Nevermore - Novel of Love, Loss, & Edgar Allan Poe

The DeChance Chronicles #4.5

by David Niall Wilson

On the banks of Lake Drummond, on the edge of The Great Dismal Swamp, there is a tree in the shape of a woman.

On one dark, moonlit night, two artists met at The Lake Drummond Hotel, built directly on the borderline of North Carolina and Virginia. One was a young woman with the ability to see spirits trapped in trees, and stone, anchored to the earth beyond their years. Her gift was to draw them, and then, to set them free. The other was a dark man, haunted by visions that brought his stories of sadness and pain, and trapped in a life between the powers he sensed all around him, and a mundane existence attended by failure. They were Eleanore MacReady, Lenore, to her friends, and a young poet named Edgar Allen Poe, who traveled with a crow that was his secret, and almost constant companion, a bird named Grimm for the talented brothers of fairy-tale fame.

Their meeting drew them together in vision, and legend, and pitted their strange powers and quick minds against the depths of the Dismal Swamp itself, ancient legends, and time.

Once, upon a shoreline dreary, there was a tree. This is her story.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic, Paranormal, Historical, Urban Fantasy

146 pages, Hardcover

First published January 14, 2013

About the author

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David Niall Wilson has been writing and publishing horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction since the mid-eighties. An ordained minister, once President of the Horror Writer 's Association and multiple recipient of the Bram Stoker Award. He lives outside Hertford, NC with the love of his life, Patricia Lee Macomber, His children Zane and Katie, occasionally their older siblings, Stephanie, who is in college, and Bill and Zach who are in the Navy, and an ever-changing assortment of pets.

David is CEO and founder of Crossroad Press, a cutting edge digital publishing company specializing in electronic novels, collections, and nonfiction, as well as unabridged audiobooks and print titles.

Reviews

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edgar Allen Poe, Leonore and The Raven along with magic and mysery, that's what makes up the story Nevermore: A Story Of Love, Loss & Edgar Allen Poe. I have to admit to being intrigued at a work of fiction surrounding Poe. He isn't an author that you would think of people wanting to right about, not like Jane Austen, who has taken on a life separate from her own in fictional works, but David Niall Wilson, really captured him in this novel.

The story is spooky, as it should be with Poe being part of it. It deals with The Raven..both Poe's at the end of the story but mostly the fairy tale written by The Brother's Grimm. But there is more than that, Lenore is painting the faces from the tree on Lake Drummond, and when she does the spirits from the tree are set free, but the last one isn't a good spirit..

There's also the crow, Grimm, who is pretty much a main character unto himself. He is Poe's constant companion, or familiar as Lenore would suggest.

The tree is really at the center of all of this, as well as the Brother's Grimm's The Raven. The faces in the tree, some magical women and their spells, all make this a darkly wonderful tale. And if the author uses this story as the inspiration for Poe's classic The Raven, well so be it!

Definitely something different and in a very good way.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting for this haunting tale is perfect, the author plunging the reader immediately into the mystery of The Great Dismal Swamp. Instant clues place the tale back in time: the inn, no doubt, with almost as many stories to tell as Edgar himself. From the outset we learn something of what Lenore’s purpose is but perhaps not quite Edgar Poe’s. As Lenore has the compulsion to draw, and Edgar has the impetus to write, the reader like me is hooked on finding exactly what the main characters hope to achieve during their short visit to the creepy area. In parts it is a tale about each of those above mentioned characters but the sub-plots are complex too, and the interaction of all the characters is quite absorbing. The plot is as tortuous as the trees that are in the swamp, some parts of it, I feel, left to conjecture since the ‘loss’ referred to in the title is quite dramatic! The language flows beautifully, harking back to olden times. It is a dark tale which left me a bit staggered at the end- but I don’t do spoilers- read this really good tale for yourself!

[Amber M. McCarter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't appreciate writing that "tells" me what is developing, rather than actually developing - and, unfortunately, this is such a piece. I also just didn't have any investment in the characters, and nothing at all was resolved in any way. I don't mind open ended endings, in fact I'm often disappointed when a story is too neatly wrapped up in the end - but this brought up all sorts of complex plot points and relationships, and then simply did nothing with them. I think the author was probably going for the sort of (non) "endings" that Poe himself did in his stories, being that he is one of the main characters... But he simply didn't achieve that.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a free audible copy of this via Audiobookblast.com for an unbiased review.

Slightly creepy, very atmospheric, and definitely worth a listen. The narrator has a very gentle and slightly slow voice. At first I thought she would put me to sleep, but her voice turned out to be perfectly suited to this story.

