Wolfsbane: Nightshade, Book 2

This book is reminiscent of primetime soap Grey's Anatomy, in that most of the supporting characters are infinitely more interesting than the protagonist. Calla is not at her most likable in this installment, with her constant, unnecessary jealousy one moment, pent-up desire the second, and then guilt-shame-grief cycle the next. Just when you think she's obviously made her choice, she devolves into another "but ... what if I made the wrong decision" inner monologue that sounds whiny and immature. The "One True Pair" of Calla and Shay starts to get quite boring, and readers may find themselves wishing for Ren to materialize or for the focus to switch to Connor and Adne, whose chemistry is confusing but undeniable.

In fact, the wisecracking Connor, clever and talented Adne, wise Monroe, and their crew of other Seekers provide a refreshing break from Calla's moodiness. Even some of the dense exposition about Guardian, Seeker and Keeper origin stories is more interesting than bearing witness to more of Calla's "I want him more than anything/No I have to save my pack" waffling. By the time Calla's pack finally makes an appearance -- in a gripping battle sequence that pits former packmates against each other -- it's clear just how much more interesting the secondary characters (Guardian or Seeker) are than Calla and Shay. And while it may not have been her intention, the author's portrayal of a conflicted and desperate Ren is more nuanced than her nonstop narration as Calla. One hopes the third book will strengthen the subplots featuring the other (better) characters, and maybe Calla will finally make a decision that sticks.