Maggie Stiefvater turns to a new world, where a pair are swept up in a daring, dangerous race across a cliff–with more than just their lives at stake should they lose. 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.
See the review at WOW Review, Volume 4, Issue 3
- ISBN: 9780545224901
- Author: Stiefvater, Maggie
- Published: 2011 , Scholastic Inc.
- Themes: Danger, Fear, Horses, racing, Survival
- Descriptors: Fantasy, United States, Young Adult (ages 14-18)
- No. of pages: 416
Response to The Scorpio Races (Stiefvater, 2011)
For this week I read The Scorpio Races (Stiefvater, 2011) within which the theme of “getting or arriving home” is evident in actions such as staying home when many are leaving, reconfirming home as part of one’s identity, and establishing home as continuity of culture and family. Loosely based on the myth of water horses from Scotland/Ireland, the inhabitants of Thisby island live with the reality that every November the water horses come out of the Scorpio Sea and either wreak havoc or are somewhat tamed by those strong enough to control them. As part of this annual event, the men of the island have also participated in a race where they ride the water horses for both the glory of winning and the purse that goes to the winner. And each year, there are those who are hurt or killed in the process. Some of the residents cannot handle this aspect of Thisby, and decide to leave. Others are defined by the island, and its cultural history. I loved this book. Considered by many reviewers as one of 2011’s best AYA novels, I was immediately hooked on the concept of water horses; the rich, atmospheric “sense of place” established by the setting, and; the author’s development of protagonists Puck (Kate) and Sean. The Scorpio Races got better as I read, and once finished, I missed it. I still miss it! As one reviewer noted, this is Stiefvater’s most addictive novel, and I agree. I suggest you take a day or two out of your schedule if you decide to visit Thisby Island. You will not want to put this book down.