Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater


Published: July 12, 2011 by Scholastic Press
Received: gifted by Melanie
The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater

In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in. {taken from goodreads.com}





Every so often you come across a series of books that becomes a part of your life.  The Shiver trilogy is one of those, for me.  I first read Shiver before book blogging was even a blip on my computer screen.  I then anxiously & painstakingly waited for Linger's release.  Not long after devouring the second book in this series, I began my book blog.  Both Shiver & Linger sat pretty, high on top of my shelf (I keep my prettiest books on the top shelf).  Months passed, more books were read & added to the shelf.  The looming release date of Forever, the final chapter in this trilogy, approaching.  I was just as anxious to read this book, yet terrified to see the series end.  Caught between wanting to read Maggie's final words about this story, and not wanting to say goodbye just yet - I was gifted with an early copy from a friend, and the decision was made for me.

If you've read the series, then you know this story is about more than just wolves.  It's a culmination of love, friendship, trust, independence, and bravery.  The characters are brought together by one common element, but just as easily torn apart by that mutual bond.  Maggie Stiefvater has a way with words.  Her writing is brilliant, poetic, lustrous -- only leaving the heart heavy by wanting more, more, more.  I never mark my pages in my books, yet I felt compelled to while reading Forever.  There were just too many moments, too many phrases, that I wanted easy access to so that I could go back and visit time and time again.

The tale of Sam and Grace is timeless.  Their love reminds me of an old married couple, who sit hand in hand, just as smitten with each other as they were the day they met.  In the author's note at the end, Maggie wrote, "Many, many readers have written me asking wistfully about the nature of Sam and Grace's relationship, and I can assure you, that sort is absolutely real. Mutual, respectful, enduring love is completely attainable as long as you swear you won't settle for less."

Take some time to let that sink in.  I know I needed to.

I spent the most time reading this book, than I have in a long while.  Aside from not wanting the story to end, I took the extra time in letting the words seep in to my soul and breath a life of their own. This story, these characters, this world, is beyond just a story for me.  It's literature at it's finest.  I knew Forever was going to challenge my heart, and that it did.  I feel like I'm saying goodbye to an old friend.  It's bitter-sweet, yet I know it's time to let go.  The beauty of books is that they never really go away.  I know that Shiver, Linger, and Forever will still be sitting pretty - high up on my shelf - any time I want to go back and revisit Grace and Sam.  Their story may have been written, but the amount of time I live it over and over again is endless.

Thank you Maggie, for chiseling a piece for yourself in this great big world of beautiful literature.





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20 comments:

  1. What a great review!
    And now I'm happy to say that I will go and find these books to read at once.
    The covers have always been really pretty to me.

    Thanks again!

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  2. Eeep! This review made me want to read this series even more. I should really get on it :) I love falling in love with a series :)

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  3. Great review. You have a way with words also. No spoilers...great job.

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  4. LOL TIMES 5,000 as we have the same book on our blogs today. LOVE IT.

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  5. Fabulous review!! I agree with everything you said. As much as I wanted to rush through this book, I took my time and savored every moment.

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  6. Great review Ginger, I felt really sad to see it come to an end it was definitely like saying goodbye to a friend and that author's note made me tear up, unfortunately I didn't love this one as much as the other two but I still think Maggie's writing is brilliant. Looove your beautiful review! =)

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  7. Great review! Looking forward to starting it next Tuesday! :)

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  8. Oh wow, wonderful review!
    I read Shiver the day it came out and stumbled upon Linger at Borders two weeks before it was released. I cannot wait to get my hands on Forever, and your review has made me want it even more!

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  9. Thanks for this lovely review! I look forward to reading this book. Though I am sad to see it end.

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  10. O my your review is very touching. I love these books and can't wait to read forever, but like you Im scared for it to be over. If I hadn't read any of the books your review would def make me go out now and start them. Thanks so much for this review. It just makes me even more excited. Can't wait til next tues.

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  11. This is such an eloquently written, wonderful review. Very nicely done! :-)

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  12. I haven't read any Maggie Steifvater books. *cowers in corner* But you're review of Forever definitely makes me want to! :) Except- I have to start with Shiver. :P

    -Meredith

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  13. Awesome review, G! I really missed the ticket on this series - I just didn't like Shiver at all, but I'm glad to see you loved book three :)

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  14. I can't wait for this book! I wish it were in my hands right now, but sadly, no. I suppose I'll just have to wait until my incredibly slow library finally manages to get it to me. *sigh*

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  15. I can't wait to read this one. She is coming near me for a signing at the end of the month and I am so excited!

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  16. I can't wait to read this one. She is coming near me for a signing at the end of the month and I am so excited!

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  17. I've read some serious conflicting opinions. 70 pages in and right now, I'm bored and disappointed. I sure hope it changes. I do agree with you about Sam and Grace's love, however. Shiver was epic, but I still think it should have been a standalone. Linger didn't live up to it, for me, and it looks like Forever won't either. *sad face*

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  18. Awesome review. :) I've only just now added Linger to my shelves, but I know what you mean when you say Maggie Stiefvater's writing is poetic and heartfelt. She's truly an amazing writer.

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  19. I heart this book as you know, and that quote is one of my faves too, because it really express the love well. So sad the series is over =(

    PS totally linking to this review on mine, which will be out the 12!

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  20. I've heard so many conflicting reviews about this book. I loved the first two in the series with a passion I can't express in writing (and yet you did it for me.) I felt like your review was coming from deep within me. How you expressed the way you loved that series is equal to mine. Thank you for that.

    ♥ Trish
    Just a YA Girl

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