Something Strange and Deadly is a historical fiction novel set during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, where the dead rise from Chapel Hill Cemetery, leading the protagonist Eleanor Fitt to seek the help of the Spirit Hunters in fighting off zombies and a necromancer. The story follows Eleanor's journey to find and save her brother, intertwining elements of mystery, romance, and steampunk contraptions in a fast-paced and fun read that incorporates a mix of science and magic.

Characters:

The characters, especially Eleanor and her companions, are well-developed, showcasing growth and resilience against societal norms and dangers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and accessible, featuring a blend of humor and vivid descriptions that enhance the historical and steampunk elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features Eleanor Fitt's determination to rescue her brother from a necromancer while navigating a world where the dead have been raised, set against the backdrop of Philadelphia's 1876 Centennial Exhibition.

Setting:

The setting is a richly detailed Philadelphia in the late 19th century, during a pivotal historical event, combined with steampunk and paranormal themes.

Pacing:

The pacing of the novel is generally fast, filled with action, though some find the early chapters slower to engage.

I’d heard of corpses awakening—hungry and dangerous though still quite dead. The purpose of bells in coffins was, after all, to warn us; but if the word on the street was true, then in the last week m...

Notes:

The book combines zombies with a Victorian-era setting in Philadelphia.

The protagonist, Eleanor Fitt, is a strong female character who defies societal expectations.

Eleanor's brother has gone missing, which prompts her quest for help from the Spirit Hunters.

The Spirit Hunters consist of a diverse cast: Joseph, Jie, and Daniel, each bringing unique skills to the group.

The zombies in this world are not traditional flesh-eating monsters; instead, they are raised by a necromancer and controlled like puppets.

The book explores themes of family loyalty, societal pressure to marry well, and self-discovery.

The story features steampunk elements, such as gadgets and technology that aid in combating the undead.

The romance in the story develops slowly and is not the central focus, which is refreshing for a YA novel.

The narrative is filled with humor, action, and mystery, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of death, grief related to a missing family member, and the presence of zombies and violence associated with them.

Has Romance?

The romance between Eleanor and Daniel develops subtly over the course of the story, rather than being the main focus.

From The Publisher:

Sixteen-year-old Eleanor Fitt's brother is missing. And when she discovers that the Dead are rising in Philadelphia and wreaking havoc throughout the city, she knows that 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. But 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 may hang in the balance.

In Something Strange and Deadly, the first book in a trilogy, Susan Dennard weaves together vividly imagined scenes of action, adventure, and gorgeous Victorian fashion to create an entertaining steampunk tapestry of humor, horror, and romance. Readers who love Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices series will be intrigued from the start.

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Something Strange and Deadly

Susan Dennard

Book 1 in the series:Something Strange and Deadly