Thursday, June 9, 2011

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (Nightshade series #1) (Review)

Genre:Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Publication.Date  October 19th 2010
Pages:452
Published By:  Philomel (Penguin)
WebsiteAndrea Cremer  | Nightshade series
Nightshade - Goodreads
My review copy:Won in a giveaway
Where to get: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Book Depository




     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?
(goodreads.com)




"It's called hegemony. Angonio Gramsci. Look it up. A system of rule whereby the oppressed are convinced to support the system of oppression, to invest in it, believe in it. But it still means at the end of the day, you and the other Guardians are slaves."
     "I’ve got a bottle full of hydrochloric acid in my hand, Ren. Don’t piss me off."
     "I looked toward the back of the room. Ren watched us as he leaned casually against the table, holding a pair of scissors. I’d never seen a classroom tool look so dangerous."
     "And you look beautiful,” she added. “I look like a cake.” “But a beautiful cake."
     "If you stick me again, I’m going to make your head my personal pin cushion."



    
The real test of a man is not how well he plays the role he has invented for himself, but how well he plays the role that destiny assigned to him.
JAN PATOCKA, attributed, In Pursuit of Destiny"
  
     Nightshade by Andrea Cremer is a riveting read – a delectable and compelling tale with everything that a good story should have: breathtaking romance, beautiful setting, vivid and unique characters, danger, sacrifice and tough choices.  

     Calla Tor is a young Guardian, an alpha female and the leader of the Nightshade wolf pack.  Guardians are shapeshifters, who can magically turn into wolves anytime they want. They are sworn to protect the Keepers and must abide by their rules. In return the Keepers provide them with anything the Guardians need to live comfortably. There are also Searchers. The Keepers and the Searchers used to be one, but then something happened that caused a schism between them and they’ve become sworn enemies. 

     In the mountain town of Vail, where Calla lives and attends school, there are two Guardian packs: The Nightshades and the Banes. The Keepers have, however, decided that a new pack should be formed and assigned to protecting the sacred site, a cave named Haldis. The new pack will be consisting of five young Guardians each from both Nightshades and Banes and it will be formed with the union of Calla and Ren. The ceremony will take place on Calla’s and Ren’s 18th birthday and after that the two alphas will lead the new pack as mates. 

     Calla has always been prepared for her destiny. She accepted it and never even considered revolting against it. She knows what is expected of her and she understands that this is the way things are meant to be. She trusts the Keepers and their wisdom.  And she genuinely likes her future mate, Ren. He might be famous for dating every girl at school and he’s not exactly what you’d call a stable boyfriend, but with their union getting closer with every day, he started acting more responsibly.  The future doesn’t seem all that bad at all and Calla is content with the way things are. Everything changes when, during one of her routine patrols around Haldis, she runs into Shay. Shay’s life is in danger. Attacked by a bear, he’s only moments away from being ripped into pieces.  Not thinking about the consequences, Calla steps in and saves the boy’s life. This decision will change her life forever.

     Not a single thing about the Nightshade world is explained to us at the beginning of the story. Andrea Cremer doesn’t waste time trying to fill us in. You won’t find long, boring passages laying out the mythology of this fascinating world. Right from the very first page you’re thrown right into the middle of the breathtaking action and, as you go deeper into the story, you gradually learn more and more about the world Andrea created. It wouldn’t work in most of the cases, but with this particular story it works like magic. It makes this book so delightfully addictive and gripping that once you start reading, you won’t be able to pause or cast it aside. 

     Calla is a very likable protagonist, and well drawn, as are Cremer’s other characters.  She’s strong, brave, faithful to her pack and family, smart and sexy. She’s not afraid to stand up for herself and for the people she cares about.  Above all, she’s not a winy character. The girl really has to go through a lot. The Keepers have long decided how her future will look like, they dictate her every move and even her life partner has already been chosen. Calla has no say whatsoever in what goes on in her life, she can either follow the Keepers’ orders or die. And despite all that, there’s not a single moment when you hear her complain, she doesn’t have mental breakdowns and you won’t catch her feeling sorry for herself. She understands that she has an important role to play and she accepts that responsibility with grace. Well, at least until Shay shows up!

