Publication Date - 21st February 2012
Paperback - 416 pages
Genre - Young Adult/Urban Fantasy
Source - Received from publisher for review
Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it.
Reviewed by - Chrissie
Book Info - 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, when the battle finally ends, then there's deciding what to do and who to love. That is, if Calla can make it out alive.
Review - I am a big fan of the Nightshade series so I was incredibly excited when I received this final instalment of the series through the post. Although I will admit to starting it with some trepidation - it is always a nerve-wracking experience to find out how a much-loved series is going to end. But luckily I was not at all disappointed!
Although Nightshade gets off to a slow start, once the action does start it doesn't let go and I was completely wrapped up in the story. There is a lot of suspense surrounding how the war against the Keepers was going to end and this kept me turning the pages until late in the night.
Plus, the way that the impending war affects the people involved made me fall in love with the characters even more. They are sure that they're taking part in a suicide mission and so they are trying to make the most of every last moment together - leading to some heart-melting and bitter-sweet interactions between them.
The ending was, for me, perfect. I read a huge spoiler about the ending a while ago in another review and I didn't think I would like the conclusion of the series, but after reading the rest of the book I could see that it couldn't end in any other way. And for the most part it is a happy ending - that made me shed a tear or two!
The only thing that I didn't like too much was Calla's treatment of Ren. She brings him back to the Guardians and Searchers to help them with the war but she makes him believe that he has a chance with her in the future just so that he'll stick around to fight. Although it is obvious Calla loves him in her own special way, it is also very obvious that her heart belongs to Shay. I just felt that she should have treated him better and this made me dislike her a little bit at certain points (in case you couldn't tell I am firmly in Team Ren :P).
Summary - Despite a slow start, this book managed to grab me and pull me into the story. With suspense, romance, betrayal and intrigue I really can't recommend this series enough. I loved the ending but I'm sad that it has now come to an end. If you haven't read this series yet then these books need to be added to your TBR list now!
Other books in the series:
1. Nightshade
2. Wolfsbane
3. Bloodrose
Other reviews of this book:
A Cupcake and a Latte / Literary Exploration / The Overflowing Library
This book counts towards the following challenges:
Book #2 for 2012 Finish the Series Reading Challenge
Book #24 for 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
3 comments:
I haven't started the Nightshade series yet but, I have to admit I'm a little turned off by what a few friends have said about Calla... I know that if I don't connect with the main character I have trouble liking the book.
Great review by the way!
Book Enslaved
Book Slave - Hmm, for the most part I have liked Calla. It was only at certain points in this book that I disliked her slightly. But I do know what you mean - it's very hard to enjoy a book if you don't like one of the main characters!
I only skimmed this review Chrissie because I still need to get my grubby paws on Bloodrose. But I am thrilled to see that you weren't disappointed with it.
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