Book Review: Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Book 3 of the Nightshade Series

Title: Bloodrose  

Author: Andrea Cremer

Synopsis: But now that the final battle is upon her, there's more at stake than fighting. There's saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay's wrath. There's keeping Ansel safe, even if he's been branded a traitor. There's proving herself as the pack's alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers' magic once and for all. And then there's deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

Review:

a.) Characters: 4/5 score.  The gang is back together and ready to fight!  Kind of.  After all that happened with the characters in the last book, I was weary of what Andrea was going to throw at us in this one.  But I have to say, I think it all worked out well.  Ren and Shay’s bickering felt natural and right; Ansel’s change of character, though crushing, was realistic.  The pains of war were felt all around with these character we got to know so well through the first and second book.  Many were lost, but they still fought on.

b.) Plot: 5/5 score.  Wow!  This plot was solid, unbreakable, and completely edgy!  I would literally find myself pacing as I was reading it.  Each adventure made me bounce on the balls of my feet in anticipation of what was to come.  She really upped the game in this book, fearlessly taking the plot where few others would have.  It was created with such a flow that the end of the book came too fast.

c.) Writing style: 4/5 score.  The writing was powerful in this one because of the actions that were taking course.  Every battle up until the finale one was heart wrenching with fear and love.  Andrea did an amazing job at creating this world, these characters, and the war that held it all together.  The last twist at the end was truly breathtaking.  And maybe it’s just me, but it sounded like she left the end open with Sabine to possibly do a spin off?  Or maybe I am hopeful for more.

Rating: 13/15 total 

*Blink, blink* I know the ending will have some in a fit, but I actually liked it.  After everything, it just feels right.  I would love to read Treachery and Shadow Days now that I have the basic story read.  I simply can't get enough of these characters. 

Book Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Book 2 of the Nightshade Series

Title: Wolfsbane

Author: Andrea Cremer

Synopsis: When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, 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.

Review:

a.) Characters: 4/5 score.  When Calla first wakes up, I felt the panic she did when wondering where her pack was, how they were, what had changed.  Reunited with Shay, the Searchers make them an offer.  As the story progresses, Andrea shows us not only the world of the Searchers, but their personalities as well.  Each character is charming and funny, and before long, you like them.  Yes, even Ethan (the one who shot Calla).  The only complaint I have is that there is Ethan, Efron, Emile- when developing characters you should start with the alphabet and try to use different letters so as not to confuse the reader.  

b.) Plot: 3/5 score.  The plot for me was weak.  Getting her pack back was a big concern, but it was often looked over when her and Shay were having time together.  A lot of the plot is just the Searchers and Calla trying to work together instead of tearing each other’s throats out.  There were a couple of good twists and turns, and it worked for me.  I can’t say too much without revealing a bunch of the plot that could ruin the first book.  

c.) Writing style: 4/5 score.  Again, her writing was breathtaking at times, and then at others, it felt like it was lacking something.  I feel she pulled the humor off that each Searcher had, as well as causing a lot of worry on Calla’s side for her pack.  This was definitely to move the series along to the finale stage, but it was also revealing more for the reader.  Also, that cliff hanger at the end was RUDE!  Overall, it was believable, and easy to get through.  

Rating: 11/15 total 

I was so taken back by the way she just cuts it at the end that I had to run out and get the last book.  I don't know what I would've done if I would've followed the series as it was being published.  It just isn't fair to do that to your readers!  

Book Review: Promise of the Wolves

Title: Promise of the Wolves

Author: Dorothy Hearst

Synopsis: WHAT IS THE PROMISE OF THE WOLF?
NEVER CONSORT WITH HUMANS
NEVER KILL A HUMAN UNPROVOKED
NEVER ALLOW A MIXED-BLOOD WOLF TO LIVE

At least that's what the wolves of the Wide Valley believe. Until a young wolf dares to break the rules -- and forever alters the relationship between wolves and the humans who share their world.This is the story of such a wolf. Born of a forbidden mixed-blood litter and an outcast after her mother is banished, Kaala is determined to earn a place in the Swift River pack. But her world is turned upside down when she saves a human girl from drowning. Risking expulsion from their pack and exile from the Wide Valley, Kaala and her young packmates begin to hunt with the humans and thus discover the long-hidden bond between the two clans. But when war between wolves and humans threatens, Kaala learns the lies behind the wolf 's promise. Lies that force her to choose between safety for herself and her friends and the survival of her pack -- and perhaps of all wolf- and humankind.

