Rise by Andrea Cremer

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Atom

Pages: 464pgs

The Story

The sequel to Rift and the prequel to the New York Times bestselling novel Nightshade.

Everything Conatus stands for is at risk. Hoping to gather enough resistance to save their order, Ember and Barrow attempt a desperate escape. But fate offers little mercy. When their mission is exposed, the  couple face relentless pursuit by the supernatural horrors that act on the commands of Eira’s ally: the mysterious Bosque Mar. A shocking revelation forces Ember out of hiding, sending her back into the heart of dark magic at Tearmunn keep, where she must convince her old friend Alistair of her love or face dire consequences. Ember’s deception offers the only chance for the resistance to succeed, but what she discovers in the shadows beneath the keep will shatter her world and bring about the Witches’ War.

Richly sensual and full of magic, action and danger, Andrea Cremer's fifth book set in the Nightshade world is an edge-of-your-seat page turner.

The Review

After loving Rift, the first installment of Andrea Cremer's prequel Nightshade series, even more than the Nightshade series itself, I knew she was going to impress me with her next sequel and she sure did!

What I love most about RISE and with this series is the fact that the mythology, the storytelling, not to mention the origins (ones that somehow connect the dots to the author's previous Nightshade series) are so fascinating and so rich in the details. I mean, it's so easy to get caught up into Cremer's world and loving it immensely in the process. But not only that, but the characters are what makes this series stronger and shine more than they ever did before!

Ember, the main character, is someone I fell in love with from the get-go. I could honestly go on and on about her character! Both passionate in her duty and within herself, headstrong in her beliefs, and fiery in every dangerous mission she partakes in, Ember is someone who has grown up so much within this series (even in two books) and is someone I greatly admire as a main heroine! She just rocks in my books! There's just something about her that readers love and get captivated by, and in the end . . . you always want her to succeed in everything she does so just you wait until you read this sequel . . . she will really, really surprise you! And as for her love interest, Barrow, man oh man . . . I want a piece of that hunky dude! He's so protective and so manly with his romance with Ember . . . I just wanted those two together all through this book! They just belonged together, you know?

The only real complainant I had with this book was the other points-of-view that we get from a variety of characters. Most of them were villains if you would call them 'that'. Yeah . . . I wasn't a big fan of those perspectives except for Alistair's (you know the guy that is so obsessed with Ember but I won't get into that now) who was actually pretty fascinating to read about. Oddly. But apart from his character, the other perspectives didn't do too much for me I'm afraid, mostly because I wanted a Barrow chapter for once . . . he just really needed more lines! I seriously love him.

Overall, RISE delivers a very satisfying sequel with plenty of romantic moments here and there, and not a single dull moment in the fast-paced action sequences. But while that's great and all, I'm still sadden by the end of this sequel as I was recently informed that this series was only going to be a duology so on that part my excitement has been deflated. Still, I love this series . . . GO READ IT!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

Rift by Andrea Cremer

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Atom

Pages: 455pgs

The Story

Discover where the Nightshade series began . . .

Ember has always known that she owed her life to a mysterious order of Knights who saved her as a baby. The same order of Knights who called her best friend to service, leaving her behind to play the dutiful daughter.

But shortly after her sixteenth birthday, Alistair returns. Although he seems altered - shadowed and brooding - Ember places her trust in him, knowing that he's her one chance to escape.

Little does she know what danger lies ahead. For this is a tumultuous time, and Ember will soon be caught up in an age-old struggle between darkness and light. Neither she, nor her heart, can possibly survive unscathed.

The Review

A big thanks to Hachette Australia for sending me a review copy of this book!

RIFT is a prequel young adult series and opens us up to a magical world set hundreds of years prior to and from the same world of Andrea Cremer's Nightshade series, where the Keepers first originated from. For women of this medieval world, they are expected to be married off and bear children for their husbands. Not fight in violent wars and wield weapons of men. So for our main leading lady, Ember Morrow, her parents made a promise (a debut) at her birth to save her mother's life: For when she comes of age she must fight alongside the Guard in the heart of Conatus where there is a group of women who are just as strong as men in the battlefield. And, to escape an arranged marriage, she is more than happy and willing to leave her old life behind and join the Guard. But when her arrival causes a stir and when one of the leaders is dabbling in dark magics, Ember will soon need to trust her own heart and her instinct, and to learn how to become a fierce warrior in order to save the world as she knows of so far.

