The Scorpio Races

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater is a stand alone novel.

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. Other 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 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.

The Breakdown:
1.  I have to admit this is not my favorite of Stiefvater's novels.  Not to say it isn't beautifully written, because it is, but I felt as though the characters were not quite as charming as her norm and the story felt overly drawn out at times.

2.  In the beginning for me, Puck felt very young.  Just her actions and thoughts made her seem like her she was around 14 years old, but as the book progressed, I felt that she began to mature more.  I think that the reality of her situation along with her budding relationship with Sean helped her to truly grow up.

3.  Sean is an interesting character.  He has one real desire is to be the owner of Corr until he meets Puck.  He is the definition of a strong, silent type.  He is quite the horseman, but he understands horse much better than he understands his own emotions for Puck.

4. I did like the budding relationship between Puck and Sean.  They have an easy way of communicating with without words.  They both understand what it is to lose things you love and to love horse like family.

5.  One of my problems with the story is that it left some ends undone.  Stiefvater dangles out their what Gabe, Puck's older brother, reason for leaving and issues without explaining.  Then where was Holly and his suggested relationship with Annie, but there is never more explained about it or why Malvern is upset about their relationship.  I just wanted more answers about the side stories that were never given.

To Read or Not to Read:
Maybe skip this one