Musical Moments: Book Theme Songs: Forever by Maggie Steifvater

Title: Forever

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3

Author: Maggie Steifvater

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: 13 July 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie StievaterIn Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Review here

Musical Moments: Official Book Theme Song: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Forever

Series: Wolves of Mercy Falls

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: 13 July 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

In SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Summer Girl

Lyrics by Maggie Stiefvater (with an extra verse by J and P)
Music by J and P

I fell for her in Summer
From Summer she is made
She is my lovely Summer Girl

I'd love to spend a winter
But I'm never warm enough
For my Summer Girl

It's Summer when she smiles
I'm laughing like a child
It's the Summer of our lives,
I'll contain it for a while

She holds the heat, the breeze of Summer
In the circle of her hand
I'd be happy with this Summer,
If it's all we ever had, if it's all we ever had.

She doesn't cast a shadow,
Even in the Summer Sun
My lovely Summer Girl.

She can save me from myself,
She's my only saving Grace,
My lovely Summer Girl

It's Summer when she smiles

I'm laughing like a child
It's the Summer of our lives,
I'll contain it for a while

She holds the heat, the breeze of Summer
In the circle of her hand
I'd be happy with this Summer,
If it's all we ever had, if it's all we ever had.

Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 19 Oct 2011

Synopsis 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.

REVIEW

I have to be completely honest and tell you  this is my least favourite book by Maggie Stiefavater. I adore her writing style and it is no different with this book. Maggie's writing immerses you in the world she builds, enveloping all the senses and surrounding you completely. So if that is the case with this book too, then why, you ask, is it my least favourite. Well....those horses were flipping terrifying for a start, also the name of the horses was a constant source of annoyance for me. I had to keep checking the correct pronunciation, seriously I am that sort of person. I really, really wanted  to call them something a lot easier.

Written in first person narrative from alternating perspectives of Sean and Puck. The use of Puck as a name instantly conjures images of Shakespeare's Puck, why I don't know as this Puck is nothing at all like the Shakespearian Puck, but that is how my mind works, lol. The story builds slowly going into detail about their history and relationships. I did struggle with the pacing a bit with this one. It may have been that I was reading it at an exceptional busy time rather than it being a slow book. As soon as the relationship between Puck and Sean took off so did my reading pace, the relationship blossoms from mutual admiration and respect. What a great foundation to build a relationship on.

The imagery and general mythology brought Ireland to mind as the setting although it is never specified within the narrative. However, the story shows how bonds tie us not only to people but but places and animals. Very powerfully portrayed by Maggie's alluring writing.

The thing that really stood out for me with this story is the relationships and how they are portrayed. Love comes in a variety of forms all stunningly portrayed; the love of our families and the bonds that tie us together no matter where we are in the world. The love of a man and a woman, young and old, and how they rely on each other for support and comfort. The love of animals and how that love can be returned. The love of our home and country. I adored the way in which they were shown as the things that truly matter rather than material possessions.

So although it is my least favourite book of Maggie Stiefvater's it truly is a beautiful piece of writing.

Book Speed Dating: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Book Speed Dating is a little idea I came up with for a year 7 library lesson. They pick a book that they enjoyed, preferably one that is actually in the library so they can show the cover and synopsis. Then they have to write a short but convincing argument as to why other people should read it. It has been a shambles the few times I have tried it out but it is a work in progress. After they have written their short review/persuasive argument, I line them up facing each other and give them 30 seconds in which to pitch their chosen book. After switching sides the line on the right moves down a space so they now have a new partner to pitch to. you like the idea I can tell [ ; D ] I am more than happy for other people to use my ideas but please credit it back *hugs*

To fully benefit from the book speed dating experience you need a stopwatch and for pupils to not pick the same books - seriously I was told that Breaking Dawn was educational by 3 Year 7 girls *snort*.

I also used this little idea as an ice-breaker in my presentation about Blogging Benefits Libraries to the Staff - it was even more uncontrollable than the pupils - seriously in need of a stopwatch and a whistle [ : D ]

Here is my Book Speed Dating for Forever by Maggie Stiefvater I used this as an example on the Staff Development Day.

Title: Forever
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 13 July 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

In SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. An love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Review - Speed Dating Style:
Fabulous world building. Descriptive writing to immerse yourself in. A Super sweet romance to sweep you off your feet.
Interesting take on werewolf mythology - ingenious use of a blood disorder affected by temperature.
A snarky, spoilt brat with a well hidden warm heart.
A genius, suicidal rock star who finds his niche in life.
A truly heart breaking and heart warming, beautiful read.

So what do you think. Would you read it after the speed dating [ ; D ]

Review: Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Ballad
Series: Books of Faerie
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Flux (not yet published in the UK)
Publication: 1 Nov 2009

Source: Borrowed from Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory




Synopsis: From Amazon
In this mesmerizing sequel to "Lament", music prodigy James Morgan has joined his best friend, Deirdre, at a private conservatory for musicians. James' almost unearthly gift for music has attracted the dangerous attentions of Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. Composing beautiful music together leads James and Nuala down an unexpected road of mutual admiration ...and love. Haunted by a vision of raging fire and death, James realizes that Deirdre and Nuala are being hunted by the Fey and plunges into a soulscorching battle with the Queen of the Fey to save their lives.

Review:
In the sequel to Lament the first person narrative has been taken over by James in place of Dierdre (Dee). It was really interesting to see James' personality develop, enabling additional understanding of his actions/emotions. His wonderfully snarky witticisms captured my heart.We catch up with them a few months after the explosive finale to Lament now enrolled into a private school for the musically gifted.

