Intriguing Setting

Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I'm not into story about zombies but the idea of "reanimated humans" in this book really intrigued me. I read an excerpt through Scribd and HAD to buy the book to finish reading it. I was pleased that I was easily pulled into the story (and followed the plot) though I hadn't yet read the previous book, Dearly Departed.

Nora Dearly is caught between being a respectable New Victorian and following her heart, not to mention her head when a new strain of the Lazarus virus is discovered. She and her friends work to uncover those responsible for inciting anti-zombie sentiment even as nonviolent groups of reanimated humans are caught in the antics of a new "gang" out to kill all reanimated humans. It's a surprise to learn who is responsible and the suspense if skillfully built!

I especially enjoyed the details in this near-future setting with a twist of Steampunk -- or least that's the feeling I had from the story and which first hooked me. I had to read the entire novel to see what other creative details author Lia Habel would include. I especially liked the parallels with today's societal acceptance to those with differences/disease/disfigurement. Not only did I enjoy the plot and the interesting characters and society Habel has created, this book made me think about the assumptions we make about others and how we use that to determine their value in the greater scheme of life. Highly recommend!



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