The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater

Maggie Stiefvater’s The Scorpio Races is a thrilling novel set on a secluded island that is known for their annual horse races. However, the water horses that are in these races are violent and blood-thirsty. One of the main characters, Sean Kendrick, has a knack for training and befriending these dangerous horses. He himself has competed in the Scorpio Races several times and has won each time he has competed. Unfortunately, people still disrespect him due to his financial status and the fact that he is an orphan. Another character, Kate a.k.a. Puck Connolly lives with her two older brothers in their parent’s house. They have taken care of each other ever since their parents were killed by one of the horses that competes in the Scorpio Races. Puck’s older brother, Gabe, wishes to leave the island in order to have a better life on the mainland. She doesn’t want to see her family break apart so she decides to enter the Scorpio Races so she could win the cash reward to keep her brother on the island. However, Puck only has experience with her beloved land horse, Dove, who cannot compete in the race because she is not a water horse. Due to this, Puck must train with a new horse and decides to ask Sean for help. At first, he is reluctant but soon sees how determined and hard working Puck is and agrees to help her. Throughout the novel, the two face many critics and obstacles along the way. Their combined determination, diligence, care for each other, and hard work pushes the two of them through the race and makes a lasting impression in the eyes of the locals and mainlanders.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater was very interesting and captivating. The novel got off to a great start and introduced the characters very well and described their backstories but as the book went on, I started to lose focus and in my opinion, it got a little boring in the middle. As the story went on, it captivated the reader more and had many twists and turns that kept it interesting. 

I found this novel very interesting because I have always liked horses and the way the author described the horses in her novel was very engaging. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses and adventure.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 11

Montrose Library