Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Title: Wolfsbane Series: Nightshade #2 Author: Andrea Cremer Publisher: Philomel Published: July 26, 2011 My Copy: ARC from publisher 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.

Wolfsbane was one of my most anticipated reads of the summer and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Nightshade first drew me into Andrea Cremer’s world but this second installment turned me into her number one fan! The story line expands the Guardians’ universe twofold and I absolutely adore all of the new characters that are introduced. In short, I LOVED this book! It’s unlike any werewolf tale that I’ve ever come across. I couldn’t put this one down! I found myself counting down the hours at work until I could be reunited with Calla and her crew and I have the tweets to prove it!

This book picks up right where the previous one left off so yes there’s a continuation to the tale but at the same time it also felt brand new. Wolfsbane is everything that a sequel should be. Calla is now, albeit reluctantly, on the Searchers’ side. Nightshade was all about the Keepers while as this installment focuses on the other side of the coin. The wolves’ enemies turned friends. This novel aptly illustrates how preconceptions can be incorrect and how it’s important to question everything, even when the information is coming from a source that you believe is reliable. Ethan, Connor and Monroe quickly won me over to their side but it was Adne’s skills as a Weaver that really stood out. I enjoyed the descriptive imagery that Cremer uses whenever a portal door is being opened. It’s such a neat concept and the picture that I have in my head of Adne doing her thing is incredible!

Calla evolves by leaps and bounds in this novel. If you were to put the new and old versions side-by-side it’d be hard to tell that they’re one and the same. I liked that Cremer included the young alpha’s internal monologue. Miss Tor’s path in life has changed course so drastically that she’s not even on the same road anymore! Her packmates look to her for guidance and advice but she’s just as lost as they are. Calla struggles with making the right decisions for her wolves and for herself. She’s still strong and courageous but she no longer blindly follows orders. A good leader thinks things through and makes informed decisions. Tor is transforming into a true alpha and will be a force to be reckoned with in the future (I hope!).

Shay is the new leading man in Calla’s life. He plays a more important role in Wolfsbane. I was Team Ren all the way in the first book but now I’m not so sure… Perhaps because, for the most part, Ren is MIA and when he does finally make an appearance it is for worse not better. I’m not writing him off yet because I think he might redeem himself in Bloodrose but only time will tell! Readers get to see a whole new side of Shay in this installment. When it comes to Calla he’s the jealous type and I must say, it looks adorable on him! They’re like, the cutest couple ever! I was so happy when Tor finally decides to stop listening to her head so much and takes a leap of faith. Sparks fly and they’re hot, hot, hot!

Andrea Cremer goes a great job of filling in the blanks that were left over from Nightshade while at the same time introducing new unanswered questions. Wolfsbane is a tale of tragedy, true love and of the dangerous power of secrets. This sequel was everything that I was hoping for and more! I realize that there’s still 5 months left to go in 2011 but I don’t think that I’m jumping the gun by giving this year’s number one YA spot to Wolfsbane. Simply amazing!

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Carmel

Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!

      

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