose their home. Her one chance at money is winning the annual Scorpio Race. The other perspective is that of Sean Kendrick. He has won the Scorpio Race four times, but does not own his beloved horse, Corr--but can buy him if he wins the race this time.

This book hits all the right emotional notes. Sean and Puck are very real. The horses and the island itself are just as vivid. I love Stiefvater's take on the legends of kelpies and water horses. It works. The romance between Sean and Puck is very subtle; it's not a gushy romantic book at all. These are two people who understand each other on a deep level.

I'm very impressed with The Scorpio Races. I'll be gifting it to my 11-year-old niece for Christmas, and I hope she loves it as much as I did!
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LibraryThing member AyleeArgh
In short: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater is a brilliant and memorable story with fantastic characters and beautifully descriptive prose.

Maggie Stiefvater, where have you been all my life? Okay, I know, it's totally my fault for only clueing in now and finally caving to peer pressure after
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reading countless reviews that have raved about her books and her writing. You guys were SO right. I loved The Scorpio Races entirely. And I couldn't be more impressed with Maggie Stiefvater's writing and her mastery at utilizing imagery to craft the most beautiful sentences and scenes. Plus, growing up I was one of the horse-crazy girls who wanted nothing more than to spend her time frolicking with ponies (I still do, really). So naturally, I was pretty crazy about a storyline revolving completely around horses.

Maggie Stiefvater's genius wasn't immediately apparent to me, however. The Scorpio Races is a quiet book, one that kind of snuck up on me. At first the pacing seemed slow and it felt like nothing was happening. At some point though - not sure exactly when - it just hit me: this book is BRILLIANT. The Scorpio Races has a quiet grace to it. The story, the characters, the setting - they were all understated, yet completely impactful and memorable in retrospect.

I had a hard time wrapping my head around the water horses at first. As someone who has once witnessed a horse become spooked by a bit of floating plastic, it was hard to picture horses as predatory and vicious. It didn't help that these water horses apparently looked much the same as regular horses, with no predatory morphological characteristics whatsoever. Evolution be damned! But I digress... I'll just call it pure fantasy and be done with it.

And it wasn't long until I was lulled and convinced into believing in the concept of killer horses thanks to Maggie Stiefvater's descriptive prose. I don't know much about her or her interests, but it was immediately apparent to me that she knows what she's talking about when it comes to horses. Not only did she get the terminology right, but she completely captured the personality and quirks of horses that are so uniquely equine. As a horse-crazy and detail-oriented girl, this was SO important to me. If I had read a description that wasn't at all in line with how I know horses to act, it would have taken me completely out of the story. Thankfully, this never happens. Maggie Stiefvater NAILED it.

But horse personality isn't the only thing she got right. Nor is it hardly the most important aspect of the novel - The characters were fantastic. Puck is my favourite kind of protagonist: very flawed and not immediately likeable until you get to know them and you realize they have a heart of gold and a fierce spirit hidden behind their faults. I also loved Sean, the novel's other narrator, for his quiet, no nonsense demeanour. And I ESPECIALLY loved the bond between Puck and Sean and the bond between them and their horses. Just perfect. The antagonists are definitely note-worthy, as well. They were truly horrible and intriguing and memorable and did I mention HORRIBLE? There are very few thing that get me riled up quite as much as animal cruelty, so I was sufficiently repulsed and enraged by the novel's baddies.

Alright, I could go one and on about all that I loved about The Scorpio Races, but this review is getting quite long (for me anyway) so I'll stop here. I just loved it a lot, you know? I loved the understated yet powerful story, the moving characters, the gorgeous prose. AND THE HORSES!!
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LibraryThing member Storeetllr
If there were six stars available, I'd give it an 8.
LibraryThing member callmecayce
I cannot express how much I loved this book. I believe that it's by far and away the best of Stiefvater's books. I loved the characters, the story, the plot, the setting, everything. The atmosphere was perfect, the ending was incredibly satisfying. The book has a bleak, yet beautiful feel to it and
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that's one of the things that makes it so perfect. When I finished the book, I didn't want it to end. I wanted more of the story, not a sequel, but just more. I wanted to spend as much time with these characters as possible. I'm glad she wrote this book, I'm glad it's just a standalone (there aren't enough of those). And even though the ending was happy, it was also beautiful and bittersweet and I totally cried.
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LibraryThing member SugarCreekRanch
The Scorpio Races are a November tradition on the island of Thisby. This is no ordinary horse race. The horses are barely-controlled "capaill uisce" (water horses), and not everyone who races will survive.

