megs_magical_books's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
emiliebookworld's review against another edition
When I finished Wolfsbane, I was definitely left wanting more and I was way more than happy to have a copy of Bloodrose on hand to start reading right away. And it was incredible. This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster and I did not want to get off. Andrea Cremer definitely wrote a great conclusion to this trilogy.
Now allied with the Searchers and reunited with most of her pack, Calla is preparing for the battle of her life against the Keepers and the rest of the Guardians. But even before doing that, Calla and the pack have to help Shay and the Searchers get the final pieces of the Elemental Cross, the only weapon that can stop the Keepers and their magic. And then she has to prove to her pack once again that she's their legitimate alpha, but she also has to pick who will be alpha alongside her. Will it be Ren, the boy she's been destined to be with since birth? Or will it be Shay, the boy who stole her heart when he showed up in her life? Calla must find a way to keep her pack safe through all of this, but to what lengths is she willing to go to keep those she loves safe? But more importantly, what will happen when the battle is over? Will Calla and her pack even be alive to see the world without Keepers?
I loved this book. I tried as hard as I could to make it last longer, but I just couldn't put it down in order to do something else. It was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to this trilogy. Andrea Cremer really brought everything full circle, though in the process she caused my heart to break over and over again. This book is a crazy emotional roller-coaster. I would go from laughing out loud one page to crying like a baby the next. Whatever you do, if you read this book make sure you have a box of tissues close. To say the very least, there was never a dull moment in this book. When the pack wasn't on some crazy adventure, they were just hanging out with the Searchers doing who knows what. It was just an amazing end to a really incredible trilogy.
Since the beginning of this series, I have loved Calla. She's strong, she's kind and she will do anything to protect the people she loves. In Bloodrose she is definitely put through a lot and how she survives it all is a mystery to me. In her position, I would be a complete mess. But she somehow manages it all. While I love Shay, I've been Team Ren from the start and I was very happy to see that he had a much bigger role in this book. He was back and he was ready to take up his position as alpha with Calla, if only she would let him. As for Shay, I still loved him but I found that in some parts of the book he would become someone I didn't particularly like, though I was able to overlook that for the most part. Like I mentioned in my review of Wolfsbane, I loved the Searcher characters and I was glad that they were even more present in Bloodrose. I can only hope that I will be able to see more of them in the future in some way or another.
Bloodrose was a thrilling read, and a fantastic conclusion to a fabulous trilogy. While reading this book, you will be taken on a crazy emotional ride and, if you are anything like me, you will be begging for it not to end. While it was an incredible read, I was still very sad to see this series come to an end.
Now allied with the Searchers and reunited with most of her pack, Calla is preparing for the battle of her life against the Keepers and the rest of the Guardians. But even before doing that, Calla and the pack have to help Shay and the Searchers get the final pieces of the Elemental Cross, the only weapon that can stop the Keepers and their magic. And then she has to prove to her pack once again that she's their legitimate alpha, but she also has to pick who will be alpha alongside her. Will it be Ren, the boy she's been destined to be with since birth? Or will it be Shay, the boy who stole her heart when he showed up in her life? Calla must find a way to keep her pack safe through all of this, but to what lengths is she willing to go to keep those she loves safe? But more importantly, what will happen when the battle is over? Will Calla and her pack even be alive to see the world without Keepers?
I loved this book. I tried as hard as I could to make it last longer, but I just couldn't put it down in order to do something else. It was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to this trilogy. Andrea Cremer really brought everything full circle, though in the process she caused my heart to break over and over again. This book is a crazy emotional roller-coaster. I would go from laughing out loud one page to crying like a baby the next. Whatever you do, if you read this book make sure you have a box of tissues close. To say the very least, there was never a dull moment in this book. When the pack wasn't on some crazy adventure, they were just hanging out with the Searchers doing who knows what. It was just an amazing end to a really incredible trilogy.
