The S.O.S Book of the Week is where I let you in on what new releases I'm looking forward to! S.O.S comes from the term 'Strict on Sale'. It's bookseller speak for a title that you can't sell before a specific date-- think Harry Potter. While the books I have here may not be S.O.S titles specifically, they are all new!
The S.O.S Book of the Week is:
Taken from Goodreads, "Betrayal, loss, pain, fear. How many trials can love endure and still survive?"
Set for a July 2011 release, 'Wolfsbane' is the sequel to Andrea Cremer's hit debut novel 'Nightshade'. I don't think I'm in the minority in saying that 'Nightshade' was a fantastic read. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next! Maybe it will help me decide once and for all if I'm Team Ren or Team Shay! I hear they handed out ARC's at ALA Midwinter. None of my librarian friends ended up with any of them... *sigh* Guess I'll just have to wait a little longer!
Title: Nightshade Author: Andrea Cremer Genre: YA, Supernatural, Romance, slightly harlequin in feeling Format: ARC Release Date: October 2010 Perfect for: a wide variety of readers-- it's the Twilight of Werewolf books!
18-year-old Calla is the alpha female of her clan of were-wolfs (aka Guardians) and as the alpha female is promised to the alpha male of her brother clan-- the handsome Ren. The union between the two alpha's will create a new clan-- one with the important job of protecting land which the clan masters deem forbidden. But when Calla goes against her nature and saves the human boy Shay, she finds herself on a path that makes her question the ideals she's gone along with her entire life.
I'm the first person to tell you that I don't like werewolf books. There's evidence of it in previous blog entries to prove it. However, I really *really* enjoyed 'Nightshade'. Very similar to how 'Twilight' was a book for those who had never read vampire books before, 'Nightshade' is a book for those who haven't read werewolf books before. You'll definitely want to give this read a try.
'Nightshade' is told from the point of view of Calla, alpha pack leader. She brings an interesting perspective to the novel as she is the 'creature' in the story, as opposed to the confused human. She's headstrong and should please readers who like strong-willed female protagonist stories. The male leads, Ren and Shay, are equally as engaging. And the love triangle? Well done. I think the best love triangles are the ones where the reader has a tough time choosing sides and I must say I was 'Team Ren' one page, and 'Team Shay' the next. Speaking of Shay, he has secrets-- secrets that cold propel this story into something even more compelling in future novels. That being said, be warned-- this is the first in a planned trilogy. The ending is very open ended and will leave you wanting more!
'Nightshades' story and voice drew me in instantly and it had a good mix of romance, action, and dialog. On the topic of romance, the romance in 'Nightshade' reminded me a bit of a harlequin novel. Keep in mind when reading it that the characters are 18. Even though characters don't go all the way, they do interact romantically. While I wouldn't classify this for older teens only, I wouldn't be giving it to a pre-teen or young teen. (Of course, that is my prerogative.)
Author Andrea Cremer has a fantastic novel on her hands that is sure to find a following fast. Read 'Nightshade'. It's fantastic.
