The only reason I wanted to read “Nevermore” by Kelly Creagh was because it was a story wrapped in another story. The base story revolves around the real and imaginary world of Edgar Allen Poe. I was not expecting to like it as much as I did, and “Nevermore” remains one of my favorite books.

Varren Nethers is trapped in a dark, creepy world brought to life by Poe. Isobel Lanely doesn’t associate with goths, especially weird guys like Nethers. However, they are partnered for a project, and Isobel quickly finds there is more to Varren than meets the eye. She is soon caught up in her feelings for Varren, and just how far she is willing to go into his world to save him.

I loved the characters of this book. There were changes in behaviors, but it took a while for the reader to catch on to them. Creagh writes changes that would happen in a real life situation rather than jumping from feeling to feeling. It’s gradual, which makes the book more than 500 pages, but every page is worth it.

The writing style and plot of this book are original. It’s hard to find that these days. It’s deep for a young adult novel, and seriously dark. There are creatures Varren can conjure with words, and the creatures left over from Poe’s mind. Let’s look at the awesomeness of Creagh’s writing.

“He opened his palm and saw that the watch remained. Still there. Still real.

Varen looked up at the figure that stood atop the fountain. With a howl of rage, he made it burst apart. He fell to his knees amid the wreckage and floating dust.

Crumpling into himself, he released a choking sob, knowing that he, too, belonged to the ruin.”

“That a single kiss from a boy who knew how to walk through dreams, who himself now seemed to be a dream, hadn’t irrevocably altered her.”

This book will leave you wondering if the world that we are living in is the real world, or there is another world that is real, and we are just dreaming. It’s creepy, dark and wonderful. I give it 4.5 stars. Check out the authors website for more information.