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A Darkness Strange & Lovely (Something Strange and Deadly, #2) by Susan Dennard
Publication date: July 23, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Category: Young Adult - Paranormal/Steampunk
Source: Thank you Alexa for lending me the ARC!
Summary: Following an all-out battle with the walking Dead, the Spirit Hunters have fled Philadelphia, leaving Eleanor alone to cope with the devastating aftermath. But there’s more trouble ahead—the evil necromancer Marcus has returned, and his diabolical advances have Eleanor escaping to Paris to seek the help of Joseph, Jie, and the infuriatingly handsome Daniel once again. When she arrives, however, she finds a whole new darkness lurking in this City of Light. As harrowing events unfold, Eleanor is forced to make a deadly decision that will mean life or death for everyone.(Adapted goodreads.com)
My thoughts…
The good: Eleanor and Daniel fighting the Dead (or should I say les mortes) in Paris? I knew I would be in for an amazing ride when I started A Darkness Strange & Lovely and it did not disappoint. The sequel picks up a few months after Something Strange & Deadly left off, with Eleanor's life in even deeper shambles than before. Her mother, unable to handle the truth of what happened to her brother Elijah, had to be institutionalized and guess who's supporting her? Eleanor, of course. On the other side of the world, the Spirit Hunters - Joseph, Jie and Daniel - are in Paris chasing the latest rise of the Dead and Eleanor is aching to join them. The opportunity comes when she senses Marcus has returned but when she arrives in Paris, not everything is as it seems or as she had hoped.As with the first book, the world-building, plot and character development were spot on. But I was especially happy with the direction of Eleanor's character. I've already praised her tenacity and strength but I need to say it again. She is one tough cookie. But more than that, she stands up for what she believes in. And while it was already hinted that necromancy is in her blood, we get to see the implications of her (not-so-hidden) powers fully explored here. Which I absolutely loved! But I also loved that she was just a girl who wanted to see Paris and wasn't exactly ready to face the guy who broke her heart.
Oh Daniel. I found him to be especially swoon-worthy (and adorable) in this book and despite the slow burn of their relationship, the sparks between them are definitely there. (When you decide to read this, there's a scene towards the end you will want to re-read a few times!). Paris and their previous encounter with Marcus has changed each of the Spirit Hunters, some more obviously than others. It provides some necessary friction, even though I just wanted them all to get along. In Paris, they not only discover what the use of magic and power means to each of them but also more of the mythology behind necromancy and what her brother Elijah was up to. Which leads to the introduction of a brand new character - one I'm sure will intrigue you! I know I was intrigued.
(No) reservations: None, I could not put it down.
Do I recommend?: I definitely recommend! The characters, the mystery behind necromancy and the Dead have completely reeled me in. It's incredibly well-written and engaging and if you are even the slightest bit interested in checking it out, don't hesitate. Read ASAP. I can't wait to see where Susan Dennard takes the series next.
Happy reading!
To see previous posts from our celebration:
I'm still happy about this book. That's really all there is to it >.< Just thinking about Daniel makes me want to HUG HIM AND NEVER LET GO. <3
ReplyDeleteI'm like 50ish pages from the end! Oh if only I could skip work and go home to finish them! This one is really kind of awesome and a perfect follow up to the first book in the series. Can't wait to see this great Daniel moment you mentioned! :)
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