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Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)

by Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads Author)

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 154,887 ratings · 13,424 reviews

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without.

Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back...more

Hardcover, 392 pages

Published August 1st 2009 by Scholastic Press

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Feb 08, 2012 Kat Kennedy rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Insomniacs... no, sorry, even then it's too cruel.

Recommended to Kat Kennedy by: The world. A very gender confused world.

Shelves: just-plain-bad, kat-s-book-reviews, kat-s-rants, ya-pnr-maddness

I started reading this book and a curious thing happened. Suddenly my house was sparkling clean, my bills were filed away, I started playing Farm Story and reached level 13 in one day, I did my tax, I spent two hours chatting to the chatbott, Jabberwocky...Anything, and I mean ANYTHING to avoid the boredom of reading Shiver. Shiver, the story of a girl drastically into beastiality, only to find out her wolf lover was really a boy. As I read this book I had the strange urge to lock up my German s...more

519 likes · like · see review

Oct 26, 2010 Heather rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, 2009, loathed, ala-s-best-books

I read this book to the end so you don’t have to. Shiver should come with a Surgeon General’s Warning. I think all the purple prose has blacked out my eyes! Too bad the swelling didn’t prevent me from noticing the ginormous plot holes. And I need some aspirin because my head aches from clenching my jaw as I am certain all the sappy sweetness contained in this adverb infested book was injected straight into my molars. I am very much at a loss as to how this book has received so many glowing revie...more I read this book to the end so you don’t have to. Shiver should come with a Surgeon General’s Warning. I think all the purple prose has blacked out my eyes! Too bad the swelling didn’t prevent me from noticing the ginormous plot holes. And I need some aspirin because my head aches from clenching my jaw as I am certain all the sappy sweetness contained in this adverb infested book was injected straight into my molars. I am very much at a loss as to how this book has received so many glowing reviews. Am I missing something?

Allow me to recount the story (for mood purposes, you need to know that the setting of this book is frigid, so, well, feel cold okay?) Moving on, Grace is 17 and in love with a golden eyed wolf that saved her when she was 11 and too weak and insipid to fight back for herself as wolves were attempting to consume her flesh. Unable to think of anything but her love for a wild dog, Grace is forever seeking out her wolf, trying to catch a glimpse of him or possibly make friends with him a la White Fang, only in a romantic way. Sounds disturbing right? Well brace yourself cause this wild dog is equally obsessed and in love with Grace, either due to the fact that she looked like an angel while lying in the snow, nearly catatonic and helpless or because his wolf self likes the stink of fear and uselessness. What follows is a story about how these two characters defy lame and dare I say “borrowed” werewolf lore, meet, cuddle, spout lame poetry and construct sad song lyrics.

The best part of this book is the cover and the font, which sadly, had nothing to do with the author. There was one well done scene, and the description was able to establish the temperature of the setting which was pertinent to the plot. But the very thing that the author was good at, description, was one of the very worst things about Shiver. I have yet to meet, and I pray that I never will, a guy that describes himself as a “leaky womb”. I don’t even know what that means, I guess he felt like a menstruating uterus which seems very strange. I have never eaten in a kitchen that smells like easy survival, nor liked the smell of armpit, or heard a guy call anything “horribly cute”, much less a pom pom hat, call me crazy.

Also, I am sure this author doesn’t like having her book compared to Twilight, but it seems as though she was attempting to cash in on its success. Aside from the whole temperature angle, the werewolf lore in this book reeked of Stephanie Meyer’s werewolf lore, which was ludicrous, not to mention a major bore fest. Grace might as well have been a Bella cutout, though somehow not as interesting, which is a whole new low that I never would have thought possible. And Sam, well he is the werewolf version of Edward, only lacking in confidence, swoonworthiness, and talent.

I’m not going to lie, I had some aww moments, I’ve already mentioned there being one very well done scene, and sometimes I would catch myself nearing a teary eyed state when Sam would talk about his dread of the impending winter. But those moments were usually massacred by extreme ridiculousness, childishness, pretentious poetry, and random outbursts of nonsensical song lyrics that were impossible to ignore.

So YA readers, do yourself a favor, and avoid this book like the plague otherwise you may experience bruising of the retinas, sore teeth, and burnt fingers from turning all those frosty pages. Other side effects may include side stitches from laughing at extreme ridiculousness, random eye twitching and scratchy throat from asking WTH? more times than I can count.
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Nutellaunicorn I actually liked this book, but you did bring up some very interesting points. And I liked the use of song lyrics in this book that were written by Sa...more I actually liked this book, but you did bring up some very interesting points. And I liked the use of song lyrics in this book that were written by Sam, kinda relating him to John of from the Beatles XD. But I loved the poems, they were poems from a famous german poet(one of my favs by the way) Named Miranda Rilke.
I think yes this does have some twilight cualities in the sense that, yes, this is a were wolf novel. But then from now on are all were wolf novels just going to be some rip off of twilight? The werewolves in this novel were very different from the were wolves in twilight. In this novel it is based of temperature, and eventually they stop changing and become real wolfs, forgetting who they were. It is a sad yet cruel fate.
I think Grace had a feeling that this wolf was human, because she remembers hwo a boy dragged her away from the wolfes, she remembers him as a boy and as one of the wolfs with the yellow eyes. I love how Sam was able to fight his wolf side for grace. And the golden forest, admit it, so romantic and cute.
I don't think Grace is a Bella cut out, and personally Bella is worse. Grace tried to do something about helping Sam fix his curse and helping the wolves. She had a passion for all the wolves, but Sam especially.
I think Sam has a reason to be a little unconfident. His parents tried to kill him and he grew up a freak away from other kids. Then he finds someone he loves but doesn't talk to her for nearly 5 years or so after they meet, only watching her from the woods. I get he's emo-ish, but he did have kind of a depressing life, her and his 'dad' being the only good thing and Grace was so far away until 16 and the his 'dad' dies after revealing that he did this to Sam on purpose. Then he does get way less moppy after a while, near the end, but he is broken.
I know not many boys would describe a pom pom hat as horrribly cute, but thats just his personality. I think it showed a bit of his childish side as well as hers. But it also just showed his love for her, seeing her as horribly cute. The leaky womb thing was weird though, you are right.
But there are some other good scenes aswell, like the candy shop scene with all the smells.
I think you make some good points in your review but I still love the book.(less)
Mar 11, 2013 10:27pm

