Nevermore {ARC review} * * * *

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Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

- fantasy, YA -

reviewed by Tara SG

received for review via Around the World Tours

Book Order

1. Nevermore * * * *
2. Untitled

Links

Author’s Website : www.kellycreagh.com

Amazon : hardcover / eBook

Add To Your GoodReads TBR List

This book in 6 words:

hauntingly beautiful tale with sweet romance

Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?

I read the blurb for this and knew I had to read it. I am extremely grateful to Around the World Tours for introducing me to Nevermore and getting it in my hands. I really didn’t want to ship this one out after reading it lol. This is not a vampire story! I was beyond impressed with the original plot, the realistic and complex characters, and the edge of your seat action. My biggest complaint is the ending. Oh it’s not bad… it’s just extremely torturous. I’ll be on pins and needles until the next book comes out (her site says she’s already working on it).

Fun random sidenote : The author has trained her dog to play dead when she says “Avada-Kadavra!”. I think I love her and I need to get a dog so I can train them to do that!

Brief Summary

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.

-via GoodReads.com

Plot/Pacing/Writing Style

I can’t say enough about how amazing this plot is! I want to go out and read as much Poe as I can find! (Actually I’m writing this in the library on my lunch break and may need to pick up a collection of his works while I’m here…) I don’t want to say too much about the overall storyline because the mystery of what is happening is best when you don’t know what you’re in for

The pacing was good. I didn’t have any trouble getting into to the book, but the first 1/3 is quite a bit slower than the end of the book. The writing style is just plain beautiful. It’s poetic, creepy, and flows wonderfully.

Characters

I liked the characters. I really did. However, the reason the book is only getting a 4 is that I didn’t connect with Isobel as closely as I would have liked to. I should have ended this book in tears (not that I wasn’t extremely sad). That being said, Isobel is very-well developed. She speaks like a real teen without being annoying. She has realistic responses to Varen, her friends and family, and to the choas that she’s thrown into. I loved that her and Varen’s relationship grows naturally. By the end of the book we can see how much she’s grown as a person.

I loved Varen. He is EXTREMELY well-written. He isn’t overly fond of Isobel at first and isn’t afraid to hide it. He is goth/emo, mysterious, and doesn’t care that others think he is weird. He’s sarcastic, smart, and a lot tougher than he looks. He may be a tad creepy, but it works for him. I really enjoyed seeing him and Isobel interact.

Recommendations

If you like darker YA with a fantasy/paranormal feel, PLEASE check this out! If you like Edgar Allen Poe then I think this would also be worth a read even if you don’t read a lot of YA.

Going Deeper – slight spoilers

I really enjoyed seeing the cheerleader and goth paired up like this. It forced them to see past stereotypes and get to know each other. I also loved how realistic the consequences of them hanging out were. Neither one of their groups welcomed the new friendship and in fact Isobel was disowned by her group due to her decisions. I really loved when Isobel told off the goth kids telling them that they were just like everyone else after they treated her badly.