Can the living coexist with theliving 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.
Lia Habel’s spellbinding, suspenseful sequel to Dearly, Departed takes her imaginative mash-up of period romance, futuristic thriller, and zombie drama to a whole new level of innovative and irresistible storytelling. (Goodreads summary)
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Picking up several months following that horrific day the “evil” zombies attacked New London, the city is still trying to come to grips with the fact that zombies exist – that people they know and love have been taken by or become one of the walking dead. The well-ordered foundations of New Victorian society have been shaken, and too soon to tell how this whole “zombie problem” will end up playing out. Love them or hate them, everyone – living and dead – has a pretty strong and definite opinion on the matter. And now that a new strain of “The Laz” has been discovered, one that doesn’t respond to Dr. Dearly’s vaccine, it’s become even more dangerous for everyone. Sides are being chosen, prejudice runs rampant, violence escalates, and the city hangs on the edge of a precipice.
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Once again, Nora, Bram & Co. find themselves swept up into a web of danger, secrets, intrigue, and conspiracy as they try to prevent a full-blown conflict between the zealous living and the persecuted dead while also becoming the target of a far more personal vendetta.
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Nora. Ah, Nora. ‘Spitfire’ is the word that comes to mind when I think of Nora Dearly. Fiery and passionate, she loves whole-heartedly and fights fiercely for that which she loves. Nora’s not one to do anything halfway. She’s a wonderfully capable heroine, able to fight her own battles (although she’s not opposed to having help from time to time). She’s resourceful, outspoken, intelligent and cool-headed under pressure – the antithesis of everything New Victorian society says she should be. I love her impulsiveness, her temper, her spunk, her huge heart, and her willingness to act on her convictions.
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Bram. <sigh>… oh Bram. Throughout this series, Bram remains my absolute favorite character. And it’s not just because he’s a super cute zombie boy – although that certainly doesn’t hurt – but it’s because I just love the voice Lia has given him. He’s the kind of person that radiates confidence, calm, capability. If the world is crumbling down all around, he’s one of those characters you have absolute faith in – the kind of character where you say, “It’s ok. Bram is here, therefore, everything will most assuredly be fine.” He draws people to him, reader and character alike – a centering, grounding force for those around him and the heart ‘n soul of these books. It’s not hard to understand why he became the captain of Z Company, despite his young age. He’s kind and gentle, while still being firm and decisive. And yet, though he doesn’t often show it, he’s also a conflicted character. It’s hard to be a leader – the one everyone looks to. And he has doubts about his role in the escalating zombie situation – whom should he side with? Should there even be sides?
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Nora & Bram. These two… <sigh> I cannot adequately explain how much I adore this love story, but I’m going to give it my best shot. I love how they crave each other, and yet are still two very independent people. I love how they genuinely respect each other, how they value each other’s opinions and insights, how they’re a team, and how their first thought is for the safety and happiness of the other. They’re open and honest with each other, and they let each other be who they are, no pretense or games. Even with all the obstacles standing in their way, which are numerous, Nora & Bram have decided that their love is worth fighting for, worth pursuing. And I love how even in the darkest of dark times they are able to find humor, hope and comfort in each other. (← Ok… yeah. That works.)
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Pamela. You might remember, if you read my Dearly, Departed review, that I adored Pamela in the last book. She starts off rather mousy – the throw-away best friend… and then somehow morphs into super, kick-butt Pamela. However, Dearly, Beloved is a tough book for our Pamma. She was so strong for her family for so long, and feels as though she must still be that foundation for them. However, now that she’s out of the thick of battle, no longer feeling the rush of adrenaline and survival, she’s falling apart, having nightmares, and her anxiety is worse than ever. She needs someone she can lean on this time… and I found part of Lia’s answer to this very intriguing. I’m very curious indeed as to where she’s going to take this. I have hopes, people, hopes.
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The gang’s all here. So what about the rest of Z Company – the doctors and the soldiers? They’re all here – Chas, Tom, Coalhouse, Ren, Samedi, Dr. Chase, Dr. Dearly, as well as Issy and various others we’ve already met, along with some we haven’t. The cast is a large one, but the character development is solid and well done. We learn more back story about several members of this ragtag group, and I loved the deeper more rounded perspectives Ms. Lia provides for these characters.
