Shadow Days

Nightshade #0.5

by Andrea Cremer

Shadow Days, told from Shay's perspective, chronicles the days before the start of the New York Times bestselling Nightshade, when Shay is taken away from the friends he loves and forced to live in his uncle Bosqu Mar's mansion, where the gargoyles seem to move, magic seems real, and nothing is as it should be.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Werewolves, Short Stories, Novella, Romance

79 pages, ebook

First published October 19, 2010

About the author

Andrea Cremer also known as Andrea Robertson, is the author of the internationally bestselling Nightshade series. She spent her childhood daydreaming and roaming the forests and lakeshores of Northern Wisconsin.

Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. Before she wrote her first novel, Andrea was a history professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. In her books, she strives to bring together her two passions: history and fantasy. Andrea now lives in New York and writes full time.

To contact Andrea, please visit, andreacremer.com

Reviews

[~Calliope~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The war of all against all."

[Jessica Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was so good. Shay is my favorite book character, and it was amazing to read a story from his point of view.

[Jillian -always aspiring- · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Actual Rating: 2.5 stars)

Well, one thing's for certain: even from his own POV, I can't stand Shay. That pretty much sums up my feelings about this novella. If it had been any other character in the Rowan Estate, I would have likely given this story four stars; as it is, with Shay as protagonist, I could not nestle my way into the tale as I would have liked. My opinion about this just goes to show that reader reaction to characters has a lot to do with individual reading experiences.

[MischaS_ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tak aby bylo jasno. Nikdy jsem ho neměla ráda a ani mít ráda nebudu. Díky téhle knize? se mi totátlně znechutil. Přiznávám, že jsem ten konec skoro nečetla, přeskakovala jsem. A ten kluk je ták otravný, jak si kontroluje blogísek, jestli mu nenapsal někdo nějaký komentík... GRRRRRRRR

[Annie Brewer · Rating 2 out of 5]

So excuse me while I throw up!!! But this was whore shit!! Okay, first off....I should have read this before Nightshade maybe I would feel differently.....yea I don't think so. But still, I tried to swallow my hatred long enough to stomache this, this ridiculousness!

Secondly, in some instances I felt the slightest sympathy for Shay *puke*....see I can't even type his name without this reaction. I felt sorry for him then BAM.....my hatred is back and I wished he'd died then! Now I know this is harsh and I am sorry to any fans, I am not normally so negative. Ever. But this time I can't be any other way!

Okay enough about that...so the fact that she wrote this short story for HIM shows she never had any intentions of REN having anything good in his life! Jesus I am getting pissed again! All of my pent up anger is resurfacing!!! Shit!! I can't contain myself!! *SOB SOB*

WHERE IS REN'S STORY??? WHERE!!!! WHERE IS IT??? Its only fair to have his story after the bitch left him for that snake!!! Not that I'd get through it without sobbing my eyeballs out!!! UGH! I'm done! I should have given this a ONE...but undeniably she has good writing skills. Whatever. I am glad I finished it, time to get it out of my head!

[Janus the Erudite Artist · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shadow Days is a short story on Shay’s point of view. This novella was about what happened to Shay before he met Calla. There wasn’t really anything much into it that you won’t know if or when you read Nightshade, well specifically on the idea of the creepiness of Bosque’s house anyway. So I don’t really have anything else to say about it.

I’ve read both Nightshade and Wolfsbane, and now that I’ve read this I’m still on neutral territory over the whole Shay-Calla-Ren relationship.

Shadow Days really hasn’t anything special to it for me. I would like to see a novella with Ren’s perspective though, and I’m still really eager to read Bloodrose.

For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com

[Laura's Book Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome add to the nightshade story still team ren sorry shay

[Katieb (MundieMoms) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Days is a great prequel to Nightshade. Andrea does a brilliant job at introducing us to Shay. Shadow Days starts when Shay receives a phone call from his Uncle, informing him he will be leaving Portland in a few days to move to the Rowan Estate in Vail, CO.

Not too happy about moving his senior year of high school, Shay moves into the Rowan Estate. His only tie to his friends he just left behind is the blog and facebook page they started for him. Andrea did a great job at creeping out, as Shay gives a great in-detailed description of his Uncle's house, the eerily portraits that line the hallways, and the weird statues. Not to mention what lies between the pages of the books in the forbidden library.

I admired Shay more after reading this, as he isn't concerned about his Uncle's wealth. It seems that Shay could have what ever he wants, and he doesn't abuse that power. What I admire most, is that Shay is determined to find out what's going on around the Estate and it's evident nothing will stop him in finding out the truth.

If you haven't picked up Nightshade yet, I highly recommend it! It's a phenomenal read and I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens next in Wolfsbane

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Days is a great prequel to Nightshade. Andrea does a brilliant job at introducing us to Shay. Shadow Days starts when Shay receives a phone call from his Uncle, informing him he will be leaving Portland in a few days to move to the Rowan Estate in Vail, CO.

