Nevermore

[Spoiler Free Review]If you love the early seasons, particularly 1 and 2, then you will love this book.The early seasons are incredibly nostalgic to me and I always prefered the brothers as a duo (sorry, not sorry Castiel lol). This book follows the beloved formula from the TV show perfectly! Supernatural's episode format/formula is one of my all time favourites and the book is very faithful not only to that but to their characters. Naturally with a book you have more freedom and time to explore the inner world of our two loveable idiots and there are some great moments. The introspection of their feelings towards their father or Dean's nightmares were a great touch.The only downside to this? 17 books, but less than half of them are available for a reasonable price :(

Rereading (scheduled for January 06, 2023 - actual re-read April 2023) Supernatural: Nevermore - A Solid and Spooky Tie-in NovelSupernatural: Nevermore is a novelization of the popular TV series of the same name, which follows the adventures of two brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester, as they hunt and confront supernatural creatures and phenomena across America. Written by Keith DeCandido, a prolific author of tie-in novels and comics, Nevermore tells a standalone story that combines horror, mystery, and humor, and showcases the strengths and quirks of the characters and the show. While it may not have the same impact or depth as the best episodes of the series, it is a solid and engaging read for fans of the Winchesters and the genre.The plot of Nevermore revolves around a series of strange and deadly events that occur in a small town in Maryland, which seems to be cursed by the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe, the famous writer of macabre tales and poems. The brothers investigate the case, aided by a local detective, Angela Mason, and a bookstore owner, Karl Partin, who happens to be a Poe enthusiast and collector. The investigation leads them to a series of suspects, including a rival collector, a disgruntled professor, and a mysterious woman who claims to be Poe's wife. The twists and turns of the plot keep the readers guessing and engaged, as they try to solve the mystery before the brothers do.One of the strengths of Nevermore is its faithful and effective portrayal of the characters and the tone of the show. Sam and Dean are recognizable and relatable, with their signature traits and interactions intact. Sam is the more sensitive and intellectual brother, who is haunted by the memory of his dead girlfriend and the mystery of his psychic powers. Dean is the more pragmatic and charismatic brother, who relies on his wit, charm, and arsenal of weapons to fight the supernatural and mask his own pain and trauma. Their banter, sibling rivalry, and loyalty to each other are well-reproduced, as are their attitudes towards the cases they encounter. The tone of the book is also consistent with the show, as it balances horror, humor, and drama in a way that feels natural and appropriate. The horror elements are spooky and eerie, with vivid descriptions of ghosts, monsters, and gore, that evoke the classic horror tropes and the Poe legacy. The humor elements are witty and irreverent, with pop culture references and one-liners that undercut the tension and add a meta layer to the story. The drama elements are emotional and poignant, with flashbacks and character moments that reveal the backstories and motivations of the main characters and the suspects.Another strength of Nevermore is its incorporation of the Poe mythos and its twists and reinterpretations of it. The book references and alludes to several of Poe's most famous works, such as "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Black Cat," and "The Cask of Amontillado," and uses them as inspiration and clues for the plot. Moreover, the book adds its own spin on the Poe legend, by exploring the possibility of Poe being a prophet or a practitioner of the occult, and by suggesting that his death may have been caused by a supernatural force. These additions enhance the richness and complexity of the story, and show the author's respect and creativity towards the source material.However, Nevermore is not without some flaws or limitations. One of them is its lack of originality or novelty. While the book has its own plot and twists, it follows the same formula and structure as most of the episodes of the show, with the question of the case being resolved by the end and the relationship between the Winchester brothers left unchanged. Thus, readers who are familiar with the show may find the book repetitive or predictable, while readers who are new to the franchise may miss some of the backstory and the nuances of the characters. Another limitation is its depth and complexity. While the book has some emotional moments and character development, it does not reach the same depth or complexity as some of the best episodes of the show, nor does it challenge the readers' assumptions or expectations. The book is a straightforward and enjoyable read, but it may not stay with the readers for long after they finish it.In summary, Supernatural: Nevermore is a solid and spooky tie-in novel that captures the essence and flavor of the TV show it is based on. It has faithful and engaging characters, a twisty and intriguing plot, and a mix of horror, humor, and drama that makes it a fun and entertaining read. While it may not break new grounds or reach the same heights as the best episodes of the show, it is a worthy addition to the Supernatural canon and a recommended read for fans of the series or the horror genre.