The Scorpio Races

By: Maggie Stiefvater

Narrated by: Steve West, Fiona Hardingham

Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

With her trademark lyricism, Maggie Stiefvater turns to a new world, where a pair are swept up in a daring, dangerous race across a cliff—with more than just their lives at stake should they lose.

©2011 Maggie Stiefvater (P)2011 Scholastic Audio

A Lyrical Escape, Outstanding!

This fantastical tale was pure pleasure to listen to. The story was engaging, the characters well developed and likable, the description of setting and story were very well done. The narrators also did a great all-around job and were easy and enjoyable to listen to. Would definitely give a sequel or another book by the same author a read. Good for adults and YA alike.

Exciting seahorses

I choose to listen to this on audio and i am so glad i did that alternating points of view where easier to keep track of with the two different narrators telling the story. I also picked up this book as i heard their making a movie about and the whole concept of killer water horses is going to make a spectacular movie i believe. I love the descriptions of the land, and the horses, it truly was like a story being painted for me. A great book.

Very Interesting - in a GOOD way!

I bought this book long ago and tried to get into it...I failed. However, I tried again and I could not stop listening, it was very well done. Ms. Stiefvater is an amazing writer and I was very sad when the story was done. Impressive.

Gorgeous story & writing

This novel is a perfect combination of realism and magic; while set in the world we know, the primary landscape is one of man alongside harsh island conditions and even harsher beasts from the sea. Stiefvater blends lyricism with myth and a story of survival. The voice actors did their parts in bringing this story to life. Together, the audio book of The Scorpio Races is an unparalleled narrative.

Maggie Stiefvater has done it again

Maggie Stiefvater has done it again. This time with a well written dystopian novel about carnivorous water horses that come out of the ocean each year. They are captured and raced by the islanders with deadly results which attracts tourist to the small island. Like her Wolves of Mercy Falls series she had modified the mythology just enough to lure me into their world.
It's hard to believe that this is just another young adult novel. Maggie does a fantastic job of creating well rounded, believable charters through both their actions and conversation. Puck enters the race as a attempt to save her family, while Sean is a four time champion. This time he is racing for more than just a title. Reading from the authors unique dual protagonist style allow us a glimpse into both Puck and Sean's internal struggles. While the story was obviously building to the climatic race Maggie didn't short change us in resolution which is rich and meaningful.
I have read all of Maggie's books, and this is by far her greatest work.

The point of view of Puck Connolly is read by Fiona Hardingham. While Sean Kendric's perspective is read by Steve West. I encourage you to listen to this book if you have the opportunity; in my opinion, their voices make a huge impact in identifying with the characters.

Unexpected

Would you consider the audio edition of The Scorpio Races to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the book, just listened to the audio.

Any additional comments?

This was better than I expected!
As a mid-30's mom, I love the gentle fantasy style of stories, such as Twilight. I like the fantasy, a touch of romance, humor...but nothing that would be disturbing! As this generally falls into the category of young adult fiction, often the plot can be a little on the thin side.
Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised at the Scorpio Races. It kept me guessing, right up until the end of the book. There wasn't predictable romance, on every page.....the characters were nicely human (believable), but charming. I wondered how they would really solve all of their problems, and liked the fact that not every little issue had a tidy ending. Some were actually left, for us to ponder over, but not in a disturbing way.
We were left, feeling like maybe the big brother was a bit flaky, if understandably so. The younger brother had a mental illness, which was accurately depicted. (I have O.C.D., and can attest to this.) No one ever came out and mentioned it; it was just a part of their lives, and despite his flaws, this character was sweet and charming! So we are left with the idea that, while the family members were imperfect, they could all still be a family, and love one another. This was refreshing.
Also, I am so impressed by the author's musical talents! I was left, wanting a c.d., after listening to the music, that introduced and ended the story.:)
This was a nice listen, that I would recommend! I should offer a warning, that there are some not-so-gentle, bloody parts...I am very sensitive, but I did survive~ and it didn't outweight the nice parts of the story.

beautifully bleak YA tale set against a cold sea

This is akin to a fairytale, with little of the sparkle. It's a tale of an wet, rocky island separated from the Mainland (with its creature comforts and television and catalogs) by a cold sea, from which arises killer flesh-eating water horses that the local capture and race once a year in a thrilling display of speed, menace, and danger. There's a bit of a teen romance, but it too is very austere. This is a dystopian coming of age story, a great twist on the "horse-mad girl" cliche. It's scary and thrilling and harsh, and beautifully written.

Beautiful writing

I absolutely loved the way this book was written. Stiefvater manages to capture the life and beauty of this strange island in a way that makes it feel so very familiar. I was reluctant to finish reading because I knew I'd miss the cast of characters.

Mesmerizing

This is a beautiful book. Gorgeous narration by Steve and Fiona did it justice. Highly recommended.

Deadly Magical Horses!

Do you like magical horses who might murder you? Young love? A ticking clock, strong setting, conflict galore, and a brave heroine? THEN THIS IS YOUR BOOK!
I love Maggie Stiefvater's writing! This is a great book for a middle grade reader who is mature, but not mature enough for The Raven Boys books.
As always, you can count on Fiona Hardingham and Steve West for brilliant performances.