Varen and Isobel are paired together for a class project. On the surface the two are about as opposite as two people can be. She’s a cheerleader and he’s a goth. He’s studious and she’s not. Varen, therefore, chooses the topic for their report - Poe.
As the project progresses Isobel finds herself drawn to Varen. She, however, is not the only one with eyes for Varen, and then there is her boyfriend whom she’s realizing isn’t the guy she thought he was.
At first I thought this book had to do with the Fae, but after looking up definitions I realize it doesn’t. I liked that I had no real clue about what was going on because I felt a little like Isobel wondering what was going on and trying to figure it out as the story progressed. I must say at the beginning of the book I thought, "Oh, no, another ill fated pairing for a school assignment. How many times has this been done?", but that was about the closest I could see it coming to another story.
I liked the uniqueness of the book. It’s like nothing I’ve read before. I always liked discussing Poe and loved this book brought his works into the story. The beginning I felt was a little weak. Would have liked to see a little more character development of Isobel’s friends and the ending was a bit confusing leaving you with many questions, but overall I liked it.
I gave it a 4 out of 5 ravens, er, stars.
Notable quote, "I have many names," the specter answered. I am Lila. I am Ita and Li-li. I am Ligeia. I am Lilith."
So I looked into a couple of things. Varen's poltergist says she is called many names. Where have I heard that statement before? *head smack* When dealing with demons. So I googled Lilith and apparently it is the name of a demon in Hebrew lore? There are a variety of stories out there on Lilith, but one called her the Queen of Demons.
Another thing worth mentioning is that Ligeia is an early short story by American writer Edgar Allan Poe. In it Ligeia dies and comes back to life in another women. Hmmmmm????? Makes me wonder.
Lila means night. I could find nothing on Li-li or Ita, but Shay, from my Nothing but Reading Challenges group on Goodreads told me:
"Lilith was the first wife of Adam. No, it's not in the Christian Old Testament. It's part of Jewish mystical writings. Sorry, can't name the exact one. Lilith is mentioned many times in Jewish mysticism. Often as a generic kind of "she demon". Li-li could be a "corruption" of Li'lu which was an Assyrian she demon who is also referred to as Lilith or a shortening of li-lit. Ita- one of the names of Lilith: The names of Lilith: Abeko, Abito, Amizo, Batna, Eilo, Ita, Izorpo, Kali, Kea, Kokos, Lilith, Odam, Partasah, Patrota, Podo, Satrina, Talto. Lilith is also named "Astaribo" in medieval magic, "Avitue" in Rabbinic lore, "Bat Zuge" is a term for the evil Lilith when she is regarded as the 10th of the 10 unholy sefiroth or divine emanations issuing from the left side of God. (From the Jewish mystical text Zohar.)"
Notable quote, "He is not like the others, is He?.....He is special, even in regard to those who have come before him,...Like them, he holds the ability to receive and interpret the shades and shadows of the dreamworld, to bring life and body to new ones, such as the Nocs. What is more, though, is that energy within him that drives him to destroy as much as he creates. The only thing he lacks is control. That in itself is what make him so perfect. Tonight he is to finish my story. Tonight, when you are gone for good, he will set me free."
Sounds like the makings of a good sequel.;)
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