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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Synopsis from Goodreads: 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.

First, I'd like to mention that the first book in this trilogy is called Nightshade which I sincerely recommend you read. With that said, HOLY FREAKING FOLLOW-UP! This was an amazing story.When we left Calla she had just finished fighting the Searchers, among some other opponents, and was left in the dark about if she would live or die. When she wakes in Wolfsbane, she doesn't recognize her surroundings and starts to recall her capture. She is on edge as the Searchers approach her to bargain with her, a bargain that will help her save her pack. She and Shay are reunited and he helps her feel more comfortable around the people who have been her rivals for her entire life.

Calla goes through some serious doubt about her place in life, her destiny, and her feelings to the people she's always known and trusted and those who have always been her enemies. There is a lot of trouble in this novel with Calla's choices affecting many people and she begins to feel the weight of her decisions unbearable. But Calla is too strong to just give up and forces herself to make more life-altering choices and entrusts her life-and her pack's lives-with the Searchers. Shay helps Calla make decisions and tries to comfort her in times of confusion.

This was a great sequel to Nightshade because it answered most of my questions from book one and then gave me more to contemplate for the next book. I felt that this novel progressed well and made me eager to reach its final pages. Calla's options are some that make you feel overwhelmed. Even as damaged as she is from being ripped from the only life she has ever known, she is a strong heroine who is not afraid to do what needs to be done for the greater good of everyone she cares about. In an admirable show of courage, she shows passion for a better life, and understanding that this new future may cost her more than heartbreak.

Wolfsbane is a novel that will suck you in until the very end. Cremer has created a story with every possible component you could ask of an excellent novel; suspense, danger, romance, friendships, loss, twists, and wolves. As a wolf fan, I may be a bit biased but I feel confident in saying that if you purchase this book you will not be let down. Any fan of YA will love this story, adults included. If all of the above reasons aren't enough to entice you, the cliffhanger ending is a great reason to read Bloodrose, book three which releases in February.