Review:

a.) Characters: 5/5 score.  I really enjoyed all the wolf characters.  Each one was different, but as a pack they were all one.  I loved the spunk and rivalry of the pups as they grew up.  The older pups along with the adults showed traits of care and caution for the growing cubs.  I absolutely loved the constant bickering, Kaala trying to prove herself, the bond that forms between her and her packmates, and then between them and the humans.

b.) Plot: 2/5 score.  The beginning immediately puts any possible fairy tales from your mind as the horror of pack life is shown.  Kaala is the main character and through her we see life, not just as a wolf, but as an outside.  Kaala is mixed-blood, but is saved by the Greatwolves as a pup for an unknown destiny.  However, the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, and leads into the next book.  

c.) Writing style: 3/5 score.  Writing from an animal’s perspective is always challenging.  You have to be careful not to give them too many human traits and remember that they are wild and have different rules to follow than humans do.  I felt certain rules were followed and others were broken.  Sometimes the wolves came off as too human for my taste, but it was an easy read and kept my interest.  

Rating: 10/15 total

Now this was amazing!  Giving intelligence to animals and having them in the same story as humans can get messy and murky, but this was clear and beautiful to the last page!  I hate hate hate how the ending leaves you hanging.  Not much, but enough. 

Book Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Shiver

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Synopsis: Grace and Sam share a kinship so close they could be lovers or siblings. But they also share a problem. When the temperature slips towards freezing, Sam reverts to his wolf identity and must retreat into the woods to protect his pack. He worries that eventually his human side will fade away and he will be left howling alone at the lonely moon.

Review:

a.) Characters: 3/5 score.  Sam and Grace didn’t feel their age; sometimes they felt so much younger and innocent I had to remind myself that Grace was 17 and Sam, 18.  All the other characters were really faded and flat in the story, but there is potential for the next books.  And I had a hard time digesting Sam and Grace’s love.  

b.) Plot: 3/5 score.  The beginning is informative background story, and then the actual story starts out very slow.  It does pick up and get interesting, but I’m afraid I wasn’t blown away by this like I was hoping to be.  The ending gave me ho[e and would’ve put this at four stars if the beginning hadn’t been so awkward.

c.) Writing style: 3/5 score.  The beginning was terrible to get through.  I had an amazingly hard time trying to understand what was happening.  I loved her idea of switching between Sam and Grace, but I don’t think she pulled it off.  My favorite part was the temperatures in the beginning of each chapter.  Other than that, even the romance, fell flat and lifeless for me.  

Rating: 9/15 total 

I know you guys are going to hate me for not falling in love with this book but I just couldn't.  I couldn't get passed the beginning for the longest time, and then, on top of that, the love that Sam and Grace had for each other was startlingly more "instant" than instant coffee.  And just as unbelievably bitter for me too.  She had so much she could've captured here, and I feel she fell flat.  I am still going to read the next ones in the series because I want to see if it gets better or worse.  After an ending like that, you kind of have to read the next book anyway!!!

Book Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Title: Nightshade

Author: Andrea Cremer

Synopsis: Calla is the alpha female of a shape-shifting wolf pack. She is destined to marry Ren Laroche, the pack's alpha male. Together, they would rule their pack together, guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But then, Calla saves a beautiful human boy, who captures her heart. Calla begins to question everything - her fate, her existence, and her world and the orders the Keepers have asked her to follow. She will have to make a choice. But will she follow her heart if it means losing everything, including her own life?

