Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
OVERALL IMPRESSION: I had some trouble with this book. I went back and forth between really liking it and being bored. The beginning of the book had a slow start. I didn't really start getting into the story until about a third of the way into the book. I think one of the reasons why I didn't enjoy this book was because I was confused for a lot of the first half of it. I didn't really understand why everything was happening and what Eleanor was trying to accomplish.
I got about halfway through the book before I decided to take a break from it and read something else for a little while. When I picked it back up I enjoyed it so much more. I found myself rooting for the characters at the end.
The ending of the book left me satisfied. Things were cleared up, but definitely left open for a sequel. I'm not sure if I'll be picking it up if it does get published, so we'll have to see.
CHARACTERS: I didn't connect a whole lot to any of the characters. There just weren't many characters that stood out to me. The only exception to that is Jie. She is one of the spirit hunters. She has a lot of spunk and does what she wants. I feel like she is a strong woman and not afraid to go after what she believes in.
COVER: I'm in love with this cover. It's the main reason the book caught my attention in the first place. I love the colors, I love the creepy tree in the back, I love the girl's dress and her hair. I also really like the title font.
*I received an advanced reader's copy of this book for my honest review.
I got about halfway through the book before I decided to take a break from it and read something else for a little while. When I picked it back up I enjoyed it so much more. I found myself rooting for the characters at the end.
The ending of the book left me satisfied. Things were cleared up, but definitely left open for a sequel. I'm not sure if I'll be picking it up if it does get published, so we'll have to see.
CHARACTERS: I didn't connect a whole lot to any of the characters. There just weren't many characters that stood out to me. The only exception to that is Jie. She is one of the spirit hunters. She has a lot of spunk and does what she wants. I feel like she is a strong woman and not afraid to go after what she believes in.
COVER: I'm in love with this cover. It's the main reason the book caught my attention in the first place. I love the colors, I love the creepy tree in the back, I love the girl's dress and her hair. I also really like the title font.
*I received an advanced reader's copy of this book for my honest review.
Interesting... Everything was pretty predictable (except for character descriptions which were lacking) but I really did enjoy the ending. I liked that it wasn't all roses, adventure, and love, but sadness, awareness and a little regret.
I'm pretty sure I'll be adding the rest to my TBR list!
(Oh, also? I see VERY little steampunk. Like, not even enough to remotely classify this as steampunk. Not really sure why people keep saying that.)
I'm pretty sure I'll be adding the rest to my TBR list!
(Oh, also? I see VERY little steampunk. Like, not even enough to remotely classify this as steampunk. Not really sure why people keep saying that.)
This book had so much potential. I love the first half but then the second half just dragged on. I stopped caring about the characters. I might take a break from young adult novels and try to read something of more substance.
Let me just get to the point. FUN. CLEAN. PURE AWESOMENESS!
It's hard to find a book that has everything that you like PLUS it being clean! WHOOT! MAJOR PROPS to Susan Dennard! You. ROCK!
Ok get this, Zombies. yup Zombies....in 1876! How cool is that?! Man, this was fun to read! It has Zombies, Spirit-Hunters, voodoo, magic, handsome inventors, mystery, surprises (not really), romance, action, adventure, a positive female role model, characters of color and ethnicity. It's called Steampunk. There is so much to love about this book. This book is jam packed with action and excitement. The necromancer sequences were thrilling, the fight scenes had me on the edge of my seat, and the malevolent spirit was frightening. PURE AWESOMENESS!!!
Alright so first off, the main character Eleanor, I felt was well developed. She is not a simpering damsel in distress, no, Eleanor is a brave and determined, not afraid to use her parasol to fight off the dead. Who knew that all it takes is a well placed whack around the knees would bring down a zombie? Eleanor is not your usual heroine. She is not rail thin and drop dead gorgeous. She's simply pretty with some tush padding. So again, not your average heroine. SO yeah, I liked her a lot! Eleanor dislikes society’s rules about as much as she dislikes her name. I found it hilarious that she made fun of her name: “Miss Fitt? Miss Fit? I’m a misfit Mama – that’s what I am!” Loved her sense of humor through it all.
