Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Scorpio Races

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater

audiobook read by Steve West and Fiona Hardingham 

Each year in November, the water horses come out of the ocean to race on the sand.  The water horses are swifter than regular horses; they are wilder...and they are killers.

19-year-old Sean Kendrick was orphaned years ago by the water horses, but he can't help loving them.  He returns each year to the Scorpio Races, and he usually wins.  This year, there is more at stake than just money: this year, Puck Connolly is racing against him, and she needs to win.

Breathtaking action and suspense will keep the pages turning late into the night.  With the action comes blood and a bit of gore, but the energy that starts on page one sustains readers through the icky parts, balanced by the sweet, tentative beginnings of an unlikely courtship between Sean and Puck.

Minor cussing, some blood/gore, some violence between people as well as between the water horses and their victims.  A little romance and a little magic.  Highly recommended for readers ages 14 to adult.  The audiobook features the talents of two excellent readers and is also highly recommended.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian

Richmond Beach Library, KCLS