Enshadowed by Kelly CreaghMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
It has been a long time since I wrote a review for a book. A very long time. Call it life and motherhood and just... well life. In fact, I am not quite the reader I once was. I can honestly say that I maybe read two books a year. If I'm lucky. This year, I've been really lucky.
There are some books that stay with you and make you want to remember their pages. The Nevermore book series is one of those. So, after reading the sequel Enshadowed for a second time after two and a half years, I am ready to write a review.
The first time I read this book I was drowning with excitement. You see, there was a very long wait between the first and the second installment of this series. A two year wait to be exact. And the wait for the third Oblivion, is proving to be even longer. Almost three years now after all.
There are so many elements that make this book good. The refreshing third person point of view in a genre that has been overrun with first person narrative. A very dynamic protagonist who manages to progress even through the sequel, after such a drastic change from the beginning of Nevermore. A fantastical setting that makes you question dreams from reality. And of course, a surprising love story you never would've seen yourself rooting for.
Isobel, our protagonist, was both relatable and yet her own person. Characters are truly what makes a story come alive. And this one has become an all time favorite of mine. She's believable. She's the girl next door, but she's also the girl you can look in the mirror and recognize as part of who you are.
Varen, though missing in large part through-out this sequel, continues to provide mystery and intrigue up until the very end. A lot of Varen's background is shown through memories, inanimate objects, some dreamscape, and other little fun tidbits hidden in the storyline. It's really refreshing to learn about a character in such a new way. Not many stories are able to weave this intricate thread.
Gwen is still a personal favorite as well. For some reason I get the feeling that the author, Kelly Creagh, uses this character to represent her own voice and directing hand in the story. Gwen is quirky, yet highly lovable. And such a comic relief through out this dark tale.
Pinfeathers and the horror aspects of the story continue to propel the suspense forward. That was another thing I absolutely loved was the way that Poe's stories continue to stamp the series in the sequel. And the tale is just scary enough to give me the chills, but not completely freak me out in the middle of the night. And I really did love the inversion of Pinfeathers. He slashes through even more stereotypes after Nevermore stripped them all away already.
This book is amazing, and if there is any doubt as to why I can honestly tell you that if a book keeps you thinking about it for YEARS.... then this series is one you simply have to read. It's one of my favorites. And I am anxiously waiting for Oblivion as I write this, trying to figure out how this dark tale will end for some of the best characters of all time.
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