Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer is one of the most highly-anticipated debut novels this fall.In fact, a group of bloggers is highlighting five debut fantasy novels this fall in the Fall into Fantasy event.

Today, I have the pleasure of reviewing Nightshade by Andrea Cremer as part of the event.

— Description from GoodReads


Paranormal romance stories are all the rage right now. And with a beautiful cover and werewolfish plot, Nightshade promised to quench my thirst for more paranormal stories.

But then I started reading and realized: This is so much more than a paranormal romance story.
From the beginning, there’s action. Calla risks her life and her position to save a mysterious boy in the woods when she’s on patrol.

You see, Calla is a Guardian, a group of shape-shifting wolves who serve as soldiers for the magic-wielding Keepers, a secret society charged with protecting the world from the Seekers. It’s the only life she’s ever known. 

She’s an alpha female, fated to marry and mate with Ren, an alpha male, and help him rule a newly-formed pack. But Calla is held to different standards than Ren, forced to quell her emotions and desires to retain her purity until their union.


When Shay, the boy she saved, shows up at her school, Calla starts questioning the truths she’s always known and the life she’s always trusted.


There are so many layers to Nightshade.


There’s romance — Who will she choose? Ren or Shay? The familiar or the unknown?


There’s action — From grizzly attacks to giant spiders, Calla kicks butt left and right.


There’s conflict — The Keepers and the Seekers are constantly at war. And Calla’s right in the middle of it as a Guardian. But who are the good guys?


There’s tension — Ren is the typical alpha male. Or is he? There’s more depth to Ren than you would think.


I really enjoyed the different facets of the story. It’s not just about the romance. Calla has to discover who she wants to be and if she should defy her destiny. There’s a philosophical debate going on in this story.


And Andrea Cremer says a lot about the double-standards society places upon men and women. Ren can go around and chase tail all he wants, but Calla is looked down upon for merely *kissing* a boy.


This is a fast-paced read that will have you wanting more.


Due to the sexual nature of some content, I would recommend it for mature teens only, though.

Nightshade is in stores today, so be sure to go pick it up!

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer is available from Amazon.

Thanks to the publisher for the chance to read and review this book early!