Review: Something Strange and Deadly

Title: Something Strange and Deadly

Author: Susan Dennard
Release Date: July 24^th 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 388
Source: Edelweiss

Summary: 

"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."

My Thoughts: 

First off I just want to talk about the cover. Now while the cover itself is pretty, I have to admit I am not a fan of it. I don't feel that the cover represents what the book has to offer. It just doesn't work with me.

Now onto the review

Something Strange and Deadly actually surprised me by how much I ended up enjoying this book. Susan's writing style is what caught my attention and first drew me into the story. Everything flowed together properly and the descriptions were vivid and really brought the story to life. I love the Victorian era so the setting was something that I highly enjoyed and admired.

The characters weren't to shabby either. The main protagonist Elanor wasn't the typical young YA girl. What I mean by that is that she was actually a strong and determined heroine. I loved how Elanor fought for what she believed in and wasn't deterred away from adversity from the obstacles in her way and even the era she lived in. I just liked Elanor a lot and considering what she has to go through in this book I only gained more respect for her.

The Spirit Hunters also were an interesting bunch, especially Daniel. Daniel is the groups inventor and many times I was either swooning for him or wanted to slap him silly. Joseph who is the leader of the group was an extremely calm gentlemen and the complete opposite of Daniel. The last member was Jie, the fighter of the group. The team was crucial to the story but the only character I cared for was Daniel. Joseph came off a little too perfect for me and kinda creeped me out and Jie was awesome but there wasn't that much of her in the story to really get attached to her. So in the end, Daniel ended up being my favorite of the trio.

The plot moved extremely fast in this book. There was always something going on and hardly ever any dull moments. One thing I liked was the zombies and the necromancy used in this story. There were a couple of creepy moments and I really enjoyed the “Dead Alerts” used to warn about the zombies coming. It was just kind of funny to know that the dead were so common they got there own alarm warning. I wished there were more zombies and zombie action but I enjoyed what there was of it. The cool inventions and steampunk elements were really cool. Especially what Daniel created and used. What I really loved was the mystery and adventure in this book. It kept me going because I wanted to know what happened to Elanor's brother and who the big bad villain was raising the dead.

The romance in this story developed slowly and sweetly and didn't result into instalove and idiot characters. It also didn't drown out the book. Daniel and Elanor's romance was funny and sweet and just really worked.

The plot twist at the end killed me and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book! I really enjoyed this zombie steampunk novel! Totally recommend. 

Rating: 4/5