Oh, Lady Dear, Hast Thou No Fear?

With Varen trapped in the terrifying dreamworld surrounded by Edgar Allan Poe's most horrific stories, Isobel is determined to rescue him. Each night since his disappearance, Isobel has been visited by haunting and ghastly images of Varen's world. The more she sees, the more she is unsure of how to bring him back.
The "Poe Toaster", the one who visits Poe's grave on the early hours of his birthday, seems to hold the key Isobel is looking for. Unfortunately, her and her best friend, Gwen, find out that these dark dreams are dangerous and possibly fatal. But Isobel is relentless and pushes forward with any hopes of discovering where Varen is. Revisiting places present in her dreams, she slowly begins piecing the puzzle together.
Once in Baltimore, Isobel is prepared to take on any and all dangers in her way. But can she succeed in releasing Varen from this prison, or does he want to be saved at all? 

Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh was a book that took me a while to get through. It was not a bad book by any means, but because of the length and the subject manner, it does take more care.
Creagh's first novel, Nevermore, reflects the relationship between loner Varen and popular cheerleader Isobel. They were forced to work together on a project for English class, then suddenly they are sucked into an amusement park of Edgar Allan Poe's worst nightmares. After Varen does not return from the dreamworld, Isobel makes it her mission to get him out. This journey focuses on her determination and her transformation.
I adore Poe's writing, and these novels take all the most horrible aspects and combine it together to create a world of pain, despair, and fear. The second book expresses Isobel's desperation, and the reader can slowly see her slipping into Poe's "madness". These nightmares, illusions, and daydreams often deceive and take her to dark corners that hide reality and intertwine it with fiction.
This entire series has been great. The ride has been so full of passion and drive, yet the overwhelming theme of madness is present within.  The ending was unexpected, yet the entire concept of this story was unexpected. The lines between what Isobel sees as real and a dream are blurred, even for the reader.
The one tip I do have is that you need to take your time with this series. Because the dream world and the concept of Poe's stories are deeply embedded into the plot, it does take time to understand, comprehend, and move forward. And you truly want to savor it because the descriptions take center stage; not the dialogue between characters. The entire time reading I just kept thinking, "This would be a really cool movie" because I can see the scenes and I know this would be a great spooky concept for Hollywood to cash in on.
Also, Creagh made these stories long. You are not just getting a quick plot with a cliff hanger. Everything is carefully done, and it is so worth it. These novels definitely fall into the Gothic Romantic genre, and I am sure that Poe himself would applaud this writer's efforts. Well done, and I cannot wait to see how this one ends.

This Place is the Thing Behind Madness. There is Nothing Good Here

Cas is still heartbroken after losing Anna 6th months ago. She sacrificed herself and was dragged to hell by the Obeahman, the same monster who killed his father. Now, Anna is in his nightmares being tortured and begging Cas to free her. He is convinced that Anna is in a hell she does not deserve, and he needs to go after her.

His best friend, Thomas, understands, but he knows it will not be an easy task. Thomas's grandfather, Cas's' mother, and even their friend, Carmel, know this is a fight not easily won. Everyone says to leave the dead alone; she was a murderer, so she belongs in hell. But Cas won't let the girl he loves rot in a hell designed by the Obeahman. Determined to set things right, Cas and Thomas begin researching ways to get to Anna, and how to bring her back.
A packet from Gideon, his father and mother's close friend, may prove to serve up more secrets and bring about new enemies. Armed and ready to avenge Anna's noble death, Cas will stop at nothing to bring her out and into a world she belongs. Even if it means his death.
Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake is an amazing read! I specifically kept it until October so it would be the perfect Halloween book, and it did not let me down. Just like Anna Dressed in Blood, the writing is so ridiculously good. A few times I had to look at the back cover just to be sure the author was a woman because she does such a great job with Cas's voice. All the characters are likeable and able to relate to in some way. The description is incredible. I absolutely fell in love with these two books! I don't know if there will be a third because of the ending, but I sure hope Blake writes more in the future.
I think at least somewhere down the line there should be a movie made. I could see a Zac Efron playing Cas...not just because of the age, but because I feel like he could do dark, mysterious, and oh so hot. Me thinking of Zac Efron is hot when he is practically my younger brother's age is disgusting, by the way. *Side note: technically he's only two years younger than I am...so I can feel okay oogling him. :p*
But read this book and tell me you don't see a great male lead who is a loner and completely gorgeous?
Read these books. End of story. You want an intense spooky ride with great writing: read these!

My Goddess of Death, My Anna Dressed in Blood

I recognize that my book review from last week was a bit short. Unless I have an extremely strong opinion I promise to keep it short. Not everyone likes a 5 paragraph essay encouraging people to read the book. I am simply giving you a brief summary and my opinion on whether it should be read or not. Take it, leave it, my concern is small. I love book blogging because it makes me feel like in some distant universe I am helping someone. Some librarian is thanking me for my tags and my thoughtful insight. We can all dream.
Cas is a ghost killer. That's right, he kills the dead. Those urban legends that hunt and kill humans are his business. Armed with only his father's knife, Cas feels this is his destiny. But deep down he's just like every other teenage boy: moves states/countries frequently, has a witch for a mother, and his father was killed by a man eating demon. Typical teenage stuff. Cas and his mother come to a new town in Canada, where the ghost of Anna Dressed in Blood awaits. Cas knows upon first arrival at the house that she will not be an easy kill. She has dismembered all who enter the house and shows no mercy to any. However, she spares his life. Cas must figure out the puzzle tying Anna to the house before more people lose their lives. Can he avenge the dead and put one more notch in his belt? Or will she destroy his destiny forever?

The concept for the book was compelling. A teenage boy killing off the dangerous urban legends is really interesting, new, and exciting. The author puts in scenarios that are so different and fresh that I couldn't help but love this book. Ghosts, demons, and witches always make for a creepy story line. It was spooky, it was romantic, it was just the book I needed. Call me bah humbug scrooge, but the cutesy romantic, wedding, damsel stories are not exactly on my favorite things lists near the holidays. I was in Zales the other day with the boy and I almost started crying looking at engagement rings. I'll stick with Buffy on this one.
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake is a must read. It's a spooky story with a twist that can make your spine cold. And, next year this time Blake will release the second, Girl of Nightmares. Something amazing to look forward to next Christmas.