(there will be spoilers for the first book in the series, Shiver)
Sam has given up his life as a wolf to be with Grace and to be the guide for the newly changed wolves. This means being there for the new wolves as the weather warms and they shift back to being human. It means figuring out how to spend his days and worrying over the wolves by night. It also means spending time with Grace and planning their future together, so it's not ALL bad.
Grace senses something is wrong. After she and Isabel find a dying wolf, with no external wounds, she can't help but dwell on the unseen dangers to the wolves. Which then leads her to wondering if what's happening to the wolves has anything to do with what's happening to her increasing temperature, nosebleeds, and headaches.
Can Sam keep the wolves and Grace safe from unseen harms? Is Sam up for the task of caring for a new slew of cocky, confused, and concerned wolves? And what the what is going on with Grace?!
It's been awhile since I read Linger. I was worried that reading book two would take some adjusting or looking up references to keep up, but it was all in vain. The characters came rushing back and enveloped me in comfort and familiarity. The pacing is slow, measured, and intentional - all of which I really appreciated. The pace of the book certainly matches the pace of Mercy Falls, which is an awesome touch and adds a calming ambiance while reading.
This did suffer a bit from the middle-book syndrome in that mostly it was status quo with a couple new characters introduced and some problems set up to be solved in book three. I'm not hating on it, but it does remind me why I lurve the stand alone reads so much.
For those who started this series and haven't read the rest of them, wait no more! Get in on this action. And for those who haven't started this series, it's a character heavy and emotional read with fun twists and turns and paranormal-lite elements. Not a huge emotional investment, but still really well done.
Obvs, I'll be wrapping up the series sometime soon.
Fave quote: Anything and everything to do with Sam making paper cranes. How freaking ADORABLE is that? Answer: VERY.
Fix er up: Middle book syndrome. Blurg.
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Pub Info: July 2010, Scholastic
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
[FTC Notice: I borrowed this book from my sister-in-law. I was not compensated in any way for this review. Thanks, Michele!]
LOOOOVE this series. I started it way before book blogging was even a radar on my screen. I adore Maggie's writing. This series in particular seriously wounded my heart though. Bust out the tissues!!! It hurt so good.
ReplyDeleteI'll get the kleenex ready! :)
DeleteThe whole middle book syndrome made it really hard to get through for me, but Maggie's writing is gorgeous and I love Sam!!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree on the book 2 syndrome, but Forever MORE than makes up for it!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love Maggie Stiefvater and this series - but Linger was my least favorite, and probably because of the whole middle book syndrome.
ReplyDeleteBut oh, Sam and his paper cranes. *sighs*
SERIOUSLY. Those cranes. <3
DeleteI just downloaded all three to my NOOK. I've heard good things about the trilogy. It does seem a little on the lighter side emotionally. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThe end to this one tore out my heart! The final scene. I was just left with this sense of hopelessness. I felt so torn for the characters. I mean, sure, it's a middle book. But Stiefvater's writing is so beautiful you're willing to excuse a natural lull in a series.
ReplyDeleteDamnit. It's been over two years since I read Shiver.i loved Sam. Can't remember a damn thing about the book, other than the ending. Would I still be safe to read this? I still want to continue with the series since SO MANY loved it.
ReplyDeleteYes. Most assuredly. SAM NEEDS YOU.
DeleteThese books make me cry. In a good way. LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI love this series! I still need to read Forever since I have had it FOREVER. I wanted to say I usually get middle book syndrome myself but I didn't have that problem with Linger. I think I just loved the introduction of the new characters so much. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI liked this book a lot. It took me a while to finally get around to finishing this series... I'm curious to know what you'll think of the finale!
ReplyDeleteI'm not DYING to read the final book...but hopefully this year!
DeleteI actually really enjoyed Linger, it was the final book that fell a little flat for me. Maybe you'll love it though, I know plenty people did :]
ReplyDeleteOkay, I've read Shiver and Linger but not Forever. In Linger, I really liked Cole. Call me weird, but I see no one has mentioned him here. I love Sam too -- he's bookish and stuff, but I really dug Cole. I suppose I really should read the last book to make my final verdict on who is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteWolves just aren't my favorite in the paranormal, ya know? But I do love Maggie S's writing. And if you put pretty colored printing in a book, I will be your friend forever. I guess I'm a sucker for a gimmick?
I read Shiver and liked it but didn't love it. I'm hoping to listen to the audiobook of Linger, though. Apparently, one of the narrator's voices is very sexy. That's what I read on Maggie Stiefvater's blog, anyway.
ReplyDelete