Title: NevermoreAuthor: Kelly Creagh (site)
Published: Aug 31st, 2010 by Atheneum
Pages: 543
Price: $11.99 Book Depository $12.23 Amazon
Series: Nevermore #1
Rating: 5/5
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 the 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. (Goodreads)
Initial Thoughts: I was initially attracted by the gorgeous title and intriguing premise, and sold after reading about five billion favorable reviews.
Review: This was a fantastic book in so many ways. The characters were amazing. Isobel was less ditzy and more ignorant of the way some of the more cruel members of her group could be. Varen wasn't what I was expecting either. He didn't start off standoffish and then melt and confide in her. He was standoffish until the end, but he had a good reason. I can't wait for a chance to get to know him better in the next book. I love these characters! The possessive, cruel boyfriend was great. He wasn't just your run-of-the-mill idiot jock, there was a bit of slyness in his personality that made him unpredictable and intriguing. There were a lot of opportunities here for cliches, but somehow Creagh managed to dodge them all and make everything feel new and authentic.
The story-wow! I loved the creepy world of Edgar Allen Poe and the way that she used his creatures as villains in this book. I was genuinely creeped out by them. It made me want to go right out and buy his complete works (which I just did-hardcover at Borders for 7.99!).
I know that I'm not saying much that hasn't already been said, but I really loved this book. I can't wait to read more from this author. Go out and get yourself a copy!
Quick Review: This was a haunting, exciting novel with intriguing characters and terrifying enemies. I just about died when I got to the cliffhanger ending. I'd really come to love the main characters and couldn't bear to close the book without some reassurance that they'd be alright.
