Book Thoughts: Forever

Title: Forever
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: Wolves of Mercy Falls #3

I FINALLY got around to reading the conclusion of Maggie Stiefvater's fantastic Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy and I can't believe it took me so long!

It had been a while since I read the previous books in the series so I was a little hazy on some of the plot details, but there's enough there in Forever that it didn't matter. I was immediately drawn back into Stiefvater's flawlessly beautiful writing, complexly compelling characters, and breathtaking romance.

I couldn't put it down. I love the way Maggie Stiefvater crafts words and builds characters, and I love the story she's telling here. Sam and Grace's romance is one of the most amazing love stories I can think of, and I also really love the relationship between Isabel and Cole and the way that plays out. The interactions of the wolf pack are so realistic, the reactions of the various people in the town are exactly what they should be, and every single character has depth and flaws.

I almost wish there had been an epilogue explaining whether or not the characters got their happily-ever-after, but I liked the way she ended the story. There's closure to what needs closing, but it's left open enough for readers to imagine the characters living their lives however they see fit, and I think that's brilliant too.

Definitely read this series. I know I'll be on the lookout for Ms. Stiefvater's other books!

Book Thoughts: Shiver

Title: Shiver
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: Wolves of Mercy Falls #1

My first thought when I finished this book was, "Wow." It was absolutely phenomenal. The romance (because that's what this is - a romance) was very well-done; I know I, for one, have totally fallen for Sam Roth. Both of the lead characters - and the side characters as well - fell completely real. Stiefvater's writing is beautiful. Even if the plot were terrible - which it most certainly isn't - it would be worth reading just for the way the author tells the story. She even manages to make both first-person narrators feel like separate, real characters; their personalities are not the same and their voices are inherently different. It's not one person telling both stories as someone else - it's two different characters telling their own stories.

The romance between Sam and Grace is developed thoroughly and beautifully; all I have to say is: candy shop scene, and bookstore scene. It just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And the twist on the werewolf mythology is excellent. None of that about full moons and silver bullets; it's about temperature. And there's just enough mystery and non-romance-based plot that it doesn't feel obnoxiously sappy. Yes, there are sappy parts. It is a romance novel. There are supposed to be sappy parts. But there's so much more than that. It was so amazing. Personally, I also really enjoyed the importance of literature and musicality to the story. There is so much good stuff in this book. Everyone should read it. Yes, everyone.

I also have to mention the cover. I adore the cover of this book. It's beautiful. The blue-and-white gives it that wintery sort of feel that's so important, and the wolf - just watching - so subtle you might miss it. And then the one splash of red...it's perfect.

Definitely, definitely read Shiver if you get the chance.

Book Thoughts: Linger

Title: Linger
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: Wolves of Mercy Falls #2

Shiver certainly set the standards high for the rest of the Wolves of Mercy Falls series, and I was pleased to discover that Linger more than meets those standards. Sam and Grace are such wonderful characters, and the addition of Isabel and Cole just makes it better. I was a little concerned at the beginning about having four different characters narrating, but I shouldn't have worried. Stiefvater pulls it off flawlessly. The characters are so real, and the story just keeps getting better. Stiefvater's way with words is just amazing.

As in Shiver, there is a lot of romance, and it is done well. But in Linger, there's a lot more extra stuff to it. The development of the individual characters and their backstories is just as if not more important than the development of the romantic relationships between the characters, and the platonic relationships between the other characters are also explored thoroughly. Everything about these characters is real and wonderful, and even if the story concluded in this book, I'd want another one just to spend more time with Sam, Grace, Cole, and Isabel.

And then, of course, there's the mystery of the werewolves. Why are they what they are? What does it mean to become one? And is there a way to stay human? It draws you in and keeps you there. And I really cannot wait for book three, because I need to know what happens.

There is just so much to this story. Absolutely everyone should read them, no exaggeration. My only complaint about Linger was that it was less self-sufficient than Shiver; in places, it felt more like it was building up to the next book rather than telling its own story. But that hardly counts, because I am so ready for book three already. I absolutely adore this series. Linger officially releases two weeks from today, and some formats are already available - this is one you should make sure you get a copy of as soon as you can.