A Darkness Strange and Lovely by: Susan Dennard
Following an all-out battle with the walking Dead, the Spirit Hunters have fled Philadelphia, leaving Eleanor alone to cope with the devastating aftermath. But there’s more trouble ahead—the evil necromancer Marcus has returned, and his diabolical advances have Eleanor escaping to Paris to seek the help of Joseph, Jie, and the infuriatingly handsome Daniel once again. When she arrives, however, she finds a whole new darkness lurking in this City of Light. As harrowing events unfold, Eleanor is forced to make a deadly decision that will mean life or death for everyone.
Something Strange and
Deadly was one of my absolute favorite reads of 2012 and I was eagerly
anticipating this sequel and when it released, I ran out to buy it and
proceeded to read it in less than a day. Anywayyyy, I adored the sequel just as
much as book 1!
After a bloodbath between
the Spirit Hunters and the Dead, Eleanor is left all alone in Philadelphia, trying
to get through the aftermath by herself. When the instigator of it all, the
necromancer Marcus, returns, Eleanor must go to Paris to join Daniel, Jie, and
Joseph if she wants any chance of surviving. Along the way, she meets
new…people and must decide for herself who she can trust, or the results will
be deadly.
As always, Eleanor is a
take-charge girl. I loved the transformation we see in her which makes her even
stronger and more independent. She had to spend some of the book making
decisions without anyone’s guidance to help her. I couldn’t even imagine being
in her situation. Poor girl. She was absolutely great in this installment and I
can’t wait to see how much more she grows in book 3!
Daniel is very different in
this sophomore novel but mainly just in appearances. He changed when he got to
Paris, but inside, he is the same boy with adorably sandy hair and a cute way
of talking. He wasn’t in the book in the beginning, but he sure knows how to
make an appearance. I certainly missed my
Daniel!
We meet an influx of new
characters, some of them good and some of them terrifyingly evil. Don’t wanna
spoil who’s who though. :) I was glad to see the reappearance of Allison and my
opinion of Eleanor’s mother did not improve whatsoever in this book. I
didn’t have high hopes that she would be better, but I was still clinging onto
my hope.
One of my favorite parts
about this book is the setting. Dennard knows how to make the reader feel like
they are physically in the 1870’s and I found I never wanted to leave. The clothing,
the architecture and just…everything was perfection. And the romance? Stolen
moments and words not said make up the relationship between Eleanor and Daniel.
And I love every second of it. I’m so excited to see what happens between them
next.
Also, who doesn’t love
these covers? They are my favorite covers ever. Stunninggggg. And I also love
the names. It’s safe to say that this is one of my favorite series ever.
Since I don’t have my copy
with me now, I can’t post my favorite swoon-worthy quote. But it’ll be remedied
whenever I get the chance!
Rating: 5/5 Tar Heels!
