Ok before giving the review, I must admit the reason I chose to read this story was because I saw Ren on someone’s “Book Boyfriend” list and I fell in love with him. So then I went to check it out on Goodreads and saw the BEAUTIFUL cover. I knew then I HAD to read this.
Hardcover, 452 pages
Published October 19th 2010
Philomel
Paranormal Romance
Nightshade #1
Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she’ll be the mate of 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 THOUGHTS*
The book opens with Calla saving a human boy on the side of the mountain. Unfortunately this is against the laws of her kind. She should know better, seeing as she is an alpha wolf and her “husband to be”, Ren LaRoche, is also an alpha. She has been abiding by the rules her whole life until meeting that boy. Enter Shay Doran. He’s the new kid at Calla’s school and unfortunately he’s the same boy she saved that day on the mountain. The whole story is full of different adventures and it was a very thrilling ride. I loved it (although the plot was very similar to Twilight.) Still, I love the book and I wouldn’t mind it being made into a movie. But, as far as Calla, I didn’t really like her all that much. Throughout the story she was upset with Ren and Shay about the events that unfolded because of her decisions. That got to me because SHE made those decisions, not anyone else. Her choice at the end also got to me as well. She chose who she did and in the end was left by herself hoping that he would come find a way to come back for her. I will admit, it took me a minute to decide who’s “team” I was on, but when I finally did at the end, I knew I chose the right one… Even if she didn’t.
As far as Cremer’s writing style, she definitely had me hooked from the very first page. I was pulled into the Banes and Nightshade’s world and was stuck there, right up to the cliffhanger… She brought the characters to life and I cannot wait to see where the story picks up in the next part of the series.
Overall I give it **** (4 out of 5)
*EXTRA*
The next book in the series will be released July 26, 2011. I’m definitely excited that I read this book when I did so I wouldn’t have to wait too long for the sequel. On top of that, the cover is even more beautiful than the first one, that I absolutely love. (But I think this is because this one is my favorite color lol) Here is the cover and the book blurb:
This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and 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.
And now with the release of the sequel, the cover for the triliogy has also been released . This one is stunnng as well. It’s release is coming February 21, 2012.
Great review! I really liked Nightshade and I'm looking forward to read Wolfsbane! 🙂
Em ~ Book Angel
I can't wait to read this one. I just bought it in paperback on Tuesday!