And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!
— from "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
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:
nota bene: I’ve been putting off this review for quite some time because words cannot express how much I loved this book! I’ve been gushing about for weeks.
Edgar Allan Poe’s works are transformed into a dark nightmare that is vividly described in the second half of the novel. This paranormal romance is darker than most and is a needed break from vampires and werewolves (finally!).
The pacing was surprisingly very quick despite the colossal length of the novel (543 pages). The first half of the novel was character development and set up which included typical high school drama while the second half unfolds the beautiful world of Poe. The first half of the book transitions seamlessly into the second.
The development between Isobel and Varen (which I think is supposed to be an anagram of Raven) does not happen overnight which is actually quite refreshing. In most YA fiction, the female protagonist falls “in love” after meeting a guy for five minutes. Creagh actually took the time to allow a more realistic approach to love. Reading the relationship unfold over time was absolutely enjoyable.
Where is the second book? There is no release date, but according to Creagh’s webstie, she is working on the second book right now! It’s due out sometime in 2012. The worst part about this novel is waiting for the next installment just to find out what happens next!
The Bottom Line:
If you are fan of paranormal books or Poe, read it! With great characters and well written story, you won’t be disappointed! 5/5
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