Book Review - Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Publish Date: October 19, 2010
Publisher: Philomel
Pages: 452
ISNB: 9780399254826
Series: Nightshade
Source: Bought

Goodreads Synopsis: 
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?

My Review:
First off, the cover of this book is gorgeous. I've heard a lot of good reviews of Nightshade, so when I found it at a second hand book shop for less than half the price, I picked it up. And what a shame to throw this beautiful book to the bottom of my TBR pile, so I started it right away. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I didn't think this book was that great. Let me explain...it took me a long time to actually get into Nightshade. For the first while I found that there wasn't any explanation to the story (or as much as I would have liked/needed) And to be honest, I'm still not sure I know the reason behind why the wolves and humans go to school together any why the humans are terrified of the wolves. Maybe we'll find some answers in Wolfsbane, but I would have liked some answers now.
Though I will say this - Nightshade has an addictive quality about it that made me want to continue. As the novel progressed, so did my liking of it. So by the end, around chapter 30, things were looking really good! The writing is well done, except that I couldn't exactly picture everything in my head the way I like to. I would have one image in my head, of either the characters, the setting or whatever, then the next paragraph / chapter would change that image for me.
I really liked the characters though.. Calla, Ren and Shay are memorable characters. I now completely understand the whole Team Ren or Team Shay debate, and I'd have to say that I'm Team Ren. The characters are your typical teenage characters and Cremer did a good job with them. Ren and Shay are both fighting for Calla's attention, and they do it in a way that is so believable and real. I'm eager to read more about these two guys, that's for sure.
I'm a little torn over this book, and because of that I've had a hard time writing this review. On one hand we have a gorgeous looking book, with fun, memorable and gorgeous looking characters and a very addictive quality to it. Then we have on the other hand a story line that seems to have a few flaws and that I can't paint in my head. Maybe I was just expecting more from Nightshade, I don't really know. Should you read it? Absolutely! If you love paranormal books with a good love triangle, if you love books about Werewolves, if you're looking for something new, then you may just love Nightshade.
I'm just looking forward to reading Wolfsbane, because with the cliffhanger we were left with at the end of Nightshade, I think we're in for quite the book!