Review: The Scorpio Races (Audiobook)

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Mythology
Length: 12 hours and 6 minutes
Narrator: Steve West, Fiona Hardingham
Source: eLibrary
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Description:

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

My Rating:

My Review:

Ever since Puck (Kate)'s parents were killed by the blood hungry capaill uisce horses, Puck and her two brothers have struggled to make ends meet.  they rarely had enough to eat and faced hardship while still dealing with the grief accompanying sudden death.  When Puck's older brother makes a surprising announcement, Puck hastily joins the Scorpio races, an annual race where riders train and ride the deadly horses in an effort to win great wealth.  Her actions start a host of other problems as she becomes the first girl to ever enter the race.  Sean Kendrick also finds himself an orphan due to the blood hungry Uisce horses; yet, he makes his living taking care of them.  Sean has had much success at previous Scorpio Races, but this year's race is the most important of all as the stakes are much higher.  Sean tries to focus on this year's goal but is distracted by the stubborn and ignorant Puck.

On the story...
The the story is slow in parts, Puck and Sean's story is complex and captivating.  The premise is unique and imaginative.  The characters are well-drawn and consistent.  Both Puck and Sean have faced hardships and are a little rough around the edges, making their interactions with each other simple yet endearing.  There were moments where I drove gripping my steering wheel excited for the next chapter.  The best parts are the beginning and the end.  the end really broke my heart though I was quite satisfied after completion.

On the narrators... 
I think these narrators were perfect for these characters.  It wasn't the most exciting read but these characters are tough but emotionally withdrawn.  These characters were able to portray these characters while keeping a careful balance all the while.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and the audio.  Since the story is slow in parts I might suggest reading the book; but then again, these narrators are so perfect for these characters, I would hate for you to miss out.