Linger (Wolves of Mercy Falls Series #2)

\ Publishers WeeklyThis sequel to Shiver is a bridge book through and through, designed to push the story forward, presumably to the third and final installment of Stiefvater’s bestselling series about werewolves. But whereas Shiver was tight as a drum in its focus on the intense, star-crossed romance between werewolf Sam and Grace, the ordinary girl who loves him, this book meanders. Again Stiefvater switches points of view, but between four characters now: Sam and Grace, still in love and still facing threats to said love; Isabel, who recently lost a brother to the wolves; and Cole, newly a werewolf. Sometimes these switches occur multiple times within the same chapter, which can make for confusing reading with respect to who is doing or thinking what. Stiefvater expands the story to include complications with Grace’s health and her parents, Sam’s reluctance to care for new werewolves, and Isabel’s growing connection to Cole even as he desperately seeks escape from his old life. While this book does not stand on its own, it sets the stage for an explosive third installment. Ages 13-18. (July)\ \ \ \ \ Publishers WeeklyThis sequel to Shiver is a bridge book through and through, designed to push the story forward, presumably to the third and final installment of Stiefvater’s bestselling series about werewolves. But whereas Shiver was tight as a drum in its focus on the intense, star-crossed romance between werewolf Sam and Grace, the ordinary girl who loves him, this book meanders. Again Stiefvater switches points of view, but between four characters now: Sam and Grace, still in love and still facing threats to said love; Isabel, who recently lost a brother to the wolves; and Cole, newly a werewolf. Sometimes these switches occur multiple times within the same chapter, which can make for confusing reading with respect to who is doing or thinking what. Stiefvater expands the story to include complications with Grace’s health and her parents, Sam’s reluctance to care for new werewolves, and Isabel’s growing connection to Cole even as he desperately seeks escape from his old life. While this book does not stand on its own, it sets the stage for an explosive third installment. Ages 13–18. (July)\ \ \ Children's LiteratureThis sequel to Shiver begins with young lovers Sam and Grace. Having spent many years as a werewolf, Sam is now back working at the bookstore and spending as much time as possible with girlfriend Grace. But lurking in the background is Cole St. Clair, one of the new wolves Beck created to help protect and care for the wolves in his absence. As dedicated readers know, young wolves are very unstable and Cole is no exception to that rule. As Cole struggles to remain a wolf, a decision he had made willingly, he becomes entangled with Isabel Culpepper, who lost her brother tragically in the same desperate attempt that allows Sam to remain human. The two are equally drawn toward each other and repulsed by each other's attitudes and expectations. In many ways this is the story of Cole and Isabel, but Sam and Grace are not living happily ever after. Grace is unwell, her parents have suddenly taken a controlling interest in her time and well being, and Sam is left to deal not only with Cole but also with the uncomfortable situation at Grace's house. This novel explores and develops the relationships among and between the two pairs. Like Shiver, this is a real page turner. These werewolves are not supernatural and the scientific normalcy of being a wolf provides a fascinating turn of events. Although there is enough detail given for the story to stand on its own, it really is best read after reading Shiver; doing so adds another rich dimension to the story of Grace and Sam. Reviewer: Janis Flint-Ferguson\ \ \ \ \ VOYAIn Shiver (Scholastic, 2009/VOYA December 2009), Grace watched Sam struggle to remain human instead of succumbing to the call of the wild, brought on by the bitter Minnesota cold. In this sequel, Sam, now human, watches Grace, the only victim of a werewolf attack who didn't turn, go through the same struggle as her body demands that she take the form of a wolf. Used to the benign neglect of parents too busy with their own lives to pay attention to their teenage daughter, Grace has Sam sharing her bedroom, until her parents intervene at the worst possible time, when Grace is losing her battle with the turn and needs Sam more than ever. Against this intense Romeo and Juliet scenario another pair of lovers serves as counterpoint. Cole, a famous Indie rock star sees becoming a wolf as the ultimate escape, even better than drugs. Only his body is not reacting the way it should, and he is spending too much time in human form, haunted by the personal demons of his past and the beginnings of a very strange relationship with Isabel. Viciously intelligent, sharp and biting at her best, Isabelle saw her brother die trying to reclaim his humanity and now fights her attraction to a boy deliberately trying to lose