Not too happy about moving his senior year of high school, Shay moves into the Rowan Estate. His only tie to his friends he just left behind is the blog and facebook page they started for him. Andrea did a great job at creeping out, as Shay gives a great in-detailed description of his Uncle's house, the eerily portraits that line the hallways, and the weird statues. Not to mention what lies between the pages of the books in the forbidden library.

I admired Shay more after reading this, as he isn't concerned about his Uncle's wealth. It seems that Shay could have what ever he wants, and he doesn't abuse that power. What I admire most, is that Shay is determined to find out what's going on around the Estate and it's evident nothing will stop him in finding out the truth.

If you haven't picked up Nightshade yet, I highly recommend it! It's a phenomenal read and I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens next in Wolfsbane

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella was a quick and easy read. Personally, I wasn't the biggest Shay fan so when I heard this novella was about him I put off reading it. The other day I stumbled across it again and decided to pick it up. While I still prefer Ren to Shay, I was able to learn a little bit more about Shay and he's staring to grow on me.

While I'm sure if I had a Uncle like Bosque I would rebel like crazy, I still felt bad for Shay being under complete control of his uncle. Leaving all his friends behind to move to a new place and then being left completely alone for weeks at a time is cruel. I really felt sorry for Shay and now I'm glad that Calla and him become friends in Nightshade.

I felt that things moved a little fast in this novella and that left us missing the rich detail and highly developed characters that Andrea Cremer does so well. There were many instances I felt were rushed and not fully explained. I understand this is a novella though and not a prequel novel.

I'm glad I read this novella as it gave me some insight to Shay and his background. I wonder when I read Wolfsbane if my opinion of Shay will change at all. I let you know!


www.gardenofbooks.blogspot.com

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Days is a free prequel novella set the weeks leading up to the beginning of Nightshade. This is Shay's story and I enjoyed reading from his perspective. Shay has just turned 18 when he receives a call from his uncle telling him he has to move from Portland to live in the family estate in Vail, Colorado. Not at all happy about having to leave his friends Shay is dreading making yet another move and having to fit in at a new school for his senior year.

When he arrives at the family estate Shay feels isolated as he doesn't know anyone so he uses facebook and his blog to keep in contact with his friends from Portland. As he waits to start his new school he spends his time exploring the creepy estate and sharing what he finds via his blog.

This is a great prequel that I'm sure any Nightshade fan will really enjoy. I feel like I know Shay a lot better now and I like him more because of that. It was great to get more information about the Rowan estate and it makes things clearer about how and why Shay had broken into the forbidden library.

If you've already read Nightshade I'm sure you'll enjoy reading Shadow Days and if you're not sure if you want to try the series or not I'm sure this will help you make your mind up

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t believe I was able to read this. IT was full of SHAY! SHAY! SHAY! THE title even shouts SHAY! (SHdow+dAYs= SHAY)..because it was SHAY narrating! wow. Anyway, I tried to read without biases and read as a “professional reader” (there’s no other term for it,haha..). I admit that I pitied Shay because he was so alone in that giant freaky mansion, but my pity doesn’t change the fact that I still hate him (note, i pitied him pre-Calla days, when he didn’t yet disrupt the ORIGINAL Ren-Calla love team haha).

Anyway, Shadow Days shows us Shay’s perspective, and basically everything that happened to him immediately before meeting Calla. My friend and I were thinking that making this novella was one of Andrea’s way to buy back people from team REn to team Shay. But, it didn’t work for me, I’m still solid team Ren!

IT’S ONLY FAIR IF REN HAS HIS OWN NOVELLA RIGHT? SIGH...

[Navdha · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I totally enjoy it when there is something from the male protagonist's POV since these YA's have almost everything from the female's POV. It was really good to read how Shay was totally freaked out about moving and his Uncle and the mansion before the whole deal started. I am in the minority for liking Shay and how his character grew in the series. Most people love Ren, it was Ren, right?
So yeah, Shay was brave from the start. You would expect any other person to move or totally freak out but he actually went to the library and wasn't too self-absorbed to think that he could do everything on his own. He took help from all his online friends all throughout and that was pretty smart. It was actually longer than I expected it to be. But overall, I really liked it. So 3.5.

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pointless! That's the only word that can fully describe this book. Completely and utterly POINTLESS!! I did not understand why this book was written at all. It had no connection to the first Nightshade novel. Except for the characters, that is, but that isn't really enought to make the two books seem related. Not one of the things happening in this novella are mention in the first novel, so what's the point really? Besides making me angrier than angry! Argh! I'm frustrated to no end and mad at myself than even let myself read this!

[Sana · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quirky, fast read, Shadow Days is interesting if one wants to know the roots of Shay's fascination with the library and the urge to rebel. The witty, sarcastic dialog and the overall outlook of him was very welcome.

[Carrie Kaut · Rating 1 out of 5]

GOD i thought shay was annoying in the book! jesus hes even worse when the book or even a short freakin story takes place from his point of view...GOD i hope Calla chooses Ren cuz if she goes for shay i might just freakin lose it!