This is the story of Sean Kendrick, a favorite to win the race on the stallion Corr. And its
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the story of Puck Connolly, who dares to race her land horse against these fantastic beasts.

The imagery, sense of place, and mythological atmosphere is incredible in this book. I could so easily imagine those capaill uisce tearing up the beach, sand and water flying. I was just drawn into the island of Thisby, and understood Puck's and Sean's devotion to this place.

I listened to this on audio. The production was perfect for this book.
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LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
I have to say firstly that I did not like Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, and now I have learned she is not an author for me as I equally did not like The Scorpio Races either. Perhaps it was because I wasn’t feeling well when I read it or the fact that I am not a huge fan of horses, but I just
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could not get into this book.

I’ll start with the good points, the author conceived of an original story, built a beautiful and atmospheric setting to place her story in, and peopled it with well developed characters. On the other hand, the story developed way to slowly for me, the build up to the actual action took over 350 pages. The races were very well done, but only lasted about 15 pages, By the time the action started, I had already lost interest in the outcome. I never became invested in the characters, and found the romance a little bland. I wasn’t able to get lost in the story as I constantly felt the author’s manipulation.

A lot of people have read and loved this book so I believe I am in the minority with my nay-saying, but The Scorpio Races has simply left me relieved that it’s over and off my Kindle.
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LibraryThing member devilwrites
The premise: ganked from BN.com: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shiver and Linger comes a brand new, heart-stopping novel.

Some race to win. Others race to survive.

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long
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enough to make it to the finish line.


Some riders live.


Others die.


At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.


Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition -- the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.


As she did in her bestselling Shiver trilogy, author Maggie Stiefvater takes us to the breaking point, where both love and life meet their greatest obstacles, and only the strong of heart can survive. The Scorpio Races is an unforgettable reading experience.

A 2012 Michael L. Printz Honor Book

My Rating: Excellent

This book is something of a slow build, but by time Stiefvater raises the stakes for both her point of view characters, I was hooked by the slow and quiet tension of the story. The world-building was compelling, and I loved how the two characters, who by all rights were competitors, became friends and tried to help each other out, despite the fact that only one of them could win the race, and both of them badly, desperately needed that win. What I thought would be a predictable novel ended up surprising me at almost every turn, and the story ends right where it needs to. There were some tiny, loose threads that I wish had been tied up a bit better (the world felt almost too big for the story being told, and I only say that because that's where those loose strings are), and after reading The Wolves of Mercy Falls books, I'm getting more and more immune to Stiefvater's preferred storytelling method of alternating first person present. Still, I reached a point where I had difficulty putting it down, and it's a fast, engaging read besides. So glad I was able to get my hands on this, and I have to say, Stiefvater is starting to become a must-read author for me. She's not there yet, but with this, I won't ignore future releases, that's for sure.

Spoilers, yay or nay?: Yay. Sorry folks, but it's worth talking about. If you want to avoid spoilers, please skip to "My Rating" and you'll be fine. The full review is in my blog, and as always, comments and discussion are most welcome.

REVIEW: Maggie Stiefvater's THE SCORPIO RACES

Happy Reading!
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LibraryThing member SunnySD
Every November on the tiny island of Thisby the water horses come. And every November, men die. The Scorpio Races test the mettle of the men and the speed of their captured mounts. This year nineteen-year-old Sean Kendrick means to capture the title of champion again. And mounted on the
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flame-colored Corr, few doubt his chances. Puck Connolly intends to win, as well, but as the first girl ever to ride the bloody beach, it's long odds on her even surviving the first practice.

