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.
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.com
My Review
After reading the synopsis of
this book, all I could think was I’m sure I’ve read this story somewhere
else...popular cheerleader paired with misunderstood goth, insta-love ensues?
But this book took me by surprise. Yes the two main characters develop feelings
for each other, but it’s in no way insta-love. In fact you might say there was
some animosity to begin with.
One of the things I enjoyed most
about this book is that it doesn’t depend on a love triangle to keep it going
as so many books do today. Don’t get me wrong there is a love triangle of sorts
involved. But for once the girl can actually make up her mind and doesn’t just whine
about how devastating it is to have the love of two guys.
The story starts off at a slow but steady pace, which some might find annoying. However I found this enjoyable as it gave the author time to really develop the characters. Something not often found in most mass marketed crap these days. The characters actually felt real, not just a comparison of a 2D poster cut out that you get given out free after a movie premier.
The story starts off at a slow but steady pace, which some might find annoying. However I found this enjoyable as it gave the author time to really develop the characters. Something not often found in most mass marketed crap these days. The characters actually felt real, not just a comparison of a 2D poster cut out that you get given out free after a movie premier.
By the last 3rd of the
book the drama really starts to build-up and takes you on a great roller
coaster ride, similar to that of falling down the rabbit hole.
Overall this book was very
enjoyable; I felt it broke the typical recipe of most YA books today and
incorporated the life and writings of Edgar Allen Poe which made it unique. It
was a tad on the long side, but I found that easily overlooked since the story
was full of suspense, and the page numbers just flew by. After reading this book you’ll definitely be
craving the next one.
My rating: 4/5
