Linger By Maggie Stiefvater

 

I literally lumbered with "Linger". All my grand expectations went down the drain. MS for me is a queen of writing-in-contrasts and "Linger" justified, but the plot wasn't stirring!

This sequel based on shape-shifting covered more of the prequel's details(maybe the objective was to keep the first-timers riveted) and treaded wearily on the current plot of Sam and Grace advancements. It couldn't enliven my romantic soul!

The only relief which "Linger offered" was with the budding chemistry between Isabel and Cole. Had it not been for them, this would have been a complete flop for me!

When I picked up the novel, I had an inkling that I might not "fall in love" with it and would have have intermittent bouts of yawning, and bang on, my intuition didn't fail me but this book did!

After reading "Bravely" by MS, I expected her to outdo herself, she is indeed a crafter of words.(I do not know which one was released earlier).

Her writing traits including fluidity, malleability, ductility, in short, she can effortlessly describe fantasy in the most enchanting way.

But while reading Linger, I felt like an impervious wax-coated paper boat drifting at snail-slow speed. It couldn't arouse goosebumps in me.

Sam sitting in the book store folding paper cranes from duplicate invoices, trying to fulfil the famous Japanese proverb about the 1000 paper cranes and getting a wish granted, and detests every time to go back to the gargantuan house in absence of Grace. 

Grace is grappling with her physical form and ailment, yet trying to look all fine for her love for Sam. Wrestling her way out, not to spoil his birthday and make it special for him.

I indeed admired the surreal and delicate way of Sam's portrayal of love for Grace throughout, it was applaudable ! 

I conjectured "Linger" to work more on their knitwork,  but it went threadbare on their front.

The surprise package contained Cole and Isabel. Honestly, I skimmed through most of the chapters of Grace, and few of Sam, but none of Cole and Isabel. They kept me riveted throughout.

They offered the much needed novelty. The narrative included all the hearts thumping, speeding, yammering. 

Grace parents perplexed me to the core. Initially being oblivion to their teenage daughter relationship with Sam, and assuming the affection to die down eventually, then suddenly evaporating their friendliness towards Sam. I felt it was a forcible twist to the tale. 

The cliffhanger towards the end couldn't entice me enough to pick up the final one in this trilogy, "Forever". (it was dry, maybe I have read through many more exciting cliffhangers).

I will definitely go through the blurbs, and mark an end to this trilogy.

I am a wintry-charm fanatic and felt the atmospheric description was abridged in many scenes. In other words, my greed for the frigid cold winter description couldn't be satiated. 

Docking 3 stars due to the slowness and not outshining Grace and Sam as the love-stars, but adding a star for the novelty and romance offered by Cole and Isabel.

So in total 3-stars to this one!

NB- I adored the encounter between Cole and Isabel in which Cole leaves midway giving valid reasons, leaving Isabel incomplete !