Shiver
by Maggie Stiefvater

    SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater
    Category:  Paranormal
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  8/1/09
    Publisher:  Scholastic
    Reviewed by:  Lynn Crow
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Years ago, Grace was attacked by a starving wolf pack, and only survived because one wolf, the one with brilliant
    yellow eyes, protected her.  Ever since then she's watched for "her" wolf each winter, caught in a longing she can't
    quite explain.  Then one fall a boy appears on her porch, injured, with those same yellow eyes.  Grace knows he is
    her wolf.

    Grace feels more connected to Sam than anyone else in her life, and Sam would do anything for her.  But right from
    the beginning, a shadow looms over their time together.  As the weather gets colder, it's harder and harder for Sam
    to stay human.  And he's sure that this time, when he turns into a wolf, it will be for good.

    SHIVER is a melancholy, romantic novel with equal parts tenderness and passion.  Readers will find themselves
    swept up in Grace and Sam's unfolding relationship as they are finally able to talk and touch, and struggle to hold on
    to what little time they have together.  The book is filled with gorgeous imagery that comes alive in your mind, and
    adds to the sense of fleeting beauty.  

    Some may find the story a little slow-moving: many of the scenes are simply Grace and Sam being together, and of
    the few subplots that increase the suspense, all but one are dropped with little or no resolution.  But the book is
    well worth picking up just for the character study of a boy growing up torn between human and animal worlds, and
    the main characters' chemistry and frantic attempts to hold off Sam's change will keep appreciative readers glued to
    the page.  

    Recommended for paranormal fans who prefer thoughtfulness and simmering emotion to action and violence.