While I enjoyed Andrea Cremer's Nightshade series but since the last book Bloodrose wasn't my favourite final installment, I'm now really, really pleased to say that this new trilogy series was even better than Nightshade! Seriously, where has this book been all my life? Where has Andrea Cremer been hiding this wonderful masterpiece of literature  From the very first page I drawn into this storyline, and with each chapter and in each line . . . it made me SO involved with everything going on within the book and I just didn't want to leave this world behind. Ever. Set in the fifteenth century and in my favourite place of Scotland, RIFT delivers a wonderful blend of fantasy and historical fiction, along with some new characters, and hell practically every single word featured in this big world made me disappear from my own reality so once again excellent job to the author for doing that to me!

What made this series shine even more than it already did, you know besides the amazing storyline and the setting, was the main character, Ember Morrow, a girl who isn't too afraid to wield the most deadliest of all weapons nor waver from her fierce determination and rocking personality. Reminding me of the likes of Vampire Academy's Rose Hathaway and Hunger Games's Katniss Everdeen, Ember is just the kind of character you can't help but love and relate to instantly, and with every bit of emotion and every feeling that she felt, I ended up feeling which I'm sure every reader loves to experience at one stage with their favourite heroines. There is so much praise for Ember (obviously from me) and at the moment I just can't express how much I adored her character . . . there is way too many words for her alone!

While I expected some sort of a love triangle to occur, much like what happened in the Nightshade series (a pointless love triangle mind you), but I'm pretty darn happy that there is not one single love triangle in this book. At least not one that I could see happening since it's pretty obvious to whom Ember is slowly falling in love with and that is her mentor. An honourable man abided by his duties and armed with gorgeous looks, and a man with a serious and a part-vulnerable side to him, Barrow is one man you can't help but swoon over. Reminding me so much of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy character, Dimitri Belikov (a man I still love), Barrow just had this grace and raw intensity about him every time he leaped up onto the page and it's no wonder why Ember fell in love with him because I was too! One moment he is melting your heart and the next he is this out-of-this-world glorious warrior . . . yes, clearly the interaction between Barrow and Ember has this perfect balance of warmth to this fierce and out of control flame, and boy was it hot to witness! Why Andrea Cremer? Why write these hot and serious MEN? I seriously need a Barrow of my own!!! If anyone can let me know where to find one I will forever be grateful!

Overall, Andrea Cremer has once again weaved together the perfect combination of action, adventure, romance, fantasy, politics and history all into one perfect book. Whether or not you enjoyed the author's previous Nightshade series, RIFT still delivers more in every single book element and it is simply a book you cannot afford to miss out on! I LOVED IT . . . LIKE THIS MUCH! *spreads arms out*

The Rating

5/5 stars

Winner of the Nightshade Trilogy Giveaway!

Before I announce the winner, I just wanted to take the opportunity to say a BIG thank you to everyone who'd entered my Nightshade trilogy giveaway! I'd gotten a great number of entries so thank you again for that however there can only be one winner for today! Using a random generator the winner is . . .

Ellen H.

CONGRATS TO THE WINNER!

I've sent you an email Ellen and you have 2 days to respond so I can have your books sent out ASAP or else another winner will be chosen. Anyway don't worry my other blog readers who didn't win this time round because this month (this week in fact) and the next month after that, I'll be having two more giveaways for you guys that I KNOW will totally rock for my aussie readers . . . so be on the look out for them in the future!

Nightshade Trilogy Book Giveaway!

The amazing publicist Laura at Hachette Australia is giving away all three books from Andrea Cremer's Nightshade trilogy series for one incredibly lucky aussie winner! So that means . . . one copy of Nightshade, one copy of Wolfsbane and one copy of the newly released and final installment book Bloodrose! Sounds good, right?

