Strange and Ever After
Book Description
Haunted by the echoes of a dark past, prescient orphan Eleanor discovers a world where the supernatural collides with the unending fight for survival. As her powers grow, so do the shadows lurking within her, threatening to consume everything she holds dear. Lurking in the edges of her mind are secrets and betrayals, igniting a perilous adventure filled with unexpected alliances and dangerous enemies. With time running out and her loved ones in grave peril, Eleanor must confront her deepest fears. Will she embrace the darkness to reclaim her future, or will it shatter everything she’s ever known?
Quick Summary
"Strange and Ever After" by Susan Dennard delivers a dramatic conclusion to the Something Strange and Deadly trilogy. In this thrilling blend of steampunk, paranormal, and historical fiction, Eleanor Fitt faces the ultimate test of her growth and resilience. After devastating losses and betrayals, she embarks on a perilous journey across Europe with Daniel Sheridan, Jie, and Oliver. Eleanor’s necromancy powers intensify, forcing her to grapple with the seductive darkness they bring. Haunted by sorrow and desperation, she must navigate dangerous alliances, rescue her friends, and confront Marcus, the powerful antagonist threatening all she loves. The emotional stakes mount as Eleanor is forced to make life-altering sacrifices. Ultimately, her choices determine not only her fate but the fates of those she holds dear, as she learns the true meaning of love, loyalty, and self-acceptance amidst chaos and undead peril.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Confronting Inner Darkness and Growth
Eleanor Fitt’s journey in "Strange and Ever After" continues directly after tragedy as she deals with the fallout from her mother’s death and betrayal by those she trusted. Wracked with guilt and mourning, Eleanor struggles to find her footing while realizing her necromancer abilities are both a weapon and a curse. The bonds of friendship and the strength she draws from Daniel, Jie, and Oliver help sustain her as they set out for Egypt, following clues to defeat their enemy Marcus. The journey itself is treacherous, filled with supernatural threats, moral quandaries, and Eleanor’s conflicts about the increasing darkness within her.
The Power and Consequences of Necromancy
Throughout their travels, Eleanor’s powers grow alarmingly stronger, and she confronts both external foes and the voices of doubt and temptation inside her. Each confrontation with Marcus brings new losses, forcing Eleanor to face how far she’s willing to go to save loved ones. Her struggle is not just against undead forces, but the lure of the Spirit Realm and the threat that she, herself, could become a monster if she lets the darkness rule. The story explores these themes with emotional depth, focusing on Eleanor’s internal battles as much as the external dangers.
The Strength of Sacrifice and Loyalty
The group’s alliance with Oliver, a demon closely linked to Eleanor, adds new layers of trust and tension. Eleanor must learn to trust Oliver and forgive herself for past mistakes. The relationships between the main cast deepen under duress, shining a light on themes of sacrifice and unwavering loyalty. Their camaraderie is tested by shocking secrets, betrayals, and the constant threat of losing each other. Eleanor’s decisions are heavy with consequence, and her ability to forgive, accept, and move forward is central to her growth and survival.
Unexpected Alliances and Revelations
As the final confrontation with Marcus draws near, Eleanor is confronted with heartbreaking choices and the realization that to save the world and the ones she loves, she may have to relinquish her own chance for happiness. The story reaches a crescendo as the past collides with the present in Egypt’s mystical setting, where ancient magic and steampunk inventions intertwine. Themes of redemption and love powerful enough to conquer death anchor the story, culminating in a moving and bittersweet conclusion.
Love and Redemption Amidst the Supernatural
In the aftermath, Eleanor discovers that true strength comes from embracing all aspects of herself, light and dark. The sacrifices she makes bind her to her friends and shape her destiny. The novel concludes with hope and heartbreak entwined, affirming the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance even in a world haunted by the supernatural.