The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater is a fantasy novel set on the desolate island of Thisby, where the annual Scorpio Races take place involving deadly water horses called capaill uisce. The story follows Puck Connolly, the first female rider in the race, and Sean Kendrick, a seasoned competitor, as they form an unlikely alliance to train together for the dangerous race. The book beautifully describes the relationship between the characters, the setting of the island, and the mythical water horses, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed; Sean is stoic and introspective while Puck is fiery and resilient, both embodying strong motivations that drive their actions throughout the story.

Writing/Prose:

Stiefvater's prose is beautiful and immersive, emphasizing the setting and characters in a lyrical manner that complements the story's tone.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the dangerous Scorpio Races held annually on the island of Thisby, showcasing the fierce competition and personal stakes of the two main characters, Sean and Puck.

Setting:

The setting is atmospheric and integral to the story, evoking a sense of place that enhances the emotional stakes.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate, taking its time to build character and setting, leading to a thrilling climax.

Usually, if you ask someone on the island where they come from, they say something like Round about Skarmouth or Back side of Thisby, the hard side or Stone’s throw from Tholla. But not me. I remember...

Notes:

The Scorpio Races takes place on the fictional island of Thisby.

The story features water horses called capaill uisce, which are carnivorous creatures.

Each year, the Scorpio Races draw competitors who risk their lives to ride these wild horses.

Puck Connolly is the first female rider to enter the Scorpio Races.

Sean Kendrick is a reigning champion who has won the race multiple times.

The book explores themes of family, loyalty, and the struggle to survive.

Maggie Stiefvater uses lyrical prose to create a vivid sense of place and atmosphere.

The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Puck and Sean.

The island of Thisby is portrayed not just as a setting but as a character in its own right.

The relationship between Puck and Sean develops slowly and organically throughout the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, character deaths, and the presence of dangerous and carnivorous horses.

Has Romance?

The romance between Puck and Sean is a subtle but significant part of the story, developing slowly and organically.

From The Publisher:

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 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.

2012 Michael L. Printz Honor Book

Ratings (27)

Incredible (10)
Loved It (12)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (66):

Read It (29)
Want To Read (26)
Not Interested (11)

4 comment(s)

ehanut203

It Was OK

4 months

i won this in a goodreads giveaway

it's all worth it guys

this is an interesting, exciting young adult novel about a girl who enters a dangerous horse race in order to save everything she has

the twist is, everyone else in the race is a man, and every other horse is actually a magical horse-shark that eats people and really would rather be in the ocean preying on everything than on the land being forced to run in a race started by stupid men

stiefvater had an odd take on the fact that puck, or kate, is the only girl ever to enter the races

puck didn't even think this would be a problem until she entered and some people didn't like it, which seems weird for a character who is pretty sharp

more interesting is sean, the love interest who really doesn't need to be a love interest, who loves horses and will do anything to win his capall ou...magic horse

the love story might not be that compelling, but sean's story and the ending are touching and real

lulareviewla

Incredible

7 months

Wow. Right about now, I am seriously wishing this book had a sequel. Puck, Sean, Finn, and Mr Holly. Such great characters, that I was so happy to reading about. This isn't a light book, but it isn't no means dark. It just isn't excessively jovial, or overly depressing. I'll definitely be coming back to this book for a re-read.

rhrie38

Loved It

8 months

liked the vibes

fclluv331

Incredible

9 months

Realistic, interesting romance

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The Scorpio Races

Maggie Stiefvater