Review: Bloodrose

Author: Andrea Cremer

Series: Nightshade #3
Pages: 406

Format: Hardcover
Rating: 5/5

Summery:
Calla has always welcomed war.

But now that the final battle is upon her, there's more at stake than fighting. There's saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay's wrath. There's keeping Ansel safe, even if he's been branded a traitor. There's proving herself as the pack's alpha, facing unnamanble horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers' magic once and for all. And then there's deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

Review:
I'm kind of sad this is the last book in the Nightshade series because I actually really enjoyed it.  But I'm also glad I finished it because I got to read Wolfsbane (which I loved) and this book, so it's kind of bitter-sweet.

I have to admit, this book has one of the best story lines I've seen in a while.  There were twist and turns, things I didn't even see coming, and the ending was great.  But it was also really sad (I won't tell).  It had great writing, great action, and another thing I loved about it was the love-triangle.  I know, I know I always say I hate love triangles, but sometimes the book really needs it to make it exciting, and I feel like the love-triangle was perfect for this book.  But what I really liked, and I think Andrea Cremer is a genius for doing this, is Calla putting a hold on both her relationships with Ren and Shay.  It really kept you captivated because she kind of went from one boy to the other, sneaking a private moment, and I LOVED it.

Coming into this book I was totally Team Ren.  I hated Shay because he was so possessive and he just wasn't as sexy as Ren.  But as I read I started liking Shay more and more, until they were about even.  Ren is so sexy and caring, and he really, really loves Calla.  With Shay, I didn't really get those vibes.  But I'm so sad the love-triangle ended like it did (let's just say there wasn't a third person to make it a triangle).

Although I wasn't a huge fan of Nightshade, and Wolfsbane was better, I think that Bloodrose is the best of the series.  And I'm so glad I own it so I can go back and read it again and again whenever I want.

Review: Destiny's Fire

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Source: Trisha Wolfe (thanks a million!!)

Rating: 4/5

Summery:
It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

Review:
I usually don't like books with love triangles in them because it lowers my opinion of the main girl character, but in this book it really worked.

I really liked this book.  There was action from page one, beautiful writing, and, of course, the love triangle.  I usually despise books with love triangles in them, but it totally worked for this book.  However, if it had just been the love triangle and nothing else going on, I don't think I would have liked it half as much as I do, so a tip of the hat to Trisha Wolfe for writing it like that.

In the love triangle there are three people: Jace, Reese, and Dez.  Of the two guys, I honestly can't decide which I like best.
On one hand, Reese is super hot and totally swoon-worthy.  But it was like a sea-saw with him: I loved him, I hated his guts, I loved him.  Maybe that's why I like him so much though.
I also really like Jace.  He is also super hot but not as swoon worthy.  I don't know what it was, maybe the fact that he's like a slobbering guard dog when it comes to Dez, but he came across a little creepy.  I like him less than Reese, but it's still really close.
And, last but not least, I like Dez.   I didn't mind that she had two guys going at one time because she didn't go back and forth, back and forth between the two.  She picked one and stuck to him.  Mostly.  I won't give away too much because you have to read it.:p  I also liked that she was a strong female character and actually did something in the book.
This character isn't huge in this book, but I also like Lana.  She was so cool and supportive, I would totally love her as a BFF.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what Trisha Wolfe comes up with next.

Huge thanks to Trisha Wolfe for sending me a copy for review of this book.  It was totally awesome and I really appreciate it.  THANKS!!!