4.5 Stars: Recommended
Series: Nightshade #3
Hardback: 406 Pages
Publication: January 3, 2012 by Philomel
The Ultimate Sacrifice.
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.
A beautiful, stunning conclusion to the Nightshade trilogy. Once again, Andrea Cremer picks up Calla’s story where the last one left one, this time with Calla back home in search of Ren to bring him back with her to the Searchers. With his charismatic qualities, Ren fits right in with the Searchers. However, all is not well as Ren and Shay start fighting over the male alpha position and over Calla herself, forcing her to take over as the sole alpha of the pack.
Bloodrose is an action-packed novel whether the group is off in search of the pieces of the Elemental Cross or back in the Searchers’ lair where Calla is keeping Ren and Shay away from each other’s throats. To be honest, this was not my favorite novel in the series. I knew that there would be deaths and that I wouldn’t always like the deaths, but I was wrong. Things went a little to well for the group. People are hurt badly, but the pack’s blood will heal most injuries, excluding instant death, and the final battle finished pretty quickly. In hindsight, the longest journey was escaping from the Keepers, making book two my favorite of the three.
My favorite part of the books is the characters. Andrea Cremer has brought to life one of the most fascinating casts of characters that I have ever read about. One of the guys, especially Connor and Mason, always has something witty to say. Calla is the strong, kickass alpha female with a vulnerable side to her. She has her broken little brother and his devoted girlfriend, who’s also Calla’s second. There is Ren: charismatic, hot, sexy Ren who is at a loss for how to win Calla. I love how he gets along with his newfound sister Adne. They are two delightful characters. I’m team Ren all the way. I tried, but I still can’t connect with Shay. I know a lot of girls out there like him, but he’s just not my guy.
The ending left me with the feelings of sorrow and loss. I am so disappointed with how the love triangle ends. It feels unresolved. And yet, it is but a reflection of how the book ends: unresolved. We’ll never know what exactly happens to the pack or what the Searchers will do now that the final battle is over, despite hints at what the future holds. Andrea Cremer is a talented writer. It takes skill to build a world like the one in the Nightshade trilogy and wrap up a story the way she does. While Bloodrose is not my favorite novel, I still love the trilogy overall, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more works by her in the future.
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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.
Fall Into Books says
See, my reaction at the end was more like, "I will never read anything from this author again." I was so freaking mad. I've never had a book make me that mad, haha. However, as I've calmed down, I've decided to give her another chance. But if we end up with some craptastic ending for another series, I will write her off for good.
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Netherland says
The outcome between Ren, Shay, and Calla. Fans of the series all had their own opinions on which of the boys Calla should end up with. I had a heartwrenching response to the way it turned out. I was pleased but at the same time my heart was breaking. Not many books can bring me to tears, but this one certainly did.
Crystal says
Let me know what you think of it, Natalie!
Natalie Aguirre says
I loved this series and can't wait to read Bloodrose. I've got it on reserve at the library. I'll have to see if I agree with your review.