his. This riveting narrative, impossible to put down, is not only an excellent addition to the current fangs and fur craze but is also a beautifully written romance that, along with Shiver, will have teens clamoring for the third and final entry. Reviewer: Bonnie Kunzel\ \ \ \ \ Ali WilsonThe second in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series, Linger picks up with Sam and Grace, relieved that their cure—injecting Sam with bacterial meningitis—seems to have worked. Despite the cold, Sam has stopped shifting into his wolf form. Now, however, they are faced with even more dangerous challenges. A new wolf, Cole, has joined the pack, and his reckless behavior may threaten everything that keeps them safe. Meanwhile, Mr. Culpepper, who believes the wolves are to blame for his son's death, is waging a personal war on their population. As Sam struggles to assume the role as the leader of the pack, he and Grace are pulled apart, a situation made more difficult when her parents disapprove of their deepening romance. Something more sinister also threatens their love for one another, and it leads them to a decision point for which neither of them is ready. Reviewer: Ali Wilson\ \ \ \ \ School Library JournalGr 9 Up—The tale of Sam and Grace is continued in Maggie Stiefvater's sequel (2010) to Shiver (2009, both Scholastic). For the moment, Sam is no longer a werewolf, but a semi-whiny, angst-ridden teen. Grace may or may not be a werewolf from a bite she received as a child, but her headaches are worsening. Deeply in love and committed to one another, Sam and Grace continue to experience the ups and downs of teenage life and being kept apart by Grace's parents. Meanwhile, Isabel is drawn to a newer pack member, Cole St. Clair, all around bad boy. Each chapter alternates between the points of view of Sam, Grace, Cole, and Isabel. The four narrators do a fine job of depicting each character. The audiobook opens with a fairytale-like musical prologue by Stiefvater which sets the scene wonderfully for the beginning of her tale. The last disc features two bonus tracks written by the author to enhance the world of Mercy Falls: "The Golden Woods" (the song first heard on Disc 1 but played here in its entirety), and "One Happy Day." The movie rights for Shiver have just been bought, and Forever, the third title in the series, is scheduled for release in July 2011—so Linger is sure to fly off the shelf.—Amy Olson, formerly Lexington Public Library, KY\ \ \ \ \ School Library JournalGr 9 Up—The wolves of Mercy Falls return in this sequel to Shiver (Scholastic, 2009), and familiar characters mingle with more recent recruits into the Minnesota werewolf pack. Sam, now cured of his werewolf affliction, is adjusting to year-round life as a human. His girlfriend, Grace, suffers from headaches and other symptoms that may be related to a childhood wolf bite. When her parents discover Sam sleeping in her bed, they ground her and threaten to keep the two apart permanently. Tremendous angst and declarations that parents just don't understand ensue. Meanwhile Isabel, whose brother did not survive the meningitis cure that saved Sam, feels a strong connection with Cole St. Clair, one of the newest members of the pack. In his old life, Cole was the lead singer of a rock band. This volatile bad boy is a welcome foil to Sam, who is sulky this time around. The addition of Isabel and Cole as narrators dilutes the intensity of Grace and Sam's relationship, and the spark between Isabel and Cole remains underdeveloped. The tantalizing possibility of Cole's true identity being exposed also deserves more exploration. The cliff-hanger ending suggests that the author will cover this territory in a future installment. Still, Stiefvater's slow-perk style of crafting suspense builds to a satisfying boil in the final pages. This novel works better as a sequel than as a stand-alone read, but it's still highly recommended for fans of Shiver and the blockbuster supernatural romance genre.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA\ \ \ \ \ From the PublisherPraise for Maggie Stiefvater:\ "If Shiver left fans wanting more, Linger will have them begging." -Romantic Times\ * "Beautiful and moving...The mythology surrounding the wolf pack is clever and so well written that it seems perfectly normal for the creatures to exist in today's world. A must-have that will give Bella and Edward a run for their money." - SLJ, starred review\ * "Stiefvater leaves the faeries of Lament and Ballad for a lyrical tale of alienated werewolves and first love....her take on werewolves is interesting and original while her characters are refreshingly willing to use their brains to deal with the challenges they face." - PW, starred review\ "All readers will be able to enjoy Stiefvater’s fast-paced storytelling and dedication to the old-fashioned art of creating a believable and enduring romance. Shiver is beautifully written, even poetic at times, and a perfect indulgence for readers of all ages." - BookPage\ \ \