Author: Kelly Creagh (her website)
Release:
Synopsis:
Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with piercing eyes another look.
Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.
As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.
His life depends on it.
Review:
Nevermore was a very interesting and dark book. Plus, it is the first I've ever read with Edgar Allan Poe integrated into it as a major part of the plot. Actually, this book has really peeked my interest in Poe (since the only poem I've read of his is Annabel Lee). What I think is the most interesting thing the author has done is mix history with fictional characters. Like the mystery of Poe's death, the Poe Toaster, and his poems (though that's technically not history).
The only thing that got to me was the length and pace of the book. Nothing really important happened until somewhere in the middle of the book and even then, it wasn't till the end that the actual eye catching paranormal stuff started happening. Mostly it was a lot of Isobel's high school life and her friend issues.
Which brings me to another thing, as much as I loved the book, the high school part was really... unnatural. I'm speaking from high school experience. Yes, there are some cliques of specific people, but not everyone is categorized into organized groups. Most kids just stick with their friends no matter what group or club they "belong" to. Well, everyone's high school experience is different, right?
Now to characters.
Isobel is, in a way, a strong heroine. She shows her morals and where she stands from the start and I rarely had a doubt about her character (as in the way she acts). Her only weakness and ultimately, her greatest mistake, is trusting to easily.
Varen is a dark mysterious shadow that comes of as cold and sardonic. But he grows on you from the start. Well, there are some moments where you want scream out in frustration because of his behavior. And despite their sun and rain differences, Isobel and Varen have an odd connection.
Reynolds is a whole other type of mysterious throughout this book. Popping up at the moments he is needed but disappearing anyother time. I like, though, how his character is based off the Poe Toaster (read the book to know who that is or Google it ;) The thing most infuriating about Reynolds is his way of turning a conversation in circles and leaving more questions left in the open then answered.
Gwen is weird in a good way and her character makes me smile. She's forever being hyper and open to the world, uncaring of what others think. At least that's what I got from what I have read of her.
Her dad, on the other hand, sort of annoyed me in the beginning with his biased opinion toward Brad. But, later on in the book, he redeems himself in my eyes. I'm being vague, I know, but I'm trying to stay away from spoilers.
Now just to get it out of the way, Brad, is the stereotypical, no-brain jock. I see him as a jerk and rude. He was also Isobel's boyfriend in the beginning of the book. PS. he's the jealous type.
There are other characters I could mention, but it'd take a while, so I'll let you form your own opinion on them and the ones I already mentioned.
Other than my qualms with the high school life in the book this was a very interesting story that had me hooked in the end. I loved the way the book ends in a way that makes me want to speed time till the next one comes out. Major cliffhanger. I highly recommend to all horror fanatics, paranormal lovers, and Poe readers.
And since I finally figured out a rating system, I give this book a solid B for a fantastic story line, okay pace, legitimate Poe details, and an ending that'll leave you begging for more.
**PS for anyone who has read or is reading this book, I've heard rumors that the sequel will be released next year in August and the title will be Ensadowed.
Now to characters.
Isobel is, in a way, a strong heroine. She shows her morals and where she stands from the start and I rarely had a doubt about her character (as in the way she acts). Her only weakness and ultimately, her greatest mistake, is trusting to easily.
Varen is a dark mysterious shadow that comes of as cold and sardonic. But he grows on you from the start. Well, there are some moments where you want scream out in frustration because of his behavior. And despite their sun and rain differences, Isobel and Varen have an odd connection.
Reynolds is a whole other type of mysterious throughout this book. Popping up at the moments he is needed but disappearing anyother time. I like, though, how his character is based off the Poe Toaster (read the book to know who that is or Google it ;) The thing most infuriating about Reynolds is his way of turning a conversation in circles and leaving more questions left in the open then answered.
Gwen is weird in a good way and her character makes me smile. She's forever being hyper and open to the world, uncaring of what others think. At least that's what I got from what I have read of her.
Her dad, on the other hand, sort of annoyed me in the beginning with his biased opinion toward Brad. But, later on in the book, he redeems himself in my eyes. I'm being vague, I know, but I'm trying to stay away from spoilers.
Now just to get it out of the way, Brad, is the stereotypical, no-brain jock. I see him as a jerk and rude. He was also Isobel's boyfriend in the beginning of the book. PS. he's the jealous type.
There are other characters I could mention, but it'd take a while, so I'll let you form your own opinion on them and the ones I already mentioned.
Other than my qualms with the high school life in the book this was a very interesting story that had me hooked in the end. I loved the way the book ends in a way that makes me want to speed time till the next one comes out. Major cliffhanger. I highly recommend to all horror fanatics, paranormal lovers, and Poe readers.
And since I finally figured out a rating system, I give this book a solid B for a fantastic story line, okay pace, legitimate Poe details, and an ending that'll leave you begging for more.
**PS for anyone who has read or is reading this book, I've heard rumors that the sequel will be released next year in August and the title will be Ensadowed.
