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    Something Strange and Deadly
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    Something Strange and Deadly
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    Something Strange and Deadly
    Audiobook10 hours

    Something Strange and Deadly

    Written by Susan Dennard

    Narrated by Emily Woo Zeller

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    The first audiobook in the Something Strange and Deadly trilogy, perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices series.

    Sixteen-year-old Eleanor Fitt’s brother is missing. After discovering the Dead are rising and wreaking havoc in Philadelphia, she knows her brother is involved.

    So Eleanor enlists the help of the Spirit-Hunters. This motley crew, hired to protect the city from supernatural forces, is after the necromancer who has been reanimating corpses. Their skills can save her brother. Yet as Eleanor spends time with the Spirit-Hunters and their handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. Now, not only is her reputation at risk, but her very life hangs in the balance.

    In Something Strange and Deadly, Susan Dennard weaves together beautifully imagined scenes of action, adventure, and vivid Victorian life to create an entertaining steampunk tapestry of humor, horror, and romance. Listeners will be intrigued from the start.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateNov 6, 2018
    ISBN9780062905352
    Unavailable
    Something Strange and Deadly
    Author

    Susan Dennard

    Susan Dennard is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlands series (now in development for TV from the Jim Henson Company) and the Something Strange and Deadly series, in addition to short fiction published online. She also runs the popular newsletter for writers, Misfits & Daydreamers. When not writing or teaching writing, she can be found rolling the dice as a Dungeon Master or mashing buttons on one of her way too many consoles.

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    Reviews for Something Strange and Deadly

    3.5/5

    169 ratings38 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Originally reviewed here.

      Much as I try to avoid reading reviews, I do generally take a quick glance at friends' reviews. From these, I went into Something Strange and Deadly warned that it might be a bit slow to start, perhaps even taking roughly half the book to get good, and that there wasn't really much zombie mayhem. I'm not sure if it was because I was forearmed or what, but I didn't have a problem with either issue at all. Something Strange and Deadly charmed me immediately, and I thought there was plenty of zombie goodness.

      I can see, however, why some might be bored in the opening, so taking that warning to heart certainly can't hurt you. What made this book a perfect fit (pun!) for me from beginning to end was Eleanor Fitt. I just loved her and thought she made an utterly enchanting heroine. She's one of those heroines that I totally get and that I do not see often enough. She's snarky and doesn't feel at home in the uppercrust society to which she and her mother are just barely clinging. Unlike so many heroines, she doesn't turn all heads. She's not astoundingly gorgeous, she's well-padded, and she's outspoken. When people try to keep secrets from her, she pesters them until she learns what she wants to know. Tenacious, stubborn, nosey heroines just rock my socks.

      Cementing Eleanor Fitt as one of the fictional characters I am sure I would be total besties with is the fact that, despite being a corset-wearing lady, she is no wilting flower. Early on, she gets attacked by zombies and doesn't run or faint: she attempts to defend herself with her corset. She's not very good at it, but she learns by watching the Chinese member of the Spirit Hunters how best to incapacitate the walking dead. She watches, learns, and fights herself. Throughout the book, she continues to use those skills, and becomes increasingly more badass. Seriously, at the end, I defy you to not think she is really fucking badass.

      Now, the zombies. They may not be the central point of the book, but they are definitely woven throughout. They are not the big bads; they are merely tools wielded by an evil necromancer attacking Philadelphia for some unknown reason. Despite being essentially attack dogs, there were plenty enough horrifying zombie moments to satisfy zombie enthusiasts. It was also cool seeing the zombies used in some different ways, like as messengers.

      Eleanor gets involved in all of this necromancy and walking dead business for two reasons: she suspects her brother has been captured by the necromancer for nefarious purposes AND her mother summoned an evil spirit at an otherwise routine high society seance. For help, Eleanor turns to the Spirit Hunters (Who ya gonna call?), here to help the city with their walking dead problem. Despite the prickly reception from the Spirit Hunter's inventor, Daniel, Eleanor will not be rebuffed.

      I loved the Spirit Hunters, and am so completely looking forward to getting to know more about them in the subsequent books. Joseph, for example, I don't feel like I really got to know much of anything about. I could totally know more about Jie and Daniel as well. They're great characters (diverse too!) and have such a great group dynamic.

      The ending, guys! I am seriously in pain at not having the next book in my hands right now and totally want to discuss it with someone. I saw the twists coming, but that did not detract from the my pleasure in the book, because I still didn't know what would happen AFTER that. Eleanor has a fun, witty way of thinking and her perspective keeps things from feeling all that dark even when they are. This juxtaposition totally shook me at the end, in the very best of ways.

      If you like steampunkery, zombie mayhem, spunky heroines, good writing or, well, awesome things, I highly recommend this fantastic debut. This was pretty much everything I hoped it would be and more.
    • 4/5
      Eleanor is a strong 16-year-old who really doesn't fit in during the late 1800's because she is more independent and doesn't want to be a typical high society girl who shouldn't do anything but take care of a household. She is someone who wants to find her brother and help the spirit hunters stop the dead. I like having a dead walking book that isn't hundreds of years in the future. I like how this one incorporates things that I've read about the past like a bell on a grave to warn people if the dead wake up. It's very well written and the author pulls you into the story. I really enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to reading the entire trilogy.
    • 3/5
      "Something Strange and Deadly" is nothing if not lightweight lit. The premise is intriguing--zombies in the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Expo. mixed with high society, pretty dresses and polite fashions type stuff. It was a very easy read, though--I finished it in six and a half hours. Additionally, I ranked the novel as a two-star story while I was reading it because the plot is so see-through. Any and all "twists" are clearly visible from a hundred miles off.

      The so-called mystery is not the only thing going for "Something Strange and Deadly," though. The writing is good. The cast is more diverse than normally found in a YA book with a blond white girl on the cover, and the cast is also three-dimensional. There were several characters that, to my surprise, I found myself liking very much because of their three-dimensionality.