Carrie Not a fan of poetry...eh?
Apr 10, 2013 09:37pm

Oct 16, 2009 Tatiana rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Twilight fans, especially those on Team Jacob

Recommended to Tatiana by: YA Book club pick

Shelves: 2009, ya, why-the-hype, romancelandia, ala-ya-2010, series-dropped-lost-steam

To sum it up, this book should have been called "Twilight: Team Jacob Version." Why? Well, while I understand that the author wrote her first draft of "Shiver" before "Twilight" came out, still, the similarities are striking. A boring girl whose only personality traits are obsessing about her supernatural boyfriend, doing homework and cooking dinner for her parents - check; an emo supernatural boyfriend whose life revolves around his human flame, who plays an instrument and writes songs for his...more

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Tiffany I agree and reading this book was like waiting paint to dry I couldn't pass the sixth chapter without getting bored.
Mar 02, 2013 05:22pm

Nutellaunicorn I think yes this does have some twilight cualities in the sense that, yes, this is a were wolf novel. But then from now on are all were wolf novels ju...more I think yes this does have some twilight cualities in the sense that, yes, this is a were wolf novel. But then from now on are all were wolf novels just going to be some rip off of twilight? The werewolves in this novel were very different from the were wolves in twilight. In this novel it is based of temperature, and eventually they stop changing and become real wolfs, forgetting who they were. It is a sad yet cruel fate.
I love how Sam was able to fight his wolf side for grace. And the golden forest, admit it, so romantic and cute.
I don't think Grace is a Bella swan wannabe, and personally Bella is worse. Grace tried to do something about helping Sam fix his curse and helping the wolves. She had a passion for all the wolves, but Sam especially.
I get he's emo-ish, but he did have kind of a depressing life. His parents tried to kill him and he grew up a freak away from other kids. Then he finds someone he loves but doesn't talk to her for nearly 5 years or so after they meet, only watching her from the woods. He has the constant fear of loosing her once he turns into a wolf forever. Grace and his 'dad' being the only good thing in his life and Grace was so far away until 16 and the his 'dad' 'dies' or becomes a full wolf after revealing that he did this to Sam on purpose. Then he does get way less moppy after a while, near the end, but he is broken.
His life revolves around her because he doesn't really have anyone else besides his 'dad' since he is wolf for half the year and pretty much the nly one who is still turning human though not for long. So sorry if he treasures her. And Sam has no where else to stay or else he wil turn wolf, unlike edward. At least they are the same age, like some age diff is okay, but 300 yrs? And twilight is not that addictive, I had to suffer through it. And they do 'it' eventually. Grace is not ur averagge sit down and do nothing Bella who just stares at her sparkly boyfriend, she actually tries to help him and tries to spend all of her time cherishing him as he does her. I like this book and I think it has some great imagery(less)
Mar 11, 2013 10:57pm

Feb 20, 2013 Trinity rated it 2 of 5 stars

A brief synopsis.

I'm staring at you, I'm a wolf.
Oh wait I got shot, now I'm a boy.
I love you.
Here's a poem.
Oh look you're crying.
Let's go to sleep.
Stay on your side of the bed.

118 likes · like · see review

Apr 21, 2011 Miss Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Miss Kim by: YA PR fans

Shelves: paranormal, young-adult, 2010, favorites

This is a different take on werewolves, and I really liked it. Grace and Sam first meet when she is eleven, and attacked by his pack of wolves. He was a wolf and for some reason he didn’t understand, he saved her and took her away from the attack. Grace has been fascinated by this yellowed eyed wolf ever since. Her backyard touches the forest, so she is able to observe the wolves all winter.

These wolves shapeshift based on the temperature changes of the seasons. During summer, they are human an...more

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Jul 12, 2011 Lora rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: g-ya-paranorm, favorites, series-still-follow, quality-ya-fic

When I made the decision to reread Shiver and its successor, Linger, in preparation for this trilogy's conclusion, Forever, I honestly got little butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it.
I originally read Shiver back in October of '09, and it hit me like nothing had before — and nothing has matched it since. Shiver mixes some of the sweetest, most realistic and heartwarming characters with a wonderfully chilly and melancholy atmosphere and it is written with stunningly lyrical prose. If...more

41 likes · like · see review

Jan 06, 2011 Penny rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Nobody. Not even my worst enemy.

