Book details
Dearly, Departed: A Zombie Novel (Gone with the Respiration Book 1)
Description
A classic romance, suspense thriller, rip-roaring adventure, and macabre comedy all at once, Dearly, Departed redefines the concept of undying love. CAN A PROPER YOUNG VICTORIAN LADY FIND TRUE LOVE IN THE ARMS OF A DASHING ZOMBIE? The year is 2195. The place is New Victoriaa high-tech nation modeled on the mores of an antique era. Sixteen-year-old Nora Dearly is far more interested in her country's political unrest than in silly debutante balls. But the death of her beloved parents leaves Nora at the mercy of a social-climbing aunt who plans to marry off her niece for money. To Nora, no fate could be more horribleuntil she's nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses. Now she's suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting a fatal virus that raises the dead. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and thoroughly deceased. But like the rest of his special undead unit, Bram has been enabled by luck and modern science to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there's no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Lia Habel's Dearly, Beloved. ';Heart-pounding . . . Nora and Bram's touching and tender relationship, with its emphasis on equality and living in the moment, feels particularly special.'Publishers Weekly ';Absolutely spellbinding . . . full of ingenious inventions and dynamic characters.'RT Book Reviews ';A zombie romance? You bet.'Library Journal
Age
12-13
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
546 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Unique Genre Blend: 'Dearly, Departed' offers a refreshing mix of genres, combining elements of steampunk, romance, and post-apocalyptic fiction with a zombie twist. This novel is perfect for readers looking for an original story that defies traditional genre boundaries.
- Engaging Characters: Lia Habel creates a cast of memorable characters, both living and undead, that readers can connect with. The relationships and interactions among these characters are complex and compelling, providing a strong emotional core to the story.
- World-Building: The novel presents a richly imagined future world where Victorian customs and futuristic technology coexist. The attention to detail in the setting allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world Habel has crafted.
- Social Commentary: Beyond its entertainment value, 'Dearly, Departed' offers subtle commentary on issues such as class division, gender roles, and the nature of humanity. This adds depth to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read as well as an enjoyable one.