This isn't a fast-paced, action-filled horror story, but more reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe's creepy tales. Appropriate, of course, as Poe is one of the main characters and presumably a major influence on the author. There's a lot of description with hints of evil and ancient secrets. The swamp setting is very suitable for such a tale. I found myself immersed in the mood and was sad when the book ended. Now I need to look for a good audio version of Poe's The Raven to see how well Wilson's take fits with the poem (it's been ages since I read The Raven).

Oh, and I kind of want a pet raven of my own.

[Latasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was ok, I just wanted a little more.

[Madelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Poe as a child; I was probably 9 or 10 years old when I read "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Tell-Tale Heart." I can't remember which of Poe's tales I read first (it was a very long time ago), but I do remember being quite taken with these stories that were both mysterious and magical.

David Niall Wilson is one of those authors to whom I turn when I need something to read that will transport me from the world in which I live to a place of mystery and magic. There is something more to his writing than just putting pen to paper. His writing is the art of visual artists and musicians put into words.

NEVERMORE adds Edgar Allan Poe to the cast of Wilson's characters who have more than just a twinkle of magic. Edgar Poe meets Eleanor MacReady (her friends call her Lenore), and together with Grimm, a large black crow, and a boy named Tom all embark on a strange adventure in The Great Dismal Swamp. I won't say more about the story… spoilers, dear… spoilers…

There is another Poe suggestive book by Wilson, A MIDNIGHT DREARY, that the author recommends you read after reading NEVERMORE. One thing is for certain, it is wise to heed the words of the creator of a magic world because failure to do so may adversely impact your enjoyment of the tales.

I make it a practice to read everything in a book, except maybe for the actual table of contents. Forwards, Introductions, Afterwards, and even Acknowledgements often contain information that will enhance the reading experience. David Niall Wilson provides a workable reading order for books that intertwine one series with another in his introductory notes.

NEVERMORE is a blending of history and fiction that can be read and enjoyed by all ages.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find myself rather fond of this story, yes it does have a few flaws (including a somewhat less colourful Poe than we're used to) but the gloriously Gothic nature of the tale and the dark yet strangely hopeful ending makes it a perfect little story for any and all Poe fans. I love how Wilson weaves together the presence of Lenore and her abilities, the arrival of Poe and of his familiar, Grimm. The swamp setting just adds to the atmosphere with its sense of unknown and foreboding and of a danger not seen as Lenore's and Poe's lives become entwined in unexpected, yet expected, ways. A delightful read even if it is a little flat in places (but then when you use a character like Poe your writing is going up against his, not a comparison that I would want), I can see me coming back to this again and again.

[The Realm of Fantasy and Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nevermore - A Novel of Love, Loss & Edgar Allan Poe is proof that there absolutely is magic in the written word, and David Niall Wilson is the master magician who deftly weaves a fantastic tale of dark fantasy, blending the supernatural world he's created effortlessly into reality. Nevermore draws you immediately into the story, making you feel as if you're sitting right next to Lenore, watching her work and seeing the images appear on her paper, amidst the "smoke wafting from table to table, cigars, pipes, and the pungent aroma of scented candles" and the ebb and flow of conversation from the room's occupants.

Mr. Wilson's descriptive voice is one of the best I've ever come across, bringing the Lake Drummond Hotel, The Great Dismal Swamp, Egar Allan Poe, Lenore MacReady, the mysterious Nettie who lives in the swamp and the supporting characters to vibrant life. When you reach the edge-of-your-seat portion of the book (and you'll know it when you get there), you won't be able to put the book down until you've come to the end - I promise you.

I'm very careful not to post spoilers in my reviews, but prefer to give my impressions of the book as an avid and widely-read reader. Needless to say, I enjoyed this book immensely and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read original fantasy. This book is definitely going on my "Keepers" shelf and will be read again!

I'm giving Nevermore - A Novel of Love, Loss & Edgar Allan Poe a 5 Star Review!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from the author and he sent me an autographed copy with an inscription made out to me. I was a little skeptical because I'm not normally interested in this genre, but I was willing to give it a go anyways. I'm so glad I did because I LOVED this book. I started out reading with a very critical eye and as soon as I got into the story-line, it won me over. The story was about Edgar meeting a lady (Lenore) in an inn in the Great Dismal Swamp and the magic that the two are blessed (cursed?) with. The writings of Poe were mixed in with Grimm's Fairy Tales a a little bit of magic to make the plot line just a little bit more awesome. I carried this book everywhere and read a paragraph every time I could get one in. I couldn't put it down. When I finished the book I immediately looked up Poe's work just to refresh myself and see how the two tied together. Wilson has done a great job portraying his interpretation of what led to the writing of The Raven. This book is saying in my library for a long time!

