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?!