Shelves: paranormal-romance, stalled, ya-fiction, disappointing, werewolves, should-never-have-been-published, reviewed-books, wish-i-could-unread, i-think-i-m-gonna-be-sick

Who is publishing these horribly written YA novels? Who? (every publisher, ever) And more importantly, why? (for tons of cash)

First off, I didn't finish this book. I couldn't finish this book. I couldn't get 1/4 of the way through, even though I have the audiobook. Actually not only is this book boring as hell but the audiobook was poorly cast (more on that later). This is another book I picked up because of the pretty cover. *kicking self, a lot*

I have to admit the premise sounded interesting...more

140 likes · like · see review

Dec 04, 2010 Sparrow rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Bertrice Small

Shelves: young-adult, reviewed, audio

The bestiality was definitely the most beautiful part of this story. It may seem obvious to you that such would be the case, but it was not obvious to me. I am not typically a fan of falling in love with dogs. There was truly something surreal and creepy about that part of this story that grabbed me, though. If only this had been a short story about one girl’s creepy obsession with wolves, I think I could have really liked it. It starts out with a ghostly beauty that is legitimately respectable....more The bestiality was definitely the most beautiful part of this story. It may seem obvious to you that such would be the case, but it was not obvious to me. I am not typically a fan of falling in love with dogs. There was truly something surreal and creepy about that part of this story that grabbed me, though. If only this had been a short story about one girl’s creepy obsession with wolves, I think I could have really liked it. It starts out with a ghostly beauty that is legitimately respectable. And it ends with the same stark, Midwestern haunting feeling. But, the middle of this story is really, really douchey. It’s like when your friend falls in love, and it’s fun to talk about the boy she likes for a little while; and then your eyes glaze over, and she’s still talking; and then you get a little uncomfortable about the obscene level of detail she’s giving you (about what they ate for breakfast and how their elbows touched like fifty times, nothing exciting), and she’s still talking; and then you realize that both she and her boyfriend are morons, and you were wrong to have been friends with her to begin with. But didn’t she say something pretty about trees once?

I just wanted these kids to get a room, and then they did get a room, but kept telling me about everything. Gag. It was like being the third wheel in a makeout session that lasted foooooreeeeveeeer. One of the most boring, boring, boring stories ever. And, man, the guy is such a douchebag. He’s, like, composing douchey poetry while they’re making out and stuff. Like, just make out if you’re going to make out. I don’t want to know about any of these things. And I certainly don't want to hear your douchey poetry. Talk about a Shelley complex.

And, I listened to it on audio, so I couldn’t skim. The audio wasn’t bad, other than how boring this story was. I mean, I wanted to read my administrative law cases sometimes while I was listening to this. That’s how boring it was. Then there was a really douchey interview with the author at the end of the CDs. Oh, man. She was talking about how she wrote this book to make her audience cry. Fail. For me, at least.

So, the narrative in the book goes back and forth between the boyfriend perspective and the girlfriend perspective. That kind of makes sense to me as a device, but I always get caught up in thinking about narrative voices. Like, in first-person narratives, I have to create a background story in my mind for how the characters decided to write the book. It just seems like such a douchey thing for a boyfriend and girlfriend to impose their sappy story in the world and think it’s a good idea. Also, in this case it doesn’t really make sense because they make it out like the girl practically doesn’t speak English and only understands numbers, but her narrative has the more beautifully written moments in the book. That’s a petty complaint, but it’s true.

There is a thing about evil parents in here that I like, though. I liked how the kids reacted to the horror of their parents but didn’t seem to hold it against them. All of the parents were interesting to me, and they actually came off as nuanced. They were very villainous, but I think I like villainous, unreliable parents in stories. They are interesting to read about. If only this whole book had been about the parents. Because, as it was, this experience was like only reading about the pastoral couple in Anna Karenina. So. Boring.

Did I mention that this is a boring book? That is your takeaway message. (less)

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Jun 26, 2011 Wendy Darling rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of A Certain Slant of Light

Shelves: favorite-ya, favorites-all-time, pn-shapeshifters, young-adult, gorgeous-prose, read-2011, crush-worthy-boys, made-my-heart-hurt, series-with-disappointing-endings, snowy, mature-ya, supportive-author

Lovely, lyrical, and achingly sad. Shiver is more introspective than most YA books and is sometimes criticized for being too slow or wordy, but I found it to be beautifully written, tragic, and a gorgeous take on werewolf lore. Sam's desperate struggle to hold onto his humanity is incredibly poignant, and his heartrending relationship with Grace is deeply emotional and sweet. It's a book that makes me cry every time I read it.

Sam cupped my face in his hands and looked me in the eyes. His eyes we...more

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Mar 08, 2011 Lisa rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, paranormal-romance-urban-fantasy

Note: After rereading this review, I decided to make some changes. While I stand by my opinions, I was unhappy with some of the ways in which I chose to voice them. The language of this review has been edited, however, the opinions are unchanged.

I read Shiver because it was recommended to me by someone who wasn't impressed with Twilight and insisted this was better. Well, it's not, although I wouldn't go as far as to say it's worse. Mostly, I was bored to tears by the lack of a solid plot and su...more

38 likes · like · see review

Nov 27, 2010 Kristen "Kirby" rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: why-are-these-books-popular, paranormal-books, reviews, ya

Shiver I did not.

Oh, another alluring, romantic-sounding novel about the relationship of a school girl and the wolf that has always protected her. Sounds soo good to all us teen girls and older women who loved Twilight. And yet, the equation is this: Appealing storyline + a gorgeous, mysterious cover = disappointed reader.

To be frank, reading Shiver was like labor outside on a hot day, with beads of sweat stinging my eyes, and a strong urge to just give up and quit. I was oh-so bored, sufferin...more Shiver I did not.

Oh, another alluring, romantic-sounding novel about the relationship of a school girl and the wolf that has always protected her. Sounds soo good to all us teen girls and older women who loved Twilight. And yet, the equation is this: Appealing storyline + a gorgeous, mysterious cover = disappointed reader.

