Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - Book Review

Told from two points of view—Sam and Grace—Maggie takes readers along a love story set in a small town. The settings in Shiver share the same aesthetic—a wintery, forest landscape beyond a close-knit town—though the different locations are presented with meaning for the characters and/or storyline.

The relationship between Sam and Grace is the forefront of the story, as it should be, and fantasy elements are slipped in…among other things. As each point of view is told from Sam or Grace’s perspective, and in first-person of that character, the readers can create a more personal connection to each of them.

This begins from the first chapter as an event takes place that grabs the reader’s attention and holds that attention as obstacles arise throughout the story. Intended for a younger audience, Maggie highlights difficulties that younger people face in the real world, giving her readers a sense of relatability. 

The relationships her readers may face help them connect to the budding romance between Sam and Grace.

The aesthetic of Shiver is especially pleasing to readers who enjoy forests, the season of winter, and/or romantic relationships. Maggie does an exceptional job of developing the romance between Sam and Grace, as well as their interactions and relationships with the other characters.

Maggie also utilizes her settings throughout the story to expand her story’s world. The shifting point of view between Sam and Grace allows the reader to understand the feelings and personal difficulties of both characters, thus adding another level of depth to their relationship.

The balance between the romance and external obstacles is expertly done, setting the stage for the rest of the books in the series. Shifting point of views is also not as common in the fiction world as other points of view, yet Maggie pulls it off in a way that makes Shiver unique in style as well.