Saturday, October 9, 2010

Review and Giveaway: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
"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?"

Book photo from and link goes to The Book Depository and teaser from Goodreads
Publication date:  Oct 19th 2010
2nd book: WOLFSBANE (Summer 2011, Philomel) Nightshade Book 2
Betrayal, loss, pain, fear. How many trials can love endure and still survive?
Andrea Cremer's site here

**My Rating: 5/5**

*My Review*
    Nightshade is a wonderful read- I flew through it and enjoyed every moment. Calla is a great main character, she has strong opinions, she is a leader, she is loyal and fierce. Reading from her point of view was a pleasurable experience. Well, for the most part! Nightshade is full of mystery and suspense- I was constantly guessing and wanting to know more.
    Calla is an alpha, leader of her pack, and though she is protective of her packmates, she is beginning to question everything she has know, all because of a mystery boy that she risks all to save. Shay. He is an awesome character, funny, inquisitive, and brave. He cares for Calla, and fights for her, makes her examine how she really feels; which isn't as simple as it sounds, as she is promised to Ren. This is a decision made by the Guardians- their packs are destined to merge, with Ren and Calla mated. Ren is well written as well- he is a natural leader, quick temper, and he has strong feelings masked behind his bravado; and I love his teasing manner. He can be a jerk though, and he has a reputation of being with a lot of girls and not really committing. But when it comes to Calla, he starts showing a different side.
    Cremer really handled this triangle well-- I really didn't know who I wanted Calla to be with, and who I would rather have :) Cremer wrote the romance so that it enhances the plot, but does not completely derail it. And oh man is this a sexy novel (it was all tasteful but still hot!)
    The other minor characters were well written. Ansel, Calla's little brother, is awesome. He shows such love and affection for his sister, and I love to see that. They are like best friends and siblings at the same time.
    Cremer also created a wonderful universe-- it works within the world we know, but all of the paranormal is real! I was a bit confused at first with all the terminology- guardians, keepers, wraiths, etc-- but it all fell into place. As they uncover more of the mystery, I was able to form my own opinions as well as seeing what Calla and her people were taught and know to be true.
    I am glad that I picked this one up, it was a great read, and I can't wait for the next book to come out! 


   I would love to hear what you think of my review and/or the book!

Book Trailer:



And now for the contest!
Winner is Misha1989!

57 comments:

  1. Aw, it's US only. That's too bad. But one of these days, I'm going to get my hands on the book. And glomp it. Your review only whet my appetite more.

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  4. Yay! I'm US. I would pick Shay because the way that you described him was amazing. Ren seems okay, but if the only time he can really show the nice side of him is when he's with Calla, then that relationship just wont work out. The cover of this book blew me away the first time I saw it! Thank you so much for this fantastic giveaway! =)

    morgynmjoubert(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  5. Don't count me in, I just wanted to say that this book sounds totally awesome. :) I really like the descriptiion of it, the suspense and the characters! :) great review!

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  6. I am International but you can enter me . I am all ready to pay the shipping. hehe
    I am a follower already, ofcourse. I would pick Shay because he just seems more interesting. You said Ren can be a jerk at times. I don't like jerks!

    mishamary@gmail.com

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  7. Tweet Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/Misha_1989/status/26836014015

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  8. I would pick Ren because I like first loves.

    iwouldratherbereading@gmail.com

    I really enjoyed your review!

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  9. I would pick Ren. I have a thing for strong hot heads. ^^

    * Brilliant review.

    jedisakora@msn.com

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  10. Would love to win. Shay sounds like a nicer guy, so I'll go with him. I'm an old follower and I will review a copy if I win.

    mesmerix AT gmail DOT com

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  11. I Think I'd pick Ren. He sounds more my speed...but things change :) Thanks for the givewaway!

    -Lisa B.
    angel28140 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  12. I also tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/LisaMBasso/status/26848442059

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  13. Thanks for the giveaway! I think I would pick Shay. Of course I haven't actually read the book yet, so this may change!

    aprilxu2222@gmail.com

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  14. I also tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/ramen_addict/status/26849351438

    aprilxu2222@gmail.com

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  15. I think I'd be Team Ren, but we'll see when I read the book!

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  16. Here's my tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/ReganCoomer/status/26850089502

    And I don't know why I show up as http, lol, but my name is Regan and my blog is regancoomer.wordpress.com.

    Thanks!

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  17. And here's my email! regancoomer@gmail.com. Thanks for this giveaway - you've def made the book sound very tasty.

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  18. Great review! I would def pic Ren at this point, he sounds like my classic bad boy- and I have a thing for bad boys! Here's my tweet:
    http://twitter.com/#!/TrishWolfe/status/26850696157
    And I'm a follower. Email: rubric1232(at)aol(dot)com

    Thanks!

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  19. I'm from the US. I would definetly pick Shay because he sounds like him and Calla fit like a puzzle piece.
    GFC follower
    Pokadots1121@yahoo.com

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  20. Thanks for the giveaway! i would definetly pick Ren because he sounds like a badboy :)

    jessica b
    jecca.0104@gmail.com

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  21. i tweeted
    http://twitter.com/vampficionada/status/26860056641

    jecca.0104@gmail.com

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  22. great giveaway

    drakebdog@gmail.com

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  23. Great review! I absolutely fell in love with this book. I think it could take center stage like the Twilight series did :D I don't know who I would choose so I am going to go Team Switzerland on this one :D Ren is more of the steamy type and Shay is more of the boyish charm.