A girl and her horse, and a boy and his passion. A very difficult book to read without skipping ahead to assure myself that all would turn out well in the end!
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LibraryThing member amybrojo
Once I figured out what was going on, I really enjoyed this book! It is based on the Celtic legend of water horses which emerge from the sea and have a taste for blood. People of this northern island catch and train the horses in hopes of winning the annual race and not being eaten. It is told in
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first person and switches from Puck, a girl who loves the island and is trying to save her house, to Sean, a trainer who has won the races previously and has a deep connection with his water horse. The story of the two meeting and growing close is refreshingly sweet. I love a strong girl character who doesn't rely on the guy in young adult novels.
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LibraryThing member lilibrarian
The island of Thisby has what no other place in the world does - capaill uisce, vicious sea-dwelling horses. Island tradition calls for men to trap and train the sea-horses. Every year, men and sea-horses die in a race to determine who is fastest. Sean Kendrick has won the race 4 times. This year,
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Kate Connelly is going to race on her pony, Dove. This is a serious break with tradition and many are not happy about it.
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LibraryThing member usagijihen
I seriously cannot rave about this book enough. You thought “Shiver” was good? Look out. I think that Stiefvater’s outdone herself in “The Scorpio Races”. There seems to be a lot of complaining on the blogosphere in terms of early reaction to the book with the main complaint of “nothing
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happens except in the last 2o pages!”. My friends, you are wrong. “The Scorpio Races” is not just about the races themselves, but what it takes to get to them, and how the emotional connection between the water horses and their riders all plays out.

First, Stiefvater’s gotten much better at worldbuilding. I think with “Shiver”, the lack of worldbuilding on the part of the wolves is one of the things that really kind of bothered me, even though I loved that book/series too. But she really pulls out all of the stops describing this bloody world of sea and salt, flesh and blood, man and fairy, rider and horse. Her sensory language techniques have definitely grown, and you can feel that she’s been to the places that finally made up the (fictional?) island of Thisby when she talks about them. The cliffs, especially – I think the scenes where we have our heroes on the cliffs were some of the most magical and emotional of the whole book. Everyone plugs into this world so very well, and no piece is left out of place and the fact that it felt so complete and so real just made me want to hug the book (and the author) and jump for joy after finishing it.

OH, and it’s a standalone. Another rarity in YA right now. But the fact that it feels complete, yet it leaves open room at the end for the reader to wonder what happens next is a very welcome thing indeed with heaps of duologies, trilogies, tetrologies, and longer series that are mostly making up the mainstream YA market.

Second, she’s really made the setting an antagonistic character. This is very difficult to do, but to make the backdrop one of the bad guys is possibly one of the hardest, given what she chose to work with. You have this small island, a small town, and these killer horses that are galloping up out of the water two months out of the year to kill people or get caught trying. Yet at the same time, there’s still magic there, and the horses are intensely charming, as are the townspeople themselves. We as the audience think that the backdrop may be indifferent for awhile, up until the storm right before the races. It’s then that we know that the island is indifferent to the suffering of the people and possibly more sympathetic to its horses (both fairy and animal) instead. Stiefvater did a fantastic job here, and it’s a good example to point to when you want to teach how to make setting a character within books.

There’s been a lot of negative reception of this book, as I said earlier, mostly because the actual races themselves don’t take place until the end of the book. Spoiler, I know, but it’s important you know that if you want to decide whether to invest your time or not. I highly recommend/encourage you to do so, because it’s definitely one of the most alluring, luxurious reads of the year. It’s also one of the most violent and realistic, even with the fact that we’re dealing with killer fairy horses. Because it’s not just about the horses and the races, but also because how everyone knows someone who’s lost a friend/sibling/parent/lover in some way to this yearly ritual. By creating this web of relationships that all points their way back to the island and the horses in the end, it really kind of knits the entire cast together and then knits it back into the setting-as-character. It’s gorgeous in every way this way – everyone is involved whether they like it or not because of this connection.

My verdict? Read it. This is definitely Stiefvater’s best work so far, and I can’t read to wait whatever she writes next. It’s also in my top ten for 2011. So when this hits shelves on October 18th (in North America – if you live elsewhere, check with your local bookstore), go pick up a copy or reserve it now at your local library and thank me later.

(posted to librarything, goodreads, shelfari, and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)
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LibraryThing member breakingdownslowly
It's no secret that the werewolves and I do not really agree. But in the first two Shiver books, I still really enjoyed Maggie's writing. So I heard about this book and was intrigued by the idea. I figured with the idea and her writing, I would love this.

