Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
Release Date –  Jan 3, 2012
Publisher Website –  Penguin/Philomel
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 406 pages
My Rating- 7/10
**obtained from  trading with fellow bloggers**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Calla has always welcomed war. 

But now that the final battle is upon her, there's more at stake than fighting. There's saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay's wrath. There's keeping Ansel safe, even if he's been branded a traitor. There's proving herself as the pack's alpha, facing unnameable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers' magic once and for all. And then there's deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is

To say that I had mixed feelings at the end of this book would be an understatement. There are things I am happy with and things I have very strong feelings about. Sadly, I can’t discuss much of them without giving MAJOR spoilers so I will try to give a semi coherent review while my tears are still drying.

One of my favourite aspects of this series is how intricate and developed the world is. Andrea’s details and mythology is stunning. It makes the story rich and is much better as a result. In this novel all that world building and detail pays off, but she’s also kept some surprises that leave you reeling.

I can’t comment on Calla’s choice without giving it away, but suffice to say it was pretty obvious who held her heart, and I am not surprised it ended this way. Calla slightly annoyed me in this book though. She strung both guys along, even after she had basically made her choice. She did it because both Ren and Shay were needed to fight the war, but I think she was a little callous with their feelings. Shay and Ren fighting did provide some humorous moments, but mostly it was a sad situation for all of them.

There is a death in this book that I didn’t really feel adequate for the character. If this character was going to die I wanted it to be BIG. I wanted a blaze of glory, maybe taking out a certain other character with them, and have it mean something. Instead, it felt like a easy out to a bigger problem in the story.

Sabine ended up being one of my favourite characters in this book, whereas I wasn’t overly invested previously. She was much stronger than I thought. She was quite capable and her and Ethan provided a sweetness that I needed.

The ending of the novel was very bittersweet for me. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I am very impressed that the ending surprised me as much as it did. The last couple of chapters are filled with reveals and shocks  being hurled at you. The final chapter was especially bittersweet but quite fitting for the end of this series.

Andrea Cremer’s world building, wonderful descriptions and characters make this trilogy one I recommend. This last book would not be my favourite of the three, but is a fitting ending to Calla’s story.

In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I got two books from the library this week

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer (goodreads)
Moonglass by Jessi Kirby (goodreads)

Moonglass will be part of my Valentine's Day event...more details coming VERY soon. I am excited but also scared to read Bloodrose as I have heard so many mixed things.

Happy reading everyone!

Obsessions for the Week....

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

So this week my obsessions are:

BOOKS

The Bloodrose trailer

So I don't have a way to put the video here, but I will provide a link to the video for your viewing pleasure.

I am getting excited for this book. The Q & A with Andrea Cremer included with the video hints at a shocking ending. Hmmmm.....*dies of want*

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer cover art


I pretty much want this hanging on my wall. Really big. I found the photographer's website where I can make this happen. Her name is Heather Landis and she has a bunch of amazing photos. I am in love. I will be ordering myself this in the new year to decorate. *squee*

MOVIE

The Hunger Games movie poster


There was a huge buzz surrounding this on twitter when it was released. It is awesome, and it just makes me wish it was March already.

OTHER

The Golden Globes nominations

Here is where I admit to loving awards season. LOVE. I especially love it if people I enjoy get nominated for an award. For instance people like the delicious and talented Joseph Gordon - Levitt. He was nominated for his fantastic work in 50/50. A movie everyone should see.

Other nominations am excited about -

~ Rooney Mara for Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This makes me excited because I want this movie to be awesome and this is a good sign.
~ Michael Fassbender for Shame. I have heard excellent things about this movie and him in particular.
~ Michelle Williams for My Week With Marilyn. LOVE her in this movie. She was untouchable in this role, and to me she should win.
~ Ryan Gosling's double nomination. It's never a bad thing when Ryan Gosling gets to wear a tux! :)

I could go on and on but I won't. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the Oscar nominations in the new year.

Book Expo America

Ok, I know it's not until June but I am already excited. I will be buying my pass in Jan and have already started looking at hotels. I am super excited. I am hoping the Class of 2012 authors have an event at Books of Wonder like they did last year. I also hope to have drinks and talk books with some bloggers this time as I didn't really know anyone last year. If anyone else is going, let me know!

What are you obsessed with this week?

Waiting on Wednesday...Bloodrose

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.

I have read the first two books in this series, and I am dying to see how it's going to end.

Expected release date - January 3, 2012

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer
Release Date – July 26, 2011
Publisher Website– Penguin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 390 pages
My Rating- 8/10
**obtained from the library**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

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.

I never really considered myself a “werewolf” story fan. I usually don't get into them as much as other novels. I have a few that I enjoyed and mostly they are very character oriented and involve other mythology. This series is no exception. I love it. I was hooked after Nightshade and Wolfsbane has left me eager for more.

