Book Review: Something Strange and Deadly (Strange and Deadly #1) by Susan Dennard

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: eArc
Pages: 400
Published: 24th July 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: edelweiss
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Victorian Tale
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository UK* I Book Depostory INT*
*Currrently Unavailable for UK on BD
Description:
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 had been coveting this book since I first seen the cover a few months ago. I am a sucker for a pretty cover. Especially ones with dresses. Yip, it is a trend I will never tired off!! And the blurb just sounded amazing. So you can imagine my excitment with I got approved to review the e-arc. I was honestly fangirling, dancing everywhere. However, with a pretty cover sometimes the story inside doesn't live up to the cover. Was this the case here? HELL NO!!!! It was amazing, one of my favourite reads of 2012 so far!!

Something Strange and Deadly was nothing like I was expecting it to be. I knew it had zombies and paranormal elementals but for some reason I had no idea it was set in Victorian times. Now usually when books are set in Victorian time or even a pseudo-Victorian time it is a hit or miss with me. But this works perfectly, there is no way this story could have worked in any other time period. It was perfect.

The main character in this story is Eleanor, a young lady who is head strong and determind to find her brother and resue him. She is such a strong willed person that it is impossible not to like her courage. Especially with the fact that this is set at time where it isn't proper for a young lady to be roaming around alone and getting up to mischief. I have nothing bad to say about her. I adored her, she is one of those characters you want to be around and hear more of their stories. A character you really root for.

The story is one of those that grip you from start to finish. I honestly found it really hard to put down and if my home live wasn't so hectic I think I could have read this in one sitting. It just flows wonderfully that you get wrapped up in the story and the characters and block out everything else around you. The biggest thing I loved about this was that Susan took a risk with the romance. Or I should say the lack of romance really. There is no instalove (thank god) it's not until about 3/4 into the book the romance develops. However, it doesn't overshadow the main plot and I applaud the author for this. I do like a good romance in books but I actually prefer one that has is full of action and the romance to be an bonus to the story.

Susan has created a kick ass story that's fun and action packed and with twists I did not see coming with Zombies that will give you the creeps. They are proper Zombies that given the chance will eat you!! My only negative is that I need to wait until Summer 2013 to read the sequel I need it now!!!




Rate: 5/5
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12 comments :

  1. This book sounds awesome. Loving the cover. And yay for the no insta-love :) Really want to read this now after your review :)

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  2. This is the first review I've read for this book and while I was on the fence whether to read this or not . . . but you've convinced me now. Great review!

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  3. This book sounds awesome. Loving the cover. And yay for the no insta-love :) Really want to read this now after your review :)

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    1. yipee!!!! SO glad you want to read it!! :)

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  4. Don't know why my comment came up twice :P

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    1. blogger can be a pain lol either at had all my side gadgets at the bottom of the page :S lol

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  5. Great review Siobhan! I'm glad you enjoyed it, I'm still not sure but I think I'll wait for the UK publishers to have it. Donna xoxox

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    1. As far as I know there is no UK release as of it. Which sucks cause I like to support the UK books.

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  6. I much prefer subtle love stories to big ones, I'll have to pick this up when it's out :)

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    1. It's so good. And book 2 is set in Paris. Super excited!!!

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  7. I'm also a sucker of covers and i love this one! Cant wait to read it! :)

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