But before you go and enter, also be sure to check out my recent character interview with Nightshade's two main hottie boy characters, Ren and Shay, which you can check out here. They are very hot boys . . . so be prepared if you have yet to read this thrilling YA series! Now onto the giveaway rules . . .

Here are the 3 rules:

- Contest is ONLY opened to Australian residents!

- Ends 31st March, 2012.

- Fill out the form with the mandatory entries: Name/Email/Address!

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT FORM

And that's all you need to do! Good luck!

Character Interview with Ren & Shay from the Nightshade Series!

If you know of Andrea Cremer's wonderful and bestselling YA series, Nightshade, then you would already know of the two hot boys featured in this series . . . I'm talking about the gorgeous-protective-and-sexy Ren and the cute-but-sometimes-shy Shay! So I had a great opportunity to catch up with both of the boys (they're on a busy schedule here) and I also got a chance to ask some grilling and personal questions too . . . anyway enjoy this exclusive character interview!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Erin: Hello boys and welcome to the blog, Tales of the Inner Book Fanatic! It's a pleasure to have you here!

Ren (slow smile): Hey.

Shay (open smile): Nice to meet you.

Erin: Ren and Shay . . . how do you two feel about each other? Are you merely fighting because of Calla's torn-heart and want to prove yourself to her - that you're the better man - or it is just a male thing. . . to hate each other for the sake of it?

[The boys exchange an uneasy glance]

Ren: Wow. You don't ease in to the personal stuff.

Shay: Uh. Yeah. This is just awkward.

Ren: I actually agree. Next question.

Erin: Sorry guys! But I just had to ask. Okay then . . . next question. If Calla was out of the picture - not that I'm plotting her demise or anything - would you two actually become close friends? And if so, what do you two admire most about each other even if its only one quality?

Shay [raises brow]: Wait. First you want us to hate each other and now you want us to praise each other. [Glaces around the room] Is this some kind of psych experiment we're not in on?

Erin: Maybe it IS one. Or again, maybe it isn't. You'll never know. *winks*

Ren [laughs]: I'll bite. [Jerks his thumb at Shay] He's got moves, but I'd prefer he put them to use elsewhere.

Shay [laughs]

Erin: Ren, you call Calla 'Lily' as her nickname - a very cute endearing nickname by the way and I love you for it. Did you do that on purpose to annoy her or was it a signal to give to her . . . telling her you liked her more than a childhood friend should like LIKE her? And Shay, what about you? Do you have a nickname for Calla or does she secretly have one for you behind closed doors?

Ren [half smile]: A little of both.

Shay: No nicknames. At least if she has one for me she hasn't told me.

Ren: I can think of a few.

Shay: I'm sure you could.

Erin: I think I could too. [laughs] Speaking of Calla, what was your first impression of her for the both of you? Was it insta-love like in the movies or did it take some time to have true love sneak up behind you when you least expected it?

Ren [sighs]: You know we're guys right? This is not the stuff we usually talk about. Soul baring: not a habit.

Shay: While I agree with Ren, I can tell you that I had a hard time believing what Calla was really. That took some time getting used to before I got to any of the feelings stuff . . . she is hot though. There was no denying that from the beginning.

Ren: Yeah she is.

Erin: So hypothetically speaking, if you knew Calla's decision between the two of you, knew whom she wanted to be with the most for the rest of her life, would either of you accept her decision and walk away with some pride left on your side, or would you go to great lengths and fight to the death to be with Calla? After all . . . she needs a strong Alpha male (I know Ren has what it takes) to help her lead the others.

[Shay and Ren look at each other for a long, very awkward pause]

Shay: If we start talking about this we'll fight.

Ren: Yes. Definitely.

Shay: I don't think you want to see that.

Erin: I won't argue with that. [daydreams for a second of two hot boys fighting each other and shakes head] Okay then, I'm going to play a quick game with you to take away all this tension. A game I like to call 'Fill in the Blanks' game . . . are you game enough to play it?

[Both nod]

Nobody knows I am . . .

Shay: An expert at picking locks.

Ren: Thinking of becoming a vegetarian.

[Shay laughs and Ren joins in]

Ren: Yeah, I'm kidding. Can't think of anything else.

I secretly wished . . .

