Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Title:               Shiver
Author:           Maggie Stiefvater
ISBN:              978-0-5451-2326-6
Publisher:       Scholastic
Published:      2009
Age Group:    Young Adult


Synopsis:

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.




My Thoughts:

 An interesting twist on the werewolf/shape-shifter myth, focusing on a more realistic type wolf rather than the typical angry beast scenario. 
The romance aspect of the novel was a bit too sweet for my tastes but it was not enough to make me want to stop reading. I found Sam to be a little too sensitive although I found Grace to be easy to relate to.
The short chapters and changing perspectives made the story progress at a steady pace, keeping it fun and fresh. I enjoyed being able to read both Grace's and Sam's point of view, it gave a wonderful insight into both characters.

Overall it was a nice, easy read with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning.