Review

Something Strange and Deadly

Common Sense Media says

Thrilling fantasy mixes mystery, Victorian romance, zombies.
Age
13
Quality
 
  • Educational value3
    Readers will learn about Vicortian times and Philadelphia's Centennial Exposition in 1876, which was the first World's Fair in the United States. (The book's website features photos of the exposition and Philadelphia life and fashions during the late 1800s.) Science figures heavily in the novel, as it showcases machines, steam, and technology similar to night vision, which is used in ghost hunting. Characters use various French and German words.
  • Positive messages3
    The characters, especially Eleanor, learn that they always have a choice -- to trust their instincts, to face their fears head on, to put themselves before others, and, most important, teamwork. Two of the major characters are multicultural.
  • Positive role models3
    Eleanor is gutsy and fiercely independent and always puts family above herself, even in dangerous situations. Jie, a member of the Spirit-Hunter team, is strong, sticks up for Eleanor, and helps protect her fellow Spirit-Hunters in time of need. Daniel, the love interest, has had some trouble in the past and is trying to make amends.
  • Violence4
    Word-of-mouth and press coverage of young men being decapitated. Scary undead corpses roam the city, including the exposition. Some fistfights, explosions. Corpses are taken out by special electronic magnetic machines and by physical combat. Eleanor and the Spirit-Hunters are attacked by corpses as well as humans. A character is possessed by a demon.
  • Sex1
    Eleanor's mother wants her to marry a young man named Clarence, but Eleanor considers him just a friend. Eleanor becomes attracted to one of the Spirit-Hunters, Daniel. Sparks fly between them, leading to a romance that includes tender touches, sultry looks, and one heart-stopping kiss.
  • Language3
    "Damn," "s--t," and a handful of insults.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking1
    A character mentions having visited an opium den for investigative purposes.
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Something Strange and Deadly is an adventurous paranormal story that will appeal to fans of historical fiction. The first of a planned trilogy, it's set in Victorian times and features likable characters and swooning romance. There's a little swearing ("damn," s--t"), plus some violence and frightening scenes with zombies. Voodoo, witchcraft, and demon possession are also discussed and shown. In a couple of scenes, protagonist Eleanor's mother, intent on marrying her daughter off to help the family financially, makes Eleanor go without eating to prevent her from gaining weight.

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