    Thanks for the giveaway! I am a GFC follower.

    ashleysbookshelf[at]gmail[dot]com

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  24. Tweeted : http://twitter.com/?status=Blkosiner%27s%20Book%20Blog:%20Review%20and%20Giveaway:%20Nightshade%20by%20Andrea%20Cremer:%20http://bit.ly/bGtDNT%20via%20@addthis#!/ashleybookshelf/status/26873993744

    ashleysbookshelf[at]gmail[dot]com

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  25. Gonna go with Ren.
    bkhabel at gmail dot com

    I follow.

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  26. +1 http://twitter.com/toobusyreading/status/26877976447
    bkhabel at gmail dot com

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  27. I dunno; I might pick Shay because he seems like he has a lot going against him. Ren and Calla are "fated" to merge packs by their mating. But Shay's just a human. I can't imagine how Shay must feel with Calla being the one doing the protecting!

    I follow you <33
    angelmistress[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  28. +1 Tweet tweet :D

    http://twitter.com/#!/frazzletastic/status/26887573480

    angelmistress[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  29. I like Shay more! Ren seemed a little too...something...

    jessbess2505[at]yahoo[dot]com

    Already a follower!

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  30. Ren seemed a little too much like every guy out there! I would want Shay!

    Already a follower!

    moonlightbookreviews@gmail.com

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  31. Ren. Most Def. Nothing like a sexy Alpha Male! LOL

    amcelfresh@hotmail.com

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  32. I think I would go with Shay...because nobody likes to be told what to do right???

    parajunkee at gmail.com

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  33. Here is my tweet:
    http://twitter.com/#!/parajunkee/statuses/26947276244

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  34. Awh, you're review makes me want to read NIGHTSHADE even more! And for me - although I have yet to read it, I'd have to pick Ren because even though he's an alpha male and kind of a jerk, I think it's sweet how his "strong feelings are masked behind his bravado" and cause there's nothing hotter than a hot sexy alpha male ;)

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  35. My tweet tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/momocsst/status/26952853820

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  36. Thanks so much for this contest! Right now, I'd have to say Ren, but that may change. :)

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/ivyhawthorn/status/26954159884

    ivy AT ivyhawthorn DOT com

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  37. I think I would pick Ren. It sounds like he has a tough exterior but could turn out to be a sweet guy in the end.
    I am a follower.
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  38. By your review I would choose Shay because I'm a sucker for that forbidden romance type thing, but I can't wait to read this to see who I'd actually choose! I'm dying to get this book in my hands! I'd love to be entered in this contest. I'm a follower.
    miranda.lyons09@yahoo.com
    www.just-read-books.blogspot.com

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  39. Oh thanks for this review!
    I have been hearing good things only about this book! :)
    I'm willing to pay shipping! XD

    I think I'd enjoy Ren more because I really like Alpha male characters who hide their softer side and there's more to them!! :)

    I follow on GFC, twitter, networked blogs and Goodreads.

    yvantis@hotmail.com

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  40. I also twitted about the contest: http://twitter.com/#!/yllektra/status/26975195777

    yvantis@hotmail.com

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  41. I think I would pick Shay; he sent me mail. I have had nothing from Ren. Ha!

    Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
    email: steph@fangswandsandfairydust.com
    twitter: @fangswandsfairy

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  42. I'd definitely pick Ren! He's a sexy werewolf! Who wouldn't?

    I'm a GFC follower.

    theresa9854@gmail.com

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  43. Tweet: http://twitter.com/Theresa_9/status/26990743731

    theresa9854@gmail.com

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  44. Commented on interview!

    ashleysbookshelf@gmail.com

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  45. I am 100% team Ren! I can't wait to see how the story plays out. Great review!

    stephanie_xoxo27@yahoo.com

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  46. I'd pick Shay based on your review. However, deep down I know I love the bad boys, so when I actually read it, there's probably a good chance I'd pick Ren. :)

    amanda65619@yahoo.com

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  47. I'd pick Shay right now, but you know how an author can change our minds in a flash! Shay seems much more kind than Ren.

    bchild5@aol.com

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  48. Would probably choose Ren since he is the first :)

    Stephanie
    2love.stephanie@gmail.com

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  49. I'm not in the US but I'll totally pay the extra shipping if I win...it's not like it's that much more expensive to ship to Canada.

    I would pick Ren...probably because I have a tendency to always go for the "bad" guy, the one who doesn't seem like he would be the right choice.

    Emilie
    emiliebookworld@gmail.com

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  50. +1 for Tweeting!

    Here's the link: http://twitter.com/#!/emiliebookworld/status/27065980701

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  51. I would go with Ren mainly cause I admit I like the bad boys LOL


    giveawaymommy at yahoo.com

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  52. +1 entry I tweeted

    http://twitter.com/giveawaymommy/status/27069053197


    giveawaymommy at yahoo dot com

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  53. Hi,

    I've been seeing this book everywhere and your description sounds yummy, so count me in. I'm a new gfc follower and I'm big on loyalty, so I'm going with Ren!

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  54. I would love to win this book, going to have to pick Shay because right now he's the one I know the most about via facebook and blogs.

    geckyboz[at]gmail[dot]com

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  55. I've been wanting to read this book so bad so I'm crossing my fingers! I heard Ren is a badboy so I'm going with him. Thanks for the giveaway!

    lvtink21@wi.rr.com

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  56. I choose Ren, just because the guy the MC is usually dating/promised to always loses the love battle. And I love the jerks. There might be something wrong with me.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    kelseyjsutton@gmail.com

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  57. This book is heartbreaking, finding out what happens after Calla and Shay escape, and what those left behind are left to handle. The new characters also bring a rich texture to the story, and Connor especially kept me turning the page... For me, choosing between Ren and Shay has always mostly been for Calla, but I'll take Connor for myself :)

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I would love to hear from you! (I always try to visit your blog back) I love links, so feel free to link to your blog or a post you like.
Sorry, but I am award and tag free zone, I do not have the time to return. Comments are reward enough :)