Photo Credit: Karen Kincy
Tori Lemon
Lantern Staff
For readers who felt as though the infamous battle between Edward and Jacob wasn’t a tasteful cup of tea, they might find Maggie Stiefvater’s “Shiver” to be the perfect human werewolf love story that isn’t so predictable.
For starters, this storyline works, even for those who aren’t really into the fantasy genre. Although this is a werewolf story, there’s more romance than horror. It’s a love story between a boy and a girl- the boy just happens to be a werewolf.
The story’s protagonist, Grace, finds comfort in watching the wolves roam around her Minnesota home every single winter. Despite the fact that she was attacked by wolves when she was younger, she is easily intrigued by these animals, one in particular.
Sam, the wolf she seems to have a special connection to, isn’t always a wolf. During the warmer seasons, summer and spring, he leaves his four-legged lifestyle behind and becomes a regular human, just like you and me.
However, potential tragedy will strike because Sam eventually won’t be given the luxury of changing forms. The day that he must stay a wolf forever is fast approaching, which can cause obvious discomfort and problems for his relationship with Grace.
What makes this book so likable and memorable is the way Stiefvater creates her characters to be lovable and relatable. She makes the situations they encounter incredibly lifelike. Stiefvater intertwines neglect, abuse and other real world struggles into her story, which ultimately pulls on the readers’ heartstrings and leaves them wanting more.
What helps to make this story stand out among the others is how Stiefvater switches the point of view back and forth between Grace and Sam. It’s nice to be able to get into the characters’ heads and see what they’re really thinking. With most stories with only one protagonist, you only see one perspective. However, with this story, you get two- one of a werewolf in love, and one of a teenage girl in love. Not only are you receiving different perspectives between the characters, but by the end of the book you’ll receive a new way of thinking about life, and of course, love.
The plot plays a big role in the success of this book, but a lot of recognition must be given to Stiefvater for her beautifully written sentences and carefully crafted metaphors that are borderline whimsical. They truly make you feel something: “Some days seem to fit together like a stained glass window. A hundred little pieces of different color and mood that, when combined, create a complete picture.”
“Shiver” is a story that will automatically take you back and make you remember your first love. If you haven’t had your first love yet, “Shiver” will set up your expectations for what that love will entail. Hopefully, it doesn’t include an actual werewolf.