      Even though I didn't enjoy "Something Strange and Deadly" all the way through, I will in all likelihood pick up the sequel due to the writing and the skill Dennard wove those characters. Additionally, this is Susan Dennard's debut novel. Everything after an author's first novel tends to improve, so I'm hopeful I'll like the sequel even more.
    • 3/5
      This book has been very hyped so I knew I had to eventually read it.Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard stars Eleanor, a once higher class girl, who has fallen in society's ranks because of the ravings of her now dead father. Not only that her brother Eli has gone missing and the Dead are rising from a nearby graveyard. Eleanor meets some unexpected friends who have spent their time trying to put the Dead back to rest and saving others from being attacked. There may be a love interest or two. But who can Eleanor trust?There's actually a lot to like about this book, especially in the last third of the book. There are some great reveals and plot twists that keep things going.My biggest issue is how the world building starts. In the first few pages of the book, we are in Eleanor's head as she tries to get in the mail room to see if there was a telegraph from her missing brother. We get kind of a sense that it's older times, but we don't get a year reference until later on. I also got the sense that we were in the South, but instead we were in Philadelphia. Again, not mentioned until halfway through the book. I found myself floundering to get oriented. Also, I couldn't get myself to like the main character. She whines and acts all prissy, and it takes her over half the book to get over herself. Lastly, I thought the "Dead" were zombies, but they didn't act like zombies and I guess aren't really zombies, so that also took some time to get worked out.Overall, the last half is much stronger than the first half, but I haven't decided if I'm going to pick up the next entry. Dennard definitely has some good ideas though, so I just may.
    • 4/5
      Let's get something out of the way right up front: I do not like zombies. I've never bought into the zombie craze. I don't watch The Walking Dead, nor do I have any desire to do so. I usually DNF zombie books because I just can't handle the gore.

      With that, you might wonder why on earth I ended up buying a copy of this book and rating it quite highly. Well, it's because Susan Dennard's zombies are mostly nothing like their feral cousins. These zombies are being controlled by The Necromancer, who keeps their 'must feed at any cost' drive at a low. These zombies end up being more like smelly messenger boys. There wasn't anything to disgust me and make me feel like I was going to throw up. No blood and guts, thank you very much.

      I liked that this story mixed up historical fiction and some steampunk with a dab of paranormal. It was a really cool combination and it totally worked for me. When I finished, I immediately ordered a copy for myself. It's one of those books that just needed to be on my shelf. I'm looking forward to reading it again at some point to see if I can pick out some of the early clues and see if it makes a difference in my reading experience.

      I'm really looking forward to the sequel. There were some loose ends that I REALLY need to see resolved; mostly the relationship between Eleanor and another character. I couldn't believe the way THAT ended. :O Why?! WHY?!

