Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Book: Wolfsbane (Nightshade Series #2)
Author: Andrea Cremer
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication Date: July 26, 2011

Description: This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and 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.

My Review: Wolfsbane was just as exciting as Nightshade, if not more. Andrea Cremer successfully picked the story up right where we left off in Nightshade. It was a story of love, lust, and war that did not disappoint.

The story begins as the main character, Calla, is more confused as ever. Not only does she wake up after being in a brutal fight with her enemies (which she obviously lost), but she finds herself in the midst of their lair. She then learns that everything she knew about herself was a lie. As if that wasn't enough, she despises herself for leaving behind her pack and family, is confused about how she should feel about Shay, and does not know if she's still in love with Ren (I don't know about you, but that sounds like a panic attack waiting to happen). Nonetheless, Calla is an Alpha and she acts like one. Shay is, of course, still here supporting Calla and the relationship quickly grows and evolves. The pack dynamic between then is interesting to watch and made me feel as if the relationship were resting on pins and needles.

In this book we are introduced to a large amount of new characters. Slowly, I began to love and admire them all in different ways. Andrea Cremer definitely out did herself in this book. There was plenty of action to get my blood pumping, suspense that made me want to get angry at my coworker when he interrupted me at the best part of the book ("Oh my gosh! Why are you talking, please do not to talk to me right now...oh hi, ummm sorry."). There was just enough love and lust to make sap's like me giggle with excitement, but not so much that it took away from the storyline. Humor was incorporated within the book and i found myself laughing out loud, only to look around making sure no one was staring at me. I absolutely loved Wolfsbane.

That being said there was one thing that frustrated me about the book. My main issue was the way the book began. If you're like me, you cant wait to start books. At times (okay all the time) you are so excited to read the new book that you refuse to re-read the previous book to catch up assuming that the book will remind you of the important points. Although Wolfsbane did a little of this, It wasn't enough to stop me from scratching my head constantly to try to remember what happened in the last book. The first few chapters had quite a few flashbacks that I couldn't remember anything about, although after a while I remembered. I wished that the book had reminded its readers of the Nightshade's events a little sooner within the book. Regardless, once I neared the climax of the book, I was completely caught up and engrossed .

Wolfsbane was a wonderful book full of twists and turns. It was packed from cover to cover with action and I thoroughly enjoyed it.