‘The Scorpio Races’ offers a look into a unique fictional culture

It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die.

Okay it is not the first of November in fact it is the 7th and when referencing the book I will be talking about, this is indeed the opening statement. 

“The Scorpio Races” by Maggie Stiefvater takes readers on a journey to an island called Thisby, where every year, during November they hold horse races on the beaches.

However, Stiefvater put a twist on every horse girl’s dream of racing horses on a beach, she gave us murder horses. Based on the Celtic mythical creature eich uisce, or water horse, the capaill uisce of Thisby rise from the sea and the islanders capture and train these carnivorous horses for a race to prove who can survive and who will die. 

Not only is there excitement and parts of a budding love story, Stievater creates a whole culture that some readers have yearned to make real. She also makes a relatable story about coming of age and beating all odds with her character, Puck.

Kate Connolly, aka Puck,  is a young girl that has lived on Thisby her entire life. Puck’s family has struggled after the death of her parents, leaving only her and her brothers to care for themselves. Puck assumes the role as parent and sister to her younger brother, Finn, after the oldest Connolly abandons the family. Puck cares for Finn and her horse, Dove. Puck makes a courageous decision to enter the Scorpio Races, with Dove, to try to win the large purse that would keep her and her brother in their home. 

The other important character to mention is Sean Kendrick, a young Cappill Usice trainer and a veteran jockey for the Scorpio Races.  He helps Puck with training and how to avoid the dangers of Thisby beaches. 

Unlike many young adult books, Stiefvater does not focus all of the attention on the budding love story between Puck and Sean. Which gives a break from mushy love scenes and provides suspensful murders by horses instead. 

In the long run “The Scorpio Races” keeps readers on the edge of their seat with problems like  feuding social classes, family struggles, proving one’s self and beating the odds.  

When reading this book I had to push aside everything I knew about horsemanship and love stories in order to appreciate the Thisby culture that Stiefvater provides for readers. Another praise I will give this book is the fandom in which many have flooded to. From perfecting November Cake recipes to supporting each other’s fan art, this book has created a community which is just as close as the island of Thisby itself. 

I highly recommend reading this book. If you like suspense, world creation and horses “The Scorpio Races” fulfills all of these wants into one book. 

This book can be bought at  most popular retailers and on Maggie Steifvater’s web page, http://maggiestiefvater.com. (She also has a recipe for delicious November cakes!)

I hope you consider this book on your reading list for November, it is a great rainy or snowyday read with a cup of coco and sweet  cupcakes.