388 pages
ISBN: 9780062083265
Read 10-24-12
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
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The year is 1876, and 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 their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.
Ok, so I know I am behind on my reviews, but NaNoWriMo takes up a lot of time! Apparently more time than I am able to put toward it since I am only at 20k words and unless I get a ton of time to get the other 30k words out, I am not going to be able to finish it, sadly. Though, I figured I probably wouldn’t be able to, but my story is about 70 pages started, so that’s a big accomplishment for me! We will see what happens by November 30th 🙂 Now, on to the review!
I read this book while participating in the read along with Brittany at The Book Addict’s Guide, and I really enjoyed it. This was my 2nd zombie YA book and my first book with steampunk elements. I really liked the world of 1876 Philadelphia that the author showed us; there were really good descriptions for everything.
Eleanor is definitely like no other high society girl. She is not afraid to get her hands dirty and certainly isn’t worried about how others see her life like her mother is. I really didn’t care much at all for Eleanor’s mother; she was very materialistic and made her moves based on how she thought others would react. Eleanor is very strong and does what she feels is right, even if she has to sneak around to do it. And with how often she ends up making decisions that land her in danger’s way, she is either incredibly brave or incredibly dumb.
Daniel was kind of rude, but I eventually did warm up to him. He has some secrets and we don’t get to learn too much about him until the second half of the book. The second half also had a lot of surprises and twists. I was actually quite surprised by a number of things that happened and I like it when an author can surprise me.
Romance is definitely not something you are going to find in this story, so those who dislike insta-love, no worries with this one. But I am hoping for romantic development in the sequel. I really like this cover and the overall darkness and feel of it. The cover to the sequel is fitting and continues the same kind of style. I am definitely looking forward to continuing this series.
Surprising, fast read, great descriptions, no romance.
On The Shelf 