Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh
Release Date –  August 28, 2012
Publisher Website –  Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  429 pages
My Rating- 3.5/5
**swapped with fellow blogger**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

True love takes a twisted turn in the second book of this modern gothic romance trilogy channeling the dark brilliance of Edgar Allan Poe.While Varen remains a prisoner in a perilous dream world where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life, Isobel travels to Baltimore to confront the dark figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster. This man, the same man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams and abandoned her in Varen’s nightmare world, holds the key to saving Varen. 

But when Isobel discovers a way to return to this dream world, she finds herself swept up in a realm that not only holds remnants of Edgar Allan Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world of fear, terror, and anger. 

When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. And now Isobel must face a new adversary—one who also happens to be her greatest love.

If your loved one was trapped somewhere what would you do to get them back? In this creepy and darkly romantic novel, Kelly Creagh examines that question and offers some long awaited answers that were left from the Nevermore cliffhanger.

The world Kelly Creagh has built is astounding. It’s complex, and rich. The descriptions make everything seem lush,  beautiful and visually stunning. It’s a world that is easy to imagine. It’s one of the greater strengths in the novel. Kelly’s writing is meant for the descriptive passage and her dialogue is quite witty.

The characters are just as wonderful as they were in Nevermore. Isobel proves how far she is willing to go for Varen in this sequel. She’s not some damsel in distress and proves capable of taking care of herself. She’s reckless, and impulsive, but you understand her motivations. Her teamwork with Gwen provided some great comedic moments that are a nice offset to the creepiness.

The romance between Varen and Isobel might have suffered from Varen’s absence, but that is far from what happens. Instead we are treated to a romance that is quite beautiful. Isobel is determined to go to the ends of the earth for her love, and it’s the quieter moments she spends reflecting that showcase how true her feelings are. Even some of the images are romantic, if darkly romantic. The descriptions of ashes strewn with rose petals have a beauty to them that is softly romantic. This is how see the relationship between Varen and Isobel.

The bonds in Isobel’s family feel so authentic and realistic. The relationship with her brother especially feels real. Her parents deal with what is happening to Isobel in different ways, but each of them care deeply. Her parents are involved and notice what is going on with their daughter which doesn’t happen often in YA novels. The emotions that Isobel grapples with when thinking of the pain she is causing her family shines light on her character.

This novel is what I call a “bridge” novel. We learn just enough new information to take us into final novel. We  get a few answers, and Varen's dream world becomes a little more clear. I did not feel a lot happened or changed until the very end. It felt a little slower than Nevermore at some points. The ending leaves you crushed and anxious about what is next for the doomed couple.

A beautiful and Gothic setting, a romance that is surprisingly beautiful, and fantastic writing make the Nevermore series one worth reading. I just wished the plot had moved along a little more in this second instalment.