Nevermore

Author: Kelly Creagh
Genre: Young-Adult - Paranormal
Publication Date: August 31, 2010
Publisher:Atheneum
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages:  543
Date Scoot Read: April 2011
Source: Library Hardcover

Scoot's Rating: 10 – Amazing! Loved it. Read it now!

Synopsis (via Goodreads): 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. 

Scoot’s Review:

Isobel is happy; she has a great boyfriend and a cheer team heading straight to nationals.  When her professor’s dreaded English project is assigned she is unwillingly paired with Varen the king of the high school goths.  Their clashing worlds collide and Isobel expects failure, but ends up being intrigued.  Torn between what she wants and what is expected of her Isobel’s life is thrown for a loop while Varen’s life is falling deeper and deeper into danger.  Isobel and Varen have to work together to overcome more than just the school gossip chain in this mysterious and absorbing novel.  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, I am not a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe but I kept hearing it was a great read so I picked it up.  I am so glad I did because it was an excellent book! I loved that it was long... the story actually had time to develop and not feel rushed, and it didn’t cut off short in the middle of the plot.  The slow building romance felt real and was easy to connect with. Although the romance was a large plot element it wasn’t the only thing going on.  The mystery of Varen’s life and the strange occurrences surrounding he and Isobel kept you intrigued and wondering until the end.  And Isobel - I actually liked her! Usually the ‘popular pretty blonde cheerleader’ is written very typical to the stereotype, but Isobel managed to break the mold.  Isobel had depth, kindness and was a strong lead that I could easily put my support behind.  The characters were all well developed and the plot kept you glued to the page.  The story has it all; mystery, heartbreak, romance, action, and danger.  This was a great book that I highly recommend! I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, Enshadowed, in January 2012!