NIGHTSHADE by Andrea Cremer
Series: Nightshade, #1
Publication Date: October 19th 2010 by Philomel
Rating: 
Summary: 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 Overview:
- Love triangle was fun to read, but I had no preference for either character.
- Shay’s secret is what truly captivated me.
- As a reluctant paranormal reader, I had difficulties immersing myself in werewolf world.
- A good book, but more for lovers of the genre and less for reluctant readers like me.
As I write this review, I am honestly still trying to decide how I feel about this book. Hopefully, the more I write the more my thoughts get sorted out.
NIGHTSHADE starts off with a bang. From the very beginning, we are introduced to Calla and her werewolf form. Calla, the alpha female of the pack Nightshade, is betrothed to the alpha of the Bane pack, Ren. As their upcoming union nears, the two feel pressure from their masters, Lumine and Efron respectively. NIGHTSHADE is a constant tug of war of loyalties but more importantly the heart.
I honestly did not understand the initial attraction between Shay and Calla, especially after such a brief introduction – if one could even call it that. Instant attraction, I could understand, but to feel a connection after a couple of minutes? Not so much. Thankfully, their relationship is further developed as the book progressed.
As for the love triangle, I honestly had no preference between the Ren and Shay. For me, neither of the characters was better than the other. They both had their charms, but neither Ren nor Shay sparked that something in me. I didn’t mind if Calla ended up with either of them.
I read paranormal books every now and then but I definitely wouldn’t call myself a fan of the genre. Once I started to learn more about Calla, the Guardians, and the Keepers, I had a harder time immersing myself into her world. Despite the fact that Calla kept saying that things were just the way they were and always have been, I just couldn’t comprehend their societal norms – much like Shay when he first found out. To be honest, I was kind of weirded out whenever they would be in wolf form. I could take their animalistic tendencies in human form but the whole wolf thing just hasn’t completely settled in my mind.
The main reason I kept reading was to figure out Shay’s role in the book. Everyone had a feeling something was up, but had no idea what it was. As more clues were uncovered, I kind of figured out his pivotal role. I was a little disappointed, but there were a ton more secrets that had me reeled.
The ending was a bit disappointing for me. It left off without me feeling truly satisfied and failed to answer some of the most important questions that I had. Based on where the first book leaves off, I don’t think I’ll read the second one because I think it will turn into the paranormal book that I don’t like to read. I still have questions left unanswered, but I don’t know if my curiosity is piqued enough. Maybe I’ll change my mind when it comes out and I’ve read some reviews.
I would recommend this book to readers who love the paranormal genre. If you’re a reluctant paranormal reader like me, just take caution when you read it for yourself.
On a final note, this book is absolutely gorgeous. I unfortunately have an ebook copy from the library, but when I saw it at the bookstore, I wanted to buy it on the spot just for its looks.
Interesting review. I saw a lot of 4’s and 5’s for this book and you’re the first with the 3.
I have the ARC of this book on my shelf. I haven’t had the time to read it and hopefully, I can enjoy it.
The book does look gorgeous!!
I couldn’t decide either! I like both guys. Thanks for review.
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Nicely balanced review. I appreciate that you mentioned this isn’t really your genre. I’m not sure if I’ve read any mention before about a mystery surrounding Shay. Now I’m curious. It’s good to see a slightly lower review. Sometimes it’s overwhelming and a little unbelievable when every review for a book is glowing.
This is one of those books that I’ve been sitting on the fence about. It’s sitting on my shelf…oh so patiently…but I’m scared to pick it up because I have issues with love triangles. Like, serious issues, ever since Twilight. And I really have issues with love triangles when there’s no reason for the characters to be attracted to one another. Great review, Cialina! I think I’ll push this book to the back of my TBR list for now.