Bloodrose: Nightshade, Book 3

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Werewolf finale focuses on love triangle and bloody battle.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the final installment in author Andrea Cremer's best-selling supernatural Nightshade trilogy once again features violence and sexuality that may not be appropriate for under-14 readers. The main character, Calla, continues to agonize over her overwhelming feelings of love, lust, grief, and responsibility for leading her wolf pack in a dangerous war against their oppressors. The body count includes a few key characters, and one death in particular will upset many fans. Several couples kiss passionately, and Calla initiates sex with one of her two suitors. Despite all of the steamy descriptions and bloody sequences, the trilogy does focus on the themes of loyalty, friendship, sacrifice, and family.

  • Bloodrose could initiate discussions about teen sexuality, relationships, and how Calla handles having two potential love interests.
  • There are positive messages about all kinds of relationships, as well as a focus on the fact that a family is more than a blood bond -- it can include the people who nurture and care for you unconditionally. The story also encourages relationships based on love and respect rather than convenience and obligation. But those same relationships aren't ones teens should model. Calla mistreats and misleads one of her suitors to the point of rendering her unlikable. She's physically and emotionally involved with two guys at the same time. She can be manipulative and self-centered, but everything works out for her, sending the message that the end justifies the means.
  • On the one hand, considering Calla from a feminist perspective, she's in control and makes forceful decisions as the alpha leader of her wolf pack. She also doesn't sit back and let the two guys in her life take over; she decides when she wants to be kissed or go even further. On the other hand, she's often manipulative and selfish (even when she claims to be operating for the greater good). She strings along one of her love interests into believing he has a chance with her, even though she knows he doesn't. Whenever it suits her, Calla lies. That said, Ren, Connor, and Shay are all incredible warriors who protect those they love.
  • As in the two previous novels, there's a good bit of violence. In conflicts between the werewolves, Seekers, and Keepers, each group suffers many losses. A couple of key characters are killed off, one in a particularly anti-climactic way that will upset many readers. Other less important characters also die during the climactic battle, and one main character is presumed dead. The deaths are mourned but not for long, as this is a "warrior culture," where the solider-like characters consider it an honor to die fighting for their beliefs and each other.
  • Calla initiates sex (by taking off her top) in one sex scene and spends a good bit of time thinking about sex or touching both of her suitors. She has sex with only one, but she does passionately kiss the other. Other couples finally admit their feelings for each other and share a few intimate kisses; in one case, the girl is 16 and the guy is 21. The two male alpha werewolves are openly jealous of each other.
  • Occasional cursing, including "bitch," "a--hole," "s--t," "cocky bastard," and "goddamned."
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

BLOODROSE follows Calla as she and Adne rescue the grieving alpha wolf, Ren, and bring him into the Guardian and Seeker alliance. To lure Ren back with her, Calla kisses him and allows him to believe that he has a chance at her heart, even though she's already been with Shay. Calla and her wolf pack must help Shay and the Seekers destroy the Keepers' evil hold on their world. But before their climactic struggle against the Keepers can conclude, Calla has to juggle keeping her now-human brother safe -- and her overwhelming hormones in check. Will her heart choose Ren, her intended who loves her despite their mutual betrayals, or Shay, the one she sacrificed her life to save and vice-versa?


Is it any good?

 

Calla is the rare protagonist who becomes less likable as her series continues. While there's no doubt she's a brave heroine, she's also frustratingly selfish -- even when she's purportedly acting for the greater good. The main problem is that the central love triangle in this book falls flat, and the way author Andrea Cremer resolves it is a cruel ploy that, while common in YA literature, is still a colossal (and anti-climactic) cop out. The two-guys-vying-for-one-girl scenario can be either invigorating or infuriating, and in this series, it's the latter, because one guy was misled and mistreated by both the author and her character.
 

There's one major plot twist in this novel that's truly surprising (unlike the love triangle resolution, which is predictable and will make some readers want to throw the book down). The final chapter provides a startling but fitting ending for the wolf pack, and, after all of the deaths and sadness, there's a lovely moment of peace that will offer Calla's fans a sense of closure, while also setting up the possibility of a spin-off for the Seekers, who were by far the more interesting group in the series. Those who love Calla may have far fewer issues with the plot and character development, but those who don't will have a hard time appreciating this final installment -- and the trilogy in general.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the ongoing popularity of the paranormal genre in young-adult literature. Why are stories about supernatural creatures so compelling? Why do most of the books emphasize violence and sexuality?

  • Although she started a started a sexual relationship with someone in Wolfsbane, Calla not only kisses someone else in this book but also leads him to believe he has a chance at winning her heart. Do you agree with Calla's decision? How does the resolution of this love triangle compare to other notable YA love triangles, such as those in Twilight or The Hunger Games?

  • One of the themes of Bloodrose is duty vs. independence. How does Calla navigate the pull on her future -- and her heart -- in this last book of the trilogy? What did you think of the final twist? Can you imagine a spin-off of this series?


This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
Parent of 6, 9, and 14 year old
January 23, 2012
 
Werewolf love
I personally like these books, but don't know if I'd want my daughter to read them without discussing them afterwards. The relationships are not very healthy ones- albeit they are supposed to be werewolves...

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Teen, 13 years old
April 29, 2012
 
Great book with a few iffy parts
I really like this book, and even though there are some inappropriate parts, overall it's a great book. If you don't feel comfortable with your child reading iffy books, it would be a good idea to discuss the book.

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This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
Topics:magic and fantasy, adventures, brothers and sisters, monsters, ghosts, and vampires
Author:Andrea Cremer
Book type:Fiction
Genre:Fantasy
Publisher:Penguin Group
Publication date:January 3, 2012
Number of pages:416
Hardcover price:$18.99
Publisher's recommended age(s):14 - 17

This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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