Strange and Ever After audiobook

I've had a great run with this series and as much fun as I had I will miss these characters. The ending of this book has left me feeling both very proud of the characters and extremely heartbroken. I have grown to love these characters and I really enjoyed seeing how these characters have evolved and grown over the span of these 3 books. All 3 books follow the main concept of necromancy, the undead, and the spirit hunters. This book starts off with our characters boarding the Airship to find Marcus and finish this story once and for all. Unexpectedly, Allison Wilcox also accompanies them on this journey even as she has no connection to anything thats going on. I binge read all 3 of these books and I really enjoyed them. The world definitely grows on you and all three books throw light on the prejudices of the late 1800s , and also the vain expectations from women and society not only in the matter of clothing but also behavior and mannerism. It also elucidates the clear lines of distinction between classes in society and the economic differentiation. I loved these books stand for and I loved the characters' personality arcs. The protagonist is not one of my favorite people but reading from her perspective was quite entertaining. I liked reading about a paranormal world set in the late 1800s and overall I think Susan Dennard did a great job in writing these books.

This is all I can provide right now.... Ok – anyone who knows me knows of my love for the Something Strange and Deadly series. Ever since I finished book two, I have been patiently waiting for the final book of the series and imagine my extreme reaction when my lovely friend @book_junkee says “Hey, I just happen to have a copy…do you want to read it?” (I am paraphrasing here but it went something like that.) Anyway….OF COURSE I wanted to read it and dropped everything the second it came in the mail. Sadly, I have to give it back so….I do have to write my review. I will leave you with my images and spoiler tag the rest of it as it doesn’t come out until July and I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone. Please know that if you do unhide this review, you might read something that gives something away. Consider yourself warned.(view spoiler)[So…Eleanor is with the Spirit Hunters and knows she will need to face Marcus to defeat him. In addition to that challenge, she needs to figure out how to control her powers. She still thinks her magic is something that will help her and the Spirit Hunters tend to disagree. They continue to butt heads because of her use of the magic and of course, Oliver’s presence. A lot happens in this final book…so much, I don’t know if I can talk about it all. Jie is taken by Marcus, the group heads to Egypt to prevent Marcus from raising the Black Pullet, and Eleanor and Daniel’s relationship definitely takes a step in the right direction (in my opinion). Although I will talk about some things here, I refuse to give anything away.Eleanor is still a great character. Like anyone, she has her good qualities and her bad qualities but I think what I really like about her is that she isn’t afraid to face anything head on – regardless of whether she is afraid of it or not and she is smart. Don’t get me wrong, there are times where if I were her friend I would have asked her what the heck she was doing but in the whole scheme of things, she still came through. There is definitely some growth with her as well. She faces some tough decisions. She also grows into her magic and finally figures out her relationships with everyone around her. Oliver….Ollie….he continues to push Eleanor to help him and then release him. Despite this, and whether he likes it or not, he continues to develop a friendship with Eleanor. He is there for her through everything and not just because she commands it. He absolutely changes through this book and I loved seeing the growth of his character and that is all I can say about him. Just so you can see how, I will leave you with this image of him.I looked up to Oliver with a smile. “You survived, “ I said.He stepped to me and brushed a light, almost casual kiss over my forehead. “As did you.”Now…Daniel. You know how much I love him right? If not, please see my other reviews. I had a lot of stickies in this book and about 95% of them are parts related to Daniel….and I’m not ashamed. There is soooo much I love about him. He is willing to do whatever it takes to protect those he loves – especially Jie, Joseph, and Eleanor. When he and Eleanor are finally up front about their feelings and what they want, it all starts to come together. With Marcus still out there, Daniel knows things are dangerous for everyone. Because of that, he wants to be honest and up front with Eleanor. When she finally comes to her senses…it was the BEST! Despite the fact that this is a galley and may not even have all the same content as the final copy, I will still include some swoon from Daniel.”We don’t need music.” Narrowing the space between us, he slid one arm tentatively around my waist. When I didn’t pull away, he grew braver and tugged me close. Then his left hand gently clasped my right. “The last time we danced,” he said, “at that ball in Paris, you were bewitched. I want you to have a new memory of dancin’ with me.” He eased into a slow one-two-three, one-two-three. “And” – he briefly touched his forehead to mine – “I want to have a new memory too.” (hide spoiler)]Ok, ok…I don’t think I really gave anything away but hopefully this review also doesn't come across as too vague. Just trust me when I say, if you have not started this series you should probably do that now. This one has everything – zombies, swoony boys, action, demons….I could go on and on here. You can bet that no matter what Susan Dennard writes next, it will be on my to read shelf immediately and I applaud her on a wonderful close to this series. There were so many feels and I’m not ashamed to admit it…a few tears but I loved it and wish I could continue reading about these characters and their stories. I will leave you with this as I feel it sums everything up perfectly for me. ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>

