Bloodrose (Nightshade #3) by Andrea Cremer

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): 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.

Book Review:
Ok, so I'll admit I was a little leery of picking this one up after reading Wolfsbane. I just adored Nightshade and Wolfsbane was a big letdown. However, Cremer bought me back with Bloodrose. It's very reminiscent of Nightshade, which made this reader very happy. :) There is a lot more action and adventure. The commentary and interactions between the characters are MUCH improved! Plus, there is a lot more of Ren. :) Cremer's intricate plots amaze me. I also like how she releases her books on a schedule. I can easily expect a new book from her every 6 months. It seems that nowadays, authors release a good book or 2, then it's 1 book a year or sometimes even longer (Bitterblue anyone?). Ms. Cremer, color me impressed. While I can appreciate some tough choices that Cremer made plot-wise, I was a little bummed with some of her decisions. Honestly, good books have their causalities and I expected that with this novel, but I can still be sad, can't I? Also, I understand the direction she went with the ending, but again...a little sad. Sometimes it's hard for me when I have a direction I would like the story to go in, and the author takes a completely opposite approach. Overall, I am fan of this series, and am very excited to hear that 2 prequel books are already in the works. If you enjoyed Nightshade, I encourage you to pick Bloodrose up.

Favorite Quote:

“I've always welcomed war, but when the last battle ends, what life is left for a warrior?” 

Cover Art Commentary:
As stated  in my review of Wolfsbane, I'm not a big fan of the "new" covers. However, if I had choose a favorite among the "new" covers, it would be this one. I like the colors, and oddly enough the fur hood. :)

Rating:

 

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Book Summer (Via Goodreads): 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. 

Book Review:
I was very eager to start this book, as I thoroughly enjoyed Nightshade. Sad to say, I was rather disappointed. I almost stopped reading it altogether. Several reviews I read on goodreads had mentioned that the book starts off slow, but then gets better towards the end. So, I stuck it out and sure enough, about halfway through the book, I started to enjoy the story more. Still, it wasn't enough to give this book anything higher than a 3. The constant banter between the searchers grew annoying, fast. Also, I found the manor in which the searchers information and history was presented to be rather confusing. Shay and Calla's relationship grew weary on me. I am more interested in what will happen with her and Ren. I guess overall, I had this sense of unease during the first half of the book. I did enjoy the story once Calla was reunited with her pack. It brought back a sense of comfort and belonging. Admittedly, I did enjoy the searchers a bit more towards the end. Perhaps because Calla is more at ease around them. All in all, the next book will determine if I continue on with this series or not.


Favorite Quote:

“Staring at the wreckage of the life we could have had, I knew it wasn't about love or Shay or the Searchers now. It was about sacrifice and redemption, loss that could have new meaning.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Sadly, I really dislike the new covers. I really loved the Nightshade cover and the old Wolfsbane cover.

Rating:

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Book Summery:

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? -goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



Book Review:
Andrea Cremer, you have stole my heart with this book! An exquisite tale of love, war, and all things supernatural! Enter Calla, a female Alpha wolf, and average 17 year old...well almost. :P What I loved about Calla was that she was fierce, independent, but not overwhelming. It was easy to see why her pack, as well as Ren and Shay would love her. Ren was a little harder to identify with at first, but I sure did warm up to him as the pages turned. I was overall very surprised by his character, and eventually developed a soft spot for him. Shay is still a mystery to me, but a lovable one. These are the types of characters I LOVE to read about. Real, tangible characters, not too over-the-top. My favorite aspect of Nightshade had to be the world-building. Simply amazing, and well done. I wont say much more because I don't want to spoil it for you!
As eager as I read Nightshade, sadness overwhelmed me when I turned the last page. Six months until the release of it's sequel, Wolfsbane! For those of you who are as eager as I am, you can read a small excerpt at NightShadebook.com. Still craving more? Check out Cremer's website and blog. They are just as creative and original as she is!

Favorite Quote:

"When morning arrived, I shuddered, overwhelmed by exhaustion. I hid in my room, burying myself in all the pillows and blankets I could find. I hunkered down in my cotton fortress until there was a knock at the door." (p. 101)

Cover Art Commentary:
Absolutely stunning! I love the color scheme as well as the overall design. The blood-tinged calla lilies are also a nice touch. ;P This is definitely one of my favorite covers of 2010! The cover of the next book in the series, Wolfsbane, is just as gorgeous!

Overall Rating: