Aftermath by Andrea Cremer [REVIEW]

Aftermath
(Nightshade #3.5)
by Andrea Cremer

Summary from Goodreads:

"Picking up where BLOODROSE left off, this short story delves into the aftermath of the final battle between the Searchers, the Keepers and the Guardians. Adne is haunted by her past actions, Logan is running for his life, and the Searchers still don’t feel safe. What they thought was the end of the War of All against All may just be the beginning of something even more sinister..."

Rating:

I didn’t really know what Aftermath is about when I first saw it. I just grabbed it off and read it immediately only knowing this was taking place after the events of Bloodrose.

What we thought was the end of a waging war after a brutal fight between the Searches (along with Calla and company), and the Keepers (also known as the bad guys) wasn’t all that it seems. Although they have put an end to the Keepers’ reign, it didn’t put an end to all things evil.  And Adne is just about to find out what’s to come...

WARNING: What I’m about to say is utterly a huge, huge spoiler if you know what I’m talking about. I’ll try to be as vague as possible. For those who have read this series and have been left feeling a little cheated over the idea of what happened in the end of Bloodrose... well you are in for quite a surprise. And boy is it shocking! I was completely taken aback by it that I gasped loudly over the ending.

Since this ebook is only a couple of pages long, there really isn’t much to say; therefore I leave you with a very interesting question at hand... Do we dare hope that this is an opening for a sequel/spin-off to the Nightshade/Witches War series? Let’s all wait and see.

Book Haul [10]

I haven't thought of a name for a weekly meme of book hauls so let's just go with what's posted above.

For now, I'll call this the "Whatever it's called" Book Haul. It's only temporary, I swear. I just haven't thought of a clever name for it. So this is pretty much just like In My Mailbox by the Story Siren, This Week In Books by Pop Culture Junkie, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews and all the other titles with the similar concept here and there. This is a weekly post showcasing the books you received for the given week, either bought online or from a physical bookstore, borrowed from the library or from a friend, received for review or won from a giveaway, etc.

Hello, fellow readers! How are you this lovely Sunday? 

I'm all up and happy that it's a long weekend for us here in the Philippines [work resumes on Wednesday] that I'm so giddy, and I'm walking with a little skip on my every step. Yay! Time for some R&R... I'm planning to read all throughout my free time. Sounds like a plan, yes? 

Treachery by Andrea Cremer [REVIEW]

        

Treachery (Nightshade #2.5)
by Andrea Cremer

Summary from Goodreads:

"From Andrea Cremer’s internationally best-selling Nightshade series, Calla Tor’s brother Ansel tells his side of the betrayal and treachery depicted in Wolfsbane.Ansel’s world is falling apart. The Nightshade pack led by his parents has been violently destroyed. His sister, Calla, abandoned her little brother, leaving him to answer for her crimes. And the Haldis pack that would have been his future is irreparably broken by Calla's betrayal. Suffering at the hands of the Keepers, Ansel is losing everything he's ever loved. The only chance he has to save himself means an alliance with his tormentors, and repaying Calla in full for her treachery. In this novella, find out why Ansel makes the decisions he does in Andrea Cremer's New York Times bestselling novel, Wolfsbane."

Rating:

I really enjoyed reading Andrea Cremer’s Nightshade series. I had every mix of emotion while reading those books that even after the finale; of course I just had to have more.

When I saw Treachery, I was immediately drawn to it for two reasons: (1) Even though I adore Calla, I was excited to see a new viewpoint for this story, in spite of it being only a glimpse, (2) Knowing it is in Ansel’s point of view makes it even more interesting to finally find out why he made the crazy decision to betray Calla.

Sadly, Treachery was too short to give me any deep insight. I already know Ansel’s feeling towards Calla but there wasn’t anything new to what I already know from reading Bloodrose. The idea was all the same only in a different perspective. Either way, I wasn’t surprised at all.

I was expecting to see how they took Ansel’s wolf from him but it was already done and this was based more on his decision to do the unthinkable deed of trading his sister to get his wolf back.

Hmm... I don’t know, ,maybe my opinion would be different if I’ve read this first but still, I think it wasn’t enough.

In My Mailbox [28]

Hello, hello! I've got some awesome ebooks this week, along with an experimental design for this IMM's ebook haul presentation inspired by the Mac OS dock, which appears to be smaller than I expected it to turn out. Sorry 'bout that folks, my bad. O well, I'm going to have to work on it then. ^_^

The Seer's 7 Deadly Fairy Tales: A Compendium by Elizabeth Marx

The Lost Files: Nine's Legacy by Pittacus Lore

Treachery by Andrea Cremer

Hana: A Delirium Short Story by Lauren Oliver

Old Habits by Melissa Marr 

For Review:

Daphne and the Mysterious Girls Secret Bathroom Society by Robert Shields

NetGalley Grabs:

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Tomorrow Land by Mari Mancusi

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Yesterday by C.K. Kelly Martin

Your turn...

What did you get this week?

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer [REVIEW]

       

Bloodrose (Nightshade #3)
by Andrea Cremer

Summary from Goodreads:

"Is true love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is. 

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy."

Rating:

Alas! We’ve come to the end of the Nightshade series. I’m surely going to miss Calla and the rest of the guardians.

Bloodrose, the third instalment of the Nightshade series, is definitely a breath taking book. It’s full of adventure, suspense, and romance and I loved every page and scene… except for one in particular which I believe a lot of team Ren members out there would definitely agree that that part was really an oh-you-didn’t-just-do-that-to-Ren moment. I’m not really torn over the Ren-Calla-Shay love triangle because I think I found it obvious that the author was already reeling the romance bit between Calla and Shay.

So am I happy about Calla being with Shay? Up until the end of this series, I still don’t know. It’s just not something I found myself thinking about. I guess I just settled in with what the author provided and just went with the story. Plus, I guess I was so focused on the mythology and history of this book that I hardly noticed whom would fit better with Calla as a co-alpha. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Well, you decide.

Anyway, speaking of mythology and history, I’ve got to hand it to Andrea Cremer for such a unique creation. I mean I can’t imagine how much research and devising she had to go through to create something so artistic and beautiful!

Did I mention that I love the action and adventure? Well, let’s get into the details. So Shay’s supposed to find all the pieces to assemble the Elemental Cross, and of course the task comes with going into restricted and dangerous territories which eventually have booby-traps, puzzles, killer-guards and all that riff-raff.  I thought this was going to bore me out because I was thinking that the obstacles were going to be not so surprising. You can’t possibly make the obstacles any different from the usual ones we see on TV, right? This is one of those moments that I’m thankful I was wrong. Another round of applause for Cremer please because that was one heck of an adventure! Every area the characters went to really tested their abilities and there’s not a time that I didn’t feel my heart pound with tension and excitement.

So I guess you can say that I loved this book… yes, but not entirely. The surprise by the ending wore me out a bit. It wasn’t something I expected but in a sense I guess that part was fitting to the story, and I’m glad to see many of them happy. Still not okay with the Ren part though… *shakes head in dismay*

The verdict: Two thumbs up! If you’re looking for a unique and action-packed series, the Nightshade books are your best bet. 

In My Mailbox [22]

In My Mailbox [22]

hosted by The Story Siren

Another week has passed and it's now time for one of my favorite meme's! 

But before I go into the books I got this week let me just greet everyone...Kung Hei Fat Choi!!! 

Well, for tomorrow that is. It's a declared holiday here in the Philippines, the chinese community will be celebrating Chinese New Year. 

Alright, now to the books:

Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

(Approved from NetGalley)

- Shannon Hale is one of my favorite authors, so Yay!

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

- I'm so excited about this. I've dying to know what happened after reading Wolfsbane

 ...and that's it for me! What did you guys get?

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Shadow Days: A Nightshade Novella by Andrea Cremer

        

Shadow Days: A Nightshade Novella
(Nightshade Prequel)

Shadow Days is a short story on Shay’s point of view. This novella was about what happened to Shay before he met Calla. There wasn’t really anything much into it that you won’t know if or when you read Nightshade, well specifically on the idea of the creepiness of Bosque’s house anyway.  So I don’t really have anything else to say about it.

I’ve read both Nightshade and Wolfsbane, and now that I’ve read this I’m still on neutral territory over the whole Shay-Calla-Ren relationship.

Shadow Days really hasn’t anything special to it for me. I would like to see a novella with Ren’s perspective though, and I’m still really eager to read Bloodrose.

Rating:

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Sequels I'm Dying to Read

Top Ten Tuesday

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Sequels I'm Dying to Read

    

    

1. Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

     - I can't wait to see how the Nightshade series ends!

2. Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

     - I loved the first book, Austenland; and I love Shannon Hale so, yeah I can't wait to get to read this.

3. Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel

     - I felt sad about how Infinite Days ended so I really want to see how it would continue with this second installment.

4. Eona by Alison Goodman

     - I devoured Eon so of course I'm eager to read Eona. I'm just waiting for the paperback to be released since I bought the paperback copy of Eon. I want my books to match.

5. Fever by Lauren DeStefano

     - I'm eager to see the continuation of Rhine's story.

6. Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

     - Not loving the cover but I totally dig this series.

7. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

     - Major cliff-hanger on Unearthly! I badly want to know the answers to all the questions piled in at the ending of the first book.