To be frank, reading Shiver was like labor outside on a hot day, with beads of sweat stinging my eyes, and a strong urge to just give up and quit. I was oh-so bored, suffering from can't-help-but-be-spacey-itis, a condition in which you simply can't focus on a shredded storyline, thus unable to become absorbed. I mean, I laid down Shiver at least a thousand of times to watch TV. I’d stare at the same page for 5 minutes, spacing out over trivial things such as what I’d buy when I went out. I like to be interested in what I’m reading and Maggie lacked the skill of capturing my attention.

As for this author Maggie, I can say she was a stingy girl when it came to sharing details. Scenes and events were impossible to mentally act out and understand. Does she not know readers like to be absorbed in what they read? I don’t want to be told how the characters felt or what they did. I want to be along for the ride. I bet she wasn't beloved in kindergarten show and tell; she was a true believer of telling, not showing what was happening.

Blah. Did I mention the werewolf love interest?? I wasn’t no fan of Jacob, but Sam made him look like the coolest, most interesting, masculine thing out there. Sam was no guy I'd ever want to dream about or wish upon the stars to meet in my real life. He talked like an old lady, not a hunky 17, 18, 19 year old guy I'd want to know. Heck, I once thought Grace and her mother were chitchatting about the weather when I mistakenly realized it was actually good ole' Sam, not her mother, she was talking to. *wrinkles nose* Ick.

The author didn’t invest much time in the dialog of any of the characters. They all lacked personality. They all talked the same. They all were all faceless. I mean, we did have the photographer best bud Olivia and the other best friend, obnoxious whatever-her-name-was, but they were so boring and difficult to picture! And, reading about them was like listening to someone drone on in on in monotone about something you don't give a flying fig about. Maggie should have sat in the mall food court for 5 minutes to get the sense of how teens act and talk among their peers. It would have added a realistic sense to Shiver.

Fine. I'll quit ripping this book to pieces. I'll drudge up a good thing or two, I guess. I liked how the temperature forced the change of human to wolf. *sits for forty minutes and wracks brain for another good thing. is stumped*
Whelp, that's it.

*sighs at the money that could have been spent on a cute top or earrings or something*
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Aug 05, 2010 Janina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult-fiction, romance, read-in-2010, winter-books, paranormal, alternating-pov, music, let-me-down, given-away, series-lost-interest

I think the words Grace uses to describe Sam fit this story perfectly: "You are beautiful and sad."

A small warning right in the beginning: The plot itself is clearly focused on Grace and Sam's relationship - and not much else - so if you are looking for action and suspense, you should probably look elsewhere.

Grace has been fascinated by the wolves in the woods behind her house since a member of the local pack rescued her from a vicious attack of his fellows. Ever since, she has been looking for...more I think the words Grace uses to describe Sam fit this story perfectly: "You are beautiful and sad."

A small warning right in the beginning: The plot itself is clearly focused on Grace and Sam's relationship - and not much else - so if you are looking for action and suspense, you should probably look elsewhere.

Grace has been fascinated by the wolves in the woods behind her house since a member of the local pack rescued her from a vicious attack of his fellows. Ever since, she has been looking for her wolf with the yellow eyes.
Then, one day, she finds him in front of her house; human …

First of all, I really liked the werewolf concept in this book. Werewolves are no supernatural creatures with inhuman strength; on the contrary, they are simply normal wolves, thinking and feeling like animals. Temperature is what makes them a wolf: In summer, they get a short human span before they return to the woods in autumn or winter.
And every wolf only has a limited account of human years before he finally stays animal forever.

The relationship between Grace and Sam was portrayed in a beautiful way, as if they already knew each other for a long time (which is true in some way). Nevertheless, I never really 'clicked' with them as a couple, if you know what I mean. I was never fully engaged, or felt with them, loved with them, wanted nothing more than for them to be together.
What was great though, was that for once, the heroine, Grace, was the strong and pragmatic one, whereas Sam was more the sensitive and artistic type (sometimes a bit too sensitive for me, but he was always able to laugh about himself). I didn't find him too tearful or even feminine; it's just that I'm not that much into declarations of love via poems or song lyrics.

The only thing I really didn't like at all was the ending. The resolution to all problems turned up all of a sudden and sorry, but the realisation lacked logic – heavily.

What made up for that a little was the kind of open ending afterwards – not without hope, though – the reader not knowing what happened exactly and if there would really be a happy ending without any restrictions.
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Jul 04, 2011 Maja rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-the-right-choices, favorites, books-that-changed-me, made-me-cry, role-models, werewhatevers, amazing-writing, reviewed-in-2011, books-with-soundtracks, own-a-dtb

6.5 stars!

I don’t know how to review a book that took my breath away. Shiver left me with a feeling of complete satisfaction, joy spiced with sadness - as weird and paradoxical as that sounds. I’m so grateful to have read this book after all…

There aren’t many books on my 'books that changed me' shelf. In fact, there were only seven until today. But Shiver deserved its place, and now there are eight. What’s so special about it? I’ll try to be polite and refrain from gushing, but it won’t be easy...more 6.5 stars!

I don’t know how to review a book that took my breath away. Shiver left me with a feeling of complete satisfaction, joy spiced with sadness - as weird and paradoxical as that sounds. I’m so grateful to have read this book after all…

There aren’t many books on my 'books that changed me' shelf. In fact, there were only seven until today. But Shiver deserved its place, and now there are eight. What’s so special about it? I’ll try to be polite and refrain from gushing, but it won’t be easy.