The writing is perfectly paced. There is enough action, romance, twists, reveals and betrayals to keep you turning the pages. The story continues from Nightshade perfectly. You never feel confused or lost. You never just have to accept things as being part of the story. Andrea explains it all through her storytelling and characters. The one thing that is missing from the novel however is Ren! I wanted more Ren. He was seriously lacking in this novel and I have my fingers crossed we get to see more of him in the next one.

I really like the politics that exist within the packs. I especially like the under current of how the females are treated. Calla defies this and it’s great to see. Calla has these amazing moments where she is strong and totally the alpha she’s supposed to be. There are other times that I want smack her upside the head and ask her what she is doing. I am dying for her to make a choice between Ren and Shay. There was a lot of back and forth in this novel and I am hoping she makes her choice in Bloodrose.

The secondary characters, and heavy mythology are what keep me interested in this series. Bryn, Mason, Ethan, Connor, Adne, Nev, Ansel, and Sabine all had fantastic moments. I loved meeting the new characters and getting to know more about the ones we previously met.

There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and a few that will have a serious impact in the next novel. I am especially looking forward to seeing how Ren reacts to everything. There was some mythology teased with Ansel that I am curious about and hope it’s discussed further.

For fans of Nightshade this offers the chance to revisit beloved characters, meet some great new ones and gives you an intriguing, engaging story. It has an intense ending that will leave you wishing you could reach for Bloodrose right away. I am excited to see what happens next for Calla and her pack.

In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I had a pretty awesome book week. I got a book that I have been really excited about.

I have three books that I got this week

Immortal City by Scott Speer (goodreads)
Everblue by Brenda Pandos (goodreads)
Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer(goodreads)





Pretty sure I *might* have mentioned Immortal City before. It sounds awesome. I may have did a little happy dance when it showed up in my mailbox. Saving this until Jan when it'll count towards my Debut Author Challenge is going to be HARD. A huge thank you to the lovely ladies at Penguin Canada for sending this along.

I won from the lovely Evie @ Bookish the copy of Everblue. The author shipped this and it's signed. She also included an awesome bookmark. I am super excited to start this one.

I had been on a waiting list for what seems like forever to get Wolfsbane, but now I have it. I am hoping to dive into it soon.

I have been super excited about Gilt by Katherine Longshore. I have some amazing stuff planned for the release, and Katherine was kind enough to send me some GORGEOUS bookmarks for the event I am planning. They are stunning! I am sad these photos do not do them justice.



What books did you get this week? Leave me a comment and I will check it out.

Happy reading everyone!

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Release Date – October 19, 2010
Publisher – Philomela (Penguin Group)
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 452
My Rating- 8/10
*obtained from the library*

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

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?

I read the first chapter of Nightshade and almost stopped. The whole instant connection between Calla and Shay when she saves him almost turned me off. I am so glad I kept reading. Nightshade was nothing like I expected it to be.

I am not a fan of werewolves usually. It is either hit or miss with me. This story, however, had me hooked. I liked the characters, the wolf politics, and of course, the sexy boys.

The writing is addictive and the story keeps you turning the pages. Andrea Cremer had me caring about the characters with a couple of chapters. There are so many great characters in this story. It’s really the novels strong point.

Calla Tor is an amazing main character. She’s tough, strong willed, and takes care of her pack. I like that she thought for herself, but was still loyal to the pack and “family” that she was part of. She tried to stay within the rules they set out while still being her own person. She’s capable of taking care of herself, and that is refreshing to find in YA.

The two men in her life - Ren and Shay are both equally dashing and swoon worthy. I couldn’t really choose between the two with Ren having the slight lead. The connections with both of these guys are different but electric. The kissing scenes (especially with Ren) scorched the pages.

There are other secondary characters are that amazing. I loved sweet and friendly Bryn, adorable and lovesick Ansel, and most of the Nightshade pack. Even a lot of the Bane pack were great. I especially liked Neville and Mason.

The wolf pack politics were very interesting to me. The fact that Ren could “date” other girls but Calla must remain pure until the union; the fact that matches are made and chosen for the pack members; etc are all things that caused me to think. I really hope we get to see Calla standing up to Ren and the alpha males more. I hope she continues to grow and becomes an even stronger heroine. I did have some issues with the whole “Alpha males are stronger than alpha females and they are in charge” stuff, which is why I want Calla to really stand up to them. There is a scene with Calla, her mother, and a Bane alpha that literally turned my stomach.

I am not sure I would have been as blindly loyal as the werewolf packs are. They took what was being told to them as 100% truth without even challenging it. They barely knew things, and didn’t inquire as to why they weren’t allowed access to this information. I am curious to find out more about this relationship between the packs, and the people whom they protect things for.

The book ends with you not really knowing who Calla should believe or trust. There are lies being told to her and as a reader I am still not sure whom I believe.

The ending is an amazing cliffhanger that has me dying to read Wolfsbane right away. I can’t believe I waited so long to read this. If you haven’t yet…what are you waiting for?!

In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I got two books this week, both from the library.



Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (goodreads)
Want To Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman (goodreads)

I have heard so much about the Nightshade series. Can't wait to start it.

What books did you get this week? Leave me a comment and I will check it out.

Happy reading everyone!