8. Truth by Julia Karr

     - Now that Nina's marked with the XVI tattoo, she's in for more challenges than she has already faced. Can't wait for that!

9. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

     - Something tells me I'm in for more adventure.

10. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

     - Yes, this has been on my previous top ten but I really am eager to read this. I get so giddy thinking about it! 

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

        

Wolfsbane
(Nightshade #2)
by Andrea Cremer

Summary 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."

Rating:

This is an intense and very informative book.

I think I’m still a little overwhelmed as Calla was on discovering the history and truths about the life she thought she knew. I thought that Nightshade, the first book of this series has already provided me with enough background to understand the mythology and fantasy of this tale. Little did I know that there was more to it than I already learned?

Wolfsbane isn’t as action-packed as the first book was, it was more focused on all the planning to rescue Calla’s pack mates and gather forces on the Searchers’ side, knowing the truth behind the Keepers’ lies, and finding out more about Shay’s importance and the history of the Searchers’ and Keepers. It’s quite a lot of talk really.

I’m not really a fan of that sort so I did find it slow and dreary. But the new characters that had come into picture caught my interest. There were a lot of personalities to take in from all the new characters, but I enjoyed getting to know them all.

At first when they all gathered up on a supposed meeting, I was annoyed for being so confused at not understanding any of what they were talking about. It was only later that I realized that Cremer was showing the difference of the Searchers from the Keepers.

In Calla’s eyes, the Searchers were given much freewill to express their opinion and emotions. Despite how confusing they can get and how well off topic they could end up at, they show respect to their leader and in return their leader treats them equally. Something Calla has not experienced in her life at the Keepers’ hands. She was given what to do, and she does it, no questions asked.

I don’t have a say on the Shay-Calla-Ren relationship, I was torn between who to bet on for Calla during Nightshade, but now I’m still on information-overdrive that I hadn’t thought about which team to be on.

Even though I said that this book dragged, there were lots of surprises too. The last few chapters took in every ounce of action it may’ve lacked in the beginning. I was sad to see some of the characters I’ve come to love change or get killed. I was also shocked with the revelation near the end. Boy, I did not see that coming! Just when you though you knew everything, here comes something new to think about! I expect Bloodrose to be pouring out with action and surprises that will have anyone following this series on the edge of their seat.

In My Mailbox [1]

IN MY MAILBOX [1]

hosted by The Story Siren

My first In My Mailbox post! Yay! 

I went to one of my favorite bookstores, Fully Booked at the Gateway Mall, and found a lot of great books. Sadly I can't buy all of them. It took me about a few (okay, more like a lot!) rounds around shelves to finally pick just five(5) from those that I like most.

So, here are the books I splurged on this week. 

Snow: A Retelling of "Snow White & the Seven Dwarves" by Tracy Lynn

The Rose Bride: A Retelling of "The White Bride & the Black Bride" by Nancy Holder

The Storyteller's Daughter: A Retelling of "The Arabian Nights" by Cameron Dokey

Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

        

Nightshade
(Nightshade #1)
by Andrea Cremer

Summary from Goodreads:

"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?"

Rating:

Nightshade = Predictable? NOT!

This book is absolutely dynamic. The plot is not something you would normally encounter. The whole mythology and history was greatly in-depth. I think Cremer had gone through real painfully long hours of research to pull it off that immensely. I love that, from start to finish, I hadn’t gone weary (not one bit!). With every flip of a page and with every passing chapter, there’s just always something gripping you to keep reading.

The characters are noteworthy. Calla is an alpha wolf. Yes! Finally a female pack leader. Ha! Ha! Ren, a male alpha, had really proven his dominating personality, both in good and annoying ways. Shay is one of kind, although I am still wondering why he’s throwing himself all over Calla. Everyone else involved, Bryn, Ansel, etcetera, they all stand out, and I admire Cremer’s ability to have created them in such a way. 

I did find some things puzzling though. I don’t get how Calla and Shay even started having feelings for each other. Don’t get me wrong, I like Shay and Calla’s relationship, it’s sweet and funny but how did it even begin? At the opening chapter, it just kind of whacked into the scene without anything solid to define it. On the other hand, Ren and Calla’s relationship seemed vague. I mean it was clear that Ren’s in love with Calla, but how did it actually start anyway? He’s a ladies’ man, what exactly did Calla have to pull him to her? I’m not questioning Calla’s personality; I just want to have something to grasp at to be able to understand how it all occurred.

I can say that this is a spectacular debut novel, still every book has its flaws but Nightshade’s blemishes does not surpass the aptitude that this book has to offer. Up until the end I’m torn between Ren and Shay, so I’m very eager to know how it’ll turn out. I cannot, and I mean CANNOT, wait for Wolfsbane.