I heard Maggie Steifvater call The Scorpio Races "the book of her heart" in an interview at BookCon 2015, and I don't think there's a better way to describe it than that. Put simply, I think this book is a masterpiece. There's action, romance, a unique and intriguing legend, a villain who makes your blood boil, and two heroes that make your heart ache. The best part, I think, is that it isn't only the human relationships that feel authentic, but also the relationships between horse and rider. 
 This story follows to narrators: Puck (Kate) Connolly and Sean Kendrick. In many ways they are opposite. Puck is a spitfire, spirited and brave and strong; Sean is introverted, calculating (in a good way), and extremely compassionate. But I also think in some aspects, Puck and Sean are similar. Both have a love for Thisby, the island they call home. Both have an equal love for horses, for riding, and for competition (or maybe winning). And both are truly brave. Puck and Sean also come from similar backgrounds, and I think because of that they are both easy to root for. They're not victims of the circumstances, but rather heroes of their own stories. 
 The basic plot is (view spoiler)[that, in order to save her home and her brothers, Puck joins a race that is impossible for "normal horses" to win. This is because the race is intended for capall uisce, which are terrifying, carnivorous water horses. Because Puck loves and trusts her horse, Dove, above all else, she enters with her. Sean Kendrick, a four-time winner of the races, enters on his capall uisce horse, Corr. The favorite to win, Sean is initially off-out by Puck's entrance in the races. But as the two become acquainted, and as hey come to understand one another, Sean begins to realize that Puck is every bit as capable (if not more so) and passionate as he is. As their relationship blooms, so does conflict. I thought it was interesting that the most awful villain in this story is a human, and not a flesh-eating water horse. Mutt Malvern is a perfect villain in that he is absolutely hate-able (I'm sorry, I made that up). I think his presence made me root for Sean, Puck, Dove, and Corr even more sincerely! (hide spoiler)] 
 In the end, (view spoiler)[ Puck and Dove enter the race fearlessly with Sean and Corr by their side. The two work together in the race until, tragically, Mutt Malvern attempts sabotage. I won't give away more from that scene because honestly, it broke my heart. I haven't read an action scene that makes my heart race as if I was actually there, watching, in a long time. The race was difficult to read because I cared so deeply for the characters. And, you know, I also wanted Mutt to get pummeled. Even when Puck and Dove come out on top, I could barely breathe. (hide spoiler)] I don't actually think I breathed through the last three chapters, or even until the very last scene. And then I kept swiping my Kindle desperately, wishing the book hadn't ended! 
 I think the true mark of loving a book is the feeling of emptiness, and of bittersweet sadness. I loved every scene in this beautifully imagined story, and I honestly can't wait to read it again. Until then, I'm glad to imagine a happily ever after.