Review: Wolfsbane begins immediately where Nightshade ends. Readers new to this series must read the first book in order to gain a familiarity with the earlier story and a large cast of characters since the author offers little explanation to new readers.
As the book begins, Alpha Calla awakens in a room where she has been held captive by the Searchers, a group of humans who fight the Guardians, a pack of werewolves. Having left her wolf pack to save Shay, she reluctantly allies with warily trusts the Searchers yet finds herself questioning all she once believed in, including the nature of her own species. Plagued by the idea that she is solely responsible of putting her pack in trouble and shocked to learn her real history, Calla joins forces with the Searchers, led by the dark and stoic Monroe. Together they hatch a scheme to infiltrate the Keepers, an evil group that controls the wolves (Calla's pack in particular). The crew embarks on deadly missions to try to save them.
The tone of Wolfsbane is much darker and sinister than Nightshade. As readers, we can't help but feel the urgency, seriousness, and danger that infiltrates the air and surrounds our characters. Much of this change of ambiance from the friendly banter of Nightshade is due to the large absence of the wolf packs, particularly Calla's, but that isn't to say that the wit, charm, and romantic tension is completely gone from this book. In a lot of ways, Wolfsbane is like a new story. We are introduced to new characters and learn a lot about how the Searchers function and their community. Like the wolf packs, I also really enjoyed learning about these characters. Adne is a weaver of portals and Monroe's daughter. Connor is a strong, snarky, and flirtatious Searcher who might have a thing for Adne. Connor reminded me a lot of Jace from Cassandra Clare's popular Mortal Instrument series. Ethan is a powerful fighter with a chip on his shoulder. I was surprised to see how much I warmed up to these characters who were once deemed as Calla's enemies.
Wolfsbane is a really fast read. There are so many plot twists and action scenes that filled the pages that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. As Cremer has promised, we learn more about Ren's past, the war between the Keepers and Seachers. We also learn more about Shay's role in the grand scheme of things. There is a lot of heart break and loss in this book as lives were lost. Unlike many other paranormal romances that I read where I can predict where the author is going in his/her storytelling, I have no idea what will happen next.
I really enjoyed Wolfsbane, but I did have a problem with how the love triangle was presented in this book. In Nightshade we were first introduced to the love triangle between Calla, Shay, and Calla's betrothed, Ren. The tension escalates as Shay and Calla become closer. Calla is sure she loves Shay, but she is racked with guilt over abandoning Ren and the rest of her family and pack. Even though Ren doesn't appear in this book hardly at all, his presence can be felt. Shay continues to irritate me to no end with his incessant reasoning of how things "should be done". Though I understand and see why his assertiveness is coming out, there is something about him that I don't trust. For me, I thought the love triangle was less exciting this time because we get to know Ren's past but not him as a person. I really hope Cremer gives Ren a larger role in the next book, which I think she will as Wolfbane leaves off with a very big cliffhanger revolves around him. I can't wait to see what Cremer has in stored for us next.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Words of Caution: There is strong violence, some language, and an allusion to sex. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.
If you like this book try: Blood Rose (Nightshade #3) by Andrea Cremer released January 2012, Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, 13 to Life by Shannon Delaney
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