*This review will be entirely spoiler-free*
If you drop the name Susan Dennard into the modern YA world, you’ll likely emerge with the ongoing Truthwitch series. These immersive, high-fantasy books are undoubtedly popular and worth picking up. However, they were not this author’s debut. Dennard’s first release, Something Strange and Deadly, was published in 2012. Its sequel, A Darkness Strange and Lovely, came out the following year. And in 2014, the trilogy reached its end with Strange and Ever After.
This series might have less notability than Truthwitch, but it deserves just as much attention and praise – if not more.
The background of these books is deliciously gothic, with steampunk and zombie and magic vibes abound. But its true strength comes from the characters. The trilogy’s protagonist, Eleanor Fitt, is bold, clever, and rife with Shakespearian references. Watching her grow across the trilogy and become stronger and more confident in herself and those around her is a delight.
Eleanor finds herself in league with a collection of unlikely heroes out to protect their world. Joseph, Jie, and Daniel all shine in their own ways. Their varying dynamics with Eleanor are great, and I appreciate the small size of their team. It makes it easier to follow and get attached to everyone involved.
When it comes to characters, Ollie in particular was a wonderful second book addition. His backstory and connection to Eleanor (avoiding spoilers here) is poignant and touching. Watching their relationship develop throughout the series is one of the best parts of it.
But for all I praise about this series, nothing will ever compare to the final book.
I was lukewarm about the Something Strange and Deadly trilogy when I started book 3. This was when I was in my YA obsession phase, AKA high school. I read dozens of books in quick succession, finishing every series that I started. I disliked leaving a storyline unfinished (and I still do). So, to put it simply, my expectations were not high when I opened Strange and Ever After. They were more neutral than anything.
And I was utterly blown away.
I still remember the excitement I felt at the story’s climax. It was thrilling, high stakes, and greatly renewed all of my love for this motley crew of a team. It felt like the culmination of everything their relationships had been working towards. My heart soared and cracked all in the same chapter. The expected and unexpected clashed beautifully, resulting in an ending I’ll never forget.
If you asked me now, years after I read the series, I could probably recite passages from the final book’s epilogue word for word. The characters are led to a painful but still satisfying conclusion, at peace with their world and situation within it. Even now, the series’ very last lines still give me chills. The acceptance of self and strangeness is beyond lovely.
I’ve longed to reread Something Strange and Deadly for a while, and I think I’ll give it a bit more time. Part of me wants to experience the world and characters again, and part of me wants to let it exist as a perfect memory.
If you’re looking for adventure, romance, and tension, make these books your next summer read. You won’t regret it.
