Same book, Second look - Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Published: October 2010

Publisher: Philomel Books

Pages: 454

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Review:

OH MY GOODNESS! I was so unprepared for this book! I didn't know much about the story, just that Nightshade was receiving good reviews. I am so happy to have read it in 2010!! It exceeded my expectations. Andrea has created a wonderful and well thoughtout hierarchy with rules and complicated systems of ordering. It was like creating a brand new culture with subcultures!

The main character Cala was believeable and even though she was an alpha and expected others to follow her orders, she was 'human' enough to break rules she had been given and take chances. I love the dynamics between Ren, Cala and Shay and if I had to choose, I think I'd be Team Ren.

**possible spoiler**

Sorry Shay but you put the ones you love in too many situations that affect their well-being. I kept comparing it to cultures and respect for someone's culture. Even though Shay was not a werewolf, he was a part of their world, wanted to hang out with their pack but didn't really respect any of their rules and pushed Cala to bend them. Sure I can see how he wanted her to consider other options but I didn't feel comfortable with it.
Although, in retrospect, I did feel that Shay received a lot of "facetime" in the book so I'm thinking that they will probably end up together (If this were a movie, I'd be booing, throwing popcorn at the screen and possibly making lewd gestures).

**possible spoiler**

So let's talk Ren. MMM.....bad boys. Or should I say boys who attract EVERY girl but are attracted to only you. But how can you tell? I really felt the sincerity coming through when Ms Cremer worked in Ren's character. He was trying to shed his playboy image but continued using his rico suave technique with Cala. Smooth moves will get the girl for tonight but you've gotta change your tactics if you want to nab the one you want to marry. Go Ren!

 If you haven't already read Nightshade, you need to go out and get it now. Really, it's fantastic and I can't wait for the second in the series - Wolfsbane coming out July 12th (Seriously? That far away??)