     There is not a single thing that I didn’t enjoy about this book.  It’s emotionally satisfying and incredibly compelling. Full of twists and turns, well paced and rewarding, it’s exactly the kind of book I’ve been craving for. The chemistry between both Calla and Ren and Calla and Shay is simply fantastic, it's definitely one of the best love triangles I have ever read about! The plot of this phenomenal page-turner is well thought out and full of surprises. What else could you possibly ask for?
   
     Nightshade stands out from the broad palette of Young Adult books.  Dear aspiring writers, please learn from Andrea Cremer, this is how you write books!



Coming soon from Penguin


Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer (Book #2 in Nightshade series)

Expected publication: July 26th 2011 by Philomel

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


82 comments:

Lindsay said...

YAY! So glad you liked this book, hun! <3
#TeamRen

Bonnie said...

Evie! What a phenomenal review! I don't know how anyone could not want to pick up Nighshade after reading your thoughts. I haven't read it yet but it is literally at the top of my TBR list - as you know I have a few books that I have to read first but I cannot wait to get started on this series (July is not too far off!!!).

Sarah said...

Oooh this sounds refreshing, I hate when they explain everything like it's coming from a text book! I've heard good and not so good reviews about Nightshade so I wonder whether I'll enjoy it. Thanks for the review!

juicy_couture_22 said...

woohoo Team Ren!

Did you really find Calla a strong alpha? She never really had any power to protect her pack,most notably from sexual abuse, and she lets Ren push her around--I'm still in favor of Ren!--which is something even Shay points out.

annejude said...

Great review:)
I really like this book too and..I'm totally in TEAM REN!

SimplyMe said...

TEAM REN!!!

I'm so happy you like this. I know I can't wait for Wolfbane!

Book Addict

Ishita Singh said...

I loved this book ! i got it as an Arc in my Library's book club! It wasn't amazing but it wasn't horrid ! just cant wait for Wolfsbane !

Danah said...

At first, i hesitated to buy and read this book, but after reading positive reviews toward it. I bought it right away! Thank God, I didn't regret it. I loved loved this book. I loved everything about it! I can't wait to read Wolfsbane!

Oh, and I'm Team Ren too! heh! :p

Joanna said...

I SO want to read Nightshade now. There's been such great books produced lately, I've just not found the time to read this one yet. Nevertheless, I love werewolve stories, especially after getting into the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. The fact its a paranormal romance doesn't hurt either. With 5 stars, it must be promising. I enjoy books with love triangles, however, I always feel bad for the one shafted. Glad to know the story continues... maybe all will find their HEA.

April X said...

This was one of my fave books of 2010, glad you liked it as much as I did! I'm soooo excited for Wolfsbane! Awesome review, I'm jealous of your review writing skills lol XD

Chey said...

This is honestly such a beautiful cover. I've been drawn to it for a while. Thank you for your thoughts! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you liked it. I own a copy but I haven't gotten around to reading to it!

Unknown said...

Beautiful review! I'm not a lover of paranormal romance - or romance in general, for that matter - but I do love shapeshifters. I also love that you provided a great character profile for the protagonist Calla. I'm so glad she's not whiny! Definitely a read to consider.

Anonymous said...

I saw this book a couple of months ago in the book store but was not sure in buying it.. Well, now that I read a Decent (more like AWESOME) review, I think I'll give it a try.

Lisa said...

Really looking forward to Wolfsbane this year! Thanks for the review!

l0raah_ said...

Can't wait for Wolfsbane!! And I'm team Ren, lol. Great review :)

Miss Page-Turner said...

That's what I call an awesome book and also an awesome review! I loved Nightshade soo much and the quotes you selected are fitting and funny. Now I feel the urge to read it again before Wolfsbane comes out.

TheReadingOwl said...

Nice review! Made me even more excited about the book.

Michaela xD said...

i can't wait to read this, it's amazing :D great review xD

Christie (Neliss) said...

Good review, I agree. I really loved this book and I couldn't stop reading it. There was only one thing I didn't like - Shaay. I hate him.:D Proud member or Team Ren! :DD

dark_romance_luvr said...

OMG, I can't wait to read this. Your review made me want to run home right now and pick up the book lol.

SM Patel said...

Great review. I've definitely added this one to my ever growing TBR list.

Simčila said...

I love this book so much! It is very beautiful and world, which Andrea Cremer made, is different like others :) I never read something about werewolves before, nothing where werewolves have history :) I love Ren, Shay and Calla. Their story is lovely! :) I can't wait for Wolfsbane! :) Review is very good! :)

SpadesHighReads said...

