Title: WOLFSBANE (NIGHTSHADE Book 2)
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philomel (a Penguin Teen imprint)
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Number of Pages: 400
Source of Book: ARC sent by publisher
Author’s Website: http://blurredhistory.blogspot.com
Book Series Website: www.nightshadebook.com
Goodreads Summary:
I was beyond excited to get an advanced review copy of this book because NIGHTSHADE was my book obsession of last year (read my review). I love Andrea Cremer’s writing and the characters and world she has created in this series. And now you can get your hands on WOLFSBANE – tomorrow! (I’m trying to be careful about not spoiling anything-there is a lot that happens!) I was instantly drawn back into the world Andrea created for Calla and her pack. Although, all is definitely not how it seemed as Calla learns more from the Searchers and realizes the extent of the lies that created her life, she again has to pull on her strength as an Alpha to do what needs to be done and save those she loves. Calla is a strong, kick-butt girl character and I totally want to be friends with her. Her strength is part of what makes these books so entertaining to read. As she struggles with her feelings for Shay and Ren within the bigger context of the continuing battles between the two sides, she seems to be a genuine character. She’s not infallible, and she struggles, but at her core she has her beliefs of what is right and wrong and she hurts from others’ actions as much as the next person. She’s trying to find her place and figure out what to do about all she learns.
There are some long stretches of exposition in this one (which highlight again the knowledge Andrea has for the background of The Witches’ War and this history), but we as readers, along with Calla have a lot to learn about the lies we’ve been told. It does feel like a middle novel to a trilogy and ends hopeful, yet resigned and determined, and with me dreading the long wait for the next one-it’s quite a cliffhanger of an ending. However, it still has exciting battles, pack relationships, and heart-wrenching moments. Most of all I loved the new characters who were introduced. The Searchers were like family from the start, especially Connor’s comic relief. Connor is probably my favorite thing about this book – I hope you like him too! The war is just beginning and I know which side I’m on! WOLFSBANE is a story of struggling to be one’s true self and do what is right for those you love. But also, trying to figure out who those people really are at their core and if they are loyal or not. There are some surprising choices made by some characters, and I’m intrigued to find out where the relationships end up in the third book. I will definitely be in line to get BLOODROSE on February 21st! If you read and loved NIGHTSHADE, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on WOLFSBANE tomorrow, and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?!?
