Something Strange and Deadly Review

Title: Something Strange and Deadly
Author: Susan Dennard
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: July 24th 2012
Source: ARC for Review
Buy: Amazon / Book Depository
Rating: 3.5

Summary:

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Review:

I really enjoy the steam punk genre and I love zombie book, so Something Strange and Deadly seemed like the perfect mix of those two for me. This is the second novel  I have read with that combo of steam punk and zombies, and I can say that I really enjoyed this book. Zombies aren't the focal point of the story the steam punk aspect is for those who are expecting a heavily zombie influenced book.

For me it had the perfect amount of zombie action, I don't tend to like to many. They are also pretty gruesome which I loved. The feeling of being in the late 1800's is very prominent and sets the setting very well. Eleanor as a character is very interesting because her personality is much more different than is typical for girls of that era to act. She is also a very strong character who is willing to take risk for the greater good.

Right from the beginning of the story it wastes no time with getting right into the story, and grabs your attention from the very start and keeps it to the last page.Romance isn't a large part in this book, which I actually enjoyed, but I can see there being more in the future which I am all for. Daniel is an interesting young man that would be a great mix with Eleanor. Besides there being zombies in this book, no duh, there is also ghost/spirits that are pretty terrifying as well.

The only thing that I didn't love about this book, is how predictable to plot is. I could guess right away what was going on and where that would end up in the end. Susan gave very obvious clues throughout the book that  may not have been for the greater good ofvthe overall story. Sublte clues are always better so there is more of a surprise at the end.

I am really looking forward to see where Eleanor and Daniel's story goes in the next instalment. I will be eagerly waiting for the next book to come out so that I can see what is in store. Eleanor was left on a shokcing note and I really want to see how she will deal with it.