But not so much.

I can't really pinpoint what
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it was. The characters were all complex and they had a lot of different factors to consider and they were all individuals, except the characters that weren't supposed to be individuals. Puck and Sean were just so adorable and kind of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy-esque. I appreciated that.

The writing was Maggie-fabulous. Pretty and flowy and wonderful. It's what you expect from Maggie. And the story IS different and entertaining and interesting.

But the book was so slow.

It takes place over a little more than a month. So you'd think it'd go pretty fast, but I just couldn't make myself sit and read it for long periods of time. I found myself daydreaming about the other books on my TBR pile for the month. Maybe it was me, maybe it was the story itself. The pace and I just didn't connect properly.

Others may love this. Between timing (I seem to be in the mood for faster paced reads lately), a busy schedule, and the pace over all, it just wasn't right for me right now. But I definitely think it's something to try if you're in the right mood.
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LibraryThing member mountie9
The Good Stuff

Stiefvater has a true gift for setting the mood and landscape. Every-time I read something by her I feel like I can see the landscape so distinctly & when she describes the cold, I actually shiver
Beautifully written, almost poetic (but in that good poetic way LOL)
Strong opening
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chapter, really hooks you in (see comment below about after the opening chapter)
You can see her love and appreciation of horses
Very realistic relationship between the Connolly siblings
Some nice light humor
Love the scene between Sean and Holly about religion. Beautifully and sensitively done (And I agree with many of the sentiments)
Once again want to mention how bloody talented this women is at setting the mood and landscape of the story - so very real sounding
Unique idea for a story, loved the description of the Capaill uisce's
Ending really does pick up and you fly through the last few chapters - with a fab ending - yup there were tears at Midnight when I finished it

The Not so Good Stuff

After a very strong beginning, it slows down and is a wee bit dull, until about a half way through where it picks up
Week secondary characters -- other than Finn and Holly
Would have liked some more of Holly, he was an intriguing character

Favorite Quotes/Passages

"Thisby is an island well populated by sons disappointing their fathers."

"I'd been very annoyed, because she'd promised me one of Palsson's cinnamon twists, which sold out very quickly. I'm a bit ashamed to recall that I told Brian that if he died and kept me from my cinnamon twist, I'd spit on his grave. I don't know if he remembers it at all, since he'd seemed very focused on breathing through a cup made of his hands. I hope he doesn't, because my character's improved a lot since then. Nowadays, I would've only thought the spitting part instead of saying it to his face."

"I believe in the same thing they believe in," I say, with a jerk of my chin toward town and St. Columba's. " I just don't believe you can find it in a building."

Who should/shouldn't read

Fans of Stiefvater's previous efforts will enjoy
Obviously fans of horses will enjoy and appreciate
Not for the sensitive - a wee bit violent at times

4 Dewey's

I received this from Scholastic in Exchange for an honest review

Spoiler Alert - Don't worry the CAT doesn't get killed
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LibraryThing member TributeBooks
Imagine this frightening thought - horses that kill. In Maggie Stiefvater's The Scorpio Races, they emerge from the sea seeking blood. Instead of succumbing to their fear, the island inhabitants of Thisby celebrate these predatorial equines by harnessing their power for an annual race. Every year
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on the first of November, they shackle them with iron hoping to make it to the finish line alive. The four-time reigning champ of the event is 19-year-old Sean Kendrick. He's yet again the odds-on favorite until Kate "Puck" Connolly, the race's first female, enters the fray. Suddenly for the first time, Sean is aware of more than just the horses.

Stiefvater fashions a world that borders on the edge of reality. Thisby exists somewhere off the Florida mainland. Tourists descend from the United States to witness the carnage firsthand. The time period is undefined, but men wear bowler hats and reporters wield large flash bulb popping cameras. The ambiguity of the setting adds to the narrative's off-center feel. It is familiar, yet strange. It's the Kentucky Derby meets Jurassic Park.

The romance between Sean and Puck builds slowly. At first, the lack of dialogue between the two is frustratingly apparent. They barely know each other and don't have much contact. However, after the first 100 pages, the passion between the unlikely couple begins to build. It reaches a fever pitch during a midnight ride on the beach with both astride Sean's horse. A boy tucking a girl's ponytail into her collar was never so hot.

