Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard


Release Date: July 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Something Strange and Deadly, Book 1
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Edelweiss
Buy: Amazon ❘ The Book Depository
Goodreads ◆ Website

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.

Just from reading that first line of the blurb, I KNEW I needed to read this book. And it did not disappoint.
I've never read a book about zombies before, and I'm glad to say I enjoyed this thrill-ride very much. I've read about revenants yes, but never about grisly detached body parts, deadly spirits, and a necromancer rising the dead. Something Strange and Deadly is one book definitely not to miss when it comes to paranormal.

Even though I wasn't too big a fan of her at first, I came around to loving Eleanor. I liked that she struggled with the expectations of her mother and society against what she wishes to do. She's smart and funny– her witty comebacks are quite clever! I really admired her determination and her gall to break free from rules and other such things that bound her.
Joseph was an interesting character. He’s Creole, which is one background which isn't shown at all in YA, and it was interesting to see how he spoke the language. With the little I had to study about Creole, it certainly is interesting to see it in this novel! Jie was also another interesting character. Again, you don't see too many Asian characters (like Jem from The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare) and it was cool to see her as a part of the cast. She's so sweet and kick-ass!
and then of course, we come to the love interest...s. There's Clarence, who does come throughout the book, and yes, I definitely like him, but there was that certain "spark" missing from their interaction. BUT Daniel on the other hand *mouth-waters* swoon-worthy! Definitely cannot WAIT to see more of him in the second book.

I loved the ending– it was truly a huge twist that I didn't expect. Well, okay to admit, I did have my suspicions, but I kind of hovered to the I-don't-think-that-would-happen side. I should have listened to my gut instinct! This novel is like multiple genres in one. Mystery, steampunk, paranormal, romance... I'm telling you, it's got everything an epic story needs.

Something Strange and Deadly will captivate readers from line one. There's no dull spots– It's completely action-packed from start to finish. Susan Dennard has written a fabulous debut which I'm sure will attract zombie fans to history lovers all over. I loved it and can't wait for A Darkness Strange and Lovely.

If you like this, try...

• The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross ◆ Goodreads
• Die for Me by Amy Plum ◆ Goodreads

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