Really like your review, you mentioned all the parts I liked about the book... Especially how likeable calla is.. she not most of those female heroine that tend to be helpless or girly girl =) so my question is, who are you rooting for -- Ren or Shay? cough* ren *cough cough* lol

SpadesHigh @ http://SpadesHighReads.com

Anonymous said...

oooowww grat review. I need to read this book ASAP. thanks. love the sincerity.

Novels On The Run said...

Great review!!

I loved Nightshade...so exciting the lead in to Wolfsbane. I was like...whats going on...then ... I had to wait a year for Wolfsbane. Cant decide If I am Team Shay or Ren. Maybe Ren too much like his father?? Maybe Shay will tell us more about himself in Wolfsbane, sounds like he wsa holding back on some info...loL!!

Michelle A

Unknown said...

Great review! Thank you for sharing your honest opinion and for giving so much detail about the novel and your reading experience! I really want to read this asap!!

Felicia said...

This book reminds me of Raised by Wolves and Matched for some reason. Can't wait to read it!

Felicia @ A Novel Paradise

Anonymous said...

I actually really want to read this, but trying to get off wolf books (hypocritical since I just got 13 tom life in the post!), I will read it eventually.

Nikita said...

I heard a lot about this book, but I haven´t chance to read it yet. Your review is amazing! I love the cover of book. :) And I am still laughing on this quote: "And you look beautiful,” she added. “I look like a cake.” “But a beautiful cake." Really good. I like stories about werewolves. :)
Nikita

Shalena @ Writer Quirk said...

You are so eloquent! I liked Nightshade as well, and I love what you say about how the charterers are well drawn. I loved that they were all so individual and unique. I'm excited for Wolfsbane as well! ^_^

~Shalena @ Writer Quirk

Tran D said...

I really want to read this book. I read so many great reviews for this book, including yours. It's a good thing the main girl is not winy character, I like strong female protagonist.

Jana said...

I really like this book and I can´t wait to read next book :) Your review is amazing I really enjoy reading it :)

Ivana said...

Thank you for this great review. I havent read this book yet, but I think I might consider it, I havent read a book focused solely on werevolves before.

Brittany said...

I adored this book and I'm so glad you did too! Great review :)

Jennifer said...

I read this book recently after hearing so much about it. I'd wanted to read it for so long. But i just hadn't had the chance to do it. I'm glad i did. I loved it. Now i am dying for Wolfsbane!

DhesiX said...

I just recently finished reading this book and I really enjoyed it is some parts, other areas it was just "okay".
The reason I wanted to read this book sooo much is because of the eye catching cover :)

I actually can't wait until the second book comes out.

Lauren said...

Thanks for the review! I can't flippin wait to get my hands on this one. This may be like the 50th 5 star review I'd read now!

Seesen said...

Oh, am I the only one who didn´t like the book? At all? :D I can live with that as long as I´m not forced to read Wolfsbane :D But I kind of envy you for having such a great time reading it ;)

Merenwen said...

Sounds great, Im looking forward to reading it! :)

Lindsay Cummings author said...

starting this one soon!

lindseybousfield said...

I LOVE this book. I recently won a ARC of wolfsbane and it's even bettter! :)

Paper Cut Reviewer said...

Not only was this story awesome the book is simply beautiful! I love it! I agree what a great start to a very promising series=) Great review!

Thanks!
Steph

Unknown said...

This book sounds amazing!! Great review and I have really enjoyed your blog!

Janine said...

I WANT TO READ THIS SO BAD!

Chen Yan Chang said...

The cover is so beautiful! I haven't read the book yet, but I like how you say that Calla is a strong character. No Mary Sue :). It sucks that they're changing the covers though...

Barbara E. said...

I've heard good things about Nightshade, and after reading your review, I want to read it more than ever.

landofbooks said...

I loved Nightshade too! It was amazing!

aurora M. said...

This one is on the TRB pile. I just don't know why I haven't read it yet. Have heard LOTS of fantastic things about this book. Thanks for the review.

Tiffany said...

I loved it too. Calla is a very strong character--I didn't realize that she never complains until you mentioned it.

Great review!

Krystal Larson said...

Nightshade was pretty good, sometimes stories with love triangles get on my nerves though.

Evk said...

Team Shay! The book has a beautiful cover. I like it... But I dont like Ren.