What makes the story compelling is how much is riding on the outcome of the race for Sean and Puck. Benjamin Malvern, the owner of the stable where Sean works and Puck's landlord, holds their fate in his hands. If Sean wins, he can finally buy his winning mount from him. If Puck wins, she can pay the back rent on her family home. However, Puck has more of an uphill climb. The men do not want her in the race. Her ride is a regular breed, not of the feared water horse bloodline. Her parents were killed by the beasts during a boating accident. Taking part in the event only serves to reawaken painful memories for her.

Fear permeates the pages. Puck cowers in a barn as a water horse tries to break in. Riders are mutilated on the beach during training. Gutted livestock litter the roadways. But the true savagery lies with Malvern's son, Mutt. His brutality to man and horse alike is distressing to behold. With Sean as his sworn enemy, a knife in Mutt's hand wields more destructive fury than the piercing teeth of any water horse.

Stiefvater does a phenomenal job of depicting the bond between horse and rider. The way that Sean and Puck relate to their charges is pure, devotional love. They view their horses as trusted companions, more like family members than mere livestock. They communicate with them on a higher level through subtle movement and tone of voice. Their ability to connect with their four-legged steeds is quite special and utterly remarkable.

Throughout island life is not glamorized. It's always windy. It smells like fish. There aren't any jobs. But Sean and Puck wouldn't have it any other way. The island is a part of their very soul. It's a dangerous, bleak habitat with imminent death around every bend, but they thrive off the freedom and connection to nature that it provides. There exists a tie to an ancient, primal society that they both feed off of.

The drama heightens as race day approaches at the conclusion of the book. The ending is full of surprises with several twists and turns. It is open-ended enough to allow for the possibility of a sequel, but it does wrap up quite nicely as a stand alone read.

Overall, this horse story has bite.
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LibraryThing member ilikethesebooks
The Scorpio Races is another beautifully crafted novel by Maggie Stiefvater. When Forever came out this July, I was not the only one in tears that the series was over. I was so happy to discover that The Scorpio Races is a worthy follow up to one of my favorite series. Filled with action, blood,
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horses, love and sea water, The Scorpio Races will leave you breathless.

I cannot get over how talented this author is! Maggie Stiefvater could write a textbook and make me want to read it cover to cover. Her words and descriptions are that beautiful. If you have not read one of her works, I strongly suggest you do (now would be great).

I was happy to see how much I cared for the characters after just a few pages. I fell in love with the Wolves of Mercy Falls characters, but I had three books to do that. This stand-alone is perfect in the way that strong character connects are made, the characters develop and face issues, the plot is perfectly paced and interesting and all this happens in a single book. I don't want to give away the plot (I was pleasantly surprised), so I'm going to stand away from summery.

Looking back, the only criticism I have is I wish there was a bit more romance. Other than that, I am extremely happy with this book. I drew reading this one out as long as possible, and I'm glad I did. Finishing this novel both fulfilling and a bit sad.

If you are skeptical to start this one, put all your worries aside and just do it! The setting is magical, the story heartwarming, and the experience wonderful; The Scorpio Races is a must-read.
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LibraryThing member susiesharp
I know I am in the minority here but as much as I love Maggie’s Mercy Falls books this one just didn’t do it for me I am still confused as to the real horses (the ones in our world) and the water horses I don’t get it and the ending just confused me more, and that could just be me since so
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many people loved this book.
Yes Maggie’s writing is lyrical and beautiful but that didn’t help me really understand this book. It isn’t that this book was awful I am definitely not saying that I am just saying for me it was just ok. I don’t know if it’s because I’m not a horse person I’ve never really gotten into horse books i.e. Black Velvet, Misty etc. and maybe if I had enjoyed books like that maybe I would have gotten into this one more.

Audio production: I can say I am absolutely in love with these two narrators it looks like this is Fiona's first book I can't find any others on audible and I found some from Steve that I will definitely be listening to more by him, his voice is a little like a cross between Neil Gaiman, Alan Rickman & Tim Curry! The narration of this book is what kept me going if I was reading in print I may have put it down.

