Waiting on Wednesday: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Okay, so this post is actually a cross between a Waiting-on-Wednesday and a Reading Rainbow. Why? Because I was lucky enough to win an early copy of Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer so I have already read it! (Thank you Andrea and Editor Jill!) And, I have to admit, I was super excited to be receiving a copy with the original cover.

That's me being super excited.
Okay, maybe this was taken just now and not when I received the book, but multiply this by 1000 and that's how excited I was.

Anyway, here is the actual cover of the book...

From Goodreads:

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.

One thing I really love about this sequel is how much detail we are given. The book is not just about Calla and her own personal struggles (I'll get to that...), but also delves more deeply into the history of the Guardians and how they came to be. It's certainly not easy-reading and that is why I really got into it. I want to hand this book to anyone who claims that YA is easy, or "fluff," because Andrea Cremer really makes you think.

And Calla. Oh, Calla. She faces many important decisions in this book, as well as much heartache, but she stays true to herself, which I liked. I have to be honest and say that I was somewhat annoyed by Shay and am now totally leaning towards #TeamRen, but that was something I liked about the book. Sometimes people, even seemingly-perfect-boyfriend-types, turn annoying and insecure. It rang true, even if I was frustrated with his character.

If you were like me and loved Nightshade, but wanted more of the history, you are going to love Wolfsbane. It's a worthy sequel in a great series so be sure to get your copy on July 26th! And I'll be honest, it does end with a slight cliff-hanger, but nowhere near as high as the cliff from Nightshade. That much I can promise you.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Lazy Book Club: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

**SPOILER ALERT** This post will have spoilers, as we are discussing the book!

Right, so we said around the 15th and here it is the 20th. But, it's finally time to discuss Nightshade by Andrea Cremer!!

I'd like to start with something that was brought up in the early comments: Calla's attraction to both Ren and Shay. I thought it was interesting that you all keyed in on this, and I did notice it as well. Ren just had to get close enough to breathe on her and Calla was a puddle on the floor. While reading, I attributed this to the fact that Calla is a wolf. Her basic nature is animal, and that is what is responding to Ren. Especially given that Ren is an alpha, and that they are betrothed. Her human nature does not really factor into the passion, but her animal nature does. At least, that is how I read it.

As for Shay... I'm still not so sure about him. While I was reading, I was thinking that he was obviously tied to the Guardians and Keepers somehow, and maybe Calla's instincts were responding to that as well? But Picksee brought up the idea of him being a Shiny New Boy - something different, and forbidden, which of course makes him more attractive.

I agree that I cut her a lot of slack in that department as well, mostly because she was responding to something as basic as lust on that animal level. I also thought that her relationship with Ren was probably more complex than what we saw. They grew up together, after all, and have been leading up to this. He's supposedly the hottest guy around (hello, Alpha who was inspired by BinBons) so of course she's going to find him attractive. Whereas some of our readers had issue with her drooling over two guys, it didn't bother me that way. I assumed that her animal side was drawn to Ren and her human side was drawn to Shay, and if both of them want to make out with her, what of it? Good for her. *winks*

One thing I really loved was the whole storyline of the witches war and the mythology of the Keepers and the Guardians. It was so well done and very believable. It also kept me interested in the story as a whole - this wasn't just another werewolf story. And the betrothal! I loved that aspect. I think it was shocking how okay everyone was with it. Commenter geemoney02 mentioned that it was strange how quickly Calla fell for Shay, but I was having more trouble with the whole idea of Calla being forced into a marriage. The Keepers were forcing the situation, but everyone just accepted it as completely normal. I found that so interesting.

I loved how comfortable Calla was with all of the physical violence going on around her. Picksee mentioned this in her comment about Calla in the beginning of the book, "She was kind of edgy, funny, and dangerous-she dispatched a Searcher like it was nothing. AWESOME. And another character makes a big deal out of it being her first kill and she's all 'whatevs, it's what I do.'" I think this is another instance where Andrea Cremer used Calla's actions to draw attention to the struggle between her human side and her wolf side. Her wolf side is all honor and instinct and quick reactions. Honestly, I didn't like the wolf "mentality" but I completely understood it, which means Cremer did her job.

I agree, and I think that the wolf nature vs. human nature is central to the novel as a whole. It was something that came up repeatedly as I read: Calla's desire to do what she should do, as pack leader, and her desire to follow her own heart. I think it will be interesting to see if Andrea Cremer continues to explore this in Wolfsbane.


Speaking of Wolfsbane, I wanted to touch on the ending-that-wasn't-an-ending to Nightshade. When I finished this book I wanted to throw it against the wall, not because I didn't enjoy it but because it didn't feel FINISHED. I can appreciate a cliffhanger, but I didn't feel like a single story arc had been completed. When I read a book I don't want to walk away feeling like only half of it was published. Fortunately Stacie linked me to the first chapter of Wolfsbane, which should have been the ending of Nightshade in my opinion. If you haven't done it already, go online and read the first chapter. I think it'll help with abrupt ending jitters that some of you might be feeling.

Yes! Thankfully, I was reading on my ereader, so the link was right there at the end and I was able to just click and continue reading. If you haven't read it, definitely do so now!

Okay, I think we've got a good discussion started, so please feel free to keep it up in the comments! We'll be reading your comments and adding our own thoughts too!


