Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1) - Maggie Stiefavater

Review: Shiver
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Rating: 3/5
Genre: Paranormal

I really like Maggie Stiefvater and I heard fantastic things about this book. But after thoughtful consideration, I had to knock it down to a three. I liked it, but it wasn't amazing. 

For one, there was a lot missing that I needed. I liked how Grace and Sam have been watching over each other since they were young, I thought their relationship was extremely sweet. But it happened a little too quickly for my liking. The romance was always good, but it was odd how Sam practically lives in Grace's room and her parents never realize. The lack of adult involvement was rather odd, and I wanted a better explanation of why they behave so odd and distant. 

Furthermore, there was basically no secondary character development. Forget her nonexistent parents, what about her supposedly best friends? I didn't like either of them, and I didn't get attached to anyone else. Rachel and Olivia were minor and almost a distraction. Isabel is basically the only secondary character I began to like, and she's described as horrible for the first half of the book. It takes a while for the characters to build and become interesting. 

Finally, I was upset over the lack of explanation we got over the entire werewolf phenomenon. It was barely explained! It was just mentioned as a "disease" set off by the cold, and although we learn some more later, I think there are still some really big holes in the explanation. In the next few books, I expect to have my questions answered, and for some more character depth. 

However, that brings me to my conclusion. I did like the books. They were light, enjoyable, and romantic. Grace and Sam are very easy to love and to root for. You want them to triumph and be together. Stiefvater is an excellent writer, and although she is a slow world builder, her tales are always haunting and lovely. For that reason, I will be continuing the series and I do recommend it to people who are in the mood for an interesting, original werewolf tale.