We are introduced to a whole array of new characters both human and Fey, expanding the plot and adding dimension to the relationship interactions already established. The musical references virtually flowed off the pages. Alternating chapters between James and Nuala provided both sides of the story; showing how easy interactions are misinterpreted.



All the characters were three dimensional, James development in particular was astounding. The 'support' cast of characters were a pleasant surprise in their use within the narrative. Yet I could not reconcile Dee's transformation from Lament into what I could only visualise as a 'wet lettuce', where had all her 'powers' gone and why wasn't she using them.

The plot developed seamlessly from Lament, making it necessary to have read the book to fully understand the nuances of the storyline.

I adore Maggie's writing style and descriptions, I devour them as quickly as possible and feel as if I have generally been hit by a tidal wave of emotion by the end of the book. I can completely immerse myself in the worlds she creates, sometimes to my detriment when I am sobbing in the early hours of the morning.

I do have one complaint about this book.......there are still unanswered questions I have and I need another book to reconcile them. *BEGS/PLEADS/GROVELS/BRIBES*

Thursday Tunes: Maggie Stiefvater Music Appreciation

I was really hoping for a Guest Post from Maggie about her musical inspirations and if she would be afraid of the faeries coming for her; but unfortunately I have yet to receive a reply from her publicist :(

Instead I thought I would put some of the videos of Maggie actually playing music herself [ : D ]

The following video is very appropriate for Ballad [ : D ]

Review: Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Lament
Series: Books of Faerie
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Flux (Scholastic UK)
Publication Date: 3 Jan 2011

Source: Loaned from the gorgeous Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory Book Reviews



Synopsis: From Amazon
Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand - one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass - a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky - and equally dangerous - dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre.Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind.

Review:
OK I am totally going to gush so don't say I didn't warn you. I am a huge, huge, huge fan of Maggie Stiefvater's. So be prepared.

My first gush is about Maggie's writing style - it is so descriptive that the mental picture I had of the ice-cream sundae literally made my mouth water. The emotion was woven into the narrative like a rich tapestry transferring me into the book easily. Full immersion achieved. Music plays a big part in Maggie's stories it felt as if it was flowing from the pages.

Written in first person narrative from Dierdre's (Dee) perspective; musically gifted yet a social outcast. She isn't unhappy about this status although she is aware of it. Beautiful but totally oblivious to this fact. From the beginning we have the impression that there is a family secret waiting to be uncovered. A dysfunctional family unit but with undercurrents of the secrets ready to be unearthed, leaving us wondering the reason behind the discord and its effect on their interactions.

The two male protagonist compare and contrast wonderfully together. James the best friend, in love with Dee, solid, reliable and dependable. Luke. the mystery man, dangerous, good looking with a tortured soul - is it any wonder I was drawn to Luke instantly. The use of the dove to portray the tortured soul was genius.

The intertwining of myth/legend and folklore added depth to the storyline plus a sense of realism to the narrative. I adored how all the different types of faeries were portrayed. The music and dancing fuelled the fire in my imagination; totally tactile and three dimensional; absorbing all the senses.

The plot unravels piece by piece like building blocks each chapter building on the last and laying the foundation for the next. As the story unfolds Dee realises she is far stronger than she thought she was and appreciates the bonds of friendship that she has. A journey of self discovery that is not always an easy path to take.

The surprising plot twist left me speechless. The ending was bitter sweet, I felt like it was tugging my heart strings in the same way as Dee tugged the strings on her harp. Yes, I did cry.

A truly touching read.

Trailer Tuesday: Maggie Stiefvater Appreciation

To celebrate the UK launch of Lament this week I am having my own personal Maggie Stiefvater Aprreciation [ : D ]

Linger Trailer!!!!!!

OMG, how I loved Shiver, my heart ached for Sam. I seriously cant wait for Linger. Especially as Amazon keep changing the delivery date :(
Please, please, please *prays, begs, grovels* let me win an ARC PLEASE!!!!!!!
Just look how talent Maggie is with this trailer. Check out her blog posts to see the full making of the trailer :)
Words on Words by Maggie Stiefvater


Are you ready for this :)

Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Synopsis:
Grace is fascinated by the wolves in the woods behind her house; one yellow-eyed wolf in particular. Every winter, she watches him but every summer, he disappears. Sam leads two lives. In winter, he stays in the frozen woods, with the protection of the pack. In summer, he has a few precious months to be human ...until the cold makes him shift back again. When Grace and Sam finally meet, they realize they can't bear to be apart. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human - or risk losing himself, and Grace, for ever.





Review:
Oh My Gosh, I am afraid I am going to gush again. This book was just so AWESOME. I have read a few books since finishing this one and I can still remember it and how it made me feel. AWESOME!
OK, now to try to explain succinctly why I loved this book so much.

Firstly it is written in first person narrative with alternating perspectives of the male and female protagonists. Allowing the reader  to see both viewpoints working together seamlessly. The characters draw you in from the very first page. The only person I really did not like was Olivia and even that was resolved at the end of the book.

The writing is both touching and humorous. My heart ached for Sam, I just wanted to keep him warm. As his character develops you really get a sense of how he became the person he is. Dealing with a myriad of awful events from a really young age, and over analyzing his every move. Just thinking about the story still sets my heart aching.

The descriptions of the seasons was beautiful and the way in which people look can be compared to seasons was ingenious. I think I would be an autumn as I have red hair (although it is not my natural colour) but with greeny/blue eyes.

What season would you be and why?


All  the characters are well developed, lots of background information is given throughout the story so you are not left pondering the intricacies of the plot. You can just lose yourself completely in the imagery and details.

I hope I have made a clear point as to why I love this book and am keeping it on my bookshelf. A most highly recommended paranormal romance. I can't wait for the sequel Linger.
Just to give you added excitement it is going to be made into a movie.