Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel
Series: Gone With The Respiration #2
Published by Del Rey on September 25, 2012
Genres: Steampunk
Pages: 496
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley, Publisher
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Can the living coexist with the living dead?

That’s the question that has New Victorian society fiercely divided ever since the mysterious plague known as “The Laz” hit the city of New London and turned thousands into walking corpses. But while some of these zombies are mindless monsters, hungry for human flesh, others can still think, speak, reason, and control their ravenous new appetites.

Just ask Nora Dearly, the young lady of means who was nearly kidnapped by a band of sinister zombies but valiantly rescued by a dashing young man . . . of the dead variety.

Nora and her savior, the young zombie soldier Bram Griswold, fell hopelessly in love. But others feel only fear and loathing for the reanimated dead. Now, as tensions grow between pro- and anti-zombie factions, battle lines are being drawn in the streets. And though Bram is no longer in the New Victorian army, he and his ex-commando zombie comrades are determined to help keep the peace. That means taking a dangerous stand between The Changed, a radical group of sentient zombies fighting for survival, and The Murder, a masked squad of urban guerrillas hellbent on destroying the living dead. But zombies aren’t the only ones in danger: Their living allies are also in The Murder’s crosshairs, and for one vengeful zealot, Nora Dearly is the number one target.

As paranoia, prejudice, and terrorist attacks threaten to plunge the city into full-scale war, Nora’s scientist father and his team continue their desperate race to unlock the secrets of “The Laz” and find a cure. But their efforts may be doomed when a mysterious zombie appears bearing an entirely new strain of the virus—and the nation of New Victoria braces for a new wave of the apocalypse.

Dearly, Beloved is an amazing follow-up to Dearly, Departed. The writing is just as flawless, the setting just as lovely/creepy, the characters just as wonderful, and the zombies just as awesome. Dearly, Beloved will not disappoint fans of the first book!

Bram and Nora are back and better than ever. This is one couple that never seems to waver. They are always there for each other and for once there is no love triangle. These two are devoted to each other and nobody will stand between them. Together they are amazing but surprisingly they are just as awesome apart. Nora is brave (sometimes reckless), funny, stubborn, and smart. She’s a wonderful heroine that readers will love. Bram is also brave, funny, and stubborn and it’s hilarious to see them clash. They may argue but they clearly love each other and Bram only wants what is best for Nora. Throughout everything he looks out for her and protects her. He’s such a sweet zombie boyfriend.

The rest of the characters really evolve in this book. Tom, Coalhouse, Chas, Dr. Dearly, Pam, Michael, Renfield, Doc Sam, Beryl, and Vespertine are all back. There are also a couple new characters introduced that were quite fascinating. The characters from the first book are just as awesome. More from all of their pasts are revealed and people are not quite who they seem (some in good ways, some in bad.) The characters really are so much more developed in this book and it will be wonderful to see even more of them in the next book.

The plot is a bit slower that the first book but not slow enough to make you want to stop reading. There is a lot of background information and build-up but it’s all very necessary information. Lia Habel doesn’t skimp out on the details to get to the action. There is the perfect balance of fighting, history, science, romance, and zombie. This book really does have a little something for everyone.

Overall, Dearly, Beloved solidifies my love for Lia Habel’s writing and storytelling abilities. This series is on my list of favorites and I can’t wait to read the next book.

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