Review to come!

eleanor started annoying me in book two and it continued till the first half of book 3. she was being selfish, ungrateful, unsympathetic and bratty. she had a mindset that she wasn't in the fault, and that everyone else were pushing her into a corner. as if she had no part in play in where she was heading to. but her character development was gradual and fulfilling. when eleanor started to view in other people's perspectives, understand where they were coming from and acknowledging that she was the one making herself the way that she was, everything became better. she stopped being a coward and stood on her own. she realised she was being selfish and made difficult decisions to let things go. instead of merely accepting her future, she changed for the better. i really enjoyed her character in the later half of the book. throughout the entire time, i couldn't decide if oliver was a good guy or not. not just because he was a demon, but it felt that he had his own agenda other than wanting to leave for his spiritual world. daniel, joseph and jie played important roles in the finale book. they were integral parts of eleanor's life but they weren't the focus.susan dennard managed to set the pacing well. there's always something going on and even when things slow down, it wasn't boring and unentertaining. i read the book within a day because her writing was so easy to read. i loved the egyptian setting and its myths and legends. it's always something that interested me. susan dennard set the scene wonderfully with her words and i had a hell of a ride at the end during the fight with marcus. which might i say, absolutely rocked my world with emotions. i wasn't expecting that conclusion which made me feel utterly bittersweet. overall, i enjoyed the series. eleanor's character development was great. susan dennard peaked my interest throughout the books and each characters have their own uniqueness who added different flavors into the story. i had loads of fun! never thought i would read a zombie-related book but this was amazing. "I can still make a fist, and breath still burns in my chest. So look at my face. Look at my mortal soul, and remember it. You did not crush me, and you will have the rest of eternity to think on it."books in the series:1. something strange and deadly: ✰✰✰✰2. a darkness strange and lovely: ✰✰✰½3. strange and ever after: ✰✰✰✰