Book 2 ½ Stars
Narration 5 Stars
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LibraryThing member mimi-vee
Guys. GUYS. Words will not describe how much I loved this book (because, unlike Maggie Stiefvater, I'm not a lyrical genius)! The Scorpio Races is definitely one of the most beautiful and breathtaking and original novels I've ever read, and I can't believe I ever had any doubts!

Maggie is such a
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talented writer, and she brings everything to life: the magical yet deadly water horses, the small yet beautiful island of Thisby, and just about everything else. The whole idea of the races was brilliant and perfectly executed. I didn't dislike one thing!

And the characters -- where do I even start?? The whole cast was awesome, but I just LOVED Kate (nicknamed Puck) with her short temper, attitude, and undeniable strength, and Sean was a man of few words but he definitely made my list of Boys I Wish Were Real!

I also loved everything about the romance in this book. It wasn't the main focus at all -- so unlike The Wolves of Mercy Falls series -- but it was magical and realistic and beautiful and, in my opinion, just perfect! They didn't love each other instantaneously, and made it feel all the more real. Maggie made it so easy to see why these characters cared about each other.

In short, The Scorpio Races is a MUST-READ book! Everything about it was brilliant and magical and beautiful. And the hopeful ending made it a perfect standalone, although I wouldn't complain at all if Maggie decided to make this a series! ;)

BUY or BORROW?: You absolutely do not want to miss out on the opportunity to own this book! Buy it for sure!
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LibraryThing member cay250
Each October on the island of Thisby, the capaill uisce, or water horses, emerge from the sea. Predatory meat-eaters, they endanger the islanders—but they are also fast, far faster than land horses, and if captured and very carefully handled, with iron and magic, they can be trained. Every first
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of November, the water horses are raced on the beach of Thisby; winning the Scorpio Races brings fame and fortune, but losing often brings death.

Nineteen-year-old Sean Kendrick runs for the right to buy the water-horse stallion Corr; 16-year-old Katherine, called Puck, pits her land mare against the water horses in an attempt to save her home. Gradually, the two of them, both orphaned by capaill uisce and fighting for the most important object in their lives, become confederates.
First-person narration alternates seamlessly between Sean and Puck. The final race, with Sean and Puck each protecting each other but both determined to win, comes to a pitch-perfect conclusion.

Love this book; listened to the audio; highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member JRlibrary
I really liked The Scorpio Races, because I enjoyed the idea of the Water Horses. I used to own and ride horses when I was younger, and was a horse crazy kid. I don't think my middle school readers will enjoy it very much, because if you haven't ridden, much of the horse references will not be very
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meaningful. I also think that after the Shiver trilogy, those looking for a similar romance will end up disappointed. The language is exquisite, and the story stays with you long after you've closed the pages. I just think it's too hard for your average middle school reader.
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LibraryThing member 4sarad
I got the ARC at ALA in June and never picked it up until now... How dumb am I? I didn't like the Shiver series that much, but this book was great. I am not much of a horse lover, but it's easy to get sucked into this story and their world. I liked the characters and the storyline, but I do wish I
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had a better sense of their island and its culture. It also seemed like the built up the big race for the whole book and then it lasted only a few seconds (pages), but I guess that's real life. Great read
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LibraryThing member RivkaBelle
Review originally published on my blog awordsworth.blogspot.com

Thisby is a tiny little island in the middle of somewhere. (My brain pictured it near Australia). Thisby is special, because every fall, water horses come out of the sea and men risk life and limb (literally) to capture the killer
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horses, control them, and race them on November 1st. The winner receives glory, honor, and a cash prize. For Sean Kendrick, winning this year means more. If Sean wins, he can buy Cor, his massive red stallion, from Ben Malvern for keeps. And he could easily win his fifth straight Scorpio Race, but something's making him rethink things. That something is Puck Connolly, and her (normal) mare Dove. Puck is racing for her home, a desperate attempt to keep her brothers with her and be able to pay off the mortgage Ben Malvern holds on their house. (Notice a common theme here? Malvern's an interesting character). Puck and Sean find themselves drawn to each other with much the same magnetic pull of the water horses.

