Nightshade (Nightshade, #1) (Nightshade Universe, #4)

by Andrea Cremer

[rakesandrogues]

Posted at Muggle-Born.net

As I write this review, I am honestly still trying to decide how I feel about this book. Hopefully, the more I write the more my thoughts get sorted out.

NIGHTSHADE starts off with a bang. From the very beginning, we are introduced to Calla and her werewolf form. Calla, the alpha female of the pack Nightshade, is betrothed to the alpha of the Bane pack, Ren. As their upcoming union nears, the two feel pressure from their masters, Lumine and Efron respectively. NIGHTSHADE is a constant tug of war of loyalties but more importantly the heart.

I honestly did not understand the initial attraction between Shay and Calla, especially after such a brief introduction - if one could even call it that. Instant attraction, I could understand, but to feel a connection after a couple of minutes? Not so much. Thankfully, their relationship is further developed as the book progressed.

As for the love triangle, I honestly had no preference between the Ren and Shay. For me, neither of the characters was better than the other. They both had their charms, but neither Ren nor Shay sparked that something in me. I didn't mind if Calla ended up with either of them.

I read paranormal books every now and then but I definitely wouldn't call myself a fan of the genre. Once I started to learn more about Calla, the Guardians, and the Keepers, I had a harder time immersing myself into her world. Despite the fact that Calla kept saying that things were just the way they were and always have been, I just couldn't comprehend their societal norms - much like Shay when he first found out. To be honest, I was kind of weirded out whenever they would be in wolf form. I could take their animalistic tendencies in human form but the whole wolf thing just hasn't completely settled in my mind.

The main reason I kept reading was to figure out Shay's role in the book. Everyone had a feeling something was up, but had no idea what it was. As more clues were uncovered, I kind of figured out his pivotal role. I was a little disappointed, but there were a ton more secrets that had me reeled.

The ending was a bit disappointing for me. It left off without me feeling truly satisfied and failed to answer some of the most important questions that I had. Based on where the first book leaves off, I don't think I'll read the second one because I think it will turn into the paranormal book that I don't like to read. I still have questions left unanswered, but I don't know if my curiosity is piqued enough. Maybe I'll change my mind when it comes out and I've read some reviews.

I would recommend this book to readers who love the paranormal genre. If you're a reluctant paranormal reader like me, just take caution when you read it for yourself.

On a final note, this book is absolutely gorgeous. I unfortunately have an ebook copy from the library, but when I saw it at the bookstore, I wanted to buy it on the spot just for its looks.