Something Strange and Deadly Readalong - Discussion #2

I'm participating in the Readalong for Susan Dennard's novel "Something Strange and Deadly." I finished and reviewed it earlier this week, but for this post I'm answering a couple discussion questions for the last half of the book.  If you haven't read the book, I don't recommend reading this post!

Spoilers Ahead!!!

Question 1: What was the biggest twist in the story for you?

The twist with Eleanor's brother Elijah was a close call as my answer to this question, but  the identity of the evil spirit was the bigger one for me.  I did kinda suspect it though, because I had the misfortune to read something that made me think it was the return of Joseph's nemesis.  But the reveal was very powerful, and such a great moment (as it should be!) that it had more of an impact.  And then I already did suspect Elijah was the one behind everything. :)

Question 2: What would you do if you were in the same situation as Eleanor and her brother?

Well, it is so difficult for Eleanor, because of course she loves her brother, but to find that he's the root of all the horrible things that's been happening is such a blow.  Normally I hate when protagonists have a weakness to not do the things they are absolutely supposed to do, but in this case, because it's her brother, I totally understand Eleanor's attempts to reach him, even though it seemed very unlikely that she could.  From the start, this book sets up how strong their bond is as siblings, so it makes sense that Eleanor hesitates so much, even when so many lives are at stake and what he is doing is so horrible.

Something Strange and Deadly Readalong - Discussion #1

I'm participating in the Readalong for Susan Dennard's novel "Something Strange and Deadly."  Today is the halfway point for the first book, and Steph (who is hosting the readalong) has some discussion questions for all the participants to answer.  For this post, I'll be talking about two of them.

Question 1: What is your favorite part of the first half of this book and why?

I like spooky stories (I'm less into scary movies though - the theater of the mind is where I prefer to indulge in horror), so when about a couple chapters in, Something Strange and Deadly, had a seance scene, I was all over it!  And Susan Dennard made it truly creepy - just evocative enough of the fear of the unknown, the unexpected responses of the spirit, and a pretty terrifying apparition, that I loved every moment of it.  That scene really made me perk up for what else was in store for this book, and I think that is why it stands out for me so strongly. My second go-to favorite part would be the introduction of the Spirit Hunters, who are a lovable rag-tag team.  With Daniel Sheridan, being extra lovable of course. ;)

Question 2: How do you think you would react to the Dead walking around in your city?

Ummm, zombies are uber creepy.  The fact that someone you may know who has died is walking around now, or just the fact that these are dead and decaying bodies freely roaming is so gross.  So I feel like I would not handle this well.  I would not be willing to fight them, or be anywhere nearby.  If this was in my city, I would be buying a ticket out immediately.  Kudos for the Philadelphian people in the novel for even pretending that nothing is happening, because one instance of the undead is enough to make me consider all my options of escape!  

If you are interested in reading Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard (perfect for this Halloween month!) it's not too late to join in.  The readalong for the first book finishes up November 6th, and through Steph's blog, you can find more information on the dates and a sign up to join.  

Fantasy Love with the Waterwitches

This is another post that is brought to you from the Truthwitch Street Team!  Previously the Waterwitches discussed reasons to sign up for Susan Dennard's awesome newsletter, and now we are back to talk about the genre of Fantasy and why we love it.

The Waterwitch Babes are doing lots of cool things to help promote Susan Dennard's upcoming book Truthwitch, and if you would like, we would love it if you would follow The Waterwitch Babes on social media (we've got most of them covered!): 

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And for some exciting news - Susan Dennard and Kate Elliot (author of Court of Fives) are hosting a twitter chat THIS WEDNESDAY, September 9th, at 8p.m. EST.  I hope you can join us!  I'll be there reading all the awesome answers and trying to think of interesting questions to ask!

Reading is an escape for me, and while I love reading many different genres, I feel like fantasy is the best kind of escape from everyday life. At the end of the I just want to relax in a different environment to the one I’m used to seeing. And in fantasy, anything is possible, which means there are so many possibilities within a fantasy novel. And it’s wonderful that the fantasy genre can have such variation. I feel like there is something in the fantasy genre for everyone. The genre promises excitement, adventure, emotion, magic, and new things that no one has ever seen. I love that about fantasy!

There are so many reasons to love fantasy. Not only are taken to another place, literally in most instances, you are in a world of magic and unlimited possibilities. It doesn’t always have to make logical sense, and when things go crazy you are wrapped up in it. Fantasy novels are the perfect getaway when you need something new. The characters, languages, and worlds are unique in each and every one. If it wasn’t for fantasy I wouldn’t want to have a pet dragon. Okay, maybe I would because hello…. dragons. Back to the point, fantasy is amazing, and you can find one that will appeal to you!

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8 Reasons to Sign Up For Misfits and Daydreamers

A few weeks ago, I looked at my twitter and saw a ton of notifications.  What was going on?  This was not normal.  But this was how I found out that I was picked to join the Truthwitch street team!  Truthwitch by Susan Dennard is coming out in January, and looks to be an exciting fantasy with echoes of The Last Airbender with elemental witches and an epic friendship at it's heart.  I haven't read it yet, but I'm dying to because it sounds amazing, and I'm so happy to be a part of the street team!

This is my first time participating with a street team actually, so I'm not sure what to expect, and it has just barely gotten started, so I really look forward to what's in store.  So far, the members - or Witchlanders - have been sorted into different "clans" which are all represented by an element.  I'm in the Water clan (woot Waterwitches!) and we decided to put together this post of reasons why you should sign up for Susan Dennard's wonderful newsletter "Misfits and Daydreamers" which has so much cool info!  The Misfits stand in for Susan's readers, while the Daydreamers are for the writers.  It's truly something I look forward to reading every week, and not just because I'm in the street team!  So please read on to see why you should sign up, and to meet some awesome bloggers!

And as an aside, if you are interested in Truthwitch and would like to be a part of the street team, signing up for the newsletter will give you information on how you can be picked to join in the future!  We're all a cool bunch! :)

>> Subscribe here! <<

Kit is a self-proclaimed book blogger and writer, on top of being a HS Junior and a Virginian, all of which has led to a coffee addiction. She blogs at Kit's Books.

Daydreamers: you love to write, but never know where to start or what to do? Susan Dennard gives some of the best advice you could hope for, all coming from personal experience!

Misfits: You want Truthwitch, you've heard about Truthwitch, but you're tired of getting second hand information from bloggers? Well get it straight from the author herself! Sign up for Susan Dennard's newsletter and always be the first to receive brand new Truthwitch content!

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