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Villains. As with the last book, the villain(s) of Dearly, Beloved get(s) their own shot(s) at narration (← yay, misdirection! Or is it? Or is it?!?!) as Wolfe did in Dearly, Departed. However, if I had one complaint about the last book it would be that Wolfe always struck me as being a tad one-dimensional. I prefer my villains twisty, conflicted and sympathetic, and in this book, Lia delivers this perfectly. Histories that illicit tiny pangs of compassion, empathetic feelings of being backed into a corner with no choice, pitying delusions of things that will never be. Oh, the “bad guy(s)” is/are still nefarious and scary, but they have bits of themselves that I found myself empathizing with, understanding how they could’ve taken the path that led to their ultimate fall from grace. And aren’t those the best villains? Why yes. Yes, they are.
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Story. With six alternating and diverse points of view that are all weaving toward the final conclusion, the plot of Dearly, Belovedis far more complex than that of the first book. It builds a bit slowly at first, reflecting the “where do we go from here?” tone as the doctors and former soldiers of Z-Company, the Dearlys and the Roes are all trying to settle back into life after the zombie attack orchestrated by Wolfe – trying to determine a direction, just attempting to carry on, or rediscovering normal. But what is “normal” now? The newly dead roam the streets of New London alongside the living, and tensions are rising between the two groups. Protests, violence, arguments for and against zombie civil rights have broken out in Parliament. The city is a powder keg, ready and primed, and Lia does a fantastic job of capturing and gradually developing this growing feeling of unease.
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As I said this is a story that starts rolling a little slowly. Part of this, I think, is due to readjusting to a new narrator every chapter. Coming off the “omigosh!” ending you just left behind and trying to figure out where you are now in the time-line. That said, I don’t think this is a negative aspect to the book at all, as all of the narrators are necessary to tell this story. Dearly, Beloved certainly wouldn’t have had that heightened sense of urgency without each individual viewpoint. And through it all, Lia is ever building and accelerating the story until it turns into an unstoppable force – weaving a complicated tangle of clues for the reader, who’s given a birds-eye view of many of the goings on, and the characters, who you’re desperately hoping will piece everything together before disaster strikes. This is definitely one of those books where I feel a second reading would be beneficial for me to understand how all the pieces fit together, as I did get a tad lost one or two times. The only reason I gave it a 4.5, was because of that. However, I do feel like that might’ve been more me than the book. So upon a second reading, I reserve the right to change my rating should I see fit. (← In the spirit of full disclosure…)
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Overall. Like a zombie at an all-you-can-eat brain buffet, I gobbled this book right up… and it was delicious.
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Author: Lia Habel
Title: Dearly, Beloved
Series: Gone With the Respiration (Book #2)
Published: September 25th 2012 by Del Rey
Format: Hardcover, 496 pages; ebook
Website: www.liahabel.com
Source: e-ARC provided via NetGalley
My rating: 
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The Giveaway…
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Happy Reading!
How I love your review!! And that, even though I didn’t really like the first book, but in all about giving books another chance and I live how you talked about Bram and Noah!!
Thank you! I hope you do give it another chance.
And yes, Bram & Nora rock my socks.
I love this book’s take on zombies. Your review has definitely made this book one I must try to read. Great job.
Yay!
Thank you!
LOL…I like your review better than mine…no far. I want to go change my review to “Yeah…what she said!”
Oh… pshaw! Your review is absolutely wonderful
Love the review. Lia Habel seems to write amazing books.
Thanks Lea, and yes, she does
I actually still have the first book on my to-read list…now I have to add book 2!
Yes, add it… and then read them!!!! 😀 lol
What I love about this book, other than the awesome world and plot and concept and all the characters, is that the love story is really healthy. It’s balanced, they’re both strong and flawed and they’re good for each other. It’s really refreshing that although the circumstances are difficult they’re not tortured and they don’t torture each other.
Great review!!:)
Yes exactly, it’s one of the main reasons I love thes books
I’m in love with the concept of the ‘Dearly’ series, but the first one… well, anyway. I’m very happy to sort of piece together the second book and “read through osmosis” with reviews like yours, thank you!
Yes, it’s an original one, but I’m gathering you didn’t love DD? lol Thanks for reading and commenting and I’m glad you were able to get a feel for the second book!
As always, a fabulous review. I am looking forward to Dearly, Beloved in a huge way. Dearly, Departed is one of my favorites, and I have no doubt this one will end up there as well. I am just plain old excited. Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy!
You’re so welcome! I’m so glad you’re so excited, and I hope you get a chance to read DB soon. IT’S SO GOOD!!!
Loved your review. Really made me want to read this book. And I love how you “gobbled it up”!
Yes… mmm tasty. lol Thanks Brooke!
loved your review, i’ll have to read this series!!!
Thanks Jade!
