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Poignant Love Story
At first I couldn't get into Shiver as it starts off with a girl being dragged by wolves to eat. Then it jumps to the point-of-view of the werewolf boy with yellow eyes. This kind of back and forth narration can be irritating, and it was at first, but I got used to it. The writing was not extraordinary nor was it the best, but it was sufficient in telling the story, which is a different take on werewolf lore. Instead of the usual werewolf story, werewolves in Stiefvater's book are wolves for half the year and then human for the other half. This obviously can lead to problems in a relationship with a human. All in all, it is a poignant love story.

Loved it!
This book is GOOD. I really enjoyed the style of writing, very descriptive. You feel as if you live in the town and know the characters personally. I read it in 48 hours because I couldn't put it down. I only gave it 4 stars because I wish it were longer.

Shivers of Love
I admit, I was a bit hesitant going in to this book. I picked it up right about the time the blogosphere was buzzing with the news that this was a book about a girl having an inappropriate relationship (read: sex) with an animal. There was talk of bestiality and all sorts of things that tend to turn a reader off. But when several trusted friends blogged about it to clarify the real scoop I rushed right out to pick it up.

So.glad.I.did.

I loved it. Sure it had it's pitfalls (as most stories do) but for the most part it was a fantastically angsty love story. The kind where everyone is fighting desperately to overcome adversity that isn't so plausible in the real world (given Sam's werewolvery) but so fabulous in an otherworldly way.

So let me start with the "bad", and let me clarify that I say "bad" because it wasn't bad in the "oh my god you should never read this schlock of a story because it's so horribly written and plotted" way. Perhaps, even, I should say that this particular element (that I've also seen much discussion of on the blogosphere) wasn't how I would have preferred it to be. Yup, you guessed it, parental involvement. Part of me didn't like that Grace's parents were never around, that Sam was free to come and go from her bedroom with so much ease. I would have liked for them to have at least had somewhat of a clue. BUT, I also think that there are those kind of parents out there. The kind that have a high level of trust and faith in their kids, the kind that are so wrapped up in their own lives (work, work, work) that a child is of much lower concern.

All this to say, I don't think it was implausible that Grace was left to fend for herself so much.

See, that wasn't so bad was it?

On with the show.

As far as the supernatural/paranormal plot goes I adored how it was all so understated and rooted in what we all know as real life. The infusion of Sam's history, the geneticism of werewolvery, and how it all infused into how humans live their lives made it feel like there could actually be wolves by winter humans by summer. I also enjoyed the pack mentality and the dynamics of Sam's relationship with the other wolves. He was torn between his family and wanting to be with (and protect) Grace.

There was definitely a strong rootability factor in the way Shiver was plotted and told.

The ending was not entirely unexpected given the journey Sam and Grace experienced but that didn't detract from the book. In fact, I believe it ended at just the right point to set expectations for the next book in the series. Further, I think it went a long way towards instilling the ultimate "gotta have it now" feeling.

Steifvater's writing is phenomenal -- she is the very best combination of both shower and a teller. There was some fantastically lyrical prose in Shiver. The kind that makes your heart drop into your stomach and tears jump to your eyes. So very palpable in the way that I could feel so much of what Sam and Grace were going through. This alone should make you want to grab it and read from cover to cover.

In case you were wondering, I loved this book. I recommend this book for readers young (though not too young -- might be a tad too much for the younger middle grade set) and old. If you haven't read it yet, go out and get yourself the paperback, it's just released. I doubt you'll be sorry.

Perfect in Every Way
Such beautiful prose, heart throbbing love,, and believable romance. My first try at reading the book I didn't like it, I thought it was moving to slow, where was all the action. Also, a part of me was sick of werewolves after reading the Twilight series (not a diss b/c I love, love, love). So I took a break, months and months later I decided to give this book another try and I'm so glad I did because now I'm freaking obsessed with the series. Finished both 'Shiver' and 'Linger' in two weeks. I now have a jealousy complex with Maggie and her in-delph and perfected way of using words. I want more, more, more...Oh and by the way their not really werewolves, their wolves honey, read the book to find out more on her version of them, it's delightfully delicious.

Amazing!!!!
One of the best books I've read in a long time! Grace is a deep and believable character, and Sam is not your typical breath-taking hero with whom the heroine falls immediately in love with. Sam has a deep and problematic past, and Grace has a real connection with him. Usually not one to fall for the "soul mates" thing, I was surprised when I couldn't put this book down from the start. Beautifully written with an exciting and romantic plot,this is one book I will add to my list of favorites. Read it! You won't be able to put it down! (Oh, and the sequel is just as good!)