      Overall, a brilliant read and one that I'll enjoy again. It was a 4.5 Eiffel Tower book.
    • 4/5
      Where to start with this book? How about so freaking awesome! I loved it. What I loved most about this book is the feel of it. 1800's. Big poofy dresses. Parasol. Gloves. Proper talking. AHHHH. It's make me all giddy cause I would have loved the lived in this time period. Not to mention is has kick butt heroine who kills the rising dead with her parasol. Double sweet! The plot of this book race forward. I loved how easy it was for me to step into Eleanor shoes. She is feisty yet the coolest girl ever. I loved her attitude and her willingness to help others despite what it may to do her. She is strong yet witty. There are minor characters in this book that bigger parts that what I thought. These parts made me love the book so much. The revenge that is being wielded is dangerous yet scary. I like that there is mystery for the reader. The reader is left out of the loop. I like getting each piece of the puzzle and putting it together. The love interest is awesome. I like that they are from two different world brought together by the same hate and conspiracy. It's makes their love much more exciting to see. I'm not for the ending, but I am excited to see what else will happen between these two. I just know that fate is not done with them yet. Something Strange and Deadly is an exciting and thrilling book. With blazing emotions and amazing descriptions of the 1800's, it really feels like you are really there. Something Strange and Deadly is awesome!
    • 5/5
      Susan Dennard's Something Strange and Deadly has catapulted itself onto my 2012 list of favorites. With a hint of romance, creepy zombies, voodoo, steampunk inventions, and unique, memorable characters, how could you not fall in love with this book?One of the most defining aspects of Something Strange and Deadly was the main characters. Eleanor herself is full of spunk and sass, but then we add the three spirit-hunters to the mix and things really start getting interesting. They introduce Eleanor to whole world she wasn't aware existed and it's obvious that she'll never be the same again. The setting, 1876 Philadelphia, was perfect. Eleanor's adventures occur during the Centennial Exhibition - an exciting time in it's own right, but downright craziness with zombies flash mobbing the exhibits unexpectedly. I never felt that there was a dull moment in this book... Eleanor and the Spirit-Hunters were either fighting off zombies or trying to figure out why the zombies were attacking in the first place. There wasn't much time to take tea and relax, they had a city to save.There is a touch of romance within Something Strange and Deadly's pages as well. It definitely isn't the focal point, but I found myself focusing on it... Daniel and Eleanor are both incredibly stubborn and come from entirely different worlds, so there conversation is never boring and always entertaining. I look forward to seeing if Dennard develops there relationship into something more than friends with possibility of more... I'd be interested in seeing how they handle the more.This first installment ended on an interesting note, so I'm a bit anxious to get my hands on book two. Eleanor quickly became one of my favorite heroines and I will faithfully follow her into her next adventure... and I wouldn't mind seeing all the Spirit-Hunters again either!
    • 3/5
      I had high expectations for this one. I mean come on -zombies in 19th century Philadelphia. How can you go wrong? Throw on a gorgeous cover and a strangely compelling title and we've got a winner. At least, I thought we had a winner. I was really expecting a lot out of this book -maybe too much. I was hoping for something fun, not-quite-so-serious and filled with whimsical discussions of the walking dead. Something Strange and Deadly really didn't do that. It took itself (I thought) somewhat too seriously for a zombie novel and didn't spend enough time on the pure zombie aspect of the book. The characters and setting are also poorly drawn. I could barely make out 19th century Philly here beyond the tight-fitting corsets -Dennard just doesn't mix in enough detail much of the time to really transport the reader back to the period (as a big reader of historical fiction it really bothered me that this didn't really feel very "in period"). The characters were even weaker. Eleanor has virtually no personality and no presence, and the side characters are just as forgettable. It seemed like characters just popped up and faded away without issue, and many of them were forgotten before I got to the end. There really wasn't anyone I could relate to here or become really invested in.Yet, I kept flipping pages. I know this didn't make sense to me either since I'm usually all about character-driven stories, but in the case of Something Strange and Deadly, the plot was incredibly fast-paced with nearly constant action that I just had to keep going. That it was incredibly quick, always on the edge of your seat without any fluff type of plot that got me to the end of this book. Would I read the second book? Hard to say. There were some major flaws with Strange and Deadly, yet some things that were strangely enjoyable, and I do think that Dennard has a lot of potential to be an incredible author. (I also had really high expectations for this one.)
    • 2/5
      Terrifically inaccurate. Tries to be steampunk but in that "Throw goggles on it and call it steampunk" kind of way. The world building was inconsistent. And GIRLS FROM THAT TIME WOULD BE WEARING CORSETS THAT ACTUALLY FIT THEM. (Full review eventually)
    • 5/5
      Something Strange and Deadly is one of those intense novels that kept me on the edge of my seat. I should have started this novel earlier in the day because I refused to put it down before I finished it. This resulted in a lost night's sleep, but it was so worth it! From the first zombie attack, which happened within the first few pages, I was hooked. The characters are well-developed, flawed, likable, and realistic. I couldn't help but sympathize with everyone (other than Eleanor's mother), even the bad guys. The plot is unique and engrossing. I also loved the setting. Most novels that are set in the Victorian Era are set in England and are steampunk. This isn't a steampunk book. There is not one overly advanced piece of technology. There are some strange inventions, but those inventions are still very much within the realm of possibility for the late 19th century. Dennard offers an interesting look into what Victorian Philadelphia would have been like if there had been a zombie invasion. Eleanor is no simpering miss, and because of this, she does not fit in during her time period. She's aware of this. She's too free-thinking for the Victorian Era. Therefore, she always feels like a misfit, which is a play on her name "Miss Fitt." Eleanor is a strong lead character who is willing to fight for what she believes in. She also isn't afraid to get her hands dirty and can take care of herself. She makes mistakes throughout this novel, but she grows immensely as a character. I can't wait to see what the sequel brings for her.Another character that I found extremely interesting was Jie. However, I don't want to spoil the surprise with who Jie is, so I'm not going to analyze this character any further. Daniel is also a great leading man. He's tortured (of course) and has done some awful things. However, deep down, he's good, and he's willing to try to make amends. There are a lot of characters in this novel who want to make amends for their mistakes, and there are also some who are unrepentant. That seems to be the defining way to tell who is good and who is not - if they want to make up for the pain they've caused others, or if they want to continue to hurt others. There are no strong messages against class or oppression or anything like that, but I don't think taking a stand against Victorian Era society would be applicable to our contemporary society. Therefore, it would be rather pointless to make any statements to that effect. The plot is intense, and there is a mystery going on throughout the course of the novel. I figured it out pretty early on, but it wasn't obvious. I just made a guess based and was correct. There are tiny hints, but nothing that gives it away until the big reveal. Also, the plot is an emotional roller coaster. I was laughing at a lot of parts, and I cried at the end. Because of my ability to relate to all of the characters, I was extremely emotionally invested in this novel. Furthermore, the pacing is perfect. The story flew by even though the book is 400 pages long. Nothing felt rushed, though. I know I was white-knuckling my Kindle during the last 20% or so of the book. The intensity of the plot grows as the story continues, which basically forced me to finish this book in one sitting.Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves zombie stories, mysteries, books set in the Victorian Era, or supernatural/paranormal books. Something Strange and Deadly has something for everyone, and it is one novel that you don't want to miss!
    • 3/5
      It was entertaining, but I had some problems with the plot & historical accuracy. And Eleanor. But the premise was so cool & I loved some of the side characters. Full review to come.
    • 3/5
      I enjoyed the mystery of this novel. Trying to figure out who the necromancer was and why what happened to drive Eleanor's father to ruin was intriguing. The mystery was entertaining. However, something was just lacking in this novel. I'm not sure if my problem lies with Eleanor (she wasn't overly interesting) or the worldbuilding. Seeing as I read most of this while on night shift, I'm not sure if my overly tired brain just missed some of the details. I do know that I was very disappointed in the romance. It seemed a little forced to me given the interactions the two shared.
    • 3/5
