NIGHTSHADE

Teenage werewolves dominate an exclusive high school in Vail, Colo., in this supernatural thriller. Something else dominates the werewolves. Calla, the alpha female of the Nightshade pack, is scheduled to mate with Ren, the alpha male of the Bane pack. She develops divided loyalties, however, when Shay, a human she’s assigned to protect, begins to fascinate her... This may be sounding familiar, and also recognizable is the novel’s sexual tension: The mere touch of either Ren or Shay can drive Calla to uncontrollable, ultimate bliss, to the extent that her urges sometimes overpower the plot. The portrayal of the animal instincts and behavior of the wolf-teens rings true, however, and Cremer builds a compelling world, moving her plot forward with well-paced drive that easily holds readers’ interest. On the surface, this is not much more than an imaginative B-grade paranormal-suspense story. The book’s underlying themes of individualism and freedom, however, lift it to a higher level, and they will probably have a chance to play out in a sequel—one readers won't have to feel too guilty about looking forward to. (Paranormal romance. 14 & up)