[Renee Deschamps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review via GR R&R.

While I've never been a major Poe fan, this book drew me in from start to finish!

I LOVED the way the story linked Poe's poems, and gave them a history of how his poems came to be. This book has all the best qualities from all genres, romance, mystery, intrigue, supernatural & fables, and Mr. Wilson intertwined all of these AND MADE IT WORK! That is a huge feat in itself. BRAVO!

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who likes, loves or detests Poe, with the way the poems are worked into the story, it's keeps readers wanting more. It was properly written, the flow was steady and believable.

I'll be praying to the Gods to have a sequel, even a trilogy, or any other works written by Mr. Wilson. He writes with intelligence, and well researched, to bring this story to life.

Thank you so much for allowing me to sample your work, and I'm looking forward to more of your work.

[k8inne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps it's because I'm not much into fantasy that I couldn't get into this book. In general I felt it lacked depth. The characters were flat, the plot was predictable and the writing mediocre. About one third of the way into the book I started skimming the pages - I don't like to abandon books, but I came pretty close with this one. I was relieved when Lenore was finally gone and chuckled when Poe had the dream that inspired the poem - at that point, all I could think of was The Simpsons version of "The Raven."

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one ranks up there for me with audiobooks. It was the combination of the perfect narrator for this type of book. Separate I don't know how well they would work. Gigi Shane has the melodious, dulcet tones that were made to read books with a dark, romantic atmosphere. My favorite part was how the artist used paintings to release spirits. There was something incredibly cool about the entire premise.


This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audible version of this.I found it good,not great.It was full of imagination,mysterious circumstances and a very interesting idea of where Edgar Alan Poe got his idea for 'Lenore'.I found Gigi Shane to be a good narrator.She kept up with the unusual pace of the storyline pretty well.I may read it again when I get time to see if I missed anything.
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast or MalarHouse dot com"

[Karel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! Mr. Wilson pulled it off! I questioned the use of "okay" in this work, and was pleased to find that I was wrong! The use in the U.S. in speech is recorded several years before Edgar Allan Poe died, according to the Oxford Dictionary of English. So read and enjoy!

[tamara r smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick fun read.

an entertaining tale, but seems amateurish and certainly not factual. interesting premise, no real character development, but as I said, a good little story to pass an empty hour.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal read. I could not put this down.

I love how this book kept me guessing as to what the heck was happening.

Happiness, suspense, rage, fear, love and tears.

A must read!

[Kurt Criscione · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story with Poe as the main character and a tie in to the DeChance series.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review is here on my blog!~

This is an interesting premise to be sure. This is a story about Edgar Allen Poe and Lenore, taking place on the borderline of North Carolina and Virginia. Around the same timeframe as Poe’s life as well, so… early-ish 1800s. It was definitely historic, at any rate.

Lenore MacReady has the ability to see spirits that are trapped on our plane of existence, and can free them by drawing them. Edgar Allen Poe is a writer who is often haunted by the dark stories that he writes.

When they meet by chance at a hotel in the Dismal Swamp, and meet a young woman with a wild story of spirits and murder, shenanigans are abound.

This was a well written story. Often dark, as you can imagine, since The Raven is just generally a darker work. It was quite a short listen, which was nice. I love an audiobook that I can fit into an afternoon.

The prose was lovely, and I found myself quite enthralled with the story as a result. This was also helped along quite a lot by the narration, I think. The characters were also really well done. Poe and Lenore have a certain… presence in my brain, and it’s hard to deviate from something like that, but this book managed to take them as characters and make them new and fresh to me.

The narrator, Gigi Shane, did a great job in my opinion. She nails the accent that I expected to hear for a lot of it, given that this this takes place in North Carolina/Virginia. She gave the characters really good voices, especially some of the male characters who had really grim and gravelly voices at times. It made this book a very entertaining listen. I think I liked it a lot more than I would have if I had read it in print. It’s one of those. Not at a a bad book if I had read it rather than listened, of course, but certainly entertaining having it be read to me instead.

Thanks to the author for the review copy of the audiobook!~

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My true rating for this is 4.5 stars.

