Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Title: Something Strange and Deadly

Author: Susan Dennard

Reviewed by: Cassie

Rating: 3 glass slippers

Summary (from BN.com)

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 the maddeningly stubborn yet handsome Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

I was a bit disappointed when I read Something Strange and Deadly because I had been hearing quite a bit of hype over it. I read that it was going to exceed my expectations and that the tale is spun wonderfully. While I have to agree with the fact that it was spun very nicely, I must say it just wasn't my cup of tea. Think of Clockwork Angel with the romance feeling of Masque of the Red Death and sort of mish-mash together old London and zombie-esque Dead. This book is one I would wait until October, fellow readers! It's definitely got the creepy-zombie vibe going. It's dark, it's got some gory descriptions, and it's got zombies. Perfect for a nice sit-down by the window/fire on Halloween night with a cup of hot cocoa nearby. And also, make sure it's not too dark when you read it. It's a bit... scary.

To begin with, Eleanor is an admirable lady/girl of her time. Her family is a fake of the high society in Philadelphia. Her mother is horrible with their money, her dad died six years ago, and her brother abandoned them to pursue his own interest three years ago. Basically, Eleanor is in a bit of a pickle. Despite her upbringings, she is a stubborn girl who is pretty likable. There were a few bits where her inner bitch comes out (it's pretty amusing), a few rare times where she swears (one particular one had me guffawing), and some parts where she has "scandalous thoughts". Oh, that was a good one. I have such "scandalous thoughts" daily...

Anyways, some parts of the story I found I liked her a lot, while other parts I wanted to slap some sense into her head. She acts very quickly, usually without thinking, (of course) and is way too curious for her own good. She has a strong will and a strong heart. And... AND she wears those awesome 19th century dresses! *in love*

Anyways, as I mentioned before, the romance sort of has that feeling like in Masque of the Red Death. This is because, well the very proper relationships. It's increased tenfold, so there's not much romance except some admiring glances and maaaaybe a scandalous kiss/touch. Ah yes, so that's slightly why it wasn't my cup of tea. The admiring glances left me wanting to pull my hair out while simultaneously pouring hot tea into people's faces. Oh yes, I believe that is quite possible. Mmhmm, in fact, I'd make it possible. However, if you like that sort of thing (no not the tea/hair pulling, you scalawag) then I highly recommend it. (that reminds me, there are some very good insults like "scalawag". I must remember to look for them later)

Furthermore, the plot was very well-woven, except I found myself knowing the going-to-be twist in the first 40 pages of the book. This may be because of a similar plot I read (or perhaps my superior intellect? ;) but I'd still encourage those who hate easy-to-guess twists to give it a chance. It's still got some twists that you won't expect and it's especially darkly yummy. Er, scratch that. I don't want to think of cannibalistic zombies.

Additionally, I'd just like to say this is a book series to watch. Perhaps it is because this is her debut novel, and the next in the series will be better. Now, I remind you to reserve this book for Halloween! Yes, it's deliciously spooky and definitely will give you a chill or two.

Off to the next book! Don't forget to put your email in that subscription box to the right!

Cassie

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Title: For Darkness Shows the Stars

Author: Diana Peterfreund

Reviewed by: Cassie

Rating: 5 glass slippers

Summary (from BN.com)

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is floundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth - an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go. 

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret - one that could changer their society... or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

Whoo that was a mouth-full! But as you can see, it is one gobsmacking, astounding, close-your-mouth heck of a book. The cover- flat out gorgeous. The idea- simply wonderful. The truth?- it was the loveliest book I have ever read. 

I think I'm going to go rogue here and just tell you: this book is amazing. It's deep, it's thought-provoking, an emotional hurricane, and full of a bittersweet love. When I first picked it up, the most I was hoping for was a 3.5. I thought, well, at best it's a boring dystopian; at worst it's a horribly written historical fiction piece. Now I can honestly tell you I could not put it down, and even when I had to it was on my mind until I went to sleep. Mind you, I couldn't even go to sleep until a good half hour had passed because I was up thinking about the story.