Boy saves girl, girl falls for a boy and they end up living happily ever after. Only the boy isn’t a boy at all, and the happily ever after is meant for some other people, in some other story.
I was suddenly struck by how dissimilar we were. It occurred to me that if Grace and I were objects, she would be an elaborate digital clock, synced up with the World Clock in London with technical perfection, and I’d be a snow globe – shaken memories in a glass ball.

Grace is an amazing character! I love how strong and decisive she is, always scared but never really showing her fear. She reminds me of a girl I used to be know. After the way she surrendered to the wolves at the beginning, I was afraid she would be another one of those characters. But only a few chapters later, a huge white she-wolf showed up at her window, and instead of cowering in some corner, Grace snarled back at it! Not many authors can make you feel such pride at the very beginning of a novel!

When can you say for sure that you’ve fallen in love with someone’s writing? If your mind isn’t registering words at all, but sounds and colors and emotions so strong that you can feel them twirling inside of you, beautiful, agonizing and powerful.... that’s it – you’re in love! I know this because it happened to me with Maggie Stiefvater. Obviously not everyone feels the same way, and that’s ok. There are times when I too appreciate a very different writing style, more economical and crisp. But sometimes I just want to marvel at other people’s talent, and Stiefvater gave me that chance.

I’m pretty sure Shiver will become my comfort book, familiar and soothing like the blanket I wrap myself in when I’m not feeling well. There are only a few books I keep going back to: The Master and Margarita when I need to restore my faith in love, Dolores Claiborne when I need courage, Harry Potter when I need optimism, lately I’ve added The Reapers Are the Angels for when I need strength, and now I have Shiver to remind me that there’s beauty everywhere.

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Apr 03, 2010 Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: five-stars

Shiver is narrated by the alternating points of view of Sam and Grace, two unbelievably different people drawn together by the power of love and devotion. When Grace was little, she was attacked by a pack of wolves but miraculously survived due to a certain yellow-eyed wolf's protection. Now her growing fascination is fixated on the wolves of Mercy Falls.

Sam isn't a human for as long as he would like to be. When the temperature drops and winter arises, he painfully transforms into a wolf. Howeve...more

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Joanne Through the main characters Grace and Sam in Shiver, the author shows that you should endure through situations to reach your goal. The book starts ou...more Through the main characters Grace and Sam in Shiver, the author shows that you should endure through situations to reach your goal. The book starts out with Grace, watching this enchanting wolf for weeks just to see him, and later, fights to keep him human.
The perspective of this book sets it far apart from others. Each chapter switches between the views of Grace and Sam. This lets the reader get more attached to both of the main characters, as they can see in depth what both of the main characters are feeling. The switching of the perspectives makes the reader feel like they know the characters personally, and it isn’t just some story, but what really sets the way the author set up the switching perspectives is how smooth the transitions are. When you compare it to other books like Breaking Dawn in the Twilight series, the switching perspectives seems more natural than others. Her seamless transitions between the two main characters' point of views and the way she brings werewolves into what seems like a normal world makes this book unique.
The resolution of this book seemed a bit unreal. It seemed pretty coincidental that Sam didn’t get the whole shot of meningitis, while Jack, did, and therefore he died. Although it was a little bit unrealistic, I still liked the fact that this added to the message of perservering to accomplish your goal. The ending really put the message into your head, and is inspiring, that after all of that work, Sam and Grace really did get what they wanted.
I agree you that the pace at first is slow moving, but it does add the suspense towards the end. In my mind it really paid off. That time is also spent so you feel more close to the characters and are able to relate to what they are feeling more. This also adds to the end, how when Sam turns back into a wolf, possibly forever, the readers heart is torn, just in time for Sam to get healed and so the reader is then overjoyed. The timing the author played into this really makes the reader go through a rollercoaster of emotions.
Shiver contains heartwarming characters with a wonderfully chilly atmosphere and it is written with stunningly lyrical prose.“I'd found heaven and grabbed it as tightly as I could, but it was unraveling, an insubstantial thread sliding between my fingers, too fine to hold” (Stiefvater 20). The author never fails to create a peaceful image in your mind, when the book is in the view point of Sam. The book is on the longer side, but even still is so delicately written, which makes the author’s language so beautiful.
I would recommend this book to a friend that likes Romance-Fantasies, like Twilight. I’m not a huge fan of the ending, but what saved the ending was the amazing lead up that contributed to it.(less)
Jan 21, 2013 03:54pm

Thomas Wow, wonderful analysis! While the plot at the end may have felt a little too good to be true, I thought that it worked out well because she kept ever...more
Jan 21, 2013 05:15pm

Jan 30, 2012 Ghirardelli rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Wolf fans? I dunno

Shelves: ya, why-is-this-a-series, why, um-what, sigh, read-em-once-then-it-s-done, meh, where-wolf, smells-like-teen-angst, plot-was-on-vacation, wish-it-were-better, structure-whats-that

*To everyone who finds this novel lovely: your opinion is respected here as long as you are respectful. That should go without saying.*

Once upon a time, in a golden wood disguised as a beige and brown apartment complex in the snowy fortress of Rochester, New York, a girl on the brink of her 21st year by the code name Ghirardelli decided that diving into the mind of another author was a good idea. A very good idea. A hopefully life-changing dream that would propel her to drive her own mind’s work...more

32 likes · like · see review

Jul 30, 2009 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-arc, signed-arcs, books-i-own

I first fell in love with Maggie Stiefvater’s writing after reading her debut novel Lament. And when I heard she was writing a “werewolf” novel, I could hardly contain my excitement. Initially you think this is a story about werewolves, but I think the werewolf label is insufficient. This may be a story about werewolves, but it’s mostly about love. The strength that love possesses and the boundaries we’re willing to overcome to keep it.

