Nevermore (Nevermore #1) by Kelly Creagh

Title: Nevermore

Author: Kelly Creagh

Series: 1st in Nevermore

Pages: 543

Published: August 2010 by Anthem

ISBN: 9781442402003

Source: Star Book Tours

 

Description: 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.

I Give This ...

 

I knew I had to read this just based on the Edgar Allan Poe element.  This book ended up being unlike anything I've read in awhile.  I was immediately drawn into it and not once did it feel like it was a 500+ page book.

I didn't particularly like Isobel at first.  She seemed so much like your typical popular cheerleader.  She's oblivious to those outside her circle and unwilling to look below the surface.  Her home life also confused me a little.  What parent wouldn't let their kid out of the house to get a major school project done?  But, it all seem to fit into this bubble that is her life.  But as she gets to know Varen, she learns that not everyone is what them seem.  She makes new friends way outside her circle and learns her old friend aren't all their cracked up to be.  I was really appalled at what they did in the ice cream shop.

I really enjoyed Varen, and wish we got to see more of him.  He's still somewhat of a mystery.  I think he's a very complex character and even Isobel doesn't know the full depth of his character.  I was particularly fascinated by the persona he portrays in light of his background.  I also really liked his relationship with Isobel.  It's so slow and dramatic.  I also really enjoyed the idea that his writings created the dream world.  It's an interesting idea to the story.

I loved the inclusion of Edgar Allan Poe into the story.  It was great how the author managed to tie in both his personal life (and it's many mysteried) and his works.  He's as much of a character in this novel as Isobel and Varen are.  I'm hoping the author can draw so closure in his story in the end (even if it is fiction).  I'll be eagerly waiting for the next one.