      Something Strange and Deadly by Susan DennardARC received by Harper Collins via EdelweissRelease Date: 7-24-2012Reviewed by: Middle Sis JennThe Sisters Say: Macabre, Menacing, and MenacingI had no idea what to expect when I started reading this book because I had never read any other zombie book. Truthfully, I am still wavering on my final judgment.I really enjoyed most of the book--it was refreshing and dramatic. Susan's world leapt off the page, and her stunning prose made me feel like I was right there with Eleanor as she worried for her brother, fought her incorrigible mother, and distressed over her feelings for Daniel and Clarence. Eleanor is snarky (even though its 1896) and she doesn't back down from a fight. She struggles to find her place in society and amongst her friends, and I really felt for her as she dug herself deeper and deeper into the macabre world of the spirit hunters. Eleanor was a great heroine--strong and capable, but not stupid. There were times when you could feel her terror, and I respected her because she tried to overcomes her fears. I really admired how Susan presented Eleanor's strengths and weaknesses--all of which built a great heroine.Now...the 2 guys: Daniel and Clarence. They are complete opposites. Clarence is the smart, handsome, and rich family friend that is exactly the kind of man Eleanor should want to marry--only Clarence has a few secrets that Eleanor is determined to unmask before she believes any of his affections. Clarence is veiled in a mask of secrecy and learning his past is one of the most interesting parts of the book. And then there's Daniel, the ruggedly handsome lower class spirit hunter that is considered to be "filthy" by Eleanor's mother--only Eleanor finds herself dismissing her mother's concerns and developing some sort of feelings for the rugged man. However, just like Clarence, he is harboring secrets of his own. Who can Eleanor trust? Can she trust either of these two handsome devils?Susan creates dynamic and irresitible characters that you just can help but feel tied to. So why am I wavering?I hate to say this, but I did not like the ending. I'm not going to say any more because it would be way too spoilery. I think many people will enjoy the ending, and maybe this is just the way zombie books are--but I just found myself saying, "What? Why???" Now with that...let me answer a few questions:Am I glad I read it? Yes. I needed to be introduced to the zombie sub-genre, and I really did enjoy the book right up until the end.Will I read the sequel? Yes, although it won't be one that I rush to the store at midnight to purchase.Would I recommend it to anyone? Yes because I think quite a few people will enjoy that Susan Dennard has no hesitations in smacking your expectations in the face.What would I change? Even though it's 1896 and there are reasons for it--I wanted more romance!!!!! Eleanor thrusts her fist as society in every other way--why not add a little more steam?So...I will leave you with this. Read it and see for yourself--if anything, you will see a world that's new and different. And I'm hoping the sequel will end with me saying, "Yeah!" instead of "What?"
    • 4/5
      A dark and twisting gothic horror with a captivating mystery, a hint of romance, and a female lead who learns to believe in herself and her abilities.
    • 5/5
      I have been dying to read this book for a long time now, so I obviously HAD to have it the first day on the shelves (or not on the shelves and having employees fetch it from the back if your bookstore is like mine). What I expected SS&D to be was totally not what I got. I got so much more. If it was this hard waiting for SS&D, I can't imagine how long it's going to feel waiting for the next one! I have to admit it: Dennard led me on a merry little ruse. I literally groaned when I read a single sentence not 100 pages in and realized exactly where she was taking it, and it was the perfect sleight of hand. I was far too focused on waiting for what I expected to happen (view spoiler) to notice the little clues about the true ending, though I appease myself in the knowledge that I did catch one of the biggest ones. Details, Details, Details!! I adored the writing. It was magical. Her style is so smooth and brings everything instantly to life: characters, buildings, even a simple wagon cart! If you want to immerse yourself in that world, it's entirely possible to see everything, hear everything, (weirdly) smell everything! It totally brings all your senses alive! It was absolutely fascinating, and I loved every second! I am honestly in love with all the characters. Sure, you've got the main ones like Eleanor and the Spirit-Hunters, but then there's the ones like Allison (who would probably literally jump off the walls if she had even a sip of coffee!) and Mary and Peger and Eleanor's Mother. You don't like them all since a story has to have some antagonists, but they are so interesting and so...ALIVE that you develop emotional attachments to each one no matter if their role is tiny! THE DEAD!! The Dead are cool (and scary). They are the foundations of the plot after all, but the Dead aren't just zombies. Spirits are included too. And maybe even those reanimated animals, though that's an assumption. The Dead play a pivotal role. Do our protagonists fight zombies around every corner like Resident Evil? No. Are they attacking other random people in the book? A little, not much. Do they affect the mindset of the characters (at least ones with common sense) and the reader? Absolutely! The idea of the Dead really permeates every fiber of your being. They don't have to be staring into the eyes of a character to have the feeling of imminent death. The Dead abound in physical form and in spirit all throughout the book, but if you want all fast zombies that want to chomp your face off, SS&D is not it. SS&D is such a great mystery. Even though I had correct assumptions about a lot that happens (and maybe you won't be a stickler for catching tiny details like me, because they were extremely tiny details), it still grips you tight and doesn't let go until everything goes down. Just because you know what's going to happen doesn't always mean you know how it's going to be done, and I am so completely happy (and sad and angry and a whole slew of emotions) at the end of this book. Everything was just perfect...absolutely perfect.
    • 4/5
      When I first requested Something Strange and Deadly, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Zombies aren't normally my thing, but there was something about the summary that piqued my interest. For me, the big draw was the promise of a mystery - a missing brother - set against the historic backdrop of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, or Philadelphia World's Fair. Once I started reading, it was the creepy atmosphere that kept me quickly turning pages (or clicking the arrow on my Kindle), even though I was fairly certain I had some of the plot figured out well beforehand. It didn't hurt that the main character, Miss Eleanor Fitt, was an absolutely feisty heroine. Between her and the setting, I found this book very difficult to put down.The book starts off with a bang - or rather, a clang - when the Dead alarms go off, and Eleanor comes face-to-face with a member of the Dead (i.e. zombies), who happens to be delivering a letter from her brother, Elijah. Eleanor is convinced that Elijah is being held against his will by the Necromancer, and contacts the Spirit-Hunters for help. Through a bit of start and stopping, she finally convinces them to assist her in finding her brother. It was at this point that the book really took off, because the danger of the Dead, not to mention the bits of intrigue surrounding her father's death that are being dropped piece by piece into the story, really drive the stakes up.Throughout the ensuing run-ins with the Dead, we really get to see Eleanor become a very strong, capable woman who gets sick of always doing what society deems proper, and finally doing what she feels is right. This includes confronting her suitor, the dashing and very rich Clarence Wilcox, about his odd behavior, and cutting out on a date with said suitor to cross-dress and help the Spirit-Hunters with a task. Add to that the slow-burning romance between Eleanor and Daniel, one of the Spirit-Hunters with his own painful backstory, and I was completely taken in by the story.While I figured out much of the mystery early on, it didn't end up mattering because I found Eleanor's character to be so well-written and developed, and couldn't help cheering her on. And there was enough twist at the end to make sure I hadn't figured out everything, as well as an achy-breaky ending that left my heart hurting a bit. There's definitely some set-up for the second book, but I was very satisfied with the way things ended here.All in all, I found Something Strange and Deadly to be a thoroughly engrossing, utterly engaging read, with a fabulous main character and wonderful historical flourishes. Fans of steampunk and zombies will enjoy the atmosphere, while fans of everything else will love Eleanor and the characters that surround her (this has a really first-rate cast of supporting characters), with the one exception of her mother, who is really something else. Something Strange and Deadly will be released in North America on July 24, 2012. I'd definitely recommend you check it out.An e-galley was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      In Victorian era Philadephia, Eleanor Fitt is part of a historically important and successful family, but her father went crazy after his business failed. Her mother insists on keeping their previous standard of living to keep up appearances that they are rich, but they are close to being destitute. Their only real hope is for Eleanor's brother, Elijah, to come home and support them, but he has been mysteriously detained. This also happens to coincide with the arrival of zombies in Philadelphia controlled by a mysterious and dangerous necromancer. Eleanor thinks her brother is somehow mixed up in this whole mess and goes to the Spirit Hunters, who are helping to fight off the animated corpses, for help. Can they save Philadelphia from the undead menace and figure out how this is all tied to Eleanor's brother?Based on the synopsis, I was expecting something like Lia Habel's Nora Dearly series. The two works have commonalities, including time period, fashions, zombies, and kickass heroines, but Something Strange and Deadly stands by itself as a compelling and exciting novel. I loved this book and its magical version of Victorian Philadelphia that includes zombies and ghosts. These zombies aren't contagious or diseased in any way like those in most zombie books. They are simply dead people raised from a graveyard and controlled by a necromancer. They will attack any threat in order to protect their master to the bitter end, even if they are in pieces, but will stay still if they aren't needed. It's kind of like having undead bodyguards. The extra danger for everyone comes in if the necromancer somehow loses control of these zombies. Then the zombies become wild, hungry for any flesh available. Don't be put off by the Victorian setting; there is plenty of zombie action to enjoy. The ghost is just as fearsome and dangerous as the zombies at times. Its motives and identity are very murky up until the end and kept me guessing, unlike the identity of the necromancer. The mixture of the two supernatural beings is an interesting dynamic not seen in recent fantasy novels.The characters are flawed and realistic and the outcomes of the situations aren't sanitized and neat. Eleanor is a kickass girl, but she isn't the strongest or the fastest. She accomplishes things with a steely resolve and the knowledge that if she won't do it, no one will. I liked seeing Victorian society through her eyes. Her future is basically planned out for her: marry very well, be a good wife, and have children. Even Victorian fashions are extremely restrictive and uncomfortable, which reflects the restrictive nature of the society. Her romance blooms naturally, no instalove needed, and her love interest is just as dynamic and compelling. The Spirit Hunters are a rag tag group of outcasts that work to protect people from the zombie menace despite the misleading and slanderous press surrounding them. I really liked that characters get injured and the ending isn't all tied up in a nice bow. It's messy and gives a sense of realism in a fantastical world of zombies, ghosts, and steampunk gadgets.Something Strange and Deadly is one of my favorite reads of the summer. It combines so many things I like so very well. I am only sad that I read it so early because I will probably have to wait a year or more for the next book to come out. Highly recommended for fans of steampunk, zombies, or fantasy.
    • 3/5
      Plot: 3 1/2 stars
      Characters: 2 1/2 stars
      Style: 3 stars
      Pace: 4 stars

