5 Stars: Incredible
Series: Nightshade #1
Hardback: 452 Pages
Publication: October 19, 2011 by Philomel
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 have always loved fantasy books because of the unique settings that authors create, and Andrea Cremer brings a fantasty-like setting to the real world in Nightshade, which is what drew me to this book. Andrea Cremer adds new twists to history and lore to create a complex world in which witches (the Keepers) rule over the “werewolves” (the Guardians). History drives underlying plots and holds the key to secrets that are uncovered and others that remain to be revealed in future installments of the series.
Another bonus to this story is Calla’s sexy alpha counterpart. Ren is deadly hot and sexy, but his attractiveness is not the only thing that defines him. He truly cares about Calla and the pack, and he goes through the awkward, insecure phase that all boys go through regarding the girl they like. He also respects her although it’s in his nature as an alpha male to take control of the pack. Even though I knew Calla would choose Shay, I couldn’t help cheering for Ren on the side because of his sincerity. And hey, who isn’t tempted by the thought of a hot, sexy alpha male for a boyfriend?
Calla is just as gorgeous as Ren is sexy, and she doesn’t flaunt it. She hates dressing up, and she likes jeans and band shirts. She’s never had a boyfriend because she must maintain her purity Ren, who’ll rule the new pack alongside her. When you think you know how your life is supposed to go, however, Fate throw in another character. And Calla can’t control her growing desires for the new boy in town–Shay.
Shay’s curiosity is the driving force behind Calla’s transformation. As she spends more time with Shay, she begins to ask questions that never occurred to her before. With her growing realization that the Keepers have been lying to the Guardians, Calla must make hard decisions that just may put her pack in danger.
Calla’s voice is powerful, wrought with emotion and with the conflicting desires within her. I could not get enough of this book. Tomorrow, I’ll be posting my review of the next book in the series Wolfsbane!
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Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Olivia Tan says
thanks for the great interview.. im looking forward to read this one ^^
Jerri Davis says
I wonder why the witches rule over werewolves. Thank you, Jerri Davis
Crystal says
Thanks, Giselle!
Giselle says
Excellent review Kris I have to get this one soon it's been on my wishlist for too long!
Oh and I love what you did with your blog it's really cute!!
Giselle
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Natalie Aguirre says
Great review. I loved this book. I agree that there was a unique twist on the world building. Looking forward to your review of Wolfsbane.