Susan Dennard
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: July 24, 2012
Source: Publisher
CATCHALL
I went into Something Strange and Deadly expecting…well, more zombies. I mean, there were zombies, but they weren't quite as excited as anything I was thinking I'd get. Still, I solidly enjoyed this book. It had pretty good characters, and wasn't heavy on romance. It's a fun read, lighter than I expected, with a few serious subjects thrown in to balance it.
THE HEROINE
ELEANOR FITT
I liked Eleanor, for all that she had a few Mary-Sue tendencies. Quite a few, actually, which I will not go into for fear of spending forever going over them. She's plucky and bold, and not afraid of disappointing the standards of her society. Also, she wants to help support her family, and the lengths she'll go to to find her brother are really very admirable.
THE LOVE INTEREST
DANIEL SHERIDAN
Daniel was portrayed as somewhat of a scoundrel, but a handsome and attractivescoundrel. I felt good enough about him. He was a pretty well developed character. We get to look into his past and see what's happened to make him the way he is, and how he ended up in his position. He definitely has an attitude but it's not overbearing.
THE FRIEND
CLARENCE WILCOX
Clarence was by far my favorite character. Not only is he sexy, if you ask me, but he seems to be a genuinely good person for all his faults. He was also way more interesting than Daniel, although Daniel was pretty interesting. I totally adored him and wished he had been in the book more. I also wish we'd gotten to learn more about him.
THE PLOT
The plot was really good! It definitely kept me interested and even on the edge of my seat. I was constantly desperate to know what was going to happen next. It was suspenseful and definitely page-turning.
Unfortunately, there weren't very many zombie moments. Obviously there were some, but I went into this book expecting more to do with zombies. However, the zombies in this book were used as more of a device and a background than being a major plot of the plot. They were important, but not necessary.
Still, I loved how certain facts and such were slowly uncovered to reveal what was happening. There was one big reveal that I thought was extremely obvious, but aside from that, it wasn't overtly predictable or anything.
The plot of SS&D kept me immersed and drawn in and overall satisfied. The concept was original, and built delicately but also boldly over the history. It weaves in nicely and the politics of the story—because there are politics—aren't boring, but are actually pretty interesting to read about and the story would be the same without that aspect.
However, I was incredibly ticked off by a certain death, which made me angry and upset and in general annoyed. I suppose it did contribute to the plot, but still!
THE ROMANCE
Actually, this book was light on romance, but it was definitely there. And the best part is, there's no instalove. It develops slowly and sweetly and without any urgency to rush the couple into true love forever. Instead, it is beautifully and artfully done and leaves more room for building in the future.
THE WRITING
Susan's writing is beautiful. I admit that I didn't care too much for Eleanor's voice, but I tried to look past that. The descriptions of Philadelphia are gorgeous, and the banter and dialogue simply glitters. I'd almost say it couldn't have been better. There is always room for improvement, of course, but it's already spectacular!
THE ENDING
I though that the way it ended was not only appropriate, but perfect. There's pain, real pain, both physical and emotional. It is not one of those too-clean endings that makes me tempted to do something drastic that I cannot be responsible for. Instead, it's a totally realistic ending and I loved it. It also leaves room for the next book without one of those cruel cliffhangers.
WRAPUP
Overall, SS&D was an awesome book and I would definitely recommend it. I think that this will be a really popular book. It's a solid debut, and gives history an awesome twist. However, you won't fund much zombie action. Still, if you go into the book knowing that with an open mind, I have no doubt that you'll probably love it!
FINE.
***FINAL RATING: 3.20 RED ROSES***
