REVIEW: Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Title: Bloodrose (Nightshade #3)
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philomel
Published: 3 January 2012
Format: 1st Edition; Hardcover: 406 pages

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. 


In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.

*Review may contain SPOILERS to Nightshade and/or Wolfsbane. Read with caution*


My Review:
I have to admit that I was so deathly afraid of reading Bloodrose. I’m completely and utterly invested in the characters, especially Calla and Ren. My hesitation was consumed by my fear of what will happen in this final book of the Nightshade trilogy. However, I pushed through this fear. I just had to know what happens and how it all ended.

In Bloodrose, the stakes are higher and war is approaching at an alarming rate. The Searchers, Calla’s pack and of course Shay must retrieve the remaining parts of the Elemental Cross in order to defeat the Keepers for good. Calla must make a decision of who will stand by her side at the end, Ren or Shay? Most importantly, will the alliance between the Searchers and Calla’s pack be enough to defeat the Keepers? Or will they need more than what they have now?

Andrea Cremer never fails to amaze you with her writing and she does it again in Bloodrose. I loved diving back into the world of Guardians, Searchers and Keepers. Andrea has done it again. She lost me when I dived in this book. I was so captivated by story and all the action. Andrea really gives you everything in the last book. She brings the humor, the action, the excitement, the love and rapture, the pain and the heartache. 



Calla really shines as alpha and a leader in Bloodrose. She takes charge and makes important decisions. She really gives her all. She really fights like no other person. I’ve always loved Calla. Her strength and courage in Bloodrose was palpable. Calla is an amazing character. Her drive and will help her achieve want she wants. I won’t spoil anything, but it someway, Calla does choose. She chooses what is right for her and I embraced her decision wholeheartedly.

Although Shay is suppose to be the hero since he’s the Scion and all, I have to say that Ren was my hero. He was broken and hurt in the last book, but he recovers in Bloodrose. He rises as a hero in this one. He adjusts well into the world of the Searchers and gets along with Adne. I loved them together. It was the cutest thing ever. Ren is a true alpha. He took charge and initiative. He had great ideas and input for each battle. Ren really is the warrior I thought he was since the very first book. He’s a natural born leader; made to rule. He’s smart, tough, courageous, daring and charismatic. He fit right in with the Searchers and works well with Calla. I’ve always loved Ren, but in Bloodrose, he made me love him more than I could ever love a character.

I loved how Andrea Cremer developed the other characters. After Ren, Connor is my other favorite. He really knew how to make things light and funny. He broke the tension at the right moment. It was nice to see him and Adne working together as well. I loved the turn around with Ethan and Sabine. Ethan opens up and truly has a change of attitude toward the Guardians and I really enjoy watching him build up trust. I’ve always disliked Sabine, but Andrea was able to turn that all around. I loved Sabine. She was brave and thoughtful. She sacrificed and helped her pack mates. Sabine really warmed my heart. All in all, I thought the Haldis team and the Calla’s pack had the best chemistry. They were all made to be friends and work together. I love how they each protect and save each other over and over again. I loved how the bonds between the Searchers and Guardians have strengthened. They fought side by side through each battle. Their teamwork awed me. It was amazing. Each battle had my heart beating really fast from the tension, excitement and from the fear. Bloodrose had me at the edge of my seat in almost every chapter.

I knew war meant casualties. I thought I would be prepared for this. I was so so wrong. The last 200 pages or so broke me completely. It was like my heart was ripped out of my chest, thrown on the ground and repeatedly stomped on all while I watched. I bawled my eyes out through the last few chapters. It was so so painful to read. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to recover after that. It just hurt too much and it really devastated me.



I’m not sure how I feel about the end. It wasn’t something I anticipated on nor expected. For me, it was a little bittersweet. I think this is always true when it’s an ending to a trilogy. I was really sad at the end of this book. I just couldn’t shake off the sadness of it all. Although I don’t know if I like or dislike the ending, I thought it was satisfying. It fit the story and it was right for the characters.

I admire Andrea Cremer for staying true to the story and to her beloved characters. I know not everyone will like the ending or will agree with it. But believe me, this is right. This is what needed to happen. It’s the perfect ending for these characters. This ending makes the characters happy, even if it doesn’t make us happy. That’s whats important and I accept it. I love it. 



Overall, Bloodrose was a thrilling read. I enjoyed it through and through. It’s fast-paced, filled with non-stop action. It was fun, sexy and smart. I’ll miss being in Calla’s head. I’ll miss this world and all the action. I’ll miss the characters and I’ll miss how much they made me smile. I’ll just miss it all. 



When a book or a trilogy affects you this much, you just know it’s a good one. It’s brilliant and perfect and just downright enthralling. Bloodrose is beautiful!

My Rating: 

4.5 out of 5 stars