Reviews

This sequel to Shiver is a bridge book through and through, designed to push the story forward, presumably to the third and final installment of Stiefvater's bestselling series about werewolves. But whereas Shiver was tight as a drum in its focus on the intense, star-crossed romance between werewolf Sam and Grace, the ordinary girl who loves him, this book meanders. Again Stiefvater switches points of view, but between four characters now: Sam and Grace, still in love and still facing threats to said love; Isabel, who recently lost a brother to the wolves; and Cole, newly a werewolf. Sometimes these switches occur multiple times within the same chapter, which can make for confusing reading with respect to who is doing or thinking what. Stiefvater expands the story to include complications with Grace's health and her parents, Sam's reluctance to care for new werewolves, and Isabel's growing connection to Cole even as he desperately seeks escape from his old life. While this book does not stand on its own, it sets the stage for an explosive third installment. Ages 13-18. (July) Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Gr 9 Up-The tale of Sam and Grace is continued in Maggie Stiefvater's sequel (2010) to Shiver (2009, both Scholastic). For the moment, Sam is no longer a werewolf, but a semi-whiny, angst-ridden teen. Grace may or may not be a werewolf from a bite she received as a child, but her headaches are worsening. Deeply in love and committed to one another, Sam and Grace continue to experience the ups and downs of teenage life and being kept apart by Grace's parents. Meanwhile, Isabel is drawn to a newer pack member, Cole St. Clair, all around bad boy. Each chapter alternates between the points of view of Sam, Grace, Cole, and Isabel. The four narrators do a fine job of depicting each character. The audiobook opens with a fairytale-like musical prologue by Stiefvater which sets the scene wonderfully for the beginning of her tale. The last disc features two bonus tracks written by the author to enhance the world of Mercy Falls: "The Golden Woods" (the song first heard on Disc 1 but played here in its entirety), and "One Happy Day." The movie rights for Shiver have just been bought, and Forever, the third title in the series, is scheduled for release in July 2011-so Linger is sure to fly off the shelf.-Amy Olson, formerly Lexington Public Library, KY (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.