Title: Nightshade (Nightshade #1)
Author: Andrea Cremer
Release date: October 19, 2010
Publisher: Philomel
Pages: 452
Source: Bookstore
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?
Why did I wait so long to read this book? Why didn’t you guys make me read it sooner? =)
Nightshade is a book full of twists and turns, love and betrayal, and all kinds of paranormal creatures. What’s not to love?
Calla is one bad-ass heroine. She is snarky, fierce, and very loyal. She loves her pack and she will do anything to protect them, including bonding with a guy she doesn’t love. That’s why it is so hard for her when she meets Shay. She wants to be with him and she is willing to break the rules to do so, something she has never done before. But then there is Ren, her alpha, and the one she is supposed to be with. She doesn’t quite know how she feels about him and she really doesn’t know how he feels about her. It is all a confusing mess for Calla but she handles it surprisingly well.
Love triangles are not something I like but in this case it was done well. Both guys had characteristics that were likable and I could see why Calla was torn. They were both good guys though in very different ways. And boy oh boy! There was chemistry with both couples. I have never read a book with so much sexual tension! It was steamy!
The plot itself was fabulous. The action starts on the very first page and it does not slow down. There was so much going on with the packs merging, the union, the Searchers attacking, and the mystery of the Guardians history. That alone would have been enough to keep me reading.
Overall, Nightshade is a must-read for paranormal fans. I greatly enjoyed it and I can’t wait to dive into Wolfsbane. Andrea Cremer is an author to watch!
First line: I’d always welcomed war, but in battle my passion rose unbidden.
Rating: A
Cover: B- (I hate the new covers.)
I actually didn’t like this one a whole lot, but it’s been a while since I read it so I don’t remember why..:P
I got this out from the library but had to take it back before I got to read it. Looks like I need to get it again! Must admit, I was kind of weary of reading it due to the abundance of YA para releases at the time.
What is with that cover, it looks kind of freaky :).
wary not weary 🙁
I haven’t read this one yet either, it’s sitting on my shelf waiting.
To be honest I’m not that thrilled with love triangles, but I like a well done one so I’m glad to see that you think Nightshade is one of them!
I’ll have to pick this one up sooner than I was going to!
Great Review!
-Kate
http://www.nomaliciousreads.com
I also very recently picked this up myself and it does suck I haven’t read it earlier! Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it!!
I totally agree with you I loved how there is always action and the good qualities of both ren & shay. For Calla I choice shay for myself, I want ren;D yes, I totally hate the new cover too!
-thank you&come again.
I loved this book as well and can’t wait to read the sequel. Great review, Katie!
I still haven’t read this one although I’ve been meaning to. I think I will soon though because it sounds really good. I love badass protagonist and it’s nice to know about a well done love triangle! How refreshing!!
Giselle
Xpresso Reads
I just read this too and really enjoyed it. I must admit, I liked the old cover better. I don’t no why they changed it.
I love Ren! You need to read Wolfsbane ASAP 🙂
I’ve been putting this one off too because of the love triangle, but if you say it’s worth it, then I’ll trust you! Besides, I have a weakness for shifter/werewolf stories!
Smiles!
Lori
I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE!!! it sounds so unique. I can’t wait to pick it up! thanks for the review!
I loved this one too! I never thought I’d love werewolves, but I loved the whole culture the author created and how they worked with the Keepers. Totally different and unique magic!
The love triangle was awesome in this series I think! Each offered her something that she valued.
Lovely review 🙂