Shiver is told with alternating perspectives between Grace a...more

19 likes · like · see review

Mar 03, 2013 K. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to K. by: Wendy Darling

Shelves: 21st-cent, fantasy-sci-fi-dys, ok-fine-its-ya, own, surprise-bitch-i-m-good

Shiver, I'm sorry I judged you by your cover and the fact that you involve werewolves. I'm sorry I never picked you up because people told me you were a romance and that you're like Twilight. And also, I'm sorry that Twilight keeps giving you and your peeps a bad rap.

On to the review... This is an unorthodox rating for me because these four stars of mine are almost strictly dedicated to Stiefvater's writing. Her construction of words to be exact. That was what turned the pages; what compelled m...more Shiver, I'm sorry I judged you by your cover and the fact that you involve werewolves. I'm sorry I never picked you up because people told me you were a romance and that you're like Twilight. And also, I'm sorry that Twilight keeps giving you and your peeps a bad rap.

On to the review... This is an unorthodox rating for me because these four stars of mine are almost strictly dedicated to Stiefvater's writing. Her construction of words to be exact. That was what turned the pages; what compelled me to finish the story. Because to be completely honest, if it weren't for Stiefvater's particular magic with language, I don't think the plot would've been enough to carry me on. The pacing is slow. The narrative has no momentous climax. There is no real villain or much action. Shiver does not conform to regular structure. And it was wonderful. I am torn because so much of what I criticize about this book is exactly what makes this book unique.

Shiver is a small story. It's small, haunting, and pale. Intimate. Shy and sad, like Sam. Only the mournful wails of the wolves give off any harshness, rough edginess. Everything else is like the timid morning of winter's first day. Delicate. Stiefvater turns Sam human, allows him to meet Grace at last, and then she stands back and lets them have their time. They don't do anything spectacular or exciting. They sit and read, visit bookshops and candy shops, and kiss. Grace and Sam's relationship may, to some, seem instant. Well, it is, but only to us. You see, Grace and Sam are already connected. They have been connected for six years. They already have history, an understanding. Sometimes there were moments of such familiarity between them that made me think, wait, they just met! But they haven't. They've known each other for a long time. Because here, and this may be a cop out, is a case of souls connecting. It is beyond the physical, beyond science and logic. Just heart and gut and instinct. It is us who are the trespassers. We are the new, not them as a couple.

At the same time, I can come up with more concerns. Grace and Sam, neither seemed especially special. Grace, an introvert; stoic and practical. Sam, sweet and thoughtful, and scared and nervous. No valid reasons jump at us to convince us why they loved each other...they just did. Here's another brush of my hand...I'll accept that. There was also no real growth in either characterization or narrative. Most of the action occur in the final pages. It didn't inspire thrills or anxiety, only a dull thud of the heart breaking.

So, I endure all of this because of Stiefvater's ability with words. I'd say this is probably the book version of a 4D film. It is so atmospheric, aesthetic, and visceral. From the ink, to the hues of the cover, to her descriptions; they all combine to affect the senses. I could feel the bite of the cold, I could see the ashen glow of the winter sun. I could feel the urgency of Sam's condition and Grace's desperation for a cure -- all because of how Stiefvater moved the elements. How she used the cold; the snow; the woods; a person's tiny, imperceptible mannerisms; the smell of skin and forest; the flexible shades of light in a chilly morning. It is eerie and beautiful. It gave me the same feeling I get from watching a low-budget, independent quality film set somewhere in a frigid small town of mysteries and long winters. Her words and dialogue were stark yet stunning.

Suffice it to say, I was more than impressed by Shiver. I think the story is smaller than I would've liked but her skill with language quenched any complaints that might have been forming in my head. They're still there, however, and I'm sure they'll pop out occasionally as I read Linger. Because I will read Linger.(less)

16 likes · like · see review

Mar 16, 2012 H.D. Tolson rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shiver, what a complicated relationship you and I have. It's quite funny, I've actually tried to read you twice. In 5th grade, three years ago, I picked up your pretty hardcover self and was all excited about this wolf novel that sounded amazing. I opened you up and read 70 pages. I found myself increasingly confused and bored. What were all these odd comparisons? Why won't anything happen? Let's get the plot moving people! I'm bored!

Finally, my little brain shut down and I sold the book. I for...more

21 likes · like · see review

Mar 12, 2011 Joe rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, borrowed-library

Here's how I imagine Stiefvater's meeting with the publishing house.

Stiefvater: I want to write a book about a girl who falls in love with a vampire!
Publisher: Sorry, Maggie. That's been done before. Read Twilight. It's terrible!
Stiefvater: Oh. I want to write a book about a girl who falls in love with a zombie!
Publisher: Sorry, Maggie. That's been done before. Read Generation Dead. It's terrible!
Stiefvater: Oh. I want to write a book about a girl who falls in love with a werewolf!
Publisher: Bin...more

323 likes · like · see review

May 21, 2010 Leah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: cherry-poppin, 3-stars, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, loaned

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Shiver is the first book in Maggie Stiefvater's Wolves of Mercy Falls series and a wonderful start to the series. When I first saw this book in the stores, I thought it sounded interesting but I didn't buy it. My sister, however, bought it and there was always that little desire, in the back of my mind, to read the book. It took me a book challenge in which another person picks books for you for me to actually pick it up. And I was definitely not disappointed. From the start of the book, I loved...more Shiver is the first book in Maggie Stiefvater's Wolves of Mercy Falls series and a wonderful start to the series. When I first saw this book in the stores, I thought it sounded interesting but I didn't buy it. My sister, however, bought it and there was always that little desire, in the back of my mind, to read the book. It took me a book challenge in which another person picks books for you for me to actually pick it up. And I was definitely not disappointed. From the start of the book, I loved Grace and was enthralled with the wolves, just as she was. They held a certain mysterious appeal that called to me, but the biggest mystery was how and when Sam and Grace would finally meet.