Since the beginning of this series, I have loved Calla. She's strong, she's kind and she will do anything to protect the people she loves. In Bloodrose she is definitely put through a lot and how she survives it all is a mystery to me. In her position, I would be a complete mess. But she somehow manages it all. While I love Shay, I've been Team Ren from the start and I was very happy to see that he had a much bigger role in this book. He was back and he was ready to take up his position as alpha with Calla, if only she would let him. As for Shay, I still loved him but I found that in some parts of the book he would become someone I didn't particularly like, though I was able to overlook that for the most part. Like I mentioned in my review of Wolfsbane, I loved the Searcher characters and I was glad that they were even more present in Bloodrose. I can only hope that I will be able to see more of them in the future in some way or another.
Bloodrose was a thrilling read, and a fantastic conclusion to a fabulous trilogy. While reading this book, you will be taken on a crazy emotional ride and, if you are anything like me, you will be begging for it not to end. While it was an incredible read, I was still very sad to see this series come to an end.
jlove731's review against another edition
5.0
The ending of a series is always bittersweet, especially when it's an amazing, breathtaking series as Andrea Cremer's Nightshade series is. This won't be a long review, because I don't want to spoil anything for any one. Let me start off with this though, my mind is completely jumbled yet happy. Andrea Cremer in no way disappoints with this final installment, and I think it's a perfect ending to an amazing series.
Bloodrose literally picks up right where we left off in Wolfsbane. The whole gang is back and ready for action... literally. The hunt for the elemental cross is nothing less than a thrilling one. I was laughing at some points, on the edge of seat at others, smiling, feeling my heart break for the characters, and all together just enjoying the ride.
I love all the characters in this series. And this final book just kept reminding me why I love them so much. ANSEL. Oh jesus Ansel... he still has to be one of my favorite brothers ever. And, Connor... I've always had a thing for Connor and in Bloodrose, I love him just as much. Calla of course is still her kick-ass self and I don't envy her with the boy situation at all. ;)
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll wind this down without saying too much. Bloodrose is thrilling, heartbreaking, action packed, and a perfect ending to the series. Not everyone will be happy with how its ended... but that's how all series work. But, what you have to remember is that the author finishes a series how she sees fit for her characters and her story. And, with that being said, I think Andrea did a beautiful job of ending the series. I am completely, 100% happy with how Bloodrose concluded and I give her a million applauds. If you've started the series... well you need to buy this one and see how it ends! And if you haven't read this series, I highly suggest picking it up.
Bloodrose literally picks up right where we left off in Wolfsbane. The whole gang is back and ready for action... literally. The hunt for the elemental cross is nothing less than a thrilling one. I was laughing at some points, on the edge of seat at others, smiling, feeling my heart break for the characters, and all together just enjoying the ride.
I love all the characters in this series. And this final book just kept reminding me why I love them so much. ANSEL. Oh jesus Ansel... he still has to be one of my favorite brothers ever. And, Connor... I've always had a thing for Connor and in Bloodrose, I love him just as much. Calla of course is still her kick-ass self and I don't envy her with the boy situation at all. ;)
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll wind this down without saying too much. Bloodrose is thrilling, heartbreaking, action packed, and a perfect ending to the series. Not everyone will be happy with how its ended... but that's how all series work. But, what you have to remember is that the author finishes a series how she sees fit for her characters and her story. And, with that being said, I think Andrea did a beautiful job of ending the series. I am completely, 100% happy with how Bloodrose concluded and I give her a million applauds. If you've started the series... well you need to buy this one and see how it ends! And if you haven't read this series, I highly suggest picking it up.
datoismyname's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book a lot but it tore me to pieces. The ending just crushed me and I was shocked. That very rarely happens to me. I felt like I wanted to scream and bawl my eyes out at the same time. It really threw me for a loop. But it is safe to say that I loved this book. I'm still in shock when it comes to the ending but wow is all I have to say. It was really unexpected. Unexpected is the only word for it. I read Bloodrose in about a day and a half and I was enthralled completely throughout the entire novel. [b:Bloodrose|8130839|Bloodrose (Nightshade, #3)|Andrea Cremer|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327880353s/8130839.jpg|12926604]
goaskalix's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know how to rate this book.
