Book Review: Sinner (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #4) by Maggie Stiefvater

Summary:

Sinner follows Cole St. Clair, a pivotal character from the #1 New York Times bestselling Shiver Trilogy. Everybody thinks they know Cole's story. Stardom. Addiction. Downfall. Disappearance. But only a few people know Cole's darkest secret -- his ability to shift into a wolf. One of these people is Isabel. At one point, they may have even loved each other. But that feels like a lifetime ago. Now Cole is back. Back in the spotlight. Back in the danger zone. Back in Isabel's life. Can this sinner be saved? 

Release Date: July 2014

Age Group: YA

Source: Purchased

Reviewed By:  Nat

Review:

This was the epic conclusion that I have been waiting for! When I finished what I thought to be the conclusion of the Wolves of Mercy Falls (Forever), it felt like something was missing. The story was over for Grace  and Sam but I kept thinking Cole was way to cool to just let go. And truth be told, Cole and Isabelle stole the show- they were way more entertaining to follow. I remember calling Kelli and we had a big debate about what we thought was going to happen to Cole and Isabelle. I thought there was still hope for a reunion but Kelli was dead-set that Isabelle was getting a fresh start.

Write this down folks! I was right!! Their story was just beginning and Stiefvater did them justice.

Now, something important to note before I go on, to date Kelli and I have only had two disagreements in the last 12 years. 1.) Team Gale or Team Peeta (it is still a sore subject) and 2.) The star rating for each book in this series.

Kelli describes Stiefvater's writing like an Enya song, "you know Nat, it just floats along". In layman's terms, it is just "eh" for Kelli and IT. KILLS. ME. I freaking love this series and literally read Sinner in one night! PS Kelli, HERE is the playlist from Maggie and guess what, it is Enya free. #insertuglylaugh

Yea, it was one of those times that I put the kids to bed at 6pm (with bread for dinner) and read all night. Only to be completely dysfunctional the next day and attempt to hide my sin from Sweet Stuff.  I said things like "Oh, I think I need a new pillow, I just couldn't sleep last night" aka I had a really good book and to H-E-Double Hocky Sticks do I care if anyone has breakfast.

Sinner is seen through the eyes of both Cole and Isabelle. Cole is still the arrogant, yet charming genius and Isabelle is still the snarky snot but she is real. She is so sharp witted and doesn't take any crap and for that I love her. Cole has made a plan, imagine that, and he has headed back to the big city where he once fought the struggles of fame but this time he will struggle from the past, his present deal with the devil and the unknown future he wants or needs with Isabelle.

I like that the wolf problems took a back seat. Yes, this is a paranormal series but at this point in the game it is pretty much resolved and Stiefvater did an excellent job transitioning the paranormal to the young and hot Hollywood scene (it seems like Young Hollywood has been a favorite read of mine lately). I don't want to say too much more about the plot because you need to be shocked, disgusted, have moments of relief and hope. 

Sinner will take you on an emotional roller-coaster where you will want to slap Cole, hunt down the paparazzi and then shake Isabelle half to death all while wondering how tweets rule the world.

*Image source: Goodreads.com