The Spirit Hunters were such an intriguing group! Joseph Boyer headed the Spirit Hunters and he was a necromancer from New Orleans which I found fascinating with the whole of his character. Then you have some of the other members of the Spirit Hunters like Daniel. I liked him right off the bat because he was arrogant and high up on himself. Plus when he was with Eleanor, their banter was entertaining. Daniel is the tinkerer of the group, the gadget guy, the author came up with some fun and cool contraptions that were a great add to the whole of the story.
Overall: it's a well written, highly entertaining YA novel and I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
Sexual Content: mild
Violence: moderate (PG zombie fighting scenes)
Language: mild (maybe a Damn in there but that's about it I think)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild/none
It's hard to find a book that has everything that you like PLUS it being clean! WHOOT! MAJOR PROPS to Susan Dennard! You. ROCK!
Ok get this, Zombies. yup Zombies....in 1876! How cool is that?! Man, this was fun to read! It has Zombies, Spirit-Hunters, voodoo, magic, handsome inventors, mystery, surprises (not really), romance, action, adventure, a positive female role model, characters of color and ethnicity. It's called Steampunk. There is so much to love about this book. This book is jam packed with action and excitement. The necromancer sequences were thrilling, the fight scenes had me on the edge of my seat, and the malevolent spirit was frightening. PURE AWESOMENESS!!!
Alright so first off, the main character Eleanor, I felt was well developed. She is not a simpering damsel in distress, no, Eleanor is a brave and determined, not afraid to use her parasol to fight off the dead. Who knew that all it takes is a well placed whack around the knees would bring down a zombie? Eleanor is not your usual heroine. She is not rail thin and drop dead gorgeous. She's simply pretty with some tush padding. So again, not your average heroine. SO yeah, I liked her a lot! Eleanor dislikes society’s rules about as much as she dislikes her name. I found it hilarious that she made fun of her name: “Miss Fitt? Miss Fit? I’m a misfit Mama – that’s what I am!” Loved her sense of humor through it all.
The Spirit Hunters were such an intriguing group! Joseph Boyer headed the Spirit Hunters and he was a necromancer from New Orleans which I found fascinating with the whole of his character. Then you have some of the other members of the Spirit Hunters like Daniel. I liked him right off the bat because he was arrogant and high up on himself. Plus when he was with Eleanor, their banter was entertaining. Daniel is the tinkerer of the group, the gadget guy, the author came up with some fun and cool contraptions that were a great add to the whole of the story.
Overall: it's a well written, highly entertaining YA novel and I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
Sexual Content: mild
Violence: moderate (PG zombie fighting scenes)
Language: mild (maybe a Damn in there but that's about it I think)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild/none
This review along with others can be seen at Cristina's Book Reviews. .
Something Strange and Deadly is definitely a surprising book.
Its setting alone gives it an advantage, since 1846 is such a vivid time period in America. Petticoats, carriages, escorts, servants, and steampunk are just some of the things that you'll find in the book.
It's also written spectacularly well. Eleanor's voice is easy to follow and relate to, and you'll love to piece apart the mystery just like she does.
I think my favorite part of the book was by far the paranormal bits. The zombie aspect was so well done! It was even explained in a great way. It was so deliciously scary and heart-pounding. They were written so amzingly and it spared no detail!
I also loved the romance. It never took precedence over the actual story and it was so cute! I liked how it built up and loved that they only bickered with each other at first.
The plot itself was nicely structured. While the undead were indeed an important part of the story, there was something else brewing... and it was really good (albeit a bit predictable).
My only issue with the book was the pacing. Sometimes it seemed like it dragged or gave you details you really didn't want to read about because you wanted more action.
Nevertheless, this is a great start-off to a series; it's highly engrossing and will leave you wanting more once you finish reading.
Something Strange and Deadly is definitely a surprising book.
Its setting alone gives it an advantage, since 1846 is such a vivid time period in America. Petticoats, carriages, escorts, servants, and steampunk are just some of the things that you'll find in the book.
It's also written spectacularly well. Eleanor's voice is easy to follow and relate to, and you'll love to piece apart the mystery just like she does.
I think my favorite part of the book was by far the paranormal bits. The zombie aspect was so well done! It was even explained in a great way. It was so deliciously scary and heart-pounding. They were written so amzingly and it spared no detail!