On the one hand, it was a really good end to the trilogy... on the other hand... if you're a Ren fan (ie: me), then this book totally blows. Totally.
*warning - angry spoilery rant below*
While I think the love triangle between Calla, Ren and Shay has been really good throughout the series (it's not overly sappy, and from Calla's perspective, there isn't one clear frontrunner), Shay was a whining, juvenile, irritating manboy for basically the whole series - a complete 180 from how awesome and conflicted and caring Ren was. So for a) Calla to choose Shay and b) Cremer to kill off Ren instead of having a true resolution to Calla's decision made me not a happy banana at all. UGH.
I MEAN, REALLY? REN IS BASICALLY ONE OF THE BEST ROMANTIC INTEREST COUNTERPARTS I HAVE EVER READ. WHY WOULD YOU OFF HIM? WHYYYY!?!?
Even if she'd chosen Shay in the end, I could've totally lived with a spin-off Ren series (oh yes, yes, yes). Though I think (totally unbiased, obvies... hahaha) that having Calla choose Ren in the end would've been a) unpredictable and awesome and b) much more satisfying.
So while I really enjoyed this series... ten points from Gryffindor for killing off my favourite without so much as a heroic act. Grrrr.
On the one hand, it was a really good end to the trilogy... on the other hand... if you're a Ren fan (ie: me), then this book totally blows. Totally.
*warning - angry spoilery rant below*
While I think the love triangle between Calla, Ren and Shay has been really good throughout the series (it's not overly sappy, and from Calla's perspective, there isn't one clear frontrunner), Shay was a whining, juvenile, irritating manboy for basically the whole series - a complete 180 from how awesome and conflicted and caring Ren was. So for a) Calla to choose Shay and b) Cremer to kill off Ren instead of having a true resolution to Calla's decision made me not a happy banana at all. UGH.
I MEAN, REALLY? REN IS BASICALLY ONE OF THE BEST ROMANTIC INTEREST COUNTERPARTS I HAVE EVER READ. WHY WOULD YOU OFF HIM? WHYYYY!?!?
Even if she'd chosen Shay in the end, I could've totally lived with a spin-off Ren series (oh yes, yes, yes). Though I think (totally unbiased, obvies... hahaha) that having Calla choose Ren in the end would've been a) unpredictable and awesome and b) much more satisfying.
So while I really enjoyed this series... ten points from Gryffindor for killing off my favourite without so much as a heroic act. Grrrr.
briannarengland's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
The whole plot and ending went in a much different direction than I expected.
The build-up was extreme and I felt like it was very anticlimactic
I really didn’t like the epilogue though I understand why it was written the way that it was.
I really don’t love when every character gets coupled up by the end, and that’s what happened. My preferred love interest for Calla also didn’t win which was disappointing.
I don’t have any desire to read the spin-off series and I’m sad I didn’t totally love the conclusion. It was an interesting series overall and I don’t regret reading it, but it’s not a new favourite.
The whole plot and ending went in a much different direction than I expected.
The build-up was extreme and I felt like it was very anticlimactic
I really didn’t like the epilogue though I understand why it was written the way that it was.
I really don’t love when every character gets coupled up by the end, and that’s what happened. My preferred love interest for Calla also didn’t win which was disappointing.
I don’t have any desire to read the spin-off series and I’m sad I didn’t totally love the conclusion. It was an interesting series overall and I don’t regret reading it, but it’s not a new favourite.
meganmreads's review against another edition
3.0
Why did I even read this series?! I have a love/hate relationship with the books. I read the first two books through my library and was on the fence about purchasing this book, but ultimately I wanted to see how the series ended. I saw the lower review ratings and I thought, well it can’t be that bad. I figured the worst case was that the “team” I was on would lose and I’d be somewhat disappointed, but it would be worth the read to find out what happens and figure out how it all ends. I should have just told myself no. I should have listened to all of the other reviewers who read this book and said no to my curiosity, because Bloodrose made me so angry!
