Wolfsbane
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date: July 26, 2011
Pages: 400
Series: Nightshade, book two
Source: I Read Banned Books blog tour
***May contain spoilers for book One***
About the Book: This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended–Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and 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.
My Thoughts: Nightshade ended with SUCH a cliffhanger! I was dying for this book. It picks up right where Nightshade left off. Calla wakes up in the Searchers custody and is understandably leery of their intent. Her world has been turned upside down. Everything she knew has changed. She doesn’t know who to trust or what to believe. To make matters worse she is without her pack.
Calla realizes that, not surprisingly, the Keepers have been lying to her and the other Guardians. She doesn’t trust the Searchers 100% but they offer the freedom Keepers deny. It’s a very uneasy alliance but Calla attempts to work with the Searchers to end the war.
I really enjoyed getting more of the history and backstory on the Nightshade world. I was interested in knowing how the Guardians came to be and where the conflict between the Keepers and the Searchers stemmed from. Learning more about the Searchers and how they are organized was also really cool. The world building was my favorite part of this book. It really saved it for me.
What I didn’t really like was Shay. Now, I’ve always been a Ren girl but my dislike for Shay in this book has nothing to do with that. I liked him in Nightshade. I just liked Ren more. I really just didn’t care for him at all here. He actually made me angry. Calla’s world is in pieces. She’s confused and alone. She loves Shay (I mean,come on! She left her pack for him!) but she still cares about Ren. He’s been a part of her life for so long! Shay doesn’t get this. He keeps asking for answers she is not ready to give. It’s not like she’s had any time to process anything! Also, I felt like he was really pressuring her physically. It just made me uncomfortable. It was almost as if he was taking advantage of her. I know that he is going through crazy stuff too but still… It just felt off. (Note: This was just my perception. Others have loved it!)
Overall Wolfsbane was an interesting read. It contained a lot more history (which is a plus for me!) but still had the action and pack dynamics I loved in Nightshade. Personally I preferred Nightshade but I’ll certainly be interested in reading book three.
Savannah
OH YEAH BABY! I can’t wait to read this book! I’m also on the tour, not sure when I will get it, but I am excited!
Alex (A Girl, Books, OtherThings)
My friend keeps telling me I should read these books, and your review did get me pumped.
So I think I’m going to give them a chance sometime soon! 😀
Cat @ Beyond Books
Just finished Nightshade this week and will have my copy of Wolfsbane next week, so I am looking forward to reading it. I did like the world that Cremer created, I was happy it was pretty original! I have big problems with Shay myself and I don’t think they are going to improve based on your comments. 😉
Shalena @ Writer Quirk
Great review! I loved the ending of Nightshade and can’t wait to see where it all goes. I was interested in the history of the two warring groups too, so it is nice to know we get more info on them. New follower here – I saw your blog link on The Story Siren’s BEA post.
~Shalena @ Writer Quirk
I Read Banned Books
Totally skimmed this review, but I know it was an insightful. I can’t wait to read it when it comes home!
Jen