Review of The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Published by: Scholastic Audio
Length: 12 hrs., 7 min.
Source: Library
Format: Audiobook
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: 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 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.

An action packed and thrilling adventure.  The Scorpio Races is a novel that will capture not only your attention, but your heart.  These water horses are like no other.  They are viscous and out for blood, but that makes the races all the more exciting.  While men are after Puck, because they don't wait a girl in their race, they are also aiming for Sean since he is the current champion and the one to beat.  The whole time you are wondering not only who will be at the finish line first, but also who will survive the race itself.     

The main characters, Puck and Sean have amazing chemistry.  Their romance is quite slow moving and in fact really innocent, but the way they act around each other, as if no one else on the Island really gets them, but they can see into each other's soul.  Puck's loud and outspoken, whereas Sean is a man of few words, yet inside they are both brave and courageous.  They have a way with horses that shows tenderness and wisdom.  They are thrown together under usual circumstances, and while their attraction grows they both know there can only be one winner.     

This novel is told in alternating view points between Puck and Sean.  It was interesting getting to see both sides of the events and to understand their growing attraction even before they do.  Steve West and Fiona Hardingham did a wonderful job narrating this book.  Their voices and inflections seems to fit the characters so well that I really thought I was listening to Puck and Sean tell their story.  Plus every time Steve/Sean said "Kate Connolly" I got a little chill. 

This was surprisingly wonderful read that is so much more than a story about waterhorses.  It's really the story of an island and a way of life.  

By the way, did anyone who read this story think that Puck's brother Gabe had a reason for leaving the island, mayhaps being in love with an inappropriate women?  Am I the only one who thought this?