Helpful Score: 3
Im not sure what to think about this ambitious debut novel. On the one hand, NEVERMORE is a chillingly intriguing exploration of the psychological changes undergone when two opposites cross paths. On the other, it is all too often plodding, frustrating, and melodramatic.
Good things first: the characters in NEVERMORE are quite unlike most YA characters Ive read, particularly Varen. He is aloof without being arrogant, reserved without seeming hopelessly depressed. His appeal lies in these things: in a sense, he has all the appeal of a stereotypical bad boy, but his badness is in being so-called freakish and socially distant. I always looked forward to Isobel and Varens interactions, because they were full of the bittersweet subtleties that real relationships are about, and not the usual insta-attraction wish fulfillment that usually abounds in YA lit.
Unfortunately, NEVERMORE felt a bit shaky for me for several reasons. I found it difficult to place Isobel: shes not technically a nice person (as evidenced by her initial interactions with Varen), and yet shes not convincingly mean, either. While most of the other characters are convincingly rich enough in their roles, whether major or minor, I would have liked to see more definition from Isobel. As of now she just feels like a fairly generic protagonist to me.
Likewise, I felt that the paranormal elements of NEVERMORE were not as strong as the contemporary, psychological aspects. Nevertheless, NEVERMORE is definitely the first book in a series, and Id be interested to see what the promising author Kelly Creagh does in the sequel. I would definitely love to see more development of the other world and integration with our world.
Good things first: the characters in NEVERMORE are quite unlike most YA characters Ive read, particularly Varen. He is aloof without being arrogant, reserved without seeming hopelessly depressed. His appeal lies in these things: in a sense, he has all the appeal of a stereotypical bad boy, but his badness is in being so-called freakish and socially distant. I always looked forward to Isobel and Varens interactions, because they were full of the bittersweet subtleties that real relationships are about, and not the usual insta-attraction wish fulfillment that usually abounds in YA lit.
Unfortunately, NEVERMORE felt a bit shaky for me for several reasons. I found it difficult to place Isobel: shes not technically a nice person (as evidenced by her initial interactions with Varen), and yet shes not convincingly mean, either. While most of the other characters are convincingly rich enough in their roles, whether major or minor, I would have liked to see more definition from Isobel. As of now she just feels like a fairly generic protagonist to me.
Likewise, I felt that the paranormal elements of NEVERMORE were not as strong as the contemporary, psychological aspects. Nevertheless, NEVERMORE is definitely the first book in a series, and Id be interested to see what the promising author Kelly Creagh does in the sequel. I would definitely love to see more development of the other world and integration with our world.
Reviewed by Ashley B for TeensReadToo.com
Isobel has a great life: she is a cheerleader, her boyfriend is a star on the football team, her friends are great. That changes once she is partnered with the weird Goth guy, Varen, in English class to do a project on Edgar Allen Poe.
Varen is mysterious, and he doesn't seem too interested in Isobel. However, Isobel finds herself drawn to him, especially after she takes a peek at his notebook, only to find it filled with strange stories and drawings. Strange things start to happen both when she is alone and when she's with Varen. She can't tell whether it is a dream, or reality.
NEVERMORE was so captivating. I have never read anything like it before. It was really fast-paced and intriguing; however, the ending was slower than the rest of the novel. I loved how there was some history involved, too, because I don't know much about Edgar Allen Poe.
Varen seemed so weird at first, but right off the bat, I could tell that there was going to be something between the two main characters. Once I came to the end, I was mad because of the intense cliffhanger - but I was happy to find out that there will be a sequel!
Isobel has a great life: she is a cheerleader, her boyfriend is a star on the football team, her friends are great. That changes once she is partnered with the weird Goth guy, Varen, in English class to do a project on Edgar Allen Poe.
Varen is mysterious, and he doesn't seem too interested in Isobel. However, Isobel finds herself drawn to him, especially after she takes a peek at his notebook, only to find it filled with strange stories and drawings. Strange things start to happen both when she is alone and when she's with Varen. She can't tell whether it is a dream, or reality.
NEVERMORE was so captivating. I have never read anything like it before. It was really fast-paced and intriguing; however, the ending was slower than the rest of the novel. I loved how there was some history involved, too, because I don't know much about Edgar Allen Poe.
Varen seemed so weird at first, but right off the bat, I could tell that there was going to be something between the two main characters. Once I came to the end, I was mad because of the intense cliffhanger - but I was happy to find out that there will be a sequel!
Everything was going great in Isobel Lanley's life until her english teacher paired her with Varen Nethers for an english project. Now it seems all of Isobel's relationships start unraveling, and maybe even her sanity.Isobel finds herself unable to understand what is happening around her when reality as she knows it takes a dark and sinister turn.
What is it that's haunting Isobel and what role does Varen play in it all are only some of the questions that will run through your mind while reading this. Nevermore is a truelly unique story that will leave you unable to put the book down out of determination to figure out the mystery.
While this is not one of my favorites it's definanly really good and worth the read. I will definantly be getting the next book. I have to! I'm determined to know what happens next! Maybe even a little desperate to know! The ending leaves you feeling this way...
What is it that's haunting Isobel and what role does Varen play in it all are only some of the questions that will run through your mind while reading this. Nevermore is a truelly unique story that will leave you unable to put the book down out of determination to figure out the mystery.
While this is not one of my favorites it's definanly really good and worth the read. I will definantly be getting the next book. I have to! I'm determined to know what happens next! Maybe even a little desperate to know! The ending leaves you feeling this way...
