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