Grace was a very interesting character, in my opinion. She seemed like someone that I would like to know in real life, and I was able to relate to and sympathize with her, which is always an important thing for me with a novel. I liked that she was an independent, strong, intelligent girl who really didn't need the help of anyone else. I loved her fascination with the wolves, and Sam in particular. How cute was it that their love developed over the six years she had only known him as a wolf? One of the most adorable things, in my opinion, was when they were at the candy shop and the candy girl asked how long they'd be together, and Sam said six years.

Now, Sam. Oh Sam, how I love you so. Sam Roth has to be the most adorable guy ever. While I hate that he had to be shot before they could meet, I was so glad when they finally did. Sam's cautious behavior with Grace in the beginning only endeared him to me, but I was glad when he finally gave in and was himself around her. One of my favorite examples of this was when Sam, Grace, and Isabel were baking and Sam and Grace were dancing around the kitchen and kissing. Along with his love for Grace, I very much appreciated his love and dedication towards Beck (who I love, by the way). However, I was always sad when they had to put layer upon layer of blankets, clothing, etc. on top of him to keep him warm; I hated that he was always that close to changing, despite his desire not to.

I was in tears when Sam and Grace were in the car crash and he changed. Just when Grace thought she might have an idea for a cure, and after Sam's ordeal with Jack and the shed, everything had to go wrong. Of course, the next time I had hope, everything seemed to go wrong there, too. With the help of Beck, Isabel and Grace were able to get Sam to the clinic so that they could try their cure theory on him. Just when he was able to turn human for her, he had to turn back into a wolf just when they had the syringe in his arm. It seemed like it had all gone wrong, especially after Jack died from the injection. It all turned out great in the end with Sam walking back into her life from his spot in the forest. That had me in tears, again, and I had to read the last chapter about five times to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me, to make sure that I wasn't reading it wrong. Alas, I was not and I jumped for joy inside.

I can say with confidence that I am very, very glad that I read this book, and I really cannot wait for the release of Linger.(less)

16 likes · like · see review

Nov 14, 2010 Ronyell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Ronyell by: Paranormal Romance Club

Shelves: books-i-want-to-own, chapter-books, drama, fantasy, paranormal-romance, reviewed-books, ronyell-s-epinions-reviews, young-adult-teen-books, maggie-stiefvater, read-in-2010, 1st-person-pov

Oh man! I really wanted to give this book six stars instead of five stars because this book is just so brilliantly written and full of romance that make any romance fan go head over heels with this book! But I guess I will settle with a five star rating for now… “Shiver” is the first book in Maggie Stiefvater’s Mercy Falls series and this book has enough action and love making scenes that will have you all breathless with anticipation!

Grace had spent her time watching the various wolves that com...more Oh man! I really wanted to give this book six stars instead of five stars because this book is just so brilliantly written and full of romance that make any romance fan go head over heels with this book! But I guess I will settle with a five star rating for now… “Shiver” is the first book in Maggie Stiefvater’s Mercy Falls series and this book has enough action and love making scenes that will have you all breathless with anticipation!

Grace had spent her time watching the various wolves that come out of the woods, after she was bitten by a wolf a few years ago. However, when one of the students at her school go missing, the townspeople suspected that the wolves have something to do with it and they all tried to go out and kill the wolves. But, Grace will not let that happen since she cares so much for the wolves and after she manages to stop the hunting of the wolves, she meets an injured wolf and she realizes that the injured wolf was a teenage boy named Sam and once Grace discovers Sam’s secret, she tries to do everything in her power to help Sam stay human while sorting out her feelings for Sam!

Wow and double wow! Maggie Stiefvater has created a true masterpiece that is all about true werewolf love! When I read this book, it constantly reminds me of Stephenie Meyer’s famous “Twilight” series, except that we see hot werewolf guys in this book instead of hot vampires, which I found to be extremely enjoyable to read about. There were many aspects that I loved about this book and one of the aspects that I really loved about this book was how each chapter of the book was set up to detail the situation from two different point of views, who were Grace and Sam, which means that each chapter will either have Sam or Grace narrating the story from their point of view, which I thought made this book extremely interesting and creative to look at. Another aspect that I loved about this book was the characters, especially Sam and Grace. I loved the fact that Grace is shown to be an independent and enthusiastic teenage girl who was willing to put her life on the line in order to save Sam, the love of her life and although there were times where I knew more about Sam’s side of the story rather than Grace’s side of the story, I still really enjoyed Grace’s spirit throughout this book. Sam on the other hand, may come off as being too somber for his own good, but that is own to the fact that he really wants to be human instead of a werewolf and he is possibly the sweetest and hottest werewolf character to ever grace upon the world of paranormal romance. What I really loved the most about this book was that over ninety percent of this book was spent in Sam and Grace’s romance with each other as there are a bunch of sweet kisses and sensual hugging (though not in a R-rated way) that made this book somewhat cute yet sensual at the same time!

For anyone who does not like language, there is a good deal of language in this book, although the language is not really strong here, but I think the language in this book would be better suitable for young adults.

