Something Strange and Deadly by: Susan Dennard
Goodreads Synopsis:
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.
Review:
I read this book a while ago during
summer, and I just had to review it. It is just that amazing.
Eleanor
Fitt has to deal with the disappearance of her brother and the fact that the Dead are roaming around in
Philadelphia. THE DEAD! She goes to visit the Spirit-Hunters when a
zombie gives a letter to her from her brother, worried that the Dead have her
brother held captive. While being courted by a young and wealthy man, she must
also discover the mystery behind her brother’s vanishing and address her
brewing feelings for the Spirit-Hunter’s sexy inventor, Daniel.
I loved
Eleanor! She was feisty and was definitely not afraid to take charge when her
help was needed. She was very strong and thankfully did not conform to
society’s standards. She was like a breath of fresh air and a nice change from
some other YA heroines. Daniel was equally as amazing. He is really smart,
although mysterious with a past he’d rather not bring up. Not to mention he’s adorable,
with his cute sandy brown hair and
his cap.
I really
enjoyed Joseph, the leader of the Spirit-Hunters, and Jie, the other member.
They are loyal to ridding the city of the Dead, although they are not
appreciated throughout Philadelphia. I even liked Clarence, the man courting
Eleanor. He might have had a past where he made bad decisions, at least now he
was making up for it. I did not like Eleanor’s mother at all. Who cares
about making a wonderful showing to impress families who dumped them long ago?!
It’s completely idiotic. She was not even grateful to Daniel when he brought
Eleanor home MULTIPLE times when she was hurt. Ugh. Rant over. Oh well.
Maybe she won’t be in book 2 as much. We can only hope.
Eleanor and
Daniel’s relationship started off rocky, with Eleanor ruining Daniel’s
hard-fought grave dirt. He called her ‘Empress’, which I thought was funny.
They eventually moved past the friendly bickering to Daniel trusting Eleanor to
help with missions and research, which is definitely a big step for him. I
could tell they really cared for and loved each other, despite the damned reluctance on one party’s part. (Don’t
wanna say whose!) I can’t wait to read book 2 to figure out what happens!
The plot
was fast paced and entertaining as hell, which a good mix of funny one-liners and
action scenes. I was not bored for one second when I was reading. Dennard left
readers craving more when it was over.
Book 2,
Something Strange and Lovely, comes out July 23
rd, 2013! I want to
pull my hair out while waiting. It’s unfair. The
amazingbeautifulstunningawesome cover was revealed last week, which
makes me
desireneedwanthavetohave the book even more.
Favorite Swoon-worthy Quote: His mouth reached mine, and in an instant I knew what the fascination with lips was all about. Even the
gentlest touch-for that was all it was-sent my mind reeling and my heart
racing. It was sweeter than I’d ever dreamed possible. His scent and his touch
overwhelmed my brain, and I could think of nothing but Daniel.
Rating: 5/5
Tar Heels!
