Nightshade Review

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Publisher: Philomel

Release date: October 19, 2010

Source: Publisher

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?

Review:

From the first page I was drawn into the awesomeness that is Nightshade. Andrea is a phenomenal writer and combined with a love triangle, a kick butt main character, and an intense plot line it makes for one terrific read.

To start off, Calla Tor is one of my favorite paranormal heroines. She was brave, determined, but kind at the same time. When things get tough Calla always knows the right decision to make to protect her pack and as alpha she never backs down from a challenge. I loved seeing things through Calla's eyes and understanding how hard things were for her. The other characters were all great. I loved her best friend, Bryn, and her brother Ansel. All of the characters were well developed and original.

I think my favorite part of this novel was the romance. I adore love triangles. Even though they are really overdone I just can't get enough of them. Especially in Nightshade. Andrea Cremer constructed a love triangle that just has the reader hooked. Calla is supposed to mate with sexy playboy Ren and they will man a new pack together and Calla is ready to take this huge step until Shay arrives. Mysterious, hot, and intriguing Shay, Calla is attracted to him from their first meeting. The only problem is he's human...and she's already promised to Ren. From there things get crazy and Calla's loyalties, and heart, are tested.

The plot line was also fabulous. It was original, exciting, and kept me glued to the pages right away. Andrea's writing and creative plot twists kept me reading and I never knew what was going to happen next. The ending especially was such a cliffhanger. I'm dying for the second book!

Soaked in history and intrigue, Nightshade wasn't just your average werewolf story. Keepers, Guardians, Searchers... Andrea really made Nightshade her own.

Overall Nightshade was an intoxicating and beautifully written debut novel filled with romance and plot twists that will keep you glued to the pages. Calla was an awesome main character and I love Shay and Ren. Emotions run strong throughout and by the last few chapters you won't be able to stop reading. I can't recommend this enough!

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

Blog Tour: Andrea Cremer Interview & Giveaway!

1. How did the title Nightshade come to be? Was it ever titled something else?

Nightshade was always one of the wolf pack names, but my manuscript was originally titled GUARDIAN. My editor and I decided we wanted a title that was more evocative and Nightshade was the winner!

2. In what ways do you relate to Calla?

We both have a younger brother, we’re addicted to black coffee, and we have the same favorite book (Watership Down). The similarities end there though. I’m a dreamer and idealist where as Calla is pragmatic and cautious.

3. Your characters have very unique names: Calla, Ren, Shay- how did you come up with them?

I’ve always been fascinated by names, particularly their origin and meanings. I spend a lot of time thinking of character names. Calla’s name evokes her physical persona – white blond hair and golden eyes as well as her struggle for independence. She wants to be a warrior and not the delicate flower she’s name for. Renier and Seamus are tied into their heritage (French and Irish) as well as the meaning of the names themselves.

4. What’s next for you writing wise?

Nightshade is a trilogy with book 2, Wolfsbane, coming out next July and book 3, Bloodrose, in spring 2012. In fall 2012 a companion novel to Nightshade will be published. I’ve also started a steampunk series about a group of refugees on the outskirts of 19^th century New York. In this world the American Revolution failed and the Western World is dominated by the powerful Machineworks of the ever-expanding British Empire. I love this series and I hope to see it on the shelf someday, but for now Nightshade is keeping me very busy. Good thing I love it!

5. If you could befriend Calla with any other YA character who would it be and why?

I’d want her to be friends with Katniss Everdeen from Hunger Games. They’d both understand what it’s like to fight for the people you love and why you take risks and break the rules when those people are in danger. They’re also both good in the outdoors and they’re survivors.

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Thanks so much, Andrea!

Click here to visit Andrea's website.

Thanks to The Teen {Book} Scene for sponsoring the tour!

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GIVEAWAY!

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