[Denis S.N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but boring at times.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great prequel that I'm sure any Nightshade fan will enjoy. :)

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. It helped me understand Shay a bit more, though I still like Ren better, I really liked reading from Shay's PoV. This was a great story.:)

[TheLoupGaroux · Rating 2 out of 5]

No Ren. No Calla. However, Logan makes an appearance. The rest was Dull. Shay annoys me more now, than he ever did in the first place. uuuggghhh shudder sigh.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest it freaked the hell out of me... Not such a good idea to read it in the middle of the night but still I have to say: good job :)

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really so enthusiastic to read Nightshade but really put me into the world the Cremer is trying to create. Proper review to come

[♥ I’d Rather Be Reading ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had Nightshade on my to-read shelf for a long while. Since the second in the series is coming out in July, I decided now would be a good time to finally read it. I didn't realize it had this little prequel, but what the hey, I'm all about reading things in order, so I decided to check it out (it's free), before reading the first novel.

The prequel is about Shay, who I'm assuming is a main character in the series. He's a guy who is the ward of a rich uncle. We don't get much background about why he's not living with his parents, but hopefully we'll learn that in the main novel. But anyways, his uncle decides to move him to Vail, Colorado where the family estate is. Shay never realized he had a family estate so he's in shock with how enormous this house (or mansion is more like it) is. But things get a little strange when it seems that the house/mansion seems to be haunted...or something. He gets these strange feelings, and what's weirder is that his uncle forbade him from entering the library -- the one room of interest to him -- before he left. Shay starts poking around, and with the help of his new online friends, who help distract him from his loneliness, he starts discovering some interesting and pretty shocking things...

A great little prequel! I hate the fact that it left off at a cliffhanger, but I'm happy that I didn't read this months before the book came out because otherwise I would be extremely pissed with the ending! But, since I know this is a prequel, it's gotten me pumped for the full novel and I think I'll start right into it to see what happens! I did think that the list at the end, of him thanking all his Facebook friends was really cute. I would be sad if I wasn't so sure that he's in the series based on the description of the first book, though!

[Sousetsoso · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was supposed to be good? But I'm soooo confused?? I don't get it?
What is going on?
Who's who?
What's what?
Did he die or was that my understanding?
I mean i know i didn't really work hard into trying to analyse what i read but it's really not that good for me to spend time and effort...
Hopefully the rest of the series is better?
I mean the fact that they made a story about.. Sean? Shea? Wtv tf his name is.. means that he will still be there in the other books..? So he's not dead...
I donno.. the lack of dialogue killed me though..

[Γιώτα Παπαδημακοπούλου · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ακροβατούσα ανάμεσα στα 3 και στα 4 αστέρια, αλλά ακόμα δεν είμαι σίγουρη το πως αισθάνομαι για τον Σάι. Εκεί που τον αγαπώ, εκεί είναι που κάνει κάτι και με βγάζει από τα ρούχα μου. Ωστόσο, δεν μπορώ να αρνηθώ πως αυτή η ματιά στο παρελθόν του μας βοηθάει λίγο περισσότερο να ξεκαθαρίσουμε κάποια πράγματα σε σχέση με τον χαρακτήρα του, ενώ πρόκειται για ένα POV ιδιαίτερα καλογραμμένο, όχι πολύ συχνό φαινόμενο σε ανάλογες περιπτώσεις.

[Crim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shay was a character that didn't have his forst few days put into perspective in the main series. I am so excited to have stumbled upon this one! Its so interesting to see his mind work while he puzzles through everything while bonding with his online friends. Definitely worth the read. I read the main series so long ago so I am reading these out of order but definitely recommend putting it in order if your new to it.

[Vendea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jsem idiot, který kdysi ignoroval existenci novel v sériích. A jelikož ráda dočítám série... Haha. Začala jsem se Smečkou. Zaslouží si děj téhle novely dvě hvězdičky? Ne. Ale Shay... I když si Smečku nepamatuju, Shay je pořád jedna z mých nejvíc nenáviděných postav, stejně jako Addie v Shatter Me. So... sorry, Shayi, ale víc jak dvě ti dát nemůžu. Jsi pořád stejný kretén.

2/5*

[Alan D.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive, I couldn't put it down if not to take a breath. This woman is amazing, her hand is magical and her stories are like a drug. She fully transported me to Vale and the eerie Rowan State along with Shay. I may be re-reading the entire series the next year due to this novella. I loved it, loved it and loved it more.

[Zoha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminds me, they didn’t go deep into this mansion’s lure, I always thought it was super interesting. I do see there is a larger universe that this author made, but I am will not read the others because of that ending. I am trying not to dig up old wounds but I don't like Shay that much. The author definitely preferred him over Rainier but I felt Rainier was way better as a fleshed-out character and person than Shay ever could be. Shay as just, too "the right wrong thing to have". He was more chivalrous than Rainier which I 100% agree that Rainier got to have all these girls before he married Calla but like it wasn't about marrying him. Clearly, he was a better person than she thought he was and I fully believed he would have helped find a way to save Shay and the pack to where no one would have gotten hurt if she just trusted him. Shay is stupid in his pursuits but I also am very intrigued by the mansion and wish I either remembered or the author to go more into it.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good to learn more about Shay and how he came to be in Colorado with his uncle.