      On the surface, it's zombies and societal expectations, obligations and expectations. There's lots of action, and a very strong female character. In fact, she's almost too strong. There are times where any normal woman, modern or in petticoats and corsets, would have to feel deeper than Eleanor does. When a character is abnormally emotionally strong in the wrong places, but shows normal reactions in others, it throws me. Add to that the events just sorta happened to her often, there wasn't really a strong sense to me that she was in control. Once she chose to go to the expedition, it was obvious every time, what her choices would be. It just got predictable.
      (I will note, based on discussing this book later with a friend: I went into it expecting camp and cheesiness. This did influence it getting this high a rating.)
    • 2/5
      Unfortunately, for me, this book wasn't as great as I was told it was. When I heard it was a zombie book I was excited for that, but to me this book seemed more like a paranormal mystery. It was ok nonetheless. I just feel like it dragged on at times. And despite having finished the book, I still don't know how I feel about the main character Eleanor. As a character she is ok, for me her redeeming qualities were how curious and unmanageable she is. I know this is only the start of the trilogy, but I'm not too sure how willing I am to read the next one. Perhaps in some spare time.
    • 4/5
      Eleanor would do anything for her dear older brother Elijah, including fighting an evil necromancer who is awakening the dead in late-nineteenth century Philadelphia. To help rescue her brother, Eleanor seeks the aid of three Spirit-Hunters: Joseph, a trim and proper looking Creole; Jie, a trouser-wearing China-woman; and Daniel, a frustratingly handsome inventor. While Eleanor sneaks out to battle the dead and uncover the necromancer's power and motivation, Eleanor's mother schedules her for croquet-parties and nights at the opera with Clarence, a rich and handsome bachelor who seems to be hiding secrets of his own. Something Strange and Deadly is a fun, fast-paced, steampunk thriller. The characters of Daniel and Clarence create a nice romantic tension, complicated by the fact that we know neither is completely what he seems. Although some elements hidden from Eleanor are easily seen by the reader, other mysteries unfurl with more difficulty. Dennard gives explanations for everything (which I really like): what motivates the characters (both good and bad), how the dead can be made to walk, why the dead are sometimes hungry and sometimes not, how an amethyst earring can control a spirit, and how standing in water can magnify power. The mix of true and imagined technology, and the wonderful historic details of the Philadelphia setting, including the Centennial Exposition, all give a feel of reality to this obvious fantasy.Although the ending solves all of the mysteries, loose ends are left untied. I predict a sequel in which Eleanor once again must battle the dead, possibly to save the one she loves.
    • 3/5
      Actual Rating: 2.5/5 stars

