Something Strange and Deadly: Read-Along and Discussion (Part Two)

This past month, I participated in a read-along of Susan Dennard's Something Strange and Deadly. Today begins part two of the read-along's discussion. I've posted my answers to a couple of the discussion questions below. (Note: There will be spoilers!)

The read-along will continue this month with the second book in the series, A Darkness Strange and Lovely, and again next month with the third and final book, Strange and Ever After. If you'd like to join the fun, click the following link! 

Something Strange and Deadly Read-Along

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Discussion: Chapters 15-27

1. Which character were you most sorry to see meet their end?

Clarence. Sob. I'm still distraught! His death shocked me and broke my heart. Despite his failings, I couldn't help but be charmed by his ability to appreciate Eleanor's curiosity and intelligence, even when those qualities drove her to question his behavior and threatened to interfere with his plans. And I like to think that, had he been given the opportunity, Clarence would have gladly righted his wrongs. Furthermore, I was intrigued by Clarence's relationship with Eleanor. They seemed to understand and compliment each other in a unique way; and I'm terribly sad that I'll never know what might have become of their relationship. 

2. Who is you're favorite character in the first book and why?

Ugh! It's so hard to decide! I really loved Eleanor for her strength, her unwillingness to give in to fear and dismay, her readiness to act, her independence, her sharp wit. But I also really loved Allison. Despite her inability to make sense of Eleanor's insult comparing her to "a spoiled Portia with no concept of mercy," Allison is a very intelligent and observant individual - more so, I think, than any of the other characters are willing to give her credit for.

Something Strange and Deadly: Read-Along and Discussion

I'm currently participating in a Something Strange and Deadly read-along! As today begins the read-along's first discussion, I've posted my answers to a couple of the discussion questions below.

Something Strange and Deadly is an amazing read. If you have an affinity for feisty protagonists with a sharp wit; for zombies and spirits and magic and gadgets; for slow-burn, swoon-worthy romances; for uniquely crafted story worlds; or for masterful storytelling, add Something Strange and Deadly to your TBR pile! 

If you'd like to participate in the read-along, there is still time to sign up! Simply click the following link!

Something Strange and Deadly Read-Along

If after you've read Something Strange and Deadly, you find yourself thinking, "Golly, that was fantastic! Give me more!" you'll have the option to continue your read-along experience with the second and third books in the Something Strange and Deadly trilogy: A Darkness Strange and Lovely and Strange and Ever After.

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Discussion: Chapters 1-14

1. How do you think you would react to the Dead walking around in your city?

I would totally be that person who feels sorry for the Dead. After all, it's not their fault that a power-crazed necromancer one day decided to fling a bunch of spiritual energy into their crumbling bodies and force them to do his evil bidding. Can we really blame them for being just a wee bit aggressive? I mean, if someone ripped me from my grave like that, I'd be a little snappy, too.

2. What was your favorite part of the first half of the book and why?

I loved, loved the séance scene. I particularly loved the following passage:

An icy wind blasted through the room, and with it came the smell of dark, moist, ancient soil. Grave dirt. 

The air and smell cloyed at my nose and slid into my throat. I wanted to gag, but I couldn't breathe. Time had frozen, and it was as if I viewed the room from some distant place. Even the flames of the candles stood still. Then my breath returned with such force that I crumpled back onto my seat. Cries and whimpers burst out around the table. 

The spirit had joined us.

Susan's descriptions lend this scene a certain glossiness, a certain sparkle, which I greatly enjoyed and admired.