This month, I had the opportunity to read Shiver, a young adult novel by Maggie Stiefvater. In keeping with our creature theme, this novel alternates between Sam who is trying to find a way to cure himself of being a werewolf in order to remain with Grace, the girl he loves, and Grace, who is trying to find a way to add Sam to her life as she tries to hold on to old friendships. Ms. Stiefvater's delicate plot development draws the reader deeper into the two characters' relationship with an intimate angle that suits both the inherent secrecy of the relationship and her physical, rather than supernatural, take on lycanthropy.
Ms. Stiefvater's werewolves shift between their wolf and human form according to temperature (colder for wolf form, warmer for human form) and eventually stop shifting altogether. The pack is a realistic group of survival-oriented creatures--there are no "super" forms or other supernatural creatures interacting with the pack. The wolves are both predatory and vulnerable, which allows the reader to keep a thread of empathy with them throughout the book. Shapeshifting seems to be handled as an infection that passes to humans through a werewolf's bite. This makes for some stomach-churning scenes in the book as the 'cure' for lycanthropy is attempted late in the book.
Although I found myself wondering about the minimal or dangerous presence of adults in the book after I finished it, from the moment I began the first chapter I was hooked. Handing off chapters allows each scene to play out from the point of view of the character who will be closest to the tension and it's interesting to see Sam and Grace from different perspectives. This is a great example of naturalistic fantasy--the werewolves allow the reader to see a suburban woodland throughout the seasons as a beautiful and mysterious place and the fantastic elements don't create a sheen of inhumanity over any of the characters. If you are looking for a good book to read for the upcoming spooky season or just a good book to curl up with, Shiver is a good choice.
If you're interested in reading more about this book, Linda Lindsey with the Legendary Creatures blog (featured in the previous post) was able to interview Ms. Stiefvater about her book and her take on werewolves and you can find that interview here.
Happy reading, Chrissa
September 17, 2009
September 10, 2009
Interview with Legendary Creatures blog host, Linda Lindsey
Please tell us a about yourself and your blog.
I'm a speculative fiction author who dabbles in anthropology and mythology and is married to a very indulgent man. The purpose of my blog, Legendary Creatures, is to introduce writers and readers to creatures they might not have considered before and inspire them to use those creatures in their own fiction. It isn't supposed to be an encyclopedia of creatures with information you can't find anywhere else, just a tool for inspiration.
What inspired you to write a blog about legendary creatures?
I wanted a blog that was related to my writing, but didn't want a blog about writing since there are thousands out there all ready. I looked over my non-fiction bookcases and saw that most of the books were about legends, lore, myths, and creatures. Two of my complaints about modern fiction are: everyone writes about the same creatures, and a lot of readers don't realize there are earlier conceptions of those creatures. I decided that a blog about some of the lesser known creatures, and lesser known versions of popular creatures, could be valuable.
When did you become interested in creature lore?
Sometime in elementary school. I got a hold of a copy of Edith Hamilton's "Mythology" and was hooked. Then I discovered comparative mythology and it sort of exploded from there.
What is your favorite creature?
Wow, I don't think I have a single favorite. I used to collect unicorn, pegasus, and dragon statuettes, but I hate to dust, and I once painted a centaur mural in my room. I have a tattoo of a phoenix, so that's definitely one of my top ten.
I'm a speculative fiction author who dabbles in anthropology and mythology and is married to a very indulgent man. The purpose of my blog, Legendary Creatures, is to introduce writers and readers to creatures they might not have considered before and inspire them to use those creatures in their own fiction. It isn't supposed to be an encyclopedia of creatures with information you can't find anywhere else, just a tool for inspiration.
What inspired you to write a blog about legendary creatures?
I wanted a blog that was related to my writing, but didn't want a blog about writing since there are thousands out there all ready. I looked over my non-fiction bookcases and saw that most of the books were about legends, lore, myths, and creatures. Two of my complaints about modern fiction are: everyone writes about the same creatures, and a lot of readers don't realize there are earlier conceptions of those creatures. I decided that a blog about some of the lesser known creatures, and lesser known versions of popular creatures, could be valuable.