Shay: That I could live with my parents and not move around all the time.

Ren: That I could just be a wolf and not deal with all this war, school, humanity bullshit.

My biggest pet peeve is . . .

Shay and Ren [in unison, pointing at each other]: Him.

The only thing I think about is . . .

Ren: Calla, and the pack.

Shay: Calla, and my family.

When I think about true love I think . . .

Ren: See above, still guys.

Shay: Nah. I'm gonna go with Shakespeare.

Ren [growls]: Fine. I kind of liked The Proposal.

Shay [begins to laugh]: The Proposal?

Ren [glares at him]: I mean, for a chick flick. It was pretty funny.

My perfect date would be . . .

Ren: A hunt and skinny dipping in a mountain pool. It would have to be summer, or that last bit wouldn't be much fun.

Shay: Anything that lets me be alone with her. Just time with her is all that matters.

Ren [growls] and Shay [bares teeth]

Bonus Question - Boxers or briefs (this question is just for the ladies)?

[Question distracts both boys from menacing each other]

Shay [with a slight blush]: Boxers.

Ren [eases back in chair]: Boxers. Wanna see them?

Erin: Well, if you want to I guess you could -

Shay: Oh give it a rest.

Erin: And just before you go, can you tell my blog readers what to expect in the third and final installment of the Nightshade series, Bloodrose?

Breakneck action, sexy times, and the final battle!

Erin: Thank you both darlings for stopping by! *winks at Ren while shaking hands with the two boys and quickly walks out of the room*

Whew! I'm glad that's over. Too much hotness in the room in there! Am I right, folks? I would like to take up this opportunity to say a big thanks to Ren and Shay for the interview! I'm quite amazed by how long they stayed together in that room alone. You know . . . without killing each other! Anyway, there you have it folks! Be sure to pick up a copy of Andrea Cremer's last installment of the Nightshade series, Bloodrose, because it has a killer of an ending! I should know . . . I've read it and cried over it for days!

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Release Date: 21st February, 2012

Publisher: ATOM

Pages: 416pgs

The Story

Is true love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Calla has always welcomed war. 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.

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.

The Review

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

Despite the spoilers that have circulated the internet prior to me reading this book (yes thank you dear readers for that special early surprise of yours), I have to say the author, Andrea Cremer, had still totally surprised me in the way she handled her final conclusion to her bestselling Nightshade series. I mean, I loved the way she separated the book into different sections (water, fire, etc.) and how everything captured my attention from beginning to end just to find out what happens next, but dear Ms. Andrea Cremer why must you do what you just did in this book? Especially to me of all people. WHY? I knew it was coming, I knew there was a possibility of this certain "something" to happen to these lovely characters of ours . . . but man I felt kind of cheated even though I knew some of the spoilers before picking up and reading this book.

BLOODROSE picks up right after the previous book, Wolfsbane, and Cremer doesn't waste anytime whatsoever in continuing the fast-paced action sequences and the smexy sizzling sexual tension between several of the characters for all the right reasons, and I commend Cremer for always having the ability to entertain me. While that's good and all, but regarding characters I was a little concerned about them for the majority of the book and the choices they have made for others that I didn't necessarily agree with.

One of my concerns was the leading main heroine, Calla, herself. Throughout book one and two Calla had remained a tough-as-nuts strong and a fiercely independent young woman, however in this third installment I really disliked the way she juggled her personal relationships with her two potential love interests, Shay and Ren, and I often wondered why she did what she did with them. One moment she's kissing and staying inside Shay's room (I mean seriously come on), and the next she's switching her teams entirely and found almost kissing Ren. Which is basically torture for him . . . I understand why her heart is being split into two between two very different guys for two very different reasons, after all she has spent her entire childhood with Mr. Hottie-paws Ren and found new love with Shay that opened up all sorts of possibilities for her, but what I didn't understand was Calla's usual way of confusing the guy's minds . . . like becoming intimate with Shay right in front of Ren even though she has given the idea to Ren that he may still have a chance to be with her. Now that I didn't approve of and it was beyond cruel. But other than that small mishap on her part, Calla is much more focussed in this book than the others and even that much more determined . . . so for that I'm grateful for.