Link to the first chapter of Wolfsbane: http://www.nightshadebook.com/assets/pdf/WolfsbaneCh1.pdf

Casting Call

Am I the only one who's noticed how many great writers are using Ben Barnes (or BinBons, as he's known) as their muse? He has already been 'cast' as a number of my favorite YA HBWS and book boyfriends. I have two thoughts on this:
1. Does BinBons KNOW that he is the ultimate inspiration for Hot Boys in YA lit?
2. Can we spend some time poring over BinBons pics in order to cast him in each of our favorite YA roles? Please?

Let's start with the Urban Dictionary's definition of BinBons, shall we:

"Nickname for English actor Ben Barnes, best known for his work as Prince Caspian, and who may or may not have pupils. BinBons is over there seducing you with his black bedroom eyes."


First of all, Bwhahahahahaha! And secondly, this will help me so much with my reading of books with boys who have black eyes! I had a hard time picturing black eyes, but no more! I shall just think of this:

Nick

That could be Nick from Demon's Lexicon, no? I don't know that Sarah Rees Brennan has ever said that she was inspired by BinBons, but come on! That's my Nick. In fact, I may cut this out and paste it over the guy on The Demon's Lexicon cover. *grabs scissors*

What other characters do we have? I know Rachel Hawkins, Andrea Cremer, and Julie Kagawa are all inspired by BinBons, yes?

I'm pretty sure that Sophie, our resident BinBons "pic-spiration" dealer, can cast a few roles for us.





*digs into folders on hard drive* *not that there are ANY completely devoted to BinBons* *wistles innocently*

Umm, Ash, from The Iron Fae?

Ash

This one is very Archer-esque. I think he would fit in well at Hex Hall.

Archer

Yes! And how about this one for Ren from Nightshade (which I hope you are all reading for our LBC! #shamelessplug). Just knowing that Andrea Cremer said Ren is Ben Barnes makes me want to jump on the #TeamRen bus. There is a bus, right?

Ren

I know some people think BB would make a good Gale *cough*ME*cough* and I think this one fits:

Gale

See, I was NEVER Team Gale. But this picture could turn me.






Someone please, write the Dirty Biker BinBons...

Not-Yet-Written Hot Dude

.
*makes mental note to write a Dirty Biker BinBons* Can we turn it into a space bike? Maybe?





I'm having difficulty forming a coherent thought while Dirty Biker BinBons is beckoning me to ride him his bike.





*sighs dramatically* What IS it about this man that reduces us all to hormonal teenagers? (And then makes us want to write him as one??)


How about this picture? This is very much my vision of Nathaniel from Saundra Mitchell's The Vespertine (which will be out in March of 2011, at which point you can swoon with Stacie and I.)

Nathaniel

*stops staring and pulls self together* Okay, so what about you all? Does BinBons play any starring roles in the books you read? Is there another actor who keeps showing up? You know we want to hear about it! *returns to staring*

Reading Rainbow: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

A few weeks ago, I posted a Waiting on Wednesday on Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. I was so excited to read this book, and happily, it not only lived up to my expectations, but exceeded them. Truth be told, I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK.

From Goodreads:

While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

For me, Nightshade was one of those, "ignore your children/husband/dogs/job/laundry/etc." kind of books. I couldn't put it down and I even had Nightshade dreams. And trust me, this is a good thing. Dreams about Ren or Shay are a good thing. I should explain. This book is hot. I think my exact words to Leigh were, "If only this weren't a YA book..." But even being YA, it was full of passion and it was, well, hot. And while I thought I was a little over the whole "love triangle" thing, Nightshade does it so well that I was back on board and ready to buy my Team Ren tee-shirt. Or maybe Team Shay. Or both.

Aside from the love triangle (and the hotness), Nightshade has an amazingly well told, multi-layered story. The hierarchy of the wolves was fascinating, and the history behind the Witches War has me completely sucked-in. And I say "has" because this story is really just beginning. The ending was a cliff-hanger that left me wanting MORE Calla, Ren, and Shay. Imagine my excitement when I saw that I could read the first chapter of Wolfsbane here! Also, the cover for the second book is just beautiful. Really.

See?

So, if Nightshade is on your TBR, move it to the top of the pile! You will thank me - I promise. And if it's not on your TBR, add it right now. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year! If you have already read the book, be sure to go read the Author Chat with Andrea Cremer at Mundie Moms. I missed it live (because I was still reading) and went back and read the whole thing - it's definitely worth it. And not just for Sophie's BinBons avatar. *wink*

Waiting on Wednesday: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

So you may have noticed the absence of Reading Rain-bow this week. Truth be told, I'm suffering from a Mockingjay hangover. (If you want to join in the discussion on Mockingjay - go here.) And you might also be aware that Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare was released this week. So, I'm a little distracted. We'll just carry on with our regular scheduled programming - Waiting on Wednesday!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Lately I've been hearing a lot about Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. Every book blogger that has read it has been buzzing about it and the reviews on goodreads are amazing. And, the cover is beautiful and deadly all in one. I love it.

From Goodreads:
While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

Seriously? Witches War? I'm in. Also the reviews on goodreads:

This is a very sexy YA novel. Lots of insanely hot werewolves. Grrr... Suspense up to the very end. (from author Lisa Desrochers) Okay, again, "insanely hot werewolves," and I'm in.

From the reviews, I also learned that we have a Chick Who Can Kick Our Asses as a heroine (yes!) and a book that far surpasses the blurb. (I was a little judge-y of the blurb too, to be honest). So, I'm definitely going to be lined up to get Nightshade when it comes out on October 19, 2010 in the states. I just wonder if I can wait until then.

What about you? Have you heard about Nightshade? Planning on reading it? Lucky enough to have already read a copy?