November is when the capall uisce come to land. These horses are strong, fast and most of all deadly. Those who don't know better have met their fate, and those who have known better have had worse.It's also the time of the Scorpio Races where these horse-beasts race on the beach with human riders. Riches go to the victor and for the rest survival is the best reward they can hope for.
Sean Kendrick, the local favorite, is a winner from the past who seems to speak the language of horses. He works for Benjamin Malvern who owns the biggest stable in Thisby, and owns Corr, the capall uisce Sean races. What Sean wants more than anything is his own home, and Corr in his yard.Winning this year's race will earn him these and freedom from Malvern.
Kate "Puck" Connolly lives with her two brothers in the Connolly house. Orphaned last October by the capall uisce things have been lean to say the least. It's not until her brother Gabe threatens to leave for the mainland, and they are to going to be evicted from their house that Puck decides to do something completely different: enter the Scorpio Races.As a girl racing on a pony, the odds are against her.
Winning the race has never had higher stakes, however only one can win. Sean and Puck find a way to work together, and while they are drawn to each other, the races come first.
The Scorpio Races is a beautifully written lush snapshot of a week on a British Ilse. The book feels far off and fantastical, yet still modern. If you enjoy reading horse books, this is a title you won't want to miss, however if you enjoy reading books that build slowly with a strong sense of place you will enjoy The Scorpio Races as well.
Yes, this book has been out for a while however both Megan and I LOVED it so much it was hard to write a review. If you want a real treat listen to the audio recording, the narrators do a wonderful job of giving Puck and Sean voices and the music (composed by author Maggie Stiefvater!) sets the atmosphere perfectly! If you haven't yet read The Scorpio Races, it is highly recommended for moody weather like we are having now!
I'll see you @ the library!
Katie (Now reading Beautiful Music for Ugly Children by Kirstin Cronn-Mills)
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