4.5 Stars. Okay let's be serious...5 stars!! ** I received an advanced copy from HarperTeen via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.** First ImpressionSomething Strange and Deadly was a series I'd hear people talk about often but in all honesty I really had no idea that they were talking about. So I finally did my research, read the synopsis and I knew this would be a good series!! How often do you come across the combination of zombies in an historical setting? Never. While I did really want to read the books I never had the motivation to start them until I came across the blog tour. I went out and bought the previous books and dove head first into this world, and boy I'm happy I did!Opening LinesI was not suppose to be here. Oliver would be furious. Joseph even more so. This dock was the no-man's-land between realms. It was a place for ghosts."The GoodSometimes books can be predictable, okay most times, but especially when a series comes to an end. When I started Something Strange and Deadly I didn't know what to expect, neither with A Darkness Strange and Lovely. Although I have to admit I feel like A Darkness Strange and Lovely suffered a bit from middle book syndrome. But when it came to Strange and Ever After I thought I had it all mapped out. I didn't think there would be any MORE surprises and I was beyond wrong. The thing that I loved the most about this book was the character development, through the past books we see Eleanor trying to come to terms with all that is right and wrong and I feel that as a final book she finally blossomed! Now Oliver and Daniel, I wasn't sure what path she would take with these two characters and you won't be able to either.Now for the heartbreaking part: the ending. While I was getting closer and closer to finishing Strange and Ever After I started to realize where Susan was going. I screamed "NO!" at my book because I couldn't believe she would actually do it, but she did! She gives you an ending you don't really see coming, and although I hate it, it was the perfect and most fitting ending I could ask for. Lastly, I found that as each book was written Susan just kept on improving. Not to say that the previous books were written poorly, they weren't, it was just that she was so descriptive in the final installment and I went through so many different feelings! I'll leave you with two quotes that I loved and are the only ones that won't really spoil anything. While this review can seem vague I just don't won't to spoil ANYTHING for anybody, because this book was beautiful as much as it was perfect and one I think everyone needs read."...because I could not have my good-bye. My final "I love you". There would be nothing.""Tears ran down my cheeks, but I didn't mind. They were as common as spring rain these days-and I hoped just as cleansing.The Bad - The fact that it had to come to an END!!! But really there is nothing I would consider bad.The In-Between - Still haven't come across anything.Lasting ImpressionOverall, Strange and Ever After is a beautifully written conclusion to this trilogy. I can't express how much I want everyone to pick up this book! If you haven't read this book yet, get it! If you haven't read the previous books, go pick them up! Strange and Ever After won’t be released until July 22nd, so you have time! I’m so excited and looking forward to Susan’s next series Truthwitch that is expected to release sometime in 2015, let the waiting game begin.

Oh, the heartbreak. THE HEARTBREAK!!!

Amazing. One of the best conclusions I've ever read. EVER. Review to come.

I'm just... I can't. I'm...sobbing. I feel betrayed. Utterly betrayed. This book's almost perfect. Except the fact that...that... he died. I can't.How could you do this to me, Sooz?

I received a copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect the outcome of my opinion in any way.I have to admit this is one of those series that belongs on that “why haven’t I started this yet” list. So, when I got the opportunity to review Strange & Ever After, I jumped at the chance. I read all four books in three days — I was obsessed and couldn’t do anything else until I had finished reading.I love the way this series grew — the first book in Philadelphia, the second Paris, and this one in Egypt. Not only did it follow Eleanor’s travel’s but it followed her as she grew from a young lady to a strong and powerful necromancer. I’ve never actually read a book about a necromancer, but this was the perfect introduction into this idea. And the covers perfectly captured each book. They were both beautiful and complimentary to the story.This final book starts immediately where the second book left off. If you aren’t going to reread the entire second book prior to starting this one, I’d at least read the last few chapters. Things of course are still unstable with all of her relationships and continue to be so throughout the book. This final chapter is about Eleanor coming to terms with herself, who she is, and finding a way to fix those relationships.This book, if possible, was even more enjoyable than the prior two. I love when a series does that — when I enjoy the stories of the subsequent books even more than the first. The story was absolutely imaginative and left me breathless. I gave up trying to guess what would happen — it wasn’t happening. In the first book, I could easily guess, but by the third I had no idea what would transpire.If you’ve been on Goodreads, then I’m sure you’re aware how this book has wrecked many bloggers. I was no different. I spent a good half hour staring at the wall trying not to cry at a certain point in the book. It left me a bit of a mess! However, the book was beautiful and bittersweet and gave the series the ending it deserved.Susan Dennard has a power over words — they draw you in and don’t let go until the final punctuation mark. And with a series and vivid and imaginative as this one, I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.This was originally posted on Such a Novel Idea.------------First Impressions:I am a glass case of emotion that has been shattered beyond all recognition. And yet, that was a really beautiful thing I just experienced. Review soon!