      While reading this, I'm eating ice cream. If this book is good enough to get my attention, even a container of ice cream cannot distract me. But, I was pretty distracted. That isn't a good sign.This book was not bad and I also can't tell you that it is great. It's just that this book didn't manage to capture my interest. My heart was never in it while I'm reading this.

      Some comments:

      Eleanor. The MC. I liked her! I liked her stubbornness and wits. In a time where being ladylike and reputation matters, she didn't care how she's acting. She was totally herself and what you see is what you get. I just want to punch her sometimes especially when they're under dangerous situations and all she can think about is how handsome Daniel is and what it will feel like if she'll just kiss him. And in the end, was she kind of gifted? She managed to stop those Dead by using some kind of thing. Ew. Her hands. -_-

      The other characters:

      Jie. Can I just say that saying "yeah" in like every sentence is quite annoying? The sentences feel like they're questions even if they weren't. I don't know if that is normal with them but still.

      Daniel. Uhh. He's pretty hard to figure out. The romance aspect of this story, if there is one, is not believable.

      Clarence. I totally thought that he's evil and kind of insane. Boy was I so wrong. I feel bad for him.

      The zombies. They are not scary or creepy at all! I feel like I could stop them myself if I'm in there. Lol, kidding. No of course they're disgusting and I will never get close to them ever. It's just that if you're looking for zombie books where blood and brains will be everywhere, this is not the book for you. Here, they stopped these Deads by some pulse bomb and that was it.

      The twist. The identity of the freaking necromancer isn't that hard to guess at all. I don't see him as a kind of very evil villain.

      I couldn't care less about these characters. Why is that? I did not grow attached to this book. I'll read the next book in this series of course just to see how this will all played out. I hope the sequel is better than this :)
    • 4/5
      I am ashamed to say I left this sitting on my shelf for over a year. I always knew I wanted to read it, but I just kept getting slammed with my TBR pile and it kept getting pushed back. And then the second book came out and I knew I messed up. If it took me this long to read the first one, how was I ever going to get to the next in the series?! But then I saw that Epic Reads was reading this for their book club and I knew it was the perfect time for me to get started on it!The reason I let this sit unread on my shelf is I'm not a huge fan of zombies. I'm also not a huge historical fiction fan, so you can see where my doubt lied. I honestly just bought it because I thought the cover was intriguing. After reading this I wanted to hit myself. Both of those things (along with a fast moving plot) made this an amazing debut from Dennard.It honestly was refreshing not to read about things that are so common in the fantasy genre. Well I say that because I don't read that many zombie books OR that many fantasy for that matter lol I loved seeing the imagination that Dennard put into the zombies to make them so frightening. That's what I love abut fantasy. There's no limits. The authors have free reign to make the world and its characters how ever they want. The more descriptive the better.As for the historical fiction part, I got it, but it wasn't totally understood. For example, I KNOW what year it was and why they were treating Eleanor that way, but what about some mentions of how the building looked? Or things that were happening around them? Even things that were happening around the city.I really enjoyed the characters the most though. Eleanor was feisty and reminded me of me a little. I could definitely understand doing anything to help someone I love. Especially family! Even if it meant putting myself in danger. Then there was Daniel. I LOVED him. He was so smart but also had some "bad boy" qualities in him. Totally my style. Then there is Jie. One of my fave secondary characters ever. Smart, strong, and a fighter? What more can you ask for?!Unfortunately, the romance in this one isn't really prevalent, but there is a big reason for it. The entire novel Eleanor and her mother are arguing about who will ask for her hand and why its such a big deal that someone with stature asks her to be his wife. Eleanor on the other hand doesn't care to fall for whom her mother wants her to be with and she is falling for someone else... Someone who says they aren't in love with her. Hopefully they can get that together in book two, because I really want that to happen. Like I'm already shipping them lolIn short, I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did. A huge thanks to HarperTeen (Epic Reads) for giving me the "epic" push that I needed into this frightening world of the "walking dead."
    • 4/5
      Shakespeare quotes, necromancy, steampunk and throwing corsets to the wind... Oh and zombies! What's not to like!
    • 5/5
      First thing first, I hate zombies. I normally stay as far away from anything zombie related as I can. I watched half of the first episode of The Walking Dead and couldn't stand looking at the zombies and had to quit (although I've read almost all the graphic novels but somehow watching the zombies were just too much). But I'd heard so many good things about this book. The cover is just so darn beautiful and intriguing. Then, I read an interview with Susan Dennard and she was just hilarious and so personable, I knew I had to at least attempt the book. I couldn't put the book down. It is fabulous. Eleanor is a wonderful heroine. She's smart, feisty and caring. Eleanor doesn't rush into something without thinking about it first. She cares about not just her family but other people - even the ones she doesn't particularly like. I would love to have Eleanor as a friend!

      I loved the way Dennard takes her time with elements of the story (like romance). Don't get me wrong, the story is fast paced but she doesn't make Eleanor fall instantly in love or try to tell us too much too fast. She parcels out the information in little pieces and the fits the puzzle pieces together slowly. And the romance is beautiful.

