Expected publication: July 24th 2012 by HarperTeen
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The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…
Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—
The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.
And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.
Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.
Something Strange and Deadly can be a little scary. It can be funny. It can even be sexy.
While I was expecting more zombies, Something Strange and Deadly definitely didn't disappoint me. It's a book that you can easily immerse yourself in. I don't usually tend to read books set in the 1800s because they feel too formal and stiff to me. But SS&D isn't. At all. The setting is perfect the way Dennard portrays it. There's gossip, there's handsome men vying for women's hands, but behind it all, someone is raising the dead.
Eleanor is one of my favorite female characters. Period. She's just so likable. She's not full of herself, but at the same time she doesn't spend all her time worrying about trivial things like looks. She's not a genius, she's not the strongest girl you'll ever meet, but that's why I love her. And her relationship with Daniel. There's always a little bit of tension between them. (Also no insta!love. And you all know how I feel about that.) The chemistry between the two of them practically leaps off the page.
The plot, while slightly predictable, is still enjoyable. This book starts with a bang in the form of a zombie attack, but the zombies kind of fizzle out after that. The story is more centered around Eleanor's experiences with the Spirit-Hunters and her search for her brother. To be honest, I think the best part about the plot is the way Susan Dennard writes it. It's so easy to get caught up in.
My only complaint is that I felt like there were a few scenes that were entirely pointless. They seemed to have no real use in the plot.
Overall: Something Strange and Deadly is a surprising novel in more ways than one. With characters that are almost impossible to hate, a setting described perfectly, and an author who knows exactly what she's doing, this is a book you don't want to miss out on. 4 stars.
Aww... I love this time period! And I love how you explain it all in that one paragraph. Your review makes me want to read it more! And that is totally unusual as I really tend to avoid zombie books. A well done review! :D
ReplyDeleteFara @ Tumbling In Books
I enjoyed this one, too! You can totally Imagine the look on my face when I realized that there was no instalove and that I absolutely adored Daniel. I agree--the chemistry between them easy bubbling on full heat!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Zoey! :D
I love your points about Eleanor! She really was very likeable. Great review, Zoey! :)
ReplyDeleteYay, 4 stars! I was a bit hesitant at first to read this after reading some pretty mediocre reviews, but your review definitely convinced me to try it. :)
ReplyDeleteLeanne: Really? :o Most of the reviews I've seen have been 4 stars xD Guess I really haven't read that many.
ReplyDeleteSam: :D
Meg: Insta!love. The bane of our existences.
Ooh, I already have this one on my list because 1. The author is awesome and she give me free signed bookplates and 2. Because I like zombies XD
ReplyDeleteI also gave this one a 4. I really liked it and found it utterly refreshing. I definitely want more from this author.
ReplyDeleteThis is a book that I've been really excited about. Although, I've heard good and bad things about it. I think I will go ahead and read it, see for myself and hope for the best.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
Amy
I cannot wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! It sounds amazing and I requested it from Edelweiss so hopefully I'll end up getting it but who knows, right? Anyway, it sounds great now that I know that there isn't insta-love and the MC is strong but not the strongest out there :)
ReplyDeleteEileen @ ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***
I want to read this so badly. Can't wait to get it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
I've been "stalking" this for so long it is awesome you loved it!
ReplyDeleteI like how Susan set it in a different time, but it's great you still found the main character so likable despite the difference in era.
very interesting review. I had kind of put this book on the back burner because I have not had much success with Zombie books, but your review kind makes me want to give it a try.
ReplyDeletePrior to reading this review, I wasn't really interested in reading Something Strange and Deadly because I hate zombies. Now, it seems that zombies are going to become a staple in YA paranormal.
ReplyDeleteThat is a striking cover image
ReplyDeleteI just won this book so I'm pretty excited to read it. That's good that it had a bunch great elements - humor, sexiness, and scary times. But I hate when there are pointless scenes in books, so maybe I'll skim over those, lol :) I'm glad you liked it! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds creepy and kinda cool! Will have to check it out, great review! :)
ReplyDeleteReviews rarely help choose weather or not I should read a book, but you make me want to read it a little (this coming from someone who hates books with zombies).
ReplyDeleteI can not wait to read this book! I'm glad there is no insta love!
ReplyDeleteI love zombies. I would like to read this book. Thanks for the review. I like the darkness of the cover but not sure if I like the dress or not.
ReplyDeleteOoh, this one sounds good. Can't wait until it comes out. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting on this book being sent to me. I am seriously excited. It sounds so good. Love your review. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've been somewhat leary about the whole "zombie craze" going on right now, but books like this may start to sway my feelings. Thanks for the great review :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I can't wait to read this. Even though I am NOT a fan of historical fiction, this sounds different. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yay- no instalove! Haha.
I can't wait to read this! Awesome review.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your review. And your blog (which I just stumbled upon BTW)! *runs back to talk about your review* Yay, so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Even though I'm not anxious to get my hands on this one and read it, I am definitely interested to see how it turns out! Sounds intriguing; I'm especially looking forward to meeting Eleanor :)
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