Look in some ways, BLOODROSE was a very well written book, with plenty of action and romance that kept you there reading on your bed in one sitting, and I love any book that leaves you anti-social for a few hours straight but . . . I disliked the ending. . . partially because I'm biased toward one of the main characters in particular and if you know my boy fictional teams well enough, you would know who I'm talking about here. While I do understand why Cremer decided to end the way she ended things in the third and final book, but I was more opened to an ending that was lovely and fitting for everyone, and unfortunately it wasn't what I wished for. The ending certainly concluded and tying a couple loose ends, but personally for me every single issue and circumstance was wrapped up far too easily and I wanted the main character, Calla, to have full closure and resolvement, and it was a pity it didn't turn out that way for all our sakes. A total bummer.

Without going into further detail, especially since I don't want to spoil things for those who haven't yet read this book or the series for that matter, overall I will give the author a fair shiny 4 golden stars despite my disappointments because Andrea Cremer did do a very good job with this novel and I was entertained on every high level possible. With a great continuation of the storyline (a little sad at times I admit), a fantastic and hilarious cast of characters, and with earth-shattering consequences, and heart-wrenching sacrifices that will pull some heartstrings of all ages, I highly recommend this book to readers of Unearthly and Vampire Academy! After all, this book was great because we finally get to see more of Ren . . . but oh . . . I wanted much more of him and less of nasty Shay (trust me there's a lot of rival alpha male pride going on between Ren and Shay and it's almost ridiculous at times)!

The Rating

4/5 stars

Nightshade by Maryrose Wood

Release Date: 7th September, 2011

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 279pgs

The Story

A dark, gothic tale of romance . . . and murder.

The latest book in the grippingly dark series, The Poison Diaries.

Sixteen-year-old Jessamine Luxton is heartbroken. Her true love, Weed, the strange and intriguing young man who came into her life so suddenly, has disappeared.

Jessamine suspects that her own father, Thomas, may have been involved. Thomas was obsessed with poisons and discovering Weed's secret understanding of dangerous plants.

This suspicion and her own growing expertise with poisons have changed her. She is no longer innocent. So when Jessamine learns that Weed is alive and in danger, she will do whatever it takes to be reunited with him, including killing whoever gets in her way.

The Review

A big thanks to Leanne from the Poison Diaries team for sending me a review copy of this book!

NIGHTSHADE is the continuation of The Poison Diaries series. In this case, I'll try to be as vague as possible in this review since I don't want to give anything away from the previous book. For those readers who have yet to read the first Poison Diaries book, then be sure to check it out when you can because it's well worth the read.

Without going into too much detail concerning the storyline, I'm going to talk about the characters themselves and their personal growth in book two. When it came to Jessamine's character, I found she was far more mature and completely different to the Jessamine you used to know in book one. Her confidence in her own skills was quite a turnaround and I really appreciated the way she handled herself and with the series of events that occured because she's no longer the vulnerable girl. And well . . . our Jessamine has now become a lethal weapon. Meaning literally speaking. As she believes her beloved, Weed, left her when she needed him the most, this then causes her to search for an entirely new identity - explore a darker side to herself. Some readers will be shocked but personally for me I loved her darker side and I'm quite interested to see what's going to happen to her in book three. Now what about dear old Weed? How could I forget him . . . So, what's going on with him? Well, he too has grown a lot as a character and his thoughts are always thinking of Jessamine wherever he is. Poor guy. While there were many reasons behind his own adventures which I won't reveal anything about since I don't want spoil for you guys . . . but you'll come to love him more. But the ending was so . . . mean.

As NIGHTSHADE introduces us to new characters and takes readers all the way through a shocking twisty-turn of an ending (there's a cruel ending by the way), I assure readers that you won't be disappointed in this book. Personally I was surprised by NIGHTSHADE since it's a lighter read but damn I liked it a little more than the first book. Unlike the first book in the series, NIGHTSHADE is much darker, different and the historical-like elements were absolutely perfect for a book like this one. I recommend this sequel to anyone who loves a Maria V. Snyder book or have already read Poison Diaries.

The Rating

3 1/2 /5 stars

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