Linger

June 14, 2010
This sequel to Shiver is a bridge book through and through, designed to push the story forward, presumably to the third and final installment of Stiefvater’s bestselling series about werewolves. But whereas Shiver was tight as a drum in its focus on the intense, star-crossed romance between werewolf Sam and Grace, the ordinary girl who loves him, this book meanders. Again Stiefvater switches points of view, but between four characters now: Sam and Grace, still in love and still facing threats to said love; Isabel, who recently lost a brother to the wolves; and Cole, newly a werewolf. Sometimes these switches occur multiple times within the same chapter, which can make for confusing reading with respect to who is doing or thinking what. Stiefvater expands the story to include complications with Grace’s health and her parents, Sam’s reluctance to care for new werewolves, and Isabel’s growing connection to Cole even as he desperately seeks escape from his old life. While this book does not stand on its own, it sets the stage for an explosive third installment. Ages 13–18.

As in SHIVER, the prequel tale of young love and teen werewolves in Minnesota, Jenna Lamia portrays Grace, and Pierce Cravens portrays Sam. In this sequel, Emma Galvin is the overwrought Isabel, and Dan Bittner seductively narrates the thoughts and deeds of Cole, a pop star turned werewolf to forget the pain of fame, drugs, and parental ambitions. As teens facing the crisis/beguilement of life as winter wolves, the four narrators do a splendid job. When the teens mimic their parents or teachers, the narrators sound appropriately wobbly--like kids in a school play--until parental fury steals the stage. As Sam, a budding songwriter, Cravens shows little vocal skill, but as the "cured" werewolf peremptorily placed in charge of the pack, he is terrific. The story's climax leaves listeners panting for the next volume. D.P.D. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine