Variant by Robison Wells

Benson Fisher has been moved around from one foster home to another his entire life. In an effort to escape his grim situation, he applies for a scholarship to Maxwell Academy. After arriving at Maxwell, Benson quickly realizes that this school is a much worse prison that CPS; one that he might die in. Escape is impossible, but it is his only chance of surviving.

A wonderful suspense novel with plenty of twists. The male protagonist makes this book appeal to both boys and girls. The ending will leave you with your mouth hanging open.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater is a fantastic book. Not being a fan of her earlier work, I wasn’t sure what to expect. In this latest book she has crafted her writing and storytelling into a fascinating tale. I’ve seen Scorpio Races described as a mix of fantasy and mythology, which it is, but it’s so much more. This book is about loss, determination, love, and growing up.

The story takes place in the fictional island of Thisby, which seems Irish, although that’s never stated. The time period is in the early part of the 20th century...not your typical setting for a fantasy novel. What makes this story magical is the legend of the capall uisce. The capall uisce are horses that are meat eaters and come ashore on Thisby in October, becoming both objects of fear and awe for the locals and tourists alike. There are a few brave men that attempt to capture and race the capall uisce in the annual November 1st Scorpio Races. Many of these men will be killed by these horses, but they still come out every year and try again. These men are drawn to the sea and to these fearsome creatures with a similar passion that drives these sea horses to this particular island.

Puck Connelly has her own reasons for racing in the Scorpio races. Her mother and father were killed by a capall uisce while fishing the year before, and her older brother has just announced that he has decided to go to the mainland, leaving Puck and her brother to fend for themselves. Her decision is reinforced when she finds out that the landlord will be evicting the Connellys from their home after the races. Puck can’t fathom leaving the island of Thisby. Thisby is her home, and it is where she belongs.

Puck Connelly’s decision to race is met with resistance by the men of Thisby. She is the first female to ride in the races, and she has chosen to ride her own mare.

Sean Kendrick’s father died racing a capall uisce named Corr. Sean has a very special bond with Corr and has won three races with him. Unfortunately, Sean has only ridden Corr for his boss and, therefore, has no money of his own. Sean is known for his connection to both the capall uisce and the ocean. He is described as having one foot on land and the other planted firmly in the sea. Sean has a simple dream...to make enough money to buy Corr from his boss and live in his own house.

As they train for the races, the relationship between Puck and Sean develops from mutual admiration into a deep connection. The legendary capall uisce has shaped both of their lives, and they both love the island and their horse. However, only one of them can win the races.

Like Thisby, the story flows at an indirect and unhurried pace. The final pages of this novel left me amazed and tearful. Stiefvater has written a book that shows love in many ways...love for a particular place, love for an animal, and love between two people. This book is easily at the top of my “top five” list for 2011.