Brad About Books: Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY
Published: July 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 388 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: Strange, #1

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.

Victorian times . . . with zombies? I don't need to hear anymore; do you?

Susan Dennard's debut novel, SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY, was epic. The whole concept with a necromancer bringing the dead back to life in the 1800s is wonderful, and Susan Dennard did a great job at crafting this novel together. 

The beginning was a bit slow, though. But I have this problem with all historical fiction novels, so I knew what to expect. But when I got 30 pages in, something insane and crazy happens. And Susan Dennard never stops with the action; which I loved!

The author made the Dead in this novel terrifying. Usually, zombies in stories don't always scare me, but these sure did. Whenever they popped up, chill bumps came up on my arms. The descriptions, the actions, the scenes, everything with the Dead was simply and utterly amazing. Seriously, Susan did a fantastic job with this book!

The Spirit Hunters were so cool! They were like a huge crazy family that has every element possible; the one you love to hate, the one you hate to love, the annoying, the brave. It can all be found in this group of bandits! And the romance that was spun into this novel was just great. It was there and it was bright, but it didn't overshadow the plot! Score! 

And finally, the ending! I don't do spoilers here on BookYAReview (or any place else), but gosh, this novel has to have one of the best endings ever. CAN I PLEASE HAVE A DARKNESS STRANGE AND LOVELY NOW? PLEASE? I'm just over here dying for the sequel. Don't mind me.

But seriously, so much foreshadowing was in this book! And when you find out everything, your mouth will fall open. I guarantee it.

Overall, SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY was super amazingly brilliant. I can't wait for book two! Seriously, bring on July 2013!

MY RATING: