{Review} Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Title: Bloodrose
Series: Nightshade #3
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philomel (An Imprint of Penguin USA)
Released: January 3, 2012

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Synopsis:

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.

I read Bloodrose THE DAY it released, the very day, in one sitting. It has taken me the better part of a month to become impartial enough not to just sit down and write a scathing review about how badly I disliked certain things that happened. That wouldn't have been fair, because while there were things about this book that frustrated me, Bloodrose is a very well written book, with plenty of action and romance that kept me reading for eight straight hours, and any book that can do that...well, it deserves better than I would have given it minutes or even days after I finished tearing through it.

I needed to complain to my friends and anyone else who would listen. I needed to let all the events settle. I needed to step away and gain some perspective. Which is exactly what I did.

In the third and final installment of the Nightshade Series, Renier Laroche is now at the Academy and the sexual tension reaches an all time high. In order for Shay to complete his quests, he needs to be surrounded by people he can trust and strong warriors. Everybody knows Ren is the best there is, but can Shay trust him? Strangely enough...yes, at least in battle...now with Calla, that's a whole different story.

Calla calls top spot as the Alpha going into this final journey, stating she refuses to pick a mate until the war between the Searchers and the Keepers is behind them. The saying "easier said than done" takes on a whole new meaning in this case. Neither of the boys gives her a single moment of peace, each promoting their own agenda and Calla finds it hard to resist either of them. But Calla and her men aren't the only ones in love...many of the secondary characters finally find their homes.

The final battle is one of my favorite action scenes in any book. Pack mates are forced to fight one another, others reunite, and many will perish for the greater good. Those left standing may not be happy with their ultimate destiny...some will relish in it.

Many people will be heart-broken and maybe a little furious with the conclusion of the Nightshade Series. Honestly, I was mortified but I have the utmost respect Andrea Cremer's writing and her talent. She writes fascinating and complex characters and throws twists into plots like no one else can...well, she and Cassandra Clare run a close race in that arena. Things will happen that you never saw coming, and most of them, well...you'll just have to decide for yourself...

The actual story is not why Bloodrose isn't receiving a higher rating from me...it's more about the digression of the storyline throughout the series. Now...while Bloodrose was fast-paced and action-packed, I felt like everything I loved about Nightshade just disappeared during Wolfsbane and this installment. The underlying themes of fate, politics, and hard choices are what pulled me into this series initially...by the third book, the only thing left was a farce of political shortcomings. I feel like this series could have been so much more...I'm just not sure where it all went wrong.

Reviews to the rest of the series -
Nightshade
Wolfsbane
Bloodrose

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Title: Wolfsbane
Series: Nightshade Series #2
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Penguin Group
July 20, 2011
Andrea Cremers Official Website
Nightshade Series Website
Andrea's Blog

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.

So, I finished this book in about 7 hours. I was so excited for the release that I ran straight to Barnes and Noble and bought it first thing yesterday morning.

Calla finally wakes up from her injuries sustained while at the Rowan Estate helping Shay escape, only to find herself in the same room as the people who attacked her…The Searchers. Even though they assure her she is safe, she is unsure if she should trust them. Who can blame her, they did shoot her with enchanted bolts after all! We find out that Shay was not all that keen on trusting them until he knew Calla was healthy and safe.

There were so many new characters in this book and I loved them all. I was sad to see that several died before we got to know them better.

• Connor: The witty, wise-cracking searcher. I loved him. He was constantly teasing everyone and he had such a soft spot for Adne. I’m not sure if he is in love with  her or is just the big brother type. Hope to see much more of him in Bloodrose.
• Ethan: The one who shot Calla and brother to Kyle (The Searcher Calla killed). In the beginning of the book, I wanted to hate him so bad, but for some reason I just could not bring myself to do it. I am glad, because he saved the day when all was said and done. He definitely made a few mistakes but he made up for them.
• Ariadne: aka Adne. I loved her. She was smart, strong both physically and emotionally, and was loyal to her family above all else. Adne endured some horrific events but never forgot her duties. Her dad, Monroe, had been keeping a secret from her about his past and family she never knew. When Adne found out, she was the first…eh, maybe second, person that insisted on going to save them.
• Monroe: The guide to the Denver based Searchers. Man, does this guy have secrets. Wow! I was truly shocked when I learned about them. He was a great man and sacrificed his life for his family. I was extremely sad to see him go.
• Anika: The Arrow of the Searchers. She is the one who calls the shots.
• Silas: The Scribe and royal know-it-all. The banter between him and Connor left me smiling. Talk about two opposite sides of the same coin.

There is a lot of history about the Searchers, Keepers, and Guardians in this book. I think I was kind of annoyed with all of it at first. I just wanted to get to the action! Calla had to go save her pack and I wanted that to be immediately. Honestly, it did not take long to get into some of the action and I was glad. The first rescue mission left me in tears.

I am definitely Team Ren, so I was disappointed that there was not much of him in this book. And let me tell you, I think I feel the same way about Shay that I did about Jacob in the Twilight Series. (Not a comparison of the books, because they are nowhere near the same, only a comparison of my feelings.) I always felt like Jacob was a desperate, whiney baby and that is the feeling I get from Shay. He is trying way to hard to win Calla’s affection.

The end of the book left me bewildered. However, Andrea released the first chapter in Bloodrose, the third book in the series, yesterday. There are spoilers in the chapter, so do not read it until you have read Wolfsbane. I read it as soon as I finished and that one single chapter made me so much happier. I do not know what will happen when all is said and done, but perhaps I can relax until Spring 2012.

Again, Andrea Cremer wrote an outstanding story full of turmoil, conflict, and unrequited love. The underlying themes of injustice, political upheaval, and nature vs. nurture makes for a compelling and suspenseful read. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys YA Paranormal Romance and Urban Fiction.

My Nightshade Series Reviews -
Nightshade
Wolfsbane
Bloodrose

Teaser Tuesday (#1)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by the lovely MizB of Should Be Reading, in which you share a little taste of what you're reading this week. Sounds fun, right? Join in and share your teaser with us, then add your link here!

• Title: Wolfsbane
• Author: Andrea Cremer

“’Seriously.’ The warmth in his voice drew my eyes to his. When he leaned forward and kissed the tip of my nose, I melted, knowing he meant it.”

“’Calla, I swear I’m not going to hurt you,’ Bryn said through clenched teeth. ‘Can you please hold still?’”

I am currently reading Wolfsbane, but hope to finish today so I can read the first Chapter of Bloodrose. I haven’t finished reading Wolfsbane yet, so I haven’t read the Bloodrose Chapter yet, but it is generating a lot of twitter traffic. I am hearing there may be spoilers, so read Wolfsbane first!!!