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: Amazing finish to a phenomenal series! While I didn’t love the bittersweet ending, I did enjoy the story overall and would highly recommend this to any YA paranormal fans!Opening Sentence: I was not supposed to be here.The Review:Eleanor Fitts has lost everything; her brother, her mother, and now her best friend, Jie. The person responsible for all her loss is the evil necromancer, Marcus. Now Eleanor is out for revenge and she will stop at nothing until Marcus pays for all that he has done. She will have to travel to the beautiful country of Egypt and search for the Old Man in the pyramid to find the answers she need to defeat her enemy. The Spirit Hunters always seem to be one step behind, but will they come out ahead in the final showdown?Eleanor’s own powers continue to grow, but the more she deals in black magic the closer she is to losing herself. She will need her magic if she expects to beat Marcus, but what will the price be? The epic final battle is coming and everyone is going to feel the effects of the outcome — weather good or bad! Will Eleanor be able to protect everyone she loves and finally get to live her strange and ever after?Eleanor has many flaws but I still completely adore her. With her independent spirit, sweet demeanor, and big heart what’s not to love. She doesn’t always make the best decisions but she always tries to protect the people she cares about. I was so glad she opened up more to everyone and actually let people in. It was frustrating at times to see her so closed off in previous books, but luckily that wasn’t the case in this one. She is constantly growing as a character and it is impossible not to love her. I also like that she is smart and she uses her brain to get her out of tough situations. She knows how to take care of herself, but she is also willing to accept help from others which shows her more humble side.Daniel is just as charming as ever. He is a consistent person that you can always rely on to be there for you. Out of all the characters he is the one that has the purest heart and I find that very sexy. Of course he also has great looks, an adorable accent, and a brilliant mind that makes him irresistible. His relationship with Eleanor continues to develop and I loved them together. They are so perfect for each other and watching them fall in love was beautiful. Daniel was a swoon worthy love interest that I will never forget.Strange and Ever After is an action packed story filled with passion, heartache, revenge, and adventure. This picks up right after the events that took place in the previous book and there is never a dull moment. It is very fast paced and it kept me interested the whole way through. The romance was beautifully done and all the characters were amazing. I was so glad I got to read all their stories. I’m going to be honest, I didn’t love the ending. I’m not going to go into any detail because I don’t want to spoil anything, but I was a little disappointed. I don’t think that everyone will feel this way, but that’s the beauty of having an opinion. I thought that Dennard did a wonderful job wrapping up all the loose ends and I do think that the ending worked for the series, it just wasn’t what I was hoping for. Did I still enjoy the book? Absolutely! Would I still recommend this series? Without a doubt! Whenever an author ends a series they are never going to please everyone, but I still think that this was very well written and I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful story.Notable Scene:The hatch in the cargo hold was open, and Daniel stood on the edge. He glanced back only once, and his eyes met mine.“No!” I launched myself after him. But I was too slow, too far away.Daniel jumped.And that was when I realized—in a half-formed thought that flitted through my mind before I’d gone two steps: he had no parachute.And I could not let him die.I skittered back, yanked a parachute off the hook, and then sprinted. Each kick of my legs brought me closer to the open hatch—and just before I reached it, I swung the parachute on.Then I jumped too.FTC Advisory: Harper Teen provided me with a copy of Strange and Ever After. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

What I Thought: Strange and Ever After is a stunning, tragic yet beautiful conclusion to the Something Strange and Deadly series. For three books now, we have grown to love these characters, considering friends and most definitely developing crushes on certain people *ahem* Daniel *ahem* but now it is time to say goodbye.Strange and Ever After takes from France to Egypt this time and the whirlwind adventure continues. Marcus is still one step ahead, but Eleanor, Joseph, Daniel and Oliver are determined to get Jie back and finish off Marcus once and for all. But of course, it wasn't as easy as they expect, and they have many a long way to go before they can even dream of that. For reals though. Eleanor takes a few more trips to the spirit realm, meets some ancient Egyptian gods, fights with Oliver, makes up with Oliver, fights with Oliver again, fights with Daniel, makes up with Daniel. It's an endless Miss Fitt cycle. But Eleanor is full of secrets, from not only the Spirit-Hunters, but from her Demon too.Of course there has to be betrayal, even though I really wasn't expecting it - and of course there is romance too. Susan Dennard would not have left us hanging! But all-in-all, be prepared for the onslaught of feels, because once you've started, there is no turning back...The Good: Nothing was what I expected!The Bad: Now I weep for it is all over...Rating: 5 stars