All in all, “Shiver” is a truly awesome book for werewolf loves everywhere and also is a great book for paranormal romance fans who love action and hot werewolf love!(less)

17 likes · like · see review

Sep 20, 2012 Haleema rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: characters-are-half-troll, cheese-pizza

I hated this book. A lot of people said it was good. I was fairly unimpressed. The story is extremely cliche, the characters are bland, dull, and ridiculously idiotic. I hate them. However, the writing is well written. I was actually surprised with it. It is detailed, flows nicely, and gives a good image of each scene. Overall, though, it sucked. Boo!

14 likes · like · see review

Feb 16, 2011 Cory rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Idiots

Recommended to Cory by: No-one

Trolls: You are welcome to comment on my review. I won't delete your comments. Curse my name, curse my mother, I don't care. But please, don't forget to leave a comment. And make sure to send my review to all of your friends.

And the award for worst book of 2009 goes to: Shiver

What makes this book so bad, you may ask? Well, in layman's terms, I'm going to give a logical, detailed explanation as to why Shiver sucks--alliteration unintentional.

1. Grace

Grace has to be the worse heroine ever. Excuse...more

94 likes · like · see review

Oct 13, 2012 Keertana rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: why-the-hype

I think this is where Stiefvater and I go our separate ways. I never intended to read Shiver. In fact, I was more than a little convinced it wasn't the book for me, but after loving Stiefvater's Scorpio Races and enjoying The Raven Boys more than just a little, I knew I had to give this one a shot. Surprisingly enough, I found myself admitting that Shiver is a book I could have loved. It is. I loved the idea, the concept, the characters, and how, at the core of this story, was a literal battle f...more

16 likes · like · see review

Jun 09, 2010 Seesen9 rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paramormal, paranormal-romance, read-in-english, romance, young-adult, werewolves

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Warning: contains major spoilers and serious sarcasm

Although I've finished this book in less than three (school) days in a row, I haven't liked it so much as that implies. Maybe I´ve just waited for something that would change my mind. That something hasn't showed up. This book was a big disappointment for me. In the following review I'll try to explain myself, please note that I'm not usually that harsh, I'm just in a mood for being difficult, I guess.

Prologue is always important for me, it set...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jun 30, 2011 Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: favorite-series, read-more-than-once, favorites, love-the-audio

Update because I just finished this book for the 4th time (re-read as the third book comes out in ten days). It is still as wonderful as when I read it the first time and maybe more every time because I take time to enjoy some of the beautiful dialogue and descriptions. And once again I cry, but it is a good kind of cry. I tweaked my original review a little bit.

There is something special about this book that is to me intangible. Once in awhile an author just has a unique way of telling a story...more

10 likes · like · see review

Jun 23, 2010 ~♡♥Ang ♥♡~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shiver is AMAZING!!!

I brought this book at least 4 months or more ago and it just sat on my book shelve...Until i picked it up 2 days ago and then i couldn't put it down!!

This has to be the best Y/A book i have read in ages,from the first page i was sucked into their wonderful story.

Grace and Sam are AWESOME!!
Their story told by both of them was perfect,i am so in love with Sam he was so Sweet,Caring and Sexy but i felt like he was real and i was right there with in the story... Grace is well G...more

42 likes · like · see review

Feb 14, 2013 Kara rated it 1 of 5 stars

I'm done. I cannot finish this. Some werewolf books are okay. But the way this one is written makes me feel like she's in love with a dog and not a human. I get a strange vibe of bestiality and that is creepy. I don't like any of the characters either. I don't have a lot to say. I got about 90 pages in and felt like I should stop.

If I'm not enjoying something, why should I keep reading? It's a waste of my time and the author's. I know a lot of readers enjoyed this series, and I'm not knocking t...more

7 likes · like · see review

Aug 27, 2010 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker rated it 1 of 5 stars

I usually do not rate books I did not finish unless I absolutely could not stand something about the book. That is the case with this book. I could not stand the writing style of the author. I think I reached the weeping womb part and that was the final straw or was it a bleeding womb? I can't even remember. I just know it was bad. A very rare one star for me.

7 likes · like · see review

Jan 08, 2010 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I probably should wait a little bit to write this review, but I can't! I guess I will start out with saying that this book drew me in from the moment I laid eyes upon it. The book cover is breathtaking. Even when I opened the first page of the book I was still taken back by how simple and beautiful it was. Yet, I can not judge a book just by its cover. I am not sure I can even find the words to describe how much I loved this book. It gave me an amazing feeling throughout the whole entire book. F...more

56 likes · like · see review

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
WORD GAME starting on grace	134	95	18 hours, 39 min ago
Stiefvater's Book...: Shiver	32	12	May 21, 2013 03:31pm
who loves this series	25	45	May 18, 2013 01:22pm
Have you read Lament if so I have a question!	6	46	May 15, 2013 12:44pm
Creepy...	2	42	May 13, 2013 02:55pm
I hate this book!!!	90	463	May 03, 2013 12:52am
The YA Book Club: Shiver Elimination	204	121	May 01, 2013 10:10pm

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About Maggie Stiefvater

All of Maggie Stiefvater's life decisions have been based around her inability to be gainfully employed. Talking to yourself, staring into space, and coming to work in your pajamas are frowned upon when you're a waitress, calligraphy instructor, or technical editor (all of which she's tried), but are highly prized traits in novelists and artists. She's made her living as one or the other since she...more

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Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception (Books of Faerie, #1)

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Quotes from Shiver

“You're beautiful and sad," I said finally, not looking at him when I did. "Just like your eyes. You're like a song that I heard when I was a little kid but forgot I knew until I heard it again." For a long moment there was only the whirring sound of the tires on the road, and then Sam said softly, "Thank you.” — 1,543 people liked it

“It is possible to be in love with you just because of who you are.” — 1,457 people liked it

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Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)

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