Review - A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard

by Susan Dennard
publisher: HarperTeen
date of publication: July 23, 2013
format: ebook
pages: 406
source: library
series: Something Strange and Deadly #2
buy it: A Darkness Strange and Lovely

From 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.

Oh, man.  That was my initial reaction upon finishing A Darkness Strange and Lovely.  I really didn't see this book coming.  After Something Strange and Deadly, I expected more of the same plucky Eleanor, only with missing things she would have to learn to do without.  While that was partly true, what I found was a new, dark side to Eleanor that made her a frustrating yet even more interesting character.

Eleanor was so infuriating throughout A Darkness Strange and Lovely, but you know what?  It worked.  Characters don't always have to be on their best behavior and Eleanor is proof of that.  She finds herself in a very dark situation with few options and she takes the path that, while difficult and against what she originally determined against, seems the best option in order to save her life.  What ensues is a harrowing ordeal with magical addiction that leaves her making decisions with a much less sound judgment than before.  It all made her a much more dynamic character with so many facets.  I still got mad at her but it was truly an interesting reading experience.

Paris always makes for such an amazing setting in books.  There is so much character in the ways the city can be depicted that it always seems to come alive in a way.  Eleanor's time in Paris is nothing short of intriguing.  The mysteries at play are eerie and menacing in such away that an element of horror is brought into the story.  There were some truly horrific moments throughout that made my hair stand on end.  It was tense.  It was alarming.  It was thrilling.  I couldn't get enough of it and wound up finishing the book when I had only planned on reading a few chapters.

A Darkness Strange and Lovely turned out to be an impressive story that has left me so excited for book 3 in the series.  You had best believe I will be reading it soon.  With an ever-changing main character, terrifying moments, and a lot of mystery, A Darkness Strange and Lovely brings a lot to the table.  If you enjoy flawed characters, check this out.  That coupled with the darkness at hand make this such an engaging, exciting read.  If you enjoyed Something Strange and Deadly, you'll should give A Darkness Strange and Lovely a chance.  It really kicks things into second gear and takes on an entirely new level of amazing.