Book Review: Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Release Date: August 31, 2010
Publisher: Atheneum
Pages: 560
Source: Received from publisher for honest review

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. His life depends on it.

My Review: Nevermore was an unforgettable and intense debut. The exquisite writing and character appeal was executed beautifully. Isobel, was the perfect mold of my ideal female protagonist. Her package of good looks, popularity and caring, goodhearted nature was admirable. I respected the fact that Isobel never failed to root for the underdog. In the beginning, she was dating Brad, a typical douche bag football jock. However, once Varen Nethers (doesn't his name sound hot!?) was paired with Isobel for an English project, everything she once knew was turned upside down. Varen made my heart ache. I know it sounds a bit dramatic, but that's how I felt. His Goth appearance came across as dark, desirable and downright sexy. The magnetic energy between Varen and Isobel was contagious. Kelly made their connection so real that I lost myself in Isobel's emotions for Varen. When she longed for him, so did I. Now, for most part of the book there were a lot of distractions surrounding their relationship. One, some people didn't agree that they were meant for each other.

Secondly, Varen came with baggage; his nightmares consumed his life. I don't want to give too much away, all I'll say is the dream part in the book was amazing! The edgy and twisted quality in the details and images are spot on. I just wished it would of lasted longer than it did. However, I am sure a sequel is in the works since the ending was a bit open ended. Also, I enjoyed that the poet, Edgar Allan Poe was incorporated in this novel. I was wondering if his poem, "The Raven" was the inspiration behind Varen's name - if you notice it's all the same letters. He seemed to have been a huge inspiration in the plot. Overall, I am yearning to read about Isobel and Varen like crazy. Once you finish this book, it definitely will leave you with a void. I haven't felt like this in a while, so I am thrilled to have Kelly join the YA community. She is a force to be reckoned with and I am excited to see her journey as an author. Everyone go out and buy it on the 31st, tell your mom, sister, brother, next door neighbor, etc. about it!

My Rating:
Author's Info:
Kelly Creagh is a 2008 graduate of Spalding University’s MFA in
Creative Writing program. She works for the Louisville Free Public Library, specializing in teen services. When not writing, haunting bookstore coffee shops, or obsessively studying Poe, Kelly's passions include the ancient art of bellydance. She lives with her squirrely, attitude-infused terrier, Annabel, in the heart of Old Louisville, Kentucky’s largest and spookiest Victorian neighborhood. Nevermore is her first novel.

For more info on Kelly, visit her site(s):
-Website
-Twitter
-Facebook
-GoodReads