Here is another new to me author with an interesting take on history it would seem. While this is a tale about Edgar Allan Poe it is also a tale about the characters that he created and now are interacting with. The atmosphere we find ourselves in is eerie but with an air of mystery. This story is also a part of a larger universe, The DeChance Chronicles which this seems to be easily categorized with.

On the banks of Lake Drummond, on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp, there is a tree in the shape of a woman.

One dark, moonlit night, two artists met at the Lake Drummond Hotel, built directly on the borderline of North Carolina and Virginia. One was a young woman with the ability to see spirits trapped in trees and stone, anchored to the earth beyond their years. Her gift was to draw them, and then to set them free. The other was a dark man, haunted by dreams and visions that brought him stories of sadness and pain, trapped in a life between the powers he sensed all around him and a mundane existence attended by failure. They were Eleanore MacReady, Lenore, to her friends, and a young poet named Edgar Allan Poe, who traveled with a crow that was his secret, and almost constant companion, a bird named Grimm for the talented brothers of fairy-tale fame.

Their meeting drew them together in vision, and legend, and pitted their strange powers and quick minds against the depths of the Dismal Swamp itself, ancient legends, and time.

Once, upon a shoreline dreary, there was a tree. This is her story.

The blurb is not so accurate to me. While it is historical fantasy there is not really any romance but there is a boat load of southern charm. We have Edgar Allan Poe and Lenore both chasing the arcane in a small town. I liked it and almost loved it but that can be chalked up to the fact that I have a thing about Poe. The story was also very good and held me captive for the duration.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge Edgar Allen Poe fan, especially the Raven, so much so that I have a tattoo on my calf making a reference to the writer. So when I came across this novel and seen it included Lenore and Poe as central characters I decided, why not let's see. This is the first book of his that I have picked up, and I have mixed feelings which seems to be happening a lot lately. The story starts of incredibly slow, and confusing in the beginning as to what is happening and the importance of the events that are happening. The middle part does pick up a little bit in pace in interest, but it is still a little difficult to get into. It felt like there was a lot to the story that wasn't being told, more hidden beneath the words.

I liked the characters and personalities David gave to the characters especially Grimm. I liked that a raven had personality and was as much a character as Poe or Lenore. This would be great as a series as I could see Poe and Grimm acting in different capacities much like this story. It is dark, magical, thrilling trip through time, magic, and even a little bit of love. We see the romance between Lenore and Poe that fans may have thought about when reading "The Raven." Which is enjoyed seeing a variation of Grimm's tale of The Raven included in this novel.

[Becky Drewry · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Nevermore" is a wonderful book to read!
(If you Love to read chronicles..... then read this twisted story! Then read the other 5 books!)

Full of mystery, adventure, and magic! I can't wait to read the other books.

David N. Wilson, really gives us a nice "look inside" others minds....
Mainly those with "gifts", that help trapped souls, or other types of gifts that many normal people, don't understand.

I can relate to this book in sooo Many ways....

So, I don't want to give away much more information about it! But it's a MUST READ for magical and gifted minds.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this and read it as a diversion from my normal genres. My love of reading started with Edgar Allen Poe, so having him as a main character was interesting.

Edgar gets inspiration from a fellow patron at the inn - Lenore. She has a strange ability to see souls that have been trapped and free them. Liked the descriptions. They together help some people and engage a dark entity in the swamp. The inspiration for The Raven is born. This is dark fantasy, no romance. But it is part of a larger series, so at the end there are unresolved threats and consequences. I did really like it, and may have to read the books before and after this one.

[Michael John Paul McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent read and very way out there indeed. Edgar Allen Poe deals with evil beings, strange ancient women and has a raven/crow as a companion. He also bumps into a lady called Eleanor/Lenora. All very mystical and excellent. Read it in one sitting.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read with lots of atmosphere and odd characters. A perfect choice when you find spare time and want something on the side of different to escape the craziness that is our world today.

[Ctgt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on Poe and Lenore.

8/10

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I always tend to read slower on a Kindle for some reason however this book was really good. It was mysterious and intriguing. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I loved that one of the characters was based on Edgar Allan Poe and a raven named Grimm. That characters, plot and climax were so well developed and interesting. It's definitely worth the read.

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not to say it was poorly written because honestly, I don't know. Just not my cup of tea.

[Chris Montez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poe as portrayed in this novel, is at first much more "normal" than we know from factual accounts of his brooding personality. At first his character seems to serve mostly just to move tha narrative along.
That being said, this is a very enjoyable Gothic tale, and well worth reading, incorporating Poe, Lenore and the Raven into a gripping story.