The story, told in alternating viewpoints by Sean and Puck, is engrossing. It's foreign, but so familiar. I loved watching Puck 'grow up' during the month or so the novel covers, and Sean didn't grow up so much as discover himself. Their individual journeys make their shared moments that much richer, meaningful. I absolutely loved this, and wish there were more. But at the same time, it all ended just right, which is the best thing possible in a book.
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LibraryThing member Panola
The Scorpio Races
by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Fantasy | Young Adult

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning
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champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
One year after the death of their parents, Puck & her two brothers are getting by the best way they can within their little village of Thisby.

When Puck's older brother, Gabe, declares he is going to permanently leave the island for the main land, Puck brazenly decides to participate in the Scorpio Races that occur ever November, in hopes that Gabe will stay on to assist for awhile longer. Yet, when all the odds turn against her (i.e. threats becasue she is the first female racer in a bloody sport dominated by men, eviction from the only home she has ever know, etc.), can her choice to join the races really help her get the outcome she so deeply desires, and if so - at what cost?

Honestly, I did not really know what to expect upon starting this book, but easily found myself absorbed in the fantasy story of the island lifestyle and the daily interactions of all the villagers and dangerous sea-creatures (i.e. water-horses: Capall Uisce). Puck's easy-going & stubborn temperament was enjoyable and the vivid descriptions of the island, Thisby, really created a reality that peaked both my historical and legendary/mythical interests. The book's narration was shared with a fellow islander, Sean, whose whole life revolves solely around the races. He takes on a very calm & level-headed POV within the book while Puck seems a bit lost & impulsive. It was delightful to slowly realize how much both Pick and Sean complimented each other as they accepted that fact that they could only really trust each other. As the races approach, the adrenaline speeds up for the reader and the tale becomes more gruesome and deadly - so expect a bumpy and entertaining ride!

Likes: Even though this was slated as YA, it carried a heavier subject matter (lots of death) than most and much of the dialogue was geared towards older readers.

Dislikes: I wasn't too pleased with how the story ended. I felt there were too many unanswered questions that an epilogue would have been much appreciated and unfortunately, I don't think a sequel/series will follow. Boo! From MS: Will there be a sequel to The Scorpio Races? -- I don’t think so. I mean, never say never, but I think I am pretty happy with how it ended.
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LibraryThing member Elizabeth.Wong98
Puck and her two brothers live alone. Her life is fine, they have enough food and a house. But then Benjamin Malvern tells them he will take away their home. Gabe, Puck's older brother, is going to leave the island. Faced with a disappearing family and the possibility of no home, Puck enters the
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Scorpio Race. The one the thing is, Puck refuses to ride a capaill uisce, a water horse who killed her parents. So she elects to ride Dove, a spry mare that she has grown up with. Everyone on the island thinks that she has no chance and blow her off. But others protest. They say that a girl does not belong in the race, that she will get killed. Then Puck meets Sean Kendrick. Sean has won the race four times. But this time, he's not in it just for the money. He wants Corr, his horse that Benjamin Malvern owns. After intense training and a budding romance between Puck and Sean, the day of the race comes. Both want to win, but there can only be one winner. The one advantage Puck has over the other capaill uisce is that Dove is not drawn to water. After a pounding stretch across the sands, Puck wins. But during the race Corr is injured, never to run again. He is injured by Mutt, the cruel son of Benjamin Malvern who is jealous of Sean and Corr. Benjamin Malvern gives Corr to Sean since he is no use to him and Puck pays off the debt to the house.

This book was actually really great. I've always had a weakness for horses ever since I read King of the Wind and the Black Stallion. This book ranks up there with them in my opinion. The characters are well developed and fit together perfectly. My favorite part of the book is when Sean and Corr talk in their own way, each knowing exactly what to expect from the other but still being surprised. I was astonished at the emotion that this book made me feel. When Puck won I felt like shouting. When Mutt killed a foal just because he wanted to spite Sean, I felt like punching someone. The Scorpio Races was a little slow going at first but then it picked up speed and rocketed across the finish line. This is one of the most interesting books I've read in a while.
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Awards

Sequoyah Book Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2014)
LA Times Book Prize (Finalist — Young Adult Literature — 2011)
Mythopoeic Awards (Finalist — Children's Literature — 2012)
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Young Adult — 2014)

ISBN

0545224918 / 9780545224918
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