When did you become interested in creature lore?
Sometime in elementary school. I got a hold of a copy of Edith Hamilton's "Mythology" and was hooked. Then I discovered comparative mythology and it sort of exploded from there.
What is your favorite creature?
Wow, I don't think I have a single favorite. I used to collect unicorn, pegasus, and dragon statuettes, but I hate to dust, and I once painted a centaur mural in my room. I have a tattoo of a phoenix, so that's definitely one of my top ten.
Do you have any supernatural creature novel recommendations?
Actually, this is hard question. Most of the really good stories I know of are short stories, so mostly I recommend anthologies. They are a treasure trove of short supernatural creature fiction. There are a few good novels I can think of though.
Although vampires are overdone these days, there are some awesome early novels out there. Chelsea Quinn Yarbro wrote a series about a vampire named Count St. Germain (based on the real Count St. Germain). The first few books, beginning with "Hotel Transylvania" were fantastic. There's also "The Holmes-Dracula File" by Fred Saberhagen, "Those Who Hunt the Night" by Barbara Hambly, "Interview with a Vampire" by Anne Rice, and "I Am Legend" by Richard Mathason.
Two of my favorite novel's starring dragons are: "The Dragon and The George" by Gordon R. Dickson, and "The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende. Jonathan Stroud wrote the "Bartimaeus Trilogy" which is about a kid who summons a djinn. That's a real rarity in creature fiction. "Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill is a great modern ghost story. And though I haven't read the series, I've heard that Carrie Vaughn's "Kitty and the Midnight Hour" is a fantastic werewolf book.
Actually, this is hard question. Most of the really good stories I know of are short stories, so mostly I recommend anthologies. They are a treasure trove of short supernatural creature fiction. There are a few good novels I can think of though.
Although vampires are overdone these days, there are some awesome early novels out there. Chelsea Quinn Yarbro wrote a series about a vampire named Count St. Germain (based on the real Count St. Germain). The first few books, beginning with "Hotel Transylvania" were fantastic. There's also "The Holmes-Dracula File" by Fred Saberhagen, "Those Who Hunt the Night" by Barbara Hambly, "Interview with a Vampire" by Anne Rice, and "I Am Legend" by Richard Mathason.
Two of my favorite novel's starring dragons are: "The Dragon and The George" by Gordon R. Dickson, and "The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende. Jonathan Stroud wrote the "Bartimaeus Trilogy" which is about a kid who summons a djinn. That's a real rarity in creature fiction. "Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill is a great modern ghost story. And though I haven't read the series, I've heard that Carrie Vaughn's "Kitty and the Midnight Hour" is a fantastic werewolf book.
What is next for your blog?
I have some interviews coming up with two rather well-known authors and the owner of a creature museum, as well as the regular creature articles. In the next couple of days I'm going to be asking readers to submit flash fiction, of 500 words or less and featuring the latest creature, to be posted on the blog.
I have some interviews coming up with two rather well-known authors and the owner of a creature museum, as well as the regular creature articles. In the next couple of days I'm going to be asking readers to submit flash fiction, of 500 words or less and featuring the latest creature, to be posted on the blog.
Where can we find your blog, short stories and website?
Right now, my blog is my main web presence. It's here: http://wish-words.blogspot.com/
My short story "Simple Matter", which is about an unemployed fairy godmother, is available in "Crossed Genres" humor issue: http://crossedgenres.com/archives/005/a-simple-matter-by-linda-lindsey/
Right now, my blog is my main web presence. It's here: http://wish-words.blogspot.com/
My short story "Simple Matter", which is about an unemployed fairy godmother, is available in "Crossed Genres" humor issue: http://crossedgenres.com/archives/005/a-simple-matter-by-linda-lindsey/
Thanks for visiting Linda!
Be sure and visit Linda's blog Legendary Creatures
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