Maybe 3 stars is harsh, but I hated the book and I hated how the whole story was wrapped up. I hated Calla in this book, too. She could try and convince herself she knew what she was doing and she was sacrificing her feelings for the good of her pack, but really she was just an indecisive girl playing at love. In earlier books, I loved her ferocity and strength as an alpha and I also liked that she did have moments of weakness. In Bloodrose, though, I felt like she was less honorable as a person and basically lying to herself. It isn’t often that I end up liking the losing love interest in a book. Usually, I understand I’m on the losing side and I still like the winning love interest and I’m fine. In the Nightshade series, however, I didn’t like Shay (the winning love interest) at all. And Ren wasn’t a typical losing love interest because he was the one with more of the jaw dropping appeal and cocky personality. He wasn’t just a friend or anything I’m used to. I hated seeing Shay steal any of the spotlight. Despite how much I dislike Shay, he isn’t the reason my rating is so low. I rated the first two books just fine even though he was the winner slightly in both of them.
The redeeming factor in Bloodrose are the characters. I love Ren and I was glad to see more of him in this book. Connor was great comedic relief and his banter with everyone made me laugh. I loved the rest of the pack just as much as I did in book 1. They all have distinct personalities and they make the books worth reading.
I hate to spoil the plot of the book in anyway, but the things I hated about it are mainly spoilers. So, if you haven’t read the book(s), don’t read any of the blacked out paragraphs. I am about to ruin the ending.
SPOILER ALERT:
The entire book, Calla is putting off making a decision between Shay and Ren, though she seems to lean a little towards Shay for the majority of it. She feels like she’s avoiding making the decision so Ren doesn’t change his mind about being on their side of the war. This really bothered me. It makes the entire plot seem weak. Would Ren really not do the right thing out of spite? Why is Calla’s decision on Ren or Shay always tied to the right or wrong side of a completely separate war? In book 1, I felt like she picked Shay because he was opening her eyes to the truth about her life. In this book, I was appalled at she’d think Ren would completely ignore the truth about his entire being if she didn’t choose to be with him. Ugh. It’s so juvenile. And not only that, but I felt like she was incredibly cruel and selfish to spare his feelings just to get what she ultimately wants as far as the war goes. It really made me dislike her character.
Eventually, Calla, Ren, and Shay all become aware that she loves both of them. It’s out in the open and the guys wait for her decision. I really don’t know who she’d pick if given the choice. And that’s because the author kills Ren off!!! I was so appalled. I mean, the whole fight was just crazy and I didn’t really believe it. I really thought the author killed him off to make the decision easier. I am usually all about people dying in tight situations because it adds a level of danger and realness to the story, but this death felt entirely too convenient for my liking.
And the end. Really? I’m just not happy with the end. I knew somewhere in book 2 that it was going to be an issue if and when the Searchers won the war with the Keepers. Since the Guardians are an abomination of nature, I knew somehow there would be an issue. I guess I just assumed they’d let it go or find some happy medium. And maybe because I’m human, the ending just seemed really weird. I wasn’t satisfied with it at all.
Overall, I love the Nightshade series. I do. But I kind of wish I never read it because I hated the way it all ended. This makes me feel so conflicted because my review is totally harsh, yet it was so harsh because I care deeply about the characters. The author is great and I will definitely read more of her books. This isn’t a bad book because it’s bad, it’s a bad book because I wasn’t satisfied with the fate of the characters,which means that somewhere along the line, the author got me to care about them. Because I love the series and the emotions I feel about the characters, this book is 5 stars. And because I hated the way it ended and the way things turned out, this book is a 2 star. In the end, a 3 star rating is the best I could do.
