My first novel by Stiefvater was THE SCORPIO RACES, which I fell in love with. Next was The Raven Cycle series, which I also adored. I figured it was about time to go back and read Stiefvater's earlier hit series, The Wolves of Mercy Falls, especially since I heard so many great things about it. However, I found SHIVER just...average. 
 SHIVER has been compared to Twilight and while I feel like that is a little unfair, I couldn't stop myself from making the same comparisons. The underlying concept is the same, the drama is the same, and they both rely on the same tropes. And the angst. So much angst. 
 The story itself just feels somewhat juvenile, the writing simplistic and the characters a little bland. You can tell how much Stiefvater's writing has changed, and it was interesting to see that growth. There just wasn't much going on, and I didn't think the characters were strong enough to carry the entire plot. 
 "Hope hurt more than the cold." 
 Speaking of the characters, I also have to mention the romance. It was a little too insta-love for me, and yes, I know that there is reasoning behind it but only after a few days the heroine was already asking herself how she was going to live without him in her life. While in bed with him. Again, after a few days. Which of course was okay because this book also has Disappearing Parents. 
 The ending of SHIVER felt a little rushed, and of course, everything magically works out. Wrapped up in a neat little bow. I do have to admit this was kind of nice because it allows for closure if you didn't want to continue with the series, something I am still conflicted about. 
 "I'd found heaven and grabbed it as tightly as I could, but it was unraveling, an insubstantial thread sliding between my fingers, too fine to hold." 
 You can find more of my reviews on Readers in Wonderland!