Author: Andrea Cremer
Series: (Nightshade #3)
Published: January 3rd 2012 by Philomel
 

I want to start by saying I liked Nightshade. I even liked Wolfsbane for whatever mess it was. This series started strong but unfortunately it fizzled out. While Ren’s situation weighs so much on how I rated this book, it wasn’t the only factor I considered. The story itself was disappointing. I, like most of you, also did not like the ending. Probably the one and half star is for whatever minuscule entertainment it given me.

There’s only two points I’d like to highlight. For what its worth, the wolf theme of this series was refreshing. But it did not save it from my complete disapproval.

Re: Ren.

Death is inevitable. Everyone dies. Even if this is fiction it has to portray the reality of life. So that being said, I don’t mind Ren dying—IF AND ONLY IT WAS RELEVANT. Because the way I see it was not. On my other fandom (manga) when a popular character dies a huge backlash is expected. They are popular for a reason but when they see how this specific character’s death was handled, and the effect of it to other characters’ growth and the story itself, it seems a reasonable thing to do. We, fans understand. It justifies the action. They did not kill them off to make it dramatic. Or because the character was not needed. There’s a reasonable reason behind it. Which for me, this book, completely lack.

Ren’s death was abrupt, mishandle and completely pointless. I did not see any solid reason for him to die except that he doesn’t have any place in the ending. Yes, I might be biased because I am team Ren but even if I’m not I still land with the same conclusion. Ren, for me, was the most fragile character in this trilogy. The circumstances literally took everything away from him. From his mother, his position, to the girl he loved. It’s a shame, really, I saw potential, but until the end, he was just established as part of a love triangle.

So yeah, he plainly doesn’t fit anywhere else. But even with that reason it’s not an excuse to give him that poor treatment. He didn’t deserve to be treated lightly. His death was obviously the easiest route for his character. Because it’ll be difficult to salvage his character from the messy, sad life he had. Obviously, killing him is the easiest choice.

Even his death scene was anticlimactic. Really? That’s it? He just died.

Ren you’ll be most remembered. I’m sorry that you didn’t have the chance to have something similar to Adrian (Vampire Academy). No, that’s not even it, I’m just asking for a proper ending. I’m too sad for you, kid.

Re: Love triangle

Did I want Ren for Calla? After Wolfsbane? One big NO! Am I the only one who thinks she doesn’t deserve either of the guys. I asked myself, why am I blaming Shay for this whole love fiasco between the three of them, when in fact, it was Calla’s fault for leading the two guys. You don’t make out with the other behind the other one’s back. It was, pardon my French, bitchy thing to do. I lost all respect to her. You can’t blame the guys for hoping, especially Ren when she, Calla, allowed his advantages. Giving him—even a little—hope. Seriously, I will not take the “we’re teenagers, it’s the hormone thing.” From the get-go it was obvious that Shay was her choice. I wish she sticks to her pick and didn’t let Renier seduce her to the verge of sex. It’s unfair to both guys, particularly to Shay.

I wonder if Ren’s still in the picture, how she’ll deal with it? But we’ll never know because he’s dead. *evil sarcastic laugh* (yep, still bitter)

Oh yeah, they’ll be forever wolves. There’s happiness being a wolf, right? Like no more clothes, free food (you know hunting), no more shelter (I mean wolves live in the wild) and there’s the freedom…

…
…..

Ah gosh, the ending really does sucks!