July 26, 2011
Philomel
From Goodreads:
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 Review:
Even though I loved Nightshade, it really didn't blow me away. I was very reluctant going into Wolfsbane for that reason, and well, because of Shay. I have to say, I am so glad I gave this series another chance because Wolfsbane blew me away! There is so much at stake for Calla and the Searchers in this one. I found myself in tears during quite a few of the ending scenes because they were so heartbreaking and emotional. Wolfsbane is an astoundingly brilliant follow-up to Nightshade.
I liked Calla so much better in Wolfsbane. Even though she still loves Shay (which I totally can't see why with Ren in the picture), she has to reflect on her decision to throw everything away for him in this one. She feels awful for abandoning her pack and feels responsible for what has happened to them. She is bound and determined to save her pack and Ren, no matter the consequences for her. Wolfsbane gave me a whole different perspective of Calla, and I liked what growth I saw come out of her reflections and actions.
I have to say, I still do not like Shay at all. If anything, Wolfsbane made me dislike Shay even more. Now that Shay is a wolf, he acts like he is all mighty and powerful. Honestly, he was much more tolerable as a human, even though he acted so weak and pitiful compared to Ren. Maybe I would like Shay more if there wasn't a Ren in the story, but I really don't think so. *SMALL SPOILER* I was disgusted by his complete disregard of Calla's pack and Ren. He knows that horrible things are being done to them, yet he still doesn't want "his" Calla going in there to save them. That made me furious! *END SMALL SPOILER*
Sadly, there isn't much page time for Calla's pack and Ren in Wolfsbane. Even though I adore her pack and Ren, I think that Calla needed time away from them to see what her actions have done to them. I saw Calla grow into a much more respectable alpha.
So I should probably stop my review here before I give too much away. Let me just tell you, even if you were kind of meh on Nightshade, I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy Wolfsbane so much more!! I am dying for Bloodrose now! The ending is yet another cliffhanger that I have to know the answer to!
My Rating:
I am glad that you enjoyed this book so much. I haven't read the first book yet, but I want to. However, I think I won't like Shay either.
ReplyDeleteHaha, for me it was the opposite! I loved Nightshade, but was kind of disappointed by Wolfsbane. I do agree with you on the ending, though--the last 150 pages were intense!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! :)
This book blew me away, too. I also liked it a lot more than I liked Nightshade, and I had similar thoughts on Shay. I liked him a lot less by the end, and might be switching to Team Ren! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI've been following this book around the blogosphere and keep seeing differing opinions on it. I'm mostly fascinated by the new mythos Cremer brings to the werewolf trope, so I still plan to give this one a try, but might just check it out of a library versus buying it outright. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteSmiles!
Lori
I definitely need to read this one, now! It sounds awesome! :D
ReplyDelete