      Hands down one of my top books this year - even with the zombies!
    • 5/5
      I LOVED this book ~ Period! I am not sure where to start and I give this book 5 stars for so many reasons. I honestly had a hard time with the start of this book, but once I was about 40% in, I could not put it down. I have already bought the sequel and will be starting that IMMEDIATELY! What an amazing book.... you have to get used to the time period, which is what I think made it a little hard to get into but I truly LOVED Eleanor and Daniel's characters.I loved the build up to their romance even though the ending was tough for me.... I mean you have to read it to understand for yourself. It is just awesome.... Zombies and Necromancers in 1800s Philadelphia and at a time when it was unfit for Eleanor Fitt (high society member) to be seen with someone like Daniel.....and it took quite a while for the romance to build but I knew that it would for sure.... there was too much chemistry between Eleanor and Daniel for it not to count for something. I LOVE Daniel and am team Daniel for sure! I cannot wait to read the next book and find out what is going to happen to all of my favorite characters! Thanks to Susan Dennard to finally give me a book to give 5 STARS! It has been a long time coming and now I am hooked! Beautiful writing style and simply put .... amazing characters and an amazingly different storyline that will hook you and keep you there!Here is the synopsis from Goodreads and I will also put an excerpt that I had waited for the entire book.....directly afterwards. Enjoy and READ this lovers of Paranormal, YA, and Romance!Goodreads SynopsisThere's something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia...Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family as fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walkers 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. An now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.And My FAVORITE EXCERPT from the book although the entire piece is awesome!Then his lips touched my skin - only the slightest brush along my cheekbone.My breath caught, and my heart with it. But I didn't pull away. I couldn't. I knew if I moved, if this moment ended, my chest would ache with this hollowness forever.He slowly drew back his hand. I twisted my face to his, and before he could retreat, I reached out and pressed my good hand against his stomach.He sucked in a breath, and I bit back my own gasp. He was the first boy I'd ever touched, and the stiffness of his body through his shirt was unexpected. And wonderful."Eleanor." His voice was so low, I could barley hear it. "Eleanor, we can't do this.""Oh," I breathed, but I didn't move. Nor did he.He was so near.I couldn't keep my gaze from his face. I wanted to memorize the way his lips shuddered with his breath; the way his tongue was just visible when his lips parted; the way his eyes didn't break from my face; and above all, the way his stomach felt beneath the fabric of his clothes.Then his body shook-only the slightest tremor- and he lowered his face.His mouth reached mine, and in an instant I knew what the fascination with lips was all about. Even the gentlest touch-for that was all it was-sent my mind reeling and my heart racing. It was sweeter than I'd ever dreamed possible. His scent and his touch overwhelmed my brain, and I could think of nothing but Daniel.He drew back, and I found I could barely breathe. My chest felt so tight with emotion-so full. His own breaths were short and shallow.Then suddenly his lips were on mine again. And I kissed him back. His hands rose to cradle my head, and he tugged me more tightly into the embrace. He pressed me to the lamppost, his body a shield to the world beyond, and I slipped my hand all the way around his waist.His stubble scratched my chin, but I didn't care.Long hard kisses turned into quick, desperate ones and then back again. This, whatever it was, had flared out of our control. His skin was as salty as it smelled-delicious and intoxicating.Again, if you are a fan of The Infernal Devices.... a love of YA, Paranormal and Romance... read this NOW! Thanks to Susan for an amazingly,fabulous read!
    • 4/5
      Oh, how I love me some zombie novels, and this one is even better because it takes place in the early years of the US.

      Eleanor is exactly the sort of person that I think I would have been in that time period. She isn’t the type to sit around and let others tell her what to do. She asks questions, and seeks the truth. She doesn’t show fear when obstacles are put in front of her.

      There’s action and a bit of romance wrapped up in this novel. Eleanor and the spirit hunters are trying to find a way to stop the zombies for good, especially when there are rabid zombies among the group that move faster than thought possible. I love the mix of science and magic. It makes the events seem sort of whimsical even though zombies are scary-ish.

      I’m glad the romance didn’t overpower the plot. There are sublte hints at flirtation, but the story still stands on trying to figure out the zombie problem, and finding Eleanor’s brother.

      I loved everything about this book, and can’t wait to continue this series!
    • 5/5
      I got a copy of this book to review through the Amazon Vine program. This was an absolutely wonderful book; I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a wonderful blend of horror/historical fantasy/steampunk/walking undead with a little romance thrown in. The heroine is absolutely wonderful and I loved reading about her. The world is creative and interesting and the plot incredibly well done. The second book, A Darkness Strange and Lovely, is due out in 2013.Eleanor Fitt has more to worry about than your average Victorian young lady; her brother has gone missing, her family is nearly destitute, and her mother wants to solve the problem by marrying her off to a rich young man. This is nothing though compared to the problems plaguing the city; the dead have started rising and they are hungry. When Eleanor suspects that her brother is somehow involved with the Dead she hunts down the group of Spirit Hunters for help.I loved this book. It was fast-moving, had a wonderful plot, wonderful characters, and was very creative. There is witty banter and humor woven throughout the story that made it a lot of fun to read. The walking dead in this novel aren’t the result of a strange infection but are instead the result of necromancy. They don’t spread infection but they are still incredibly hungry for human flesh. Eleanor is an absolutely wonderful character. She tries to be a proper lady and even goes along with her mother trying to hook her up with the rich Clarence. Still she is determined to find her brother (who is also her best friend) and she will stop at nothing to find him. She ends up sneaking in visits to the Spirit Hunters in between her normal errands and house calls.As the story progresses Eleanor really shows her metal; she throws herself into everything she does, takes risks to save those she is loyal to and is so much more tough than she seems in the beginning. She really grows a lot as the book continues. She is one of those rare heroines that really takes a lot of physical damage throughout her escapades; she doesn't heal supernaturally but just pushes through to do what she can. I love seeing a heroine actually take realistic damage and have to deal with aftermath; it just makes the story more real to me.The Spirit Hunters aren’t your average ghost busters (although they do use a mixture of strange steampunkish technology and electricity to deal with their spirits) there is also an element of magic to it all. Of course one of the Spirit Hunters is the young and handsome mechanical genius Daniel. Daniel and Eleanor drive each other crazy in both a bad and a good way; this adds a little romance to the story as they have great chemistry together.The plot is incredibly well put together, it was a bit predictable, but still very well done. The elements of Eleanor’s missing brother, an evil Spirit, the Walking Dead, and the Spirit Hunters are all nicely tied together as the story progresses.Overall I absolutely loved everything about this book. Great world, wonderful writing, excellent characters, and a fast-paced plot. When reading this book you can’t help but compare it to Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel; I liked this book quite a bit more than that one. If you do like Dearly, Departed by Habel I think you would really enjoy this book as well. I would also recommend this book to adult readers who are fans of the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. This was an excellent steampunk/zombie/historical fantasy. I can’t wait to read the second book, A Darkness Strange and Lovely!
    • 4/5
      I have to admit that Something Strange and Deadly was a pleasant surprise. I bought this book on my Kindle not expecting too much from it, but it was fabulous! Zombies and strong heroines and parasols and no insta-love? Yes please! Susan Dennard did a great job making Eleanor likable; she was brave, strong-willed, and just curious enough without being a total idiot.

