Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Nevermore (Nevermore #1)
Author: Kelly Creagh
Pages: 543
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 31, 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.

I have to admit, the cover isn't appealing. Come on, a goth and cheerleader on the cover? Talk about cheesy!  But apart from the cover, Nevermore has one of the best writings I've ever read. Kelly Creagh's writing skills is outstanding. If I wanted to be become a writer, I would definitely want a writing style similar to hers. The way she describes Varen's dreamworld reminds me of Halloween movies that I've watched when I was younger. Dark. Creepy. I was literally spooked. And it takes a lot to freak me out. 

Our main character, Isobel Lanley is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project. Their assignment is to write a ten page essay on any American author. They choose Edgar Allan Poe. Before I read this book, I had no clue who Edgar Allan Poe was. Yeah, his name sounded a bit familiar, but I didn't know what he was known for. Finishing this book made me go on some sort Edgar Allan Poe kick. Literally. I'm so fascinated with his poems especially his most popular one, "The Raven." 

The characters, Isobel and Varen may seem a bit cliche. The loner goth and the popular cheerleader? But, Kelly takes that cliche and creates such well-developed characters like Varen. The one scene with his father in the book was heart-breaking to read. From that scene, you could tell exactly why Varen is the way he is. As for Isobel, she came off as a brave character when she stood against her friends when they bullied Varen at the ice-cream shop. 

This book has one of the things that I strive to look for in every YA book. That is a slowly developed relationship. When I first began reading, insta-love wasn't an issue for me, but with so many YA novels involving insta-love, it becomes dull and completely unoringinal. The one thing I liked about Isobel and Varen was that they didn't get along at first. They've had their fair share of arguments, but when they eventually get along in the end, it makes their relationship seem so realistic and swoony. It's so rewarding to see characters to shift from dislike to like.

 Great romance. Well-developed characters. Spooky writing. Perfect for Halloween. What more could you ask for?

4/5 STARS