Review:

a.) Characters: 5/5 score.  WOW- Calla definitely came off as an Alpha- as well as Ren.  Everyone fit perfectly in the pack like pieces of a puzzle.  It was breathtaking on how easy everyone’s role was.  Beautifully connected and in sync.  I feel we got a balanced piece of everyone.  And Shay- wow, again- just blew me away.  I loved all these characters, even when I was hating them- like Logan.  I cannot rave enough about them!

b.) Plot: 4/5 score.  The beginning sucks you in and, before you know it, you’re spinning out of control with Calla and Ren and the uniting pack.  The course of the story draws you in keeping your attention balanced on the prick of a pin.  The ending leaves you wanting- no, needing!- more from all their characters and their lives.

c.) Writing style: 4/5 score.  Very smooth and easy- I would literally be floating through the chapters with such ease.  Sometimes I would reread a paragraph just to let the smoothness roll over me again.  It was such a change that I had a hard time remembering to pace myself.  Overall, I cannot wait to read more of this series and to see what else Andrea Cremer has out.

Rating: 13/15 total

Just, wow.  Wow.  I am amazed at this work.  I loved this book.  When my roomie picked it up and asked me what I thought, I was hesitate because I didn't like this new cover compared to the old.  But when I read the back, I figured <i>don't judge a book by it's cover</i>, right?  EXACTLY!  This made my week when I read it and basked in its awesomeness.  I cannot wait to get the next two in my library ASAP- especially because they are already out!!! 

Book Review: Fell by David Clement-Davies

Title: Fell

Author: David Clement-Davis

Synopsis: In this dark, thrilling fairy tale, it is the wolf who saves the girl. Fell, the dark-furred twin brother of Larka, the heroine of The Sight, must face life without his sister or the rest of his loving pack. He’s a lone wolf now, a “kerl,” an outcast from his kind who shares his sister’s fatal gift for seeing the future and the thoughts of others. This gift leads him to befriend a young girl, also an outcast from her people. They have a shared destiny: to free the land from a tyrannical ruler who would enslave man and animal alike.

Review:

a.) Characters: 2/5 points. Five years after The Sight, we are wallowing in self-pity from Fell after losing his sister Larka and trying to figure out Alina’s true past.  I like the idea that Alina was disguised as a boy named Alin.  Adding the human in however was, in my opinion, not the greatest of ideas.  In The Sight, the goals were always to the next step progressing the storyline.  This one wasn’t as upbeat or clean-cut in travel or target.

b.) Plot: 2/5 points.  Mostly focused on Fell and Alina.  Not normally a bad thing, but after reading The Sight and having so many more characters, this felt empty without more.  Adding the human made the story weak in my opinion.  Fell’s purpose seemed lost as he helped Alina.  It centered more on humans than the wolves, and after The Sight, it felt awkward.

c.) Writing style: 3/5 points.  At times the writing seduced you into the story like a passionate lover- and then there were other times when it felt like the story was dragging on as if he was trying to create a long novel.  The same terms carried over, so you still felt the world that Fell lives in.

Rating: 5/15 total

I gave this book 2 stars for a reason.  I had such a hard time reading it.  And I feel terrible for this review, but Fell was nothing compared to The Sight.  I don't know if Davis did this second book just to or if there was actually something wrapped up in it.  It focused a lot more around the humans that the previous book did.  I think that he had a good idea, toyed with it for a little, and then just did whatever to spit out another book.  It doesn't feel like (at least, to me) that he put much effort into this. 

Book Review: The Sight by David Clement-Davies

Book Review: The Sight 

by David Clement-Davies 

Mass Market Paperback, 465 pages

Published August 11th 2003 by Puffin (first published January 11th 2001)

Check it out on Goodreads now!

In the shadow of an abandoned castle, a wolf pack seeks shelter. The she-wolf 's pups will not be able to survive the harsh transylvanian winter. And they are being stalked by a lone wolf, Morgra, possessed of a mysterious and terrifying power known as the sight. Morgra knows that one of the pups born beneath the castle holds a key to power even stronger than her own—power that could give her control of this world and the next. but the pack she hunts will do anything to protect their own, even if it means setting in motion a battle that will involve all of nature, including the creature the wolves fear the most—Man.