Time stopped as my mind took in the creature before me. Lidless eyes with creamy, decomposed irises. Half a mouth revealing yellow teeth. The tatters of a brown, wool suit hanging loosely over waxy skin. Brittle, gray hair. And now the corpse lifting his arm.
I also loved the romance. It never took precedence over the actual story and it was so cute! I liked how it built up and loved that they only bickered with each other at first.
Blazes, he was cocky. And entirely too dashing for his own good- or my own good, rather.
The plot itself was nicely structured. While the undead were indeed an important part of the story, there was something else brewing... and it was really good (albeit a bit predictable).
My only issue with the book was the pacing. Sometimes it seemed like it dragged or gave you details you really didn't want to read about because you wanted more action.
Nevertheless, this is a great start-off to a series; it's highly engrossing and will leave you wanting more once you finish reading.
This was awful. There was no character building there was no world building.. I felt like I was jumping into a series on book 2 & missed all the background info! Wtf!
The dead ate walking among them but no one really senses the danger that they can evoke except Eleanor and the spirit hunters. Eleanor's brother has been away and now she fears he has been kidnapped by the dead, with no one willing to help her she has no choice but to turn to the spirit hunters. Joseph, Daniel, and Jie are the outcast of society, the town wanted them there to protect them from the dead but they refuse to offer their support. The dead are coming and the spirit hunters don't know if they will be able to stop so many.
I loved the fact that this was set in a historical setting. With societies ridged customs of the time it made Eleanor's plight all that more real, limiting the expectations placed on her and always putting her at odds with heroin ideals. Eleanor was definitely a character to look up to, her spunk was unusual for the time and her foreword way of thinking made her abilities far surpass those of the people around her.
I wish there's could have been more interactions between Eleanor and Daniel. Daniels character was a bit gruff but it fit in with his past and complimented more of his character. Jie was by far my favorite, totally skirting convention and a natural fighter at that!
I would recommend this book to people that like reading about historical alternative worlds. I can't wait to read the second book and continue their journey.
I loved the fact that this was set in a historical setting. With societies ridged customs of the time it made Eleanor's plight all that more real, limiting the expectations placed on her and always putting her at odds with heroin ideals. Eleanor was definitely a character to look up to, her spunk was unusual for the time and her foreword way of thinking made her abilities far surpass those of the people around her.
I wish there's could have been more interactions between Eleanor and Daniel. Daniels character was a bit gruff but it fit in with his past and complimented more of his character. Jie was by far my favorite, totally skirting convention and a natural fighter at that!
I would recommend this book to people that like reading about historical alternative worlds. I can't wait to read the second book and continue their journey.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
When Truthwitch came out, Susan Dennard hit my radar. I’d like to say that I read this book and loved it, but I have yet to actually give the series a read. The books in this series are certainly on my ridiculously long TBR, I just haven’t picked them up yet. The reason I bring this up is to show that Dennard’s books prior to Truthwitch were not on my radar. Something Strange and Deadly was even further removed from my “books to check out” radar since I hadn’t discovered my love for Steampunk yet. What brought the book to my radar – and Dennard’s amazing writing as a whole – was her amazingly perfect twitter thread about The Luminaries. As soon as I read this thread, I knew I had to get my hands on everything that Dennard had written.
I fell head over heels in love with her writing as I tuned in daily to see where The Luminaries was going to go. (Side note, I can’t wait until it’s possible to get my hands on a physical book that takes place in this amazing world. A book where the LumiNerd can’t mess with Winnie yet can still quench their thirst.) Her words while writing these twitter posts kept me engaged and waiting for more.
That’s why it came as absolutely no shock to me that I fell in love with Something Strange and Deadly from the very first line.
Since I got my car, I’ve loved listening to AudioBooks on my way to and from work on the days I need to go into the office. It took my a while to get through Something Strange and Deadly simply because I didn’t want the story to end. I found myself throwing other AudioBooks and Podcasts into the middle of my listen through because I didn’t want my time with Eleanor to end.
That is, until I remembered that I could easily grab the next book in the series and devour it just as soon as I finished Something Strange and Deadly. Suffice it to say, I listened to the second half of this story in one “sitting”. As I write this, I have A Darkness Strange and Lovely waiting for me on Audible. As soon as I’m done rambling on I’m going to jump right back into the world and see what Eleanor can get herself up to this time.
