The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series by Maggie Stiefvater

I'll begin with a disclaimer and say that this is the very first book review I've ever written; so, that said, be easy on me. I can't decide how much is too much and how much is not enough, so here it goes ...

Seventeen year-old Grace was bitten, and nearly killed by wolves in the woods behind her home at the age of six, but instead of being afraid of them, she developes an affinity for them; especially the gray-haired wolf with the sparkling yellow eyes who led the others away from her--her wolf. She is deeply connected to this wolf in a way that she cannot comprehend, until, after years anxiously awaiting the winters when the wolves watching the wolves behind her ho

Sam spends many long years watching Grace from a distance, and wants nothing more than to be with the girl that he has longed for more than anything in his life; something tells him that she longs for him too, but there is something holding them back; something drawing them to near to but far apart from one another. That something is the premise The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series; two young lovers whose meeting was just as complicated as their future, if they have one.

There is much more to the story, but I do not want to give too much away. All you need to know is that while Maggie Stiefvater may not be a Suzanne Collins, the woman can write. The story is gripping; I read both books in less than two days because I just couldn't tear myself away. I also admit that I have an insane fascination with anything shapeshifter, vampire, mythical creature, and have always hoped to be abducted by aliens : )

What I enjoy most about the story is that it is told through the perspective of all of the characters of the novel; there is no one narrative voice, and the characters are all given their own chapters thoroughout the novels. I believe that this gives the reader an opportunity to know each of the actors in the novels from a more clear, first person, perspective.

Admittedly, the story is a bit cheesy at times, but I suppose, though I was high on The Hunger Games, and incredibly impressed with writing that was supposedly for a YA audeience, I almost expected at least a little cheese from the next YA series I would read.

This series is two books thusfar and a third is coming in July of this year: and I can't wait!!

Anyway, I highly recommend these two books, and anxiously await the third!

~Tha Motha