I love that there are several points of view given though I know that can get distracting at times. Good to know that the villains get even better. I like a villain to have a few different facets too.
Loved the in-depth review! And thanks for the giveaway opportunity too.
Thanks Sophia Rose, and “YAY!” for multi-faceted villains! lol
love your review, i’ll have to read this series. the concept is really original and i like it.
Good review. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks Maly!
I’d never thought I’d like this book, but your review has totally swayed me! I think I can’t resist a hot guy 😀 Thanks for the awesome giveaway and lovely review!
Bram is pretty irresistible 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Hannah!
I really enjoyed your review. I must read this book! Thank you so much for the giveaway.
Thank you, Patsy! And you’re so welcome!
Let’s be honest! As much as I want to read your review, I just can’t. Not until I’ve read Dearly, Beloved! *sigh* but Bram… oh bram. He is just too goregous! ( possibly it’s the stitched lip that does it for me? ) hahah
Love this series, love your reviews!
I totally get it… and [dreamy sigh]… oh Bram…
😉
Loved this review!!! I loved the first book and cant wait for this one
Thanks Natalie!
Hi Lia:)
I’d love to know why you picked a New Victorian era for the book:)
Nice review! Thanks! 😀
Thanks Cohlina!
Hi! 😀 Lovely review <3
Thanks Mel!
Your review is very detailed! Now I know I need to grab this book! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Michelle!
Hi Lia! I’m so excited to read your book! I haven’t read any like yours so I’m really looking forward to your work. Thanks for the giveaway!
enjoyed your review! It sparks my interest to be so excited reading this book!
Yay!
Thanks Riz!
No real favorite zombie movie, however I am a huge fan of The Walking Dead on AMC
I love Lia’s book. I will read any kind of zombie book and hers are at the top of my list of best ones. Great review as well.
Thanks Pam!
I love Dearly, Departed and so I can’t wait to read the next one. I love Lia’s take on zombies and I am dying for more Bram
Great review!
You should totally drop everything and pick up this book ASAP 😉
Bram…. [sigh]…
Thanks for stopping by Yvonne!
I haven’t actually read the first book yet so I skimmed your review and only read the good stuff.. Like how much I’m missing not reading it yet
An I loved your closing line : “Like a zombie at an all-you-can-eat brain buffet, I gobbled this book right up… and it was delicious.”
LOL… thank you… hehe. I hope you do get the chance to pick these books up soon, ’cause yes, you’re totally missing out if you don’t 😉
Thanks so much, Kristia!
That is an awesome review! I already want to read this series but after your review, I really, really want to read it even more!! Great review!!
Yay! Thank you Lisa!
I really want to read these! I read the Bram/Nora interview too. Sounds like a delicious, fun read!
Yay!
It is. It totally is.
Hi Lia! I just want to say that Dearly, Departed is one of my favorite books of all time and if Dearly, Beloved is even HALF as good, I’m going to devour it just like I did Dearly, Departed!! I would love to live in your mind for just one hour because I’ll bet it’s a really fun place to visit
I haven’t started this series yet. It sounds very interesting. I really loved your review, you made very beautiful post!
Thank you Artemis!
I’m with you there. I definitely gobbled up this book. I love how Lia also adds in the point of views of the villains. It just seems so much more interesting to see why they do the things they do.
YAY!!! So glad you loved it too! And I know what you mean. I love seeing how they justify their actions and trying to understand why they ended up where they end up morally. Veeeeeeeery interesting.
Great review! I can’t wait to read it!!!
Thanks Holly!
You’re making me so excited for this series! Thank you for sharing this with us! They seem like an awesome couple that I really want to check out now. lol
They are a super awesome couple! You should totally read this series 😉 lol
Seeing as the two reviews on the site rave about this series I’ll definitely be buying it soon. I love the way you describe the characters and I can’t resist a good zombie book.
Yeah… it’s a good one 😉 Hope you enjoy it too, Isa!
EEP! Yeah I’m so glad to hear you liked it just as much. I’ve heard some slightly spirit-dampening reviews about this one. 😀 SO excited to get my hands on it!
<3 Inky@ Book Haven Extraordinaire
Well, in my opinion, this book was spectacular… if you couldn’t tell. lol I hope you get the chance to decide for yourself soon! 😉
I’m not really a zombie person either! But a girl falling in love with a zombie? Yeah, I had to see what that was all about… and I ended up loving it! Obviously. lol Thanks for stopping by, Alicia!
I’ve been wanting to read Dearly, Departed for such a long time and after reading your reviews I’ll have to read the other books on my to read stack to get to it and the sequel faster