Nightshade (Nightshade #1)
Andrea Cremer
Hardcover, 454 pages
Philomel
October 19, 2010
isbn: 039925482X
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?
Ever since Calla was little, she knew what was expected of her. Graduate high school, be the alpha of the Nightshade clan, mate with the Bane alpha Ren, and live happily ever after. However, all of that changed when she saved one hiker from being mauled by a bear - a hiker that she can’t seem to stay away from, and is more than what he seems.
I have to admit that a story about werewolves/shifters (in this case called Guardians) has to be pretty spectacular to really grab my attention - and Nightshade exceeded my expectations for these type of stories. The story is captivating, hypnotic, and any other word that you can think of to make it sound like a fabulous read ... because that's exactly what it is. I typically tend to stray away from books with a lot of hype because they usually disappoint me, but I'm glad I went with my gut and read this one. Cremer weaves the story beautifully from the very first page and it doesn't let you out of its tangle until the very end, where you're begging for more.
I don't think there is one character in the story that I could say wasn't developed or could use more time to let their personality show - ALL of the characters, no matter how small their role in the novel, stand out with their individuality and strong voices. The two male leads were perfect in their own way, and I have to admit that I am having trouble picking which one I like the most. They're both good characters with their fair share of flaws and nobility, and their loyalties to themselves, their family/friends and Calla just makes me swoon! The interaction between any and all of the characters moves the story along wonderfully without any snags.
The history is rich. The plot is fast-paced, but not so much that it leaves you behind. The ending has your head spinning with questions of what will happen next. In all honesty, I can't tell you one thing that I could pick out and say needs improvement in the story. Nightshade has captivated my heart, and I'm anxiously awaiting its sequel, Wolfsbane.
I have to admit that a story about werewolves/shifters (in this case called Guardians) has to be pretty spectacular to really grab my attention - and Nightshade exceeded my expectations for these type of stories. The story is captivating, hypnotic, and any other word that you can think of to make it sound like a fabulous read ... because that's exactly what it is. I typically tend to stray away from books with a lot of hype because they usually disappoint me, but I'm glad I went with my gut and read this one. Cremer weaves the story beautifully from the very first page and it doesn't let you out of its tangle until the very end, where you're begging for more.
I don't think there is one character in the story that I could say wasn't developed or could use more time to let their personality show - ALL of the characters, no matter how small their role in the novel, stand out with their individuality and strong voices. The two male leads were perfect in their own way, and I have to admit that I am having trouble picking which one I like the most. They're both good characters with their fair share of flaws and nobility, and their loyalties to themselves, their family/friends and Calla just makes me swoon! The interaction between any and all of the characters moves the story along wonderfully without any snags.
The history is rich. The plot is fast-paced, but not so much that it leaves you behind. The ending has your head spinning with questions of what will happen next. In all honesty, I can't tell you one thing that I could pick out and say needs improvement in the story. Nightshade has captivated my heart, and I'm anxiously awaiting its sequel, Wolfsbane.
Source: SFBR
Avg Rate: 4.0
4 comments:
Awesome review, Missy! I'm so glad to see you enjoyed this one, too :)
I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed this one! It's one of my fav YA releases of the year!
Glad to read you liked this so much. I know what you mean when you say you tend to stray away from overly hyped books so it's good that it lived up to your expectations and hopefully it will live up to mine as well when I eventually get around to reading it. Thanks.
I have to say I am absolutely dying to read this book. I love books about werewolves. And I think Nightshade sounds right up my alley. Glad you loved it.
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