Linger, the much-anticipated sequel to Maggie Stiefvater’s New York Times bestseller Shiver, finds Grace and Sam still in love—and still human. While Sam tries to convince himself that the cure he endured at the end of Shiver actually did turn him from a werewolf back into a human being, Grace continues to struggle with her relationship with her parents. Sam is no longer a part of the pack, but he does not feel free of the ties that bind him to the wolves. He feels responsible for the newest wolves, and he struggles with his new post-mythological-being identity.
Linger explores Sam and Grace’s romance more explicitly than Shiver, making this installment in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series more appropriate for slightly older audiences. The addition of two new points of view, those of Isabel and Cole, could have made the story cumbersome to read. Instead, it is the new voices that drive the intense feeling of secrecy and intrigue. Bad-girl Isabel, one of Grace’s friends, becomes almost likable as more of her personality is revealed, while the introduction of a new werewolf, Cole, is by far the book’s most enticing storyline. Cole’s history as a damaged and dysfunctional rock star is exciting, making Linger not only a fantastic sequel to Shiver, but also a stand-alone thriller of a story.
Mercy Falls remains a sad and lonely place, full of mystery and longing. The presence of the wolves is never far from the thoughts of the citizens, regardless of whether they are aware of their supernatural characteristics. While Shiver left the reader hoping for a sequel, Linger leaves the reader needing a sequel. There are so many questions unanswered—and there is a strong desire to read more of Grace and Sam’s love story. Linger is a gift to those that love Shiver, and it is yet another remarkable piece of poetic and beautiful writing from the supernaturally talented Maggie Stiefvater.
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Read an interview with Maggie Stiefvater about Linger.
