The Scorpio Races (edition 2011)

One instance of syntax so far has dropped my acceptance of the obviously Irish-ish setting into a plummet of disbelief: "Finn made a lovely chain saw to go with." My knowledge isn't universal but that usage screams "U.S. after 1990," not "west coast of Ireland with water horses."

After finishing, I have to say only what Tommy's father said.

Probably would have rated it better if I'd read before some of the other YA books-- just seemed somewhat predictable, didn't really care about the characters ( )

3Q 4P
Every November a fierce and deadly competition is held on the Island of Thisby, the Scorpio Races. Brave riders and their mystical water horses, attempt to make it to the finish line for fame and fortune. The races are even more cataclysmic as this year Puck Connolly becomes the first woman rider in the races and returning champion Sean Kendrick races for everything he has ever wanted.
A atmospheric book that is just as moody and tempestuous as the fictitious Island of Thisby, The Scorpio Races creates a world from a folk tale of water horses and transforms it into an adventurous and enticing YA novel. ( )

4Q, 5P. It's about a horse race with flesh-eating horses. Killer horses that come out of the sea and eat you. It's hard to imagine a book that could appeal to more kids in fewer words. I think if you did a book talk and only brought one copy to lend out, the many gory trampling scenes from the book would be re-enacted right in front of you.
I loved how well the island of Thisby was painted. I don't think the book ever mentions exactly where and when this is, other than sometime in the early 20th century and somewhere off the coast of England, but it was so beautifully described. It made me want to visit the island for myself. Everything about the way the races are described, the salt and blood and seawater and pounding hooves, is all so real and visceral. The conflict seems genuine, not forced, and I was curious until the very end how they were going to resolve it. This book was super awesome and somebody better be making this movie, because come on. ( )

WATCH BOOK TRAILER

The Scorpio Races take place every November on the small island of Thisby. This is no usual race. In the Scorpio Races, the riders are mounted on Capaille Uisce, beautiful, bloodthirsty water horses. Sean Kendrick, the returning champion, is a man of few words but has a unique understanding of these creatures. Puck Connolly is the first girl to enter the competition. She has to win or her family loses everything. This unusual pair forges a unique friendship, but only one can win the race.