For someone who didn’t take such a roundabout route to find this book, here’s a quick breakdown as to why Something Strange and Deadly called to me:
In 2020 I discovered a love for the Steampunk genre in general. There’s something about the mixture of technology and historical fiction that calls to me. Dennard has done an amazing job at creating this Steampunk world. I found myself excited to see what the next invention was going to be, how it was going to help Eleanor find her brother, how it was going to help stop the Dead.
The world building itself – Steampunk elements aside – was done amazingly. I almost felt as if I was running around the streets with Eleanor, pretending to be a perfect High Society lady while frolicking in the darker parts of the city on a mission. I could imagine the places she went to, the opulence of her home and how it hid the truth of her family’s wealth. I could imagine in my mind’s eye the divide between the classes that was so glaringly obvious at this point in history.
But best of all, the characters Dennard was able to create were tangible personalities. I could guess how Eleanor and Daniel were going to react to something before it happened. I could see the way Eleanor’s face would contort in fury at just the right moment. I could feel the emotion coming from the story and sense the way it would impact what came next.
I’m not a huge fan of zombies in media – which could be the reason that this book wasn’t on my radar in the first place – but Dennard wrote this story in a way that it was even able to draw me into the mystery of the Dead. Necromancers have always fascinated me, but an army of the dead isn’t really my thing. And that being said, I enjoyed every second I spent in this world.
While this story continues to have less praise than her Witchlands books, Dennard has created a wonderful world that I can’t wait to jump back into. If you’re looking for a fun YA paranormal read, or even an interesting zombie story, I’d highly recommend giving this story a try. This isn’t your typical “walking dead” zombies are after you sort of story, so if this is what you’re looking for you probably won’t be please. However, I truly did enjoy the take on “zombies” that Dennard had here.
Full spoiler review here: https://phantomofthelibrarycom.wordpress.com/2020/08/28/something-strange-and-deadly-by-susan-dennard/
When Truthwitch came out, Susan Dennard hit my radar. I’d like to say that I read this book and loved it, but I have yet to actually give the series a read. The books in this series are certainly on my ridiculously long TBR, I just haven’t picked them up yet. The reason I bring this up is to show that Dennard’s books prior to Truthwitch were not on my radar. Something Strange and Deadly was even further removed from my “books to check out” radar since I hadn’t discovered my love for Steampunk yet. What brought the book to my radar – and Dennard’s amazing writing as a whole – was her amazingly perfect twitter thread about The Luminaries. As soon as I read this thread, I knew I had to get my hands on everything that Dennard had written.
I fell head over heels in love with her writing as I tuned in daily to see where The Luminaries was going to go. (Side note, I can’t wait until it’s possible to get my hands on a physical book that takes place in this amazing world. A book where the LumiNerd can’t mess with Winnie yet can still quench their thirst.) Her words while writing these twitter posts kept me engaged and waiting for more.
That’s why it came as absolutely no shock to me that I fell in love with Something Strange and Deadly from the very first line.
Since I got my car, I’ve loved listening to AudioBooks on my way to and from work on the days I need to go into the office. It took my a while to get through Something Strange and Deadly simply because I didn’t want the story to end. I found myself throwing other AudioBooks and Podcasts into the middle of my listen through because I didn’t want my time with Eleanor to end.
That is, until I remembered that I could easily grab the next book in the series and devour it just as soon as I finished Something Strange and Deadly. Suffice it to say, I listened to the second half of this story in one “sitting”. As I write this, I have A Darkness Strange and Lovely waiting for me on Audible. As soon as I’m done rambling on I’m going to jump right back into the world and see what Eleanor can get herself up to this time.
For someone who didn’t take such a roundabout route to find this book, here’s a quick breakdown as to why Something Strange and Deadly called to me:
In 2020 I discovered a love for the Steampunk genre in general. There’s something about the mixture of technology and historical fiction that calls to me. Dennard has done an amazing job at creating this Steampunk world. I found myself excited to see what the next invention was going to be, how it was going to help Eleanor find her brother, how it was going to help stop the Dead.