      Something Strange and Deadly takes place in 1876 Philadelphia. The girls are wearing corsets and twirling parasols, the men are wearing top hats and being chivalrous. Enter Eleanor Fitt, a Young Lady of High Society, whose family is running low on money and whose brother is missing. Her mother wants to marry her off to the nearest rich man, but it's driving her crazy. Of course, who would blame her? But then there are also the Dead--zombies, really. They're rising up due to a necromancer, and although they aren't really causing any serious harm to anyone, there's a constant threat lurking that they might attack at any time. So then there are the Spirit-Hunters, a group of three people who find different ways to fight back against the Dead. It's all a very interesting storyline that is part mystery, part horror/supernatural, with a little bit of romance thrown in.

      Unlike some of the people who said they knew who the necromancer was within the first hundred pages or so, I am definitely not you. I was completely off base for a loooooong time, and when the necromancer was finally revealed I was actually very surprised. I don't feel like there were any obvious clues dropped about the real necromancer, and I might be alone on that but I was still pleased with the mystery element.

      I also liked Dennard's take on zombies. They didn't just "pop out of nowhere," they were raised, brought to life, by someone who means to do harm. They are known to the characters in Something Strange and Deadly as "the Dead," and those that are more savage and not under the necromancer's control are known as "the Hungry." The Dead are raised one day and no one really knows why, just that they were raised by a man they call the necromancer. Who is also a faceless person.

      Then there are the Spirit-Hunters. Ahhh, I love them all to pieces. First is Joseph, who is wise and kind and everything gentleman. Then there is Jie, who is a girl who can totally kick ass. And then there's Daniel. /swoon What I like about Daniel is he doesn't instantly want Eleanor; he actually doesn't even really like her. He thinks she's just another spoiled girl who might even be looking to exploit them. There is no insta-love here. Eleanor doesn't like Daniel, Daniel doesn't like Eleanor. And this goes on for quite some time, although it was much to my frustration. I kind of wanted to do that thing you did as a kid with your Barbie and Ken doll and force them to kiss. Just me? Maybe.

      I felt that this book had a lot of potential, and it did very well. I'm happy I stumbled upon it. There's a good chance I'll read the second book in Dennard's Something Strange and Deadly series. The second one takes place in Paris! How exciting.
    • 3/5
      Review courtesy of All Things Urban FantasyZombies, Victorian sensibilities, and clockwork gadgets galore. I do love a good paranormal steampunk, and SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY by Susan Dennard is a good, if not great, example.The beginning is a bit choppy and there are some wild leaps in logic that unfortunately are the only things that support the plot of the whole book. Eleanor’s conclusions about her brother’s absence were complete conjecture, and the conclusions she made stemming from that felt even flimsier. I had to set my brain aside in order to move past this. Once I did that, the story was much more enjoyable, specifically due to the Spirit-Hunters.Imagine a young Victorian version of The Ghostbusters, and you get the Spirit-Hunters. Three brilliant, bizarre, and often rude outcasts who in SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY answer the call to put Philadelphia’s rising dead back in their graves and stop the necromancer who’s controlling them. Not an easy job when popular opinion blames them for the zombies in the first place. When Eleanor seeks them out for help, she gets much more than she bargained for and soon finds herself aiding the trio in all sorts of improper and often highly illegal acts that would ruin her if discovered.Eleanor has a few more modern sensibilities than I generally prefer in period novels, but her slow and surprising excitement at the world the Spirit-Hunters exposed her to was very believable, as was the increasingly strained relationship with her husband-hunting mother. The plot was on the predictable side, as was the romance, but I enjoyed this enough to keep an eye out for the sequel, A DARKNESS STRANGE AND LOVELY, in 2013.Sexual Content:Kissing
    • 4/5
      My daughter loves the whole steampunk scene, period clothing and all. So when I read about Something Strange and Deadly, I reserved a copy at my local library. This Steampunk novel, with the period clothing,the corsets, the parasols, the automations; everything is so luxurious and mysterious in equal measure. And undead zombies, a real mystery set in 1876 Philadelphia, where a Necromancer's raising the dead from their graves and beheading members of the most respectful families. I loved the character of Elenor Fitt, who's looking for her brother Elijah,who is being held captive by the same necromancer, and her family is going through a financial crisis. Her mother wants to marry her off to any rich gentleman and rescue the family. What Elenor wants is to find her brother and bring him home. As the spirit hunters came to protect the town from the undead, Elenor has no choice but to seek out their help to find locate and rescue her brother. I enjoyed Susan Dennard's writing style. This unique, fast-paced paranormal, Steampunk story was simply amazing and I was hooked from the start. Elenor,the heroine, is just sixteen years old ,a teenage girl struggling with problems of her own. She's mature beyond her years, naïve, yet a very determined young girl. Her efforts to find her brother lead her to make choices, sometimes questionable ones and to overstep the social boundaries, but she never gives up, even when she's aware of the consequences that will arise. She seems to be the only one who actually cares for her family’s welfare, unlike her mother who is a completely shallow and snobbish Victorian women who only wants to retain her reputation and the Fit name. Then there's Daniel, absolutely arrogant and alluring, the love interest in this book. His initial feelings about Elenor changes as he gets to know her but he'd rather battle a zombie then to show his real feelings for the Empress, as he calls Elenor. I was certainly touched by the Daniel and Elenor's conflicted love story as it develops throughout the book. Susan Dennard has developed many other interesting characters in this book, like Jei, the Chinese spirit hunter girl in disguise of a boy, who comes to be a loyal friend of Elenor and Clarence, a mysterious and charming guilt ridden young gentleman, who likes Elenor and cares for her.The book , though not your usual gruesome zombie novel, includes black magic, and necromancy, romance with lot of emotions and mystery set in. Something Strange and Deadly is an excellent debut for author Susan Dennard, and I look forward to her future books. Jack Murphy