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.
So I asked Mrs. Folk to pick up yet another book for the Library.... The Scorpio Races
If you can't wait for her to buy it, and trust my opinion, then pick up The Scorpio Races (see pic below for the cover... Maggie Stiefvater). It's a book written from the perspective of two characters, Puck and Sean (that's pronouned "Shawn"... in case you don't know that Gaelic spelling). Usually every chapter the perspective changes, so you always get a chance to see the different points of view, but it all depends on what that character would find important. If you love horses then this book is for you... well actually, maybe not... imagine a world where you are living on an island. Horses are pretty much part of everyday life... then imagine in addition to a "normal horse" there is yet another breed of horses... The capaill uisce otherwise known as a water horse... sounds sweet and beautiful right?? Guess again! These horses are predatory carnivores who are basically beautiful monsters that you must protect your small pets and livestock from... because well, the capaill uisce eat meat. Sound weird? Well imagine a race where these horses are captured and "tamed". Keep in mind, the water horses are never really tamed... Can you really "tame" a tiger or a lion?? Well you can fool yourself into thinking that until your hand is bitten off! Anyways I digress, imagine a race where there is so much money to be won if you get first, it's well worth the risk.
Now this book has a bit of romance in it... but not the sappy, moony-eyed romance of Twilight (by the way, I can say this, because I do begrudgingly love Twilight!)... the romance is one where the characters are still more in love with the race than anything else... Oh I hope I haven't ruined this for those who hate romance! Actually, guys you would even like this book... It's just cool! Anyways, I bought it if you want to borrow it and see for yourself. The only problem I have with this book is that there's no sequel. That's just how good it is.
*By the way, the pronounciation of this horse never really rolls off the tongue... I didn't learn how to pronounce the name until half way through the book! I still don't really know... I think you have to speak Gaelic to get it, and that's Gaelic, not garlic!
Stewie
Here's the video with music performed by the author (and another person name Kate something...) The music gives you the feel for the setting...
This is a sample from the book, different chapters from Sean and Puck's perspectives (remember "Shawn" not "Seen")... Where was this video when I was trying to say capaill uisce?? The images in this video may help give the reader a reference point for the setting...
Here's a link to the site for the book... yes I'm obsessed... http://maggiestiefvater.com/the-scorpio-races/
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