The world building itself – Steampunk elements aside – was done amazingly. I almost felt as if I was running around the streets with Eleanor, pretending to be a perfect High Society lady while frolicking in the darker parts of the city on a mission. I could imagine the places she went to, the opulence of her home and how it hid the truth of her family’s wealth. I could imagine in my mind’s eye the divide between the classes that was so glaringly obvious at this point in history.
But best of all, the characters Dennard was able to create were tangible personalities. I could guess how Eleanor and Daniel were going to react to something before it happened. I could see the way Eleanor’s face would contort in fury at just the right moment. I could feel the emotion coming from the story and sense the way it would impact what came next.
I’m not a huge fan of zombies in media – which could be the reason that this book wasn’t on my radar in the first place – but Dennard wrote this story in a way that it was even able to draw me into the mystery of the Dead. Necromancers have always fascinated me, but an army of the dead isn’t really my thing. And that being said, I enjoyed every second I spent in this world.
While this story continues to have less praise than her Witchlands books, Dennard has created a wonderful world that I can’t wait to jump back into. If you’re looking for a fun YA paranormal read, or even an interesting zombie story, I’d highly recommend giving this story a try. This isn’t your typical “walking dead” zombies are after you sort of story, so if this is what you’re looking for you probably won’t be please. However, I truly did enjoy the take on “zombies” that Dennard had here.
Full spoiler review here: https://phantomofthelibrarycom.wordpress.com/2020/08/28/something-strange-and-deadly-by-susan-dennard/
This was cute. I wish it could have been scarier, because historical paranormal fiction is my FAAAVORITE thing in the world, especially when it's good and nightmare-inducing! But it was still good. Maybe the next two will be scarier.
I thought Eleanor's reactions were pretty dramatic and over the top. Examples:
"My stomach flipped. It punched the breath from my lungs. I toppled forward, grasping for the table." -p. 64
"Then another horrifying realization hit. I staggered to the front door and heaved it open, gaping for air and leaning against the frame for support." -p. 104
Just annoying and over the top.
Also, it annoyed me that Daniel called Eleanor Empress. I don't even know why, but it just seemed dumb.
I thought Eleanor's reactions were pretty dramatic and over the top. Examples:
"My stomach flipped. It punched the breath from my lungs. I toppled forward, grasping for the table." -p. 64
"Then another horrifying realization hit. I staggered to the front door and heaved it open, gaping for air and leaning against the frame for support." -p. 104
Just annoying and over the top.
Also, it annoyed me that Daniel called Eleanor Empress. I don't even know why, but it just seemed dumb.
I received a review copy from HarperCollins through Edelweiss. Thank you!
Something Strange and Deadly is one of the most unique YA books I've read in a long while. Jam-packed with Victorian-era banter, missing siblings, and, oh yes, zombies, this book will have you laughing and feeling frightenened within pages of each other.
Dennard did a fantastic job with the Victorian incorporation: the prose felt old-agey and was still humorous without being modern. I will say, the story was a bit slow-moving at first, but it quickly upped the pace and I was enraptured. The mystery had me guessing until it was over, something that doesn't happen too much. Dennard is a master of characterization; every character felt fresh and original. and I wasn't once complaining about a dull character taking the spotlight.
If you haven't checked out Something Strange and Deadly, I recommend doing so right now! You definitely won't regret it. I'm going to be gnawing my fingers off waiting for the next one! (Yes, pun intended.)
Something Strange and Deadly is one of the most unique YA books I've read in a long while. Jam-packed with Victorian-era banter, missing siblings, and, oh yes, zombies, this book will have you laughing and feeling frightenened within pages of each other.
Dennard did a fantastic job with the Victorian incorporation: the prose felt old-agey and was still humorous without being modern. I will say, the story was a bit slow-moving at first, but it quickly upped the pace and I was enraptured. The mystery had me guessing until it was over, something that doesn't happen too much. Dennard is a master of characterization; every character felt fresh and original. and I wasn't once complaining about a dull character taking the spotlight.
If you haven't checked out Something Strange and Deadly, I recommend doing so right now! You definitely won't regret it. I'm going to be gnawing my fingers off waiting for the next one! (Yes, pun intended.)