Review: Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater
Published: July 1, 2014
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 357 (Hardcover)
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3.5
Source: Bought
My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

 A standalone companion book to the internationally bestselling Shiver Trilogy. 

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?

This is the closure I've been waiting for since I read Forever back in 2011. I very clearly remember thinking that I needed there to be some sort of happier ending for Cole and Isabel and now I finally have it.

I absolutely loved returning to this world and I didn't realize how much I missed this series until I started this book. I adored Cole and at first I wasn't sure about Isabel, but as the story progressed I loved both of the characters because they were so real. It's very clear that Cole and Isabel belong together, but also a little difficult to explain why. They have both been through so much together and it's hard to imagine them not ending up together.

Both Isabel and Cole have messed up lives, but together somehow they're so good for each other. I found myself smiling and laughing at all the cute moments and I was also genuinely upset when something happened between them. There is never a dull moment in the book and I really enjoyed how it is from both Cole and Isabel's point of view.

Isabel is a girl that doesn't take shit from anyone. She's cold to everyone, even if she likes the person. Isabel is also incredibly real with real life problems that many people could be dealing with. Had she stayed an ice queen, I probably wouldn't like her as much as I do, but her character went through major changes by the end of the book and she ended up being more likeable.

Cole is by far my favorite character from this series because he's funny and can be quite charming when he isn't being an arrogant asshole. He also went through some dramatic changes throughout the series and I love that even though his life has been difficult, he's still willing to keep going.

I know I've said this before, but Maggie Stiefvater is definitely one of my all time favorite authors. She never fails to deliver believable characters and an intriguing storyline to go with them. I can't wait to read more of her books and I'm so excited for the next book in the Raven Cycle series.