Review » Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Something Strange and Deadly
By Susan Dennard
Release Date: 7/24/12
Published by Harper Collins Teen
Genre(s): Zombies, Steampunk, Romance
Format: Paperback
Page: 388

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MY RATING: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION IN 6 WORDS
Zombies, Steampunk, Victorian England, Ghosts, Secrets

Goodreads 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 the maddeningly stubborn yet handsome Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

      Something Strange and Deadly marked my first Susan Dennard book. And it's ridiculous that I'm only reading this book now considering it came out 3 years ago. SS&D was fantastic so if you haven't read it yet, go read it! Personally, I'm not big on zombie books, I've never found them interesting except for a select few (SS&D, Alice in Zombieland). So, if you are like me and have doubts regarding zombies, ignore those doubts and listen to what I'm trying to tell you, write to you...whatever and big up this beautifully written steampunk book. SS&D takes place around the same era as Cassandra Clare's, Clockwork Angel and I loved it. I honestly don't think this book would have worked quite as well if it had taken place in modern day. The era added an extra steampunk-y? twist to the whole story and added in a way a fun aspect. Okay, maybe not fun...maybe a little closer to a unique aspect. Which is a very good thing.
      The plot of SS&D wasn't fast. But that doesn't mean it's boring. The plot was more intriguing if anything, and not fast like, there is a fight scene going on and you need to read the next page and the next page to know what is gonna happen. But fast like, there is something lurking behind the corner, a mystery waiting to be unveiled and a romance that is most certainly blooming in the eyes of the reader. It's fast but not literally fast. Oh gosh, am I actually making any sense?!
      Eleanor Fitt, our main character is one of those girls that sees herself as plain but she most certainly isn't our typical girl of the era. She is desperate to seek answers and find her brother. She is a well rounded character and well, I love her! She constantly sought answers and was courageous which is always admirable in characters if you ask me. Daniel Sheridan is our man. Daniel works for the Spirit-Hunters and has a snarky, mean and annoying personality. We all know that's what we like and that's what Eleanor likes (kinda)! Anyways, Daniel is such a cute character, he keeps secrets from Eleanor, and he totally isn't afraid to annoy the crap out of her. Some of the moments between Eleanor and Daniel were just beautiful and...romantic. Another thing Daniel has in his character that I like is his facade, he seems to be very hung up on his past, but in the end conquers what he fears. Fear. Isn't that something we've seen a lot lately in YA novels? I think it started with Divergent. Anyways, Daniel seems like someone that holds fear, but at heart he is courageous and he shows that! That my friends is some real character development there, for both Eleanor and Daniel.
      As a whole, this book blew my mind away, one of the main reasons I actually read this book is because I'm seeing both Susan and Alex for the PassTruth Tour and well, I figured I should probably read there books! No wonder Truthwitch is such an anticipated release, Susan is such a great writer. :)

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