Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Release Date: August, 2011

Publisher: ATOM

Pages: 390pgs

The Story

You're an alpha, a leader. That's what we need. It's what we've always needed.

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she's certain her days are numbered. Then the Searchers make her an offer, one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save her pack - and the boy - 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 destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials love can endure and still survive.

The Review

A big thanks to Laura from Hachette books for sending me a review copy of this book!

It's going to be a small challenge for me not to reveal spoilers in this review, since it's not the first in a series so I'm going to do my best here. For those who read the first installment, that being Nightshade, you'll know the cruel ending Ms Cremer left us in. It was not nice at all. However while I was in a dark pit of cruelty, I will say that the sequel has made me very happy! This book is awesome. I enjoyed Nightshade so very much - well maybe not Shay - but since I read this book and after several of its chapters flew by . . . I'm pretty much loving this book so much more! WOLFSBANE is a strong book, all around from beginning to end. We meet new characters, read from a different 'sort of' environment, and have some burning questions answered.

The thing I loved most about WOLFSBANE was the story within itself. The plot was fast-paced (exactly what I asked for) and every part of the book had you guessing. Everything. But what really drew me in this time was the characters Calla and Shay. For Calla I've always loved her as a main female protagonist. Sure she has boy troubles - then again who doesn't - but ultimately she's smart, kickass, and vulnerable at the same time. The thing about her in this book is that she's grown up and making choices for herself which a lot of readers will love. Same goes for Shay. Now don't go hating on me . . . but I disliked Shay all through Nightshade. He was the annoying pest I wanted gone. Then again, Andrea Cremer surprised me. I actually started to like Shay and perhaps love him. He was more confident in this book and I love him for it. But that doesn't me I'm on his 'team'. I'm forever Team Ren.

Ren . . . what can I possibly say about Ren? For the fact that he only got ONE single scene in the whole of the book, I have to say that that was my only disappointment in the book. Sigh. I do realize this book had to be more focussed on Shay than of Ren, but damn, I demand more Ren! When readers do see him . . . he only get's to say a few words and a few growls along the way, and he's not really the same Ren Calla left behind. I mean, dude he's heartbroken. Anyway, please don't do that again - with less Ren - in the next book Ms. Author! It's so unfair to us Ren lovers! Speaking of Ren, the Calla I know still loves him but it's always Shay-this and Shay-that. *cries* My poor Ren is all I can say. *tells mind to stop gushing over Ren*

Overall, WOLFSBANE will make you bloodlusting for more! The cliffhanger Andrea Cremer leaves us spinning in is beyond cruel - so, so very cruel - and I don't about you guys but I think authors will be the death of me. So if you haven't started reading this series yet, please do! You won't regret it one bit when it comes to these awesome adventures. It's a thrill ride you want to be apart of and I can't wait to see what will happen in the final installment of the Nightshade series! *still cries out for Ren* Rennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn . . .

The Rating

4 1/2 /5 stars