Nevermore Review

Saturday, September 18, 2010


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.

Taken from GoodReads.

Nevermore is the story of Isobel Lanley - cheerleader, popular, practically-perfect-in-every-way. When a school assignment throws her out of her comfort zone and she's meant to work with the intimidating goth boy, Varen Nethers, Isobel is certain it's the end of the world. Slowly, her friends start slipping away though, Isobel starts realizing there is more to Varen than meets the eye, and the dreams - well, the dreams have made it very clear that she's either losing her mind, or she and Varen have ventured into a realm of possible impossibilities.

As always, I was wary of the hype surrounding Nevermore, but when one of my favourite bloggers (whose opinion I completely trust) extolled its virtues, I couldn't resist. Nevermore is a dark tale, venturing into the world of dreams and the life and works of Edgar Allen Poe. Now, I'll admit I knew next to nothing about Poe before I read Nevermore, but it's certainly like a crash-course in all things Poe. The poetry sprinkled throughout definitely heightens the story and takes your imagination to the next level.

More than just a history lesson though, Nevermore is a story of growing up, branching out, and finding the truth of oneself. I definitely disliked Isobel in the beginning of the story, but I found her growing on me as the story went on and she began to redeem herself, stepping out of her comfort zone and finding comfort in Varen. Varen has to be one of the most intriguing characters I've come across in YA literature in a long time, too. He's rude, and crass, and sometimes downright nasty, and yet you can see that he has so much more under the surface the entire time. In that way, Kelly Creagh is a mastermind in dark storytelling. With a trusty sidekick, Gwen, a fast-placed, brilliantly-written plot, Nevermore spun me right into its created world with Isobel and Varen. Oh, quick side note - it totally took me about 300 pages to realize that Varen is an anagram of Raven. Oops. I'm blonde.

Nevermore is one of those books that's truly a gem in a midst of overpopulated paranormal stories on the YA market today. Perfectly blending intrigue, history, and an amazing coming-of-age story, Nevermore gets a definite 5 out of 5 from me. I recommend it to anyone that's a fan of YA books - specifically the paranormal with a twist of romance.

23 comments:

  1. Nice review! I'm definetely going to get this from my library--and thank you for your comment on my mini-reviews. :)

    Wow, I didn't even realize Varen WAS an anagram. I always stunk at those xD

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  2. A 5, oh. I must take your word for it, cos she doesn't sound like a character I would enjoy. But if she grows, then that is good. The book intrigues me for sure

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  3. Wow, I'll definitely have to read this one! Thanks for the great review. :) The premise just sounds like any other YA book, and didn't really capture my attention, but I'm glad it's outstanding!

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  4. Well said! Will go on my reading list, especially with the literary references :)
    Thanks for following my blog, I m following you too!
    Enjoying your novel idea for the Friday post.

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  5. A 5 wow I have this on my TBR shelf and it has be calling my name ever since it arrived. It will be on top this week! Thanks for the great review.

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  6. Okay, I was on the fence for awhile about this book, but this review has me convinced that I need to get it. It sounds completely amazing! Awesome review, Melissa! =)

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  7. hahahha VAREN/RAVEN! Eleni had to point that out before I noticed, too :)
    Anyway, isn't this book fascinating? I loved all the Poe references. Now I'm re-reading all those poems/short stories by "the man" and freaking out about how long we have to wait till the next one!!

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  8. Ooh, I've seen this at work and it seems interesting... I'll consider picking it up, though I have soo much other stuff I need to read! But I do like me some Poe...

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  9. I am so, SO glad you enjoyed this one! I bought it as soon as I heard about it, but I haven't read it yet. I love Poe though, so I had to have it!

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  10. I've got this one in my TBR pile. I've been eagerly waiting for it for months and months. I'm so glad you loved it and I found it interesting that you didn't know much about Poe going in and still found it enjoyable. Thanks for the review!

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  11. I need this book. Immediately. I love the sound of Varen, I don't know what it says about me, but the rude, sarcastic boys appeal to me every time. Well, the ones that have that plus more to offer anyway, an it sounds like Varen has that added depth. Can't wait to read this! Thanks for the fantastic review:)

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  12. I absolutely need to read this book. And completely agree wtih Jenny - I also seem to have a penchant for rude, sarcastic boys. And I love Varen's name. Fabulous review!

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  13. Great Review Melissa, this one must be awesome, I've yet to see a bad review

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  14. I need to read this one soon! I bought it, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.

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  15. Wow!! Sounds like this one is awesome!! It's been on my to read list for ever!! I'm glad to hear it's worth the wait!

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  16. Great review! I need to get a copy of this one. I love Poe and it seems to be receiving 5 star ratings from so many trusted bloggers.

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  17. Love the review, this is one I have on my TBR list... well it is more like a TBR Mountain :)

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  18. Hmmm, soundds like a book to check out. Thanks for the great review. :)

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  19. Awesome. I have been waiting to read a review for this one and yours is great! 5 stars, oh my! I need to get this one. Sounds perfect.

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  20. Fantastic review! I definitely need to pick this one up! :)

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  21. Ahhh This is on my to read list! I love the cover. Great review :)

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  22. Sounds really good. A history lesson coming of age? I like the sound of that.

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