The concept is written flawlessly- there was an apocalypse-like 'phenomena' in which humankind was basically wiped out because of its desire to be God. The survivors of the horrible war/epidemic came to be Reductions- humans who had backtracked mentally and had very little brain capacity. However, there was a second race, the Luddites, who shunned man's ways of trying to be God, and holed themselves underground. They emerged (after a sign from God) to be God's hand in guiding and leading the human race. They set strict rules for themselves so the epidemic never happened again. Yet sometimes the temptation is too good...

The plot (which I'm sure we have Jane Austen to thank for the main gist of it) is beautiful. And I mean no joke exquisite. We learn what happened to Elliot that put her into this position. It's heartbreaking and at the high points I seriously wanted to cry. That never happens to me. Strategically placed within the book are letters (in no particular order) that were traded between Kai and Elliot as children. We learn how they were best friends as small kids, which soon turned to love at age fourteen. These are extremely "aww!!!!" worthy and made my heart squeeze. The story is simply jaw-dropping : tears, morals, (seriously true) love, heartbreak, envy, hope, and so many different emotions. The emotions are weaved in perfectly and beautifully.

The characters are very, very good. They all have a history that you dive into (deeply or not) and you learn to feel empathy towards almost all of them. We get very well acquainted with Elliot's past and her mistakes/decisions. We learn somewhat of what is going on with the Cloud Fleet (and Kai). We find out what's happening on the North estate. At some points you may want to drop kick Kai or slap Andromeda, but in the end the reader learns to understand what makes these characters what they are.

What really made me like this book is the love. Elliot regrets her decision every day to not go with Kai. When Kai shows up, she's shocked. Immediately, however, Kai shows her he couldn't care less about her. Somehow, Elliot can't stop loving him though. Even when he's with a new girl and horribly insults her in public, her heart still yearns for her 14-year-old Kai from four years ago. This itself made me love the book, but also the author's ability to make the reader truly feel Elliot's feelings towards Kai. When her feelings change, the reader adopts this new aspect of Kai wholeheartedly. Next, I found it amazing that Diana Peterfreund persuaded me as a reader to enjoy Kai as a romantic interest. The reading lacked physical descriptions and especially any touching, but somehow my heart strings were pulled and I couldn't help immersing myself in this love. IT BLEW MY MIND. I just couldn't handle all the raw emotions. The last page is what really got me; I was just like...

yet also

This is an engrossing, entrancing, and unforgettable read. Agh! Diana Peterfreund- please do a retelling of Pride and Prejudice now!! Your world is magnificent!

I highly recommend, and there also is a prequel of Kai's POV called Among the Nameless Stars AND I MUST READ IT!!!

Go read them both!!! 

Cassie :)

Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

Title: Team Human

Authors: Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan

Reviewed by: Cassie

Rating: 2.5 glass slippers

Summary (from BN.com)

Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she stays in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity!

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Acclaimed authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan team up to create a witty and poignant story of cool vampires, warm friendships, and the changes that test the bonds of love.

I must admit, I was hoping for more. When I began reading this, this was basically what ran through my head... "Asian protagonist, SCORE!" then "feisty, short protagonist who happens to be Asian! SCORE!" and finally "Vampires... Hmm... ZOMBIES!!" Yeah but then it went downhill.

The protagonist-

Let me just say this: if you like stubborn, loyal, hilariously strong-willed, and witty, Mel (short for a horrific name) is for you! She's easy to like (though not necessarily relate to) and she is the type of person who would put her neck out for her best friends. Unfortunately, she is also extremely rude, opinionated, and thinks she is always right. Despite that, she is really funny. And, though she is very opinionated, the reader can thoroughly understand her objections.

