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? (From Goodreads)
It seems appropriate to post my review of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer on Halloween. A date that plays such a pivotal role in the book. Or rather Sanhein does, night of the blood moon. Yes, this book features wolves and moons but it’s definitely not another creature of the night book, the world building is excellent.
Strangely, I still persist with the idea that I don’t like fantasy. Then I end up falling for every fantasy book I read, Nightshade was no exception. It’s so good. Â I adored the details of the world. The weaving of legends I’d heard of and things Andrea had created. Â I also loved the rigid social structure and hierarchy of the Keepers and Guardians.
Most of all though, as with most books, I loved the people. Calla is such a fabulous character, she is up there with Katsa on my favorite strong women list. I loved her. I loved her strength (both physical and mental), her doubts and her chaffing against the social stricture of her world. Her guilt and confusion over challenging ideas she’d grown up with felt so real. Even if you dont like fantasy (or like me think you don’t) you can’t help but fall for Calla.
Talking of falling. The love triangle in this book is extremely well done. Normally love triangles annoy me, but in Nightshade I completely understood Calla’s indecision. Both Ren and Shay are great guys (although I am firmly on one team, no not telling which!). The tension and chemistry Calla has with both of them is extremely hot and steamy.
The end is a complete cliffhanger and I can not WAIT for book two. Andrea Cramer is on my buy immediately list.