Review: Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Title: Bloodrose

Author: Andrea Cremer

Publisher:  Philomel

Publication Date: 1.3.12

Pages: 414

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Series: Yes (Nightshade #3)

Source: ARC from a friend

Rating: B

Summary (from Goodreads):

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 unnamable 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 feel fairly confident in saying I felt like this game was the YA Superbowl. You had Team Ren and Team Shay, both teams fierce and loyal (and gorgeous), and both vying for Calla’s love. Each team had to overcome huge obstacles and trials, but by the beginning of Bloodrose, Andrea Cremer has each team setting up on opposites ends the field. There’s that obligatory moment where they shake hands and make nice for the sake of the game, but you know they want to rip each other’s heads off and be the victor.

I will tell you that I am solidly Team Ren … but that’s as far as I’ll go. I won’t be revealing or alluding to which guy wins Calla in the end. I will also say I’m done with the football analogy. Onto the review:

The way Cremer’s mind works is astounding to me. This entire world she created with wolves and witches and magic is just so incredible, it’s almost beyond words. But I think that the most amazing part is how realistic it seems. She doesn’t gloss over facts or summarize them: A good chunk of this book is dedicated to mapping out this world she has crafted and molded. Cremer definitely doesn’t skimp on the details. I vividly pictured every scene in my mind as sure as if I were watching a movie.

That’s not to say this book is all narrative and storytelling. Anyone who has read the first two books in the series knows that Cremer is a master of piling on the action, the drama, and the romance. Oh, wow, the romance. I think Cremer’s writing would make a nun blush, but definitely keep reading. You can’t not read these books once you start.

My biggest issues was I felt like Calla wasn't the same girl she was in book 1. I know that characters evolve and change, but I felt like her shift wasn't for the better. As an alpha, she got better. But as a person ... she kinda sucked. She did a lot of things that irritated me, especially when it came to Ren and Shay.

I am desperately sad to see this series end. I could have read about this world (and these characters) forever. In three books I truly came to love and adore each of these characters. I know I will definitely miss reading out their adventures in the future. Whatever Cremer has in store next, I will happily delve into.

Buy: Amazon