The guy-

Kit is... cute. He is fascinated he can make Mel laugh (he lives with non-laughing vampires) and human customs. At first he's all gung-ho on becoming a vamp once he turns 18, but then Mel comes along. Fun, adventure-loving, witty, and Asian Mel. His desire to become pale, painless, and laughless dwindles drastically as he learns just how much he'll miss laughing with humans (ahem Mel) and the possibility of learning to love as a human. (We don't really get this deep admittance but we assume this) He's very sweet, very cute, and did I mention his full name is KITTEN???!! Oh there are so many naughty things I could say about his name right now, but I will spare you all. For now.

The plot-

I liked the overall idea of it, but when it played out, I just didn't get in the groove. I sort of sat there reading, and thinking "Oh that's nice." and "Well that must stink" (1. during a romantic scene and 2. when a zombie attacks) I mean, that romantic scene could have been heated and yummy and totally WOWZAS with me thinking "IneedafanIneedafanIneedafan, I'm going to go faint now." and "OMG ZOMBIES!! ZOMBIESZOMBIESZOMBIES!!" But alas, no. Because trust me, books have made me think that. I have literally in the past slapped the book down and waved myself as if to fan myself. However, the plot is a nice idea. The mystery twists quite nicely and the moral dilemma is deep and relateable.

For those looking for a fun, light read with a bit of a mystery to it, I highly recommend it! For those looking for a passionate, deep, heart-wrenching novel, I'm afraid this is not for you.

Subscribe please and have a nice Labor Day weekend!

Cassie

Endlessly by Kiersten White

Title: Endlessly

Author: Kiersten White

Reviewed by: Cassie

Rating: 3.5 glass slippers

Summary (from BN.com)

Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate.

The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its fate rests solely in Evie's hands.

So much for normal.

Endlessly picks up right where Supernaturally left off, pretty much. Evie is still Evie and Lend is still Lend, and they still both love each other to bits. The Faerie Realms are just as beautiful and deadly as before. But now, a whole lotta paranormals are in town. And they're asking her to save them from their mysterious, perilous fate that only she can fix. As always the faeries are deeply involved, and this time so is the IPCA. 

The heroine-

Evie, as always, is short-attention-spanned, stubborn, loving, and funny as always. In Endlessly, Evie is approached by paranormals so she can help them... but the faeries are involved. And it would be beneficial to them, too. As we know by now, Evie has a distinct dislike for all faeries and has even threatened to kill her ex-faerie boyfriend. So, of course, Evie says no to their appeal for her help. But something happens so that Evie learns she must help the paranormals, or else. Thus, she goes on a journey (prolonged, as always) to save the paranormals.

The romantic interest...s-

Okay honestly most people would go, "what's with the "s" at the end? Lend is her soul mate, stupid!" And I will openly admit I would say back, "RETH! RethRethRethReth! *calming breath* Reth is in the book, stupid."

Now, Reth is not Evie's romantic interest. No, he is mine. Because this golden faerie boy is F-I-N-E, and I mean fine. In this book Reth shows a vulnerability (against his will, I'll admit) and I would kidnap him (unless he wants to kidnap me, like he has shown to do to Evie... but then it wouldn't really be a kidnap, would it?) if I could. Anyways, I just found him to be very deep and vulnerable in this book. Maybe a bit idealistic but hey, this is Reth we're talking about.

Lend- Ah, Lend is so cute! He and Evie are like, the cutest couple EVER. Their moments... oh their moments! So darn cute, and so darn loving, and so darn awesome! Lend is not That Guy That I Just Met And I Think I Love And Is Really Hot. No, Lend (to Evie) is That Guy Who I Love And Is Beautiful In Every Single Way. Thus this when I read their moments:

Mmhmm, that's right.

Overall-

Overall, I liked the characters and idea but I felt like.. well. 1.) It wasn't as hilarious as I had hoped it would be. Don't worry there are still quite a few legitimately laugh-out-loud moments :D 2.) I found myself wishing the plot would just get on with it already! When I mentioned it was prolonged, it's prolonged. Not put-this-book-down prolonged, but please-continue-with-the-action-already prolonged.

Side note: the plot is very creative! 

Okay, enjoy Labor Day weekend for me! And possible subscribe?

Thanks!

Cassie