R bo said...

I LOVE this series it on my top 10 :D

Sofija Kapranova said...

I wanted to read it so mush, but I was really disapointed. I hated parts, where Calla was so aroused by Shay or Ren touches and she wanted to have sex with them, but she couldn’t because it was forbidden. I decided that Calla had some serious hormonal problems and she obviously can’t control them.

_yay_ said...

The cover looks amazing. Haven't read anything abt this book except your review. Might be something I'd enjoy. On my TR list now :-)

alovelywriterxo said...

I fell in love with this book. :) Go Team Shay! ♥

Catherine Siborutorop said...

This is totally going in my TBR pile XD Great review!

Arianne said...

i like addictive books esp if they are part of a series! thank u for reviewing this :)

Sky said...

Have you seen the other covers? I think I like the new one better!

Yvonne @ The Shadow Realm said...

I loved this book! Can't wait to get the second book

Tiffany Holme said...

LOVED this book. Read it in one sitting:) Glad it got a thumbs up from you as well

FairyWhispers said...

wanna read this so bad!

Unknown said...

I've had this book waiting in my list for quite a while now. It always had my attention, but I'd end up buying others. After the review you gave, I can say that as soon as I get the chance, I WILL be buying that book! The review you gave was very well put together and put me over the edge on if I should or shouldn't buy. TY

Anonymous said...

i haven't read firelight yet, but i was waiting until vanish is released so i wont have to wait after i finish firelight. I think this will be my next read after i finish what im reading now

The More the Merrier said...

I haven't read Nightshade yet but I have wanted to. Your glowing review makes me want to read it even more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I like this book, because I love wolf. I agree with your's review and I I will read Wolfsbane.

iLuvReadingTooMuch said...

Loved this book, NEED to get Wolfsbane. Also, very difficult to pick between Ren and Shay. But...I'm Team Ren :D

Khyla said...

I loved this book and it made me realize i love reading about this kind of wolf book and getting to know about guardians, keepers, and searchers.
AND WOW to the ROMANCE in it because I would be torn if i was Calla because i love both Shay and Ren in the book :)
Awesome review btw TEAM REN

Munnaza said...

I've heard SO MUCH about this novel, and it's been on my to-read list for a while now. But to be honest, I never actually knew what it was about (I was just drawn by the cover and I've heard a lot of buzz for it). The story sounds absolutely interesting, and I'm glad that there isn't a boring moment in the plot at all. Calla sounds fantastic as well, and though I'm a little worried that there's a love triangle, if it's done well, I won't begrudge the book for it as well. I can't wait to read this! Thanks for the review!

Bailey said...

Loved this book! Great Review!

Hazal said...

My heart is literally aching to experience this book!!

Glass said...

This is the only book in this seres that I liked....

Andreea Pop said...

I read it, too and it was awesome!
P.S.: Great review!

Anonymous said...

I really liked Nightshade as well! I think my favorite part of the book was reading about the pack dynamics; it was just so interesting, how the author created such a well-developed world with a strict set of rules in place. I'm not sure how I felt about the love triangle...I never really loved Shay as a character, to tell the truth. But I did very much like Calla and the other members of her pack. Great review!

Gaby said...

So glad you liked it now if only I could get my hand on this book :)

Jaime Lester said...

I have Nightshade sitting on my shelf, but I haven't read it yet. I think I may have to hurry up and get to it already! Thanks for a great review!

Red said...

I loved this book so much. Ren was my favorite character. Because of him I hated the author in the next two sequels.

Yoana ドモウト said...

Otw to read this book...
Thanx for reviewing...
Thougful and helpful so much :)
I think I'll love this book >_<

Anonymous said...

I've just bought this book. Thanks for the review! :) I think I'm gonna like Nightshade ^_^

MarleneC said...

I really liked this book, i can't wait until the book stores in Venezuela sell it! I don't know if only the spanish editorial put at the beggining of the chapters a black page with the moon's changes during the story. I loved that detail!(: excuse me if my English is not too good

Sára Kubíková said...

I love this book. Nightshade is very action, romantic and "little" funny :D My friend say, she likes Shay. But I think, Shay is really child. I like Ren, of course ;)) I like your blog...

Cheyenne Williams said...

Fantastic review! I've wanted to read this one for a long time, and your review just makes me want to read it more! (:

Thanks for the review!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...