I would probably recommend this series. It's a great wolf series and I did enjoy it. It really IS worth the read, no matter what I said in my first paragraph. =)
Maybe 3 stars is harsh, but I hated the book and I hated how the whole story was wrapped up. I hated Calla in this book, too. She could try and convince herself she knew what she was doing and she was sacrificing her feelings for the good of her pack, but really she was just an indecisive girl playing at love. In earlier books, I loved her ferocity and strength as an alpha and I also liked that she did have moments of weakness. In Bloodrose, though, I felt like she was less honorable as a person and basically lying to herself. It isn’t often that I end up liking the losing love interest in a book. Usually, I understand I’m on the losing side and I still like the winning love interest and I’m fine. In the Nightshade series, however, I didn’t like Shay (the winning love interest) at all. And Ren wasn’t a typical losing love interest because he was the one with more of the jaw dropping appeal and cocky personality. He wasn’t just a friend or anything I’m used to. I hated seeing Shay steal any of the spotlight. Despite how much I dislike Shay, he isn’t the reason my rating is so low. I rated the first two books just fine even though he was the winner slightly in both of them.
The redeeming factor in Bloodrose are the characters. I love Ren and I was glad to see more of him in this book. Connor was great comedic relief and his banter with everyone made me laugh. I loved the rest of the pack just as much as I did in book 1. They all have distinct personalities and they make the books worth reading.
I hate to spoil the plot of the book in anyway, but the things I hated about it are mainly spoilers. So, if you haven’t read the book(s), don’t read any of the blacked out paragraphs. I am about to ruin the ending.
Spoiler
SPOILER ALERT:
The entire book, Calla is putting off making a decision between Shay and Ren, though she seems to lean a little towards Shay for the majority of it. She feels like she’s avoiding making the decision so Ren doesn’t change his mind about being on their side of the war. This really bothered me. It makes the entire plot seem weak. Would Ren really not do the right thing out of spite? Why is Calla’s decision on Ren or Shay always tied to the right or wrong side of a completely separate war? In book 1, I felt like she picked Shay because he was opening her eyes to the truth about her life. In this book, I was appalled at she’d think Ren would completely ignore the truth about his entire being if she didn’t choose to be with him. Ugh. It’s so juvenile. And not only that, but I felt like she was incredibly cruel and selfish to spare his feelings just to get what she ultimately wants as far as the war goes. It really made me dislike her character.
Eventually, Calla, Ren, and Shay all become aware that she loves both of them. It’s out in the open and the guys wait for her decision. I really don’t know who she’d pick if given the choice. And that’s because the author kills Ren off!!! I was so appalled. I mean, the whole fight was just crazy and I didn’t really believe it. I really thought the author killed him off to make the decision easier. I am usually all about people dying in tight situations because it adds a level of danger and realness to the story, but this death felt entirely too convenient for my liking.
And the end. Really? I’m just not happy with the end. I knew somewhere in book 2 that it was going to be an issue if and when the Searchers won the war with the Keepers. Since the Guardians are an abomination of nature, I knew somehow there would be an issue. I guess I just assumed they’d let it go or find some happy medium. And maybe because I’m human, the ending just seemed really weird. I wasn’t satisfied with it at all.
Overall, I love the Nightshade series. I do. But I kind of wish I never read it because I hated the way it all ended. This makes me feel so conflicted because my review is totally harsh, yet it was so harsh because I care deeply about the characters. The author is great and I will definitely read more of her books. This isn’t a bad book because it’s bad, it’s a bad book because I wasn’t satisfied with the fate of the characters,which means that somewhere along the line, the author got me to care about them. Because I love the series and the emotions I feel about the characters, this book is 5 stars. And because I hated the way it ended and the way things turned out, this book is a 2 star. In the end, a 3 star rating is the best I could do.
I would probably recommend this series. It's a great wolf series and I did enjoy it. It really IS worth the read, no matter what I said in my first paragraph. =)