Review: Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2)

Title: Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2)
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Pages: 400
Challenge: None


My Rating:

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. -summary from goodreads.com

I had originally given this book a 4 heart rating, but now that I think about it I’m leaning more towards a 3 ½. Let me explain. In Wolfsbane we pick up right after the ending in Nightshade. With that being said, if it’s been a while since you finished Nightshade, I would recommended going back to read the last chapter or so. Just so you get a better feel on what’s going on (unlike me; I was a bit lost at first).

The first 200 and something pages of Wolfsbane is the history of the Guardians. In the beginning I was very intrigued! The history was very interesting, but after a while it seemed to me like that was all we were going to get, just history. When things finally start to move along, I found myself not liking the way they were headed. For starters- slight spoiler- I couldn’t (wouldn’t is more accurate) believe what happened to Ansel! Super unjust and cruel! Also (bigger spoiler- highlight to read) [[ when Calla finds out her mom was killed because of her, the girl did not show enough emotion. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t the mom’s biggest fan in Nightshade, but she’s still her mother… you know what I mean? I would have cried like a baby, mean mom or not! I get the fact that she’s supposed to be this bad ass Alpha, but come on! Holding things in like that will just make her snap…. Which towards the end, she kind of does. ]]

Calla does have a moment of weakness where everything that’s happened is too overpowering and overwhelming… but Shay comes to the rescue. You’ll see what I mean ;) The last couple of chapters (with the exception of the very last one) were hilarious! I loved getting the girls back together. Sabine really surprised me.

Ok, so if you’ve read this far and your thinking, “Well Diana, all this doesn’t seem too bad…. I think I’ll manage” Well good for you my friend, but let me warn ya… my personal main major complaint; NO REN! Seriously, there is only ONE scene where he is present… ONE! It’s a GOOD scene, but one none the less. I was seriously growing grey hairs over here…. Team Ren all the way! Love Shay, but he just doesn't feel right for Calla.

Like any good series, there is always one book (usually the 2nd book…. New Moon anyone? I wanted to throw that thing to Timbuktu!) that has to be more of a transitional book; the one that prepares us for the awesome happenings that will happen in book 3….. I seriously feel that's what Wolfsbane does. Especially after the big revelations at the end. Ugh. The ending….. KILLER!