Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Hardcover, 400 pages

Released: July 26, 2011

Publisher: Philomel

ISBN13: 9780399254833

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When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

My Rating: 5 / 5

My Thoughts:

When Calla wakes up, she finds herself in a strange place among the Searchers. Her world is turned upside down as she now wonders if it's really the Keepers who can not be trusted. One of the aspects I loved about Nightshade was the origins of the supernatural war and this was Wolfsbane's focus; we see the flip side of this story, the reason for the war from the Searcher's prospective. From page one I was hooked.

Calla has been given the choice of joining the Searchers, who she has only ever seen as her enemy, in hopes of saving her pack. As always, she considers doing what is best for her pack.  The ultra-sexy love triangle from book one takes on a smaller role as Ren, unfortunately, is not so prominent. Calla is feeling guilty that Ren was left behind after helping her and Shay, and worried about how he is being treated. She has easily become one of my favorite female characters. She is fierce and determined, but here she is also more vulnerable. She feels the weight of her decision to save Shay and the impact it has had on the people she loves. Shay steps us as the kick-ass character, as he takes advantage of the powers he has gained from Calla. I loved seeing this transformation and can't wait for him to show us what he's made of next!

Full of a great new cast of characters, surprises and betrayal, Wolfsbane starts off strong and manages to keep hold of you until the last page. I always love it when characters surprise you, and Andrea has given us quite a few of those moments.  As more and more layers to this story are revealed, it will have you begging for the next book.  I had high expectations for Wolfsbane, as Nightshade was a favorite read for 2010 and this still blew me away! It's going to be a favorite of 2011.

On a side note, I did find I needed help remembering the roles of the various groups (Searchers, Keepers, and Guardians) as the book picks up exactly where it left off. I would suggest reading Chapter 14  of Nightshade as a quick refresher.

Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Hardcover, 454 pages

Released: October 19, 2010

Publisher: Philomel

ISBN13: 9780399254826

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

My Rating: 5 / 5

My Thoughts:

Having been all paranormaled out this year, I was hesitant to read Nightshade, but with rave reviews I had to see for myself...and yes, it lived up to the hype. I'd have to say I was taken in from page one, with my love for the book ranking right up there with Vampire Academy! There was so much to love about Nightshade: wolves (my soft spot) and pack interaction, the ultra-sexy love triangle, the lore and magic.

I adore character-driven plots and this one was a fun ride. Calla has never questioned her life, she is part of a pack, a soon to be alpha and knows her role. But the moment she saves a hiker being attacked, her life changes. Shay, whom she meets later, turns her life upside down and opens her eyes to another world of possibilities. I loved the internal struggle: should she keep living the life she has only ever known & follow her destiny OR can she become her own person & make her own choices? Calla isn't the only one trying to figure out who she is, so is Shay, a human who is thrown into the picture thanks to his Uncle who unbeknownst to him, is high up in the ranks. Andrea plays with the reader, giving Calla two great guys to chose from, albeit quite different. The Ren (her chosen Alpha mate) vs. Shay dilemma is still a toss up for me. Andrea also goes out of her way to ensure, although alpha, Ren has many layers to him which is a huge plus in my books. Shay, well he just seems dreamy & innocent (though I am waiting for the curve ball in book two!).

The lore...wow, I can't wait to learn more! Do the Keepers use the Guardians for good OR are the Searchers really the good guys? What exactly are they guarding? As you can see I am pulled in hoook, line and sinker. Although left with many questions, I didn't feel let down at the cliffhanger ending, just eager to continue what I hope to be a long series :) I'm adding this one to my top 10 list of 2010!