Series: Something Strange & Deadly #2Release date: July 23rd 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Purchase: Amazon
Synopsis via Goodreads:
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.
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.
*A copy of this book was gifted by the author. That has not influenced my review in any way.
Susan Dennard has once again captivated me with her effortless and incomparable story telling. A Darkness Strange and Lovely will have you hooked and earnestly reading to uncover more.
The sequel picks up on the emotional and physical issues of Eleanor Fitt. She's left to cope with the aftermath from taking on the dead with the Spirit Hunters back in Philadelphia and it most certainly isn't pleasant. El continues mourning the loss of her brother, trying to deal with her mother's health issues, as well as struggling to live amidst having no finances or connections. Aside from that, Marcus is still very much loose and coming after her. Hence, her journey to Paris to seek out the help of the Spirit Hunters and learn more about her brother's letters.
What I loved most about the second book is the fact that Susan brought readers to Paris. We get the opportunity to experience the city of lights in a completely different time and that really enticed me as I turned the pages because, though, in reality I've never been there, while reading the story I felt as if I was walking the streets with the characters and experiencing Paris along with them.
The story also depicts character growth where Eleanor is concerned. She's learning to understand another side of herself, as well as accepting her feelings for a certain other. El's character has developed much further from when we first get to know her and I no longer get a teen girl vibe from her. She comes across as more grown up, though, there's still that level of curiosity and need to explore deeper that we know her for.
Aside from the interesting characters brought over from the first book, Susan also brings forth someone new and very likable, but mentioned briefly before. I'd have to say Oliver outshined the other characters in this one, in my opinion. With his connection to both Eleanor and her brother, Oliver had so much depth I wanted to explore, and I just loved his personality. I suspected his relationship with El's brother went far beyond being bound as a demon, but I assume Susan will shed some more light on that in the next book.
The only issue I had with A Darkness Strange & Lovely is the fact that Daniel was hardly in it. I was actually anticipating his return more to see if he and Eleanor would make any progress. Throughout this book there hardly was any resolution made but wow, that scene between the two towards the end of the story had me screaming, "YES! YES! YES! FINALLY!" And that one scene made up for all the wait.
What else can I say, wonderful writing, imaginable details, beautiful city, just adventurous all round. I enjoyed A Darkness Strange & Lovely and cannot wait to see how the story wraps up in the third book. Besides, I feel as If I'm travelling along with them to Egypt. Woohoo!
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