Nevermore 
by Kelly Creagh

Published August 31st 2010
543 Pages

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.

Why I Picked It Up:  Heard good reviews and always looking for a great paranormal romance.

Why You Should Read It:  Great romance! Very unique paranormal story and you learn about Edgar Allen Poe

Isobel must work on an English project with Varen. Varen wears black, has a lip ring, and is known as a freak among most of his peers. Blonde haired, popular, cheerleader Isobel can not believe her luck that she is paired with him. Varen wants to do the project on his favorite author, Edgar Allen Poe. Spending time with Varen, Isobel definitely starts to see another side to him. When her jealous boyfriend and friends start picking on him she comes to his rescue. Realizing there is more important things than popularity Isobel continues to stand her ground while her ex-boyfriend and ex-friends make her life miserable. An intriguing relationship begins to form around Isobel and Varen and you can't help but root for them. Varen has secrets and a history more unique than you thought and has more depths than you imagined.

Now on to the weird paranormal aspect of this book. The love story is wonderfully told. But surrounding the relationship is Edgar Allen Poe. We learn about Poe's writing, history, and story throughout this story. His suspicious death is questioned during their research project. When Poe came back from missing in the last few days of his life he was heard calling out to a man named Reynolds. Isobel is beyond shocked to learn this fact because she has been having strange dreams involving a man named Reynolds telling her that Varen is in danger. Varen has been swept up into a dream world and the dream demons don't want to let him go. Isobel is determined to save him. An incredibly different story that also gave me an opportunity to learn a ton about Poe that I never knew. Also with a huge cliffhanger that will leave you demanding the next book.

"You're really a blond," she said, her tone just short of accusatory.
"And if you tell anyone, I will come to you in the night and smoke your everlasting soul.

"Gwen," he said in acknowledgement.
"Your darkness-ship," she returned with a bow.

RATING: 4/5   Poe Ravens!