Review - Nevermore (Kelly Creagh)

 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.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.

By the last 3^rd 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