Strangely Beautiful

Strangely Beautiful #1

by Leanna Renee Hieber

Originally published as two books, Strangely Beautiful unites Leanna Renee Hieber's critically acclaimed novels in a single revised volume, restoring the author's original vision for the work.

Miss Persephone Parker—known as Percy—is different, with her lustrous, snow-white hair, pearlescent pale skin, and uncanny ability to see and communicate with ghosts. Seeking to continue her education, Percy has come to Queen Victoria's London, to the Athens Academy. What she will learn there will change her life forever.

Athens Academy is the citadel of The Guard, an ancient order that battles the forces of evil. The Victorian Guard, led by professor Alexi Rychman, is incomplete. They cannot defeat Jack the Ripper— who is more than the serial killer he appears to be—or the greater monster his appearance heralds.

Percy's lifelong habit of concealment combined with Alexi's fevered search for the Guard's missing seventh nearly prove disastrous as ancient Greek myths begin playing out in modern, gaslit, Victorian London. Percy and her new friends and allies must overcome their preconceptions about each other and their own histories before they can set the world to rights.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Gaslamp Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

544 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Author, actress, artist and playwright, Leanna received a BFA in Theatre, a focus in the Victorian Era and a scholarship to study in London. She adapted 19th Century literature for the stage and her one-act plays have been produced around the country. She is a 4 time Prism Award winner for excellence in Futuristic, Fantasy, or Paranormal Romance. Her debut novel, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, first in the "Strangely Beautiful" saga of Gothic Victorian Fantasy novels (Barnes & Noble Bestseller) won two 2010 Prism Awards (Best Fantasy, Best First Book) has been hailed by Tor Books as a "foundation work of Gaslamp Fantasy" and has been reissued in new, revised editions as STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL. The prequel, PERILOUS PROPHECY and the never before published MISS VIOLET AND THE GREAT WAR finish the quartet (Tor Books). DARKER STILL: A Novel of Magic Most Foul was named an Indie Next title by the American Book Association and a Scholastic book fair "Highly Recommended" title. All books in the Magic Most Foul trilogy are now available as is THE ETERNA FILES trilogy of Gaslamp Fantasy novels (Tor Books). Her new series with Kensington's new Rebel Base imprint, THE SPECTRAL CITY, a Gaslamp Fantasy / Supernatural Suspense became a # 1 Amazon bestseller in Gaslamp Fantasy, Steampunk and Metaphysical Fantasy as well as hitting the top ten across other platforms. The series continues with three novels. Her short fiction has been included in anthologies such as QUEEN VICTORIA'S BOOK OF SPELLS and the MAMMOTH BOOK OF GASLAMP ROMANCE. All her Victorian-set series feature crossover characters. A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers, she is a proud co-founder of Lady Jane's Salon Reading Series in New York City. A member of Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, Leanna works often in film and television on shows like Boardwalk Empire and Mysteries at the Museum, works as a ghost tour guide for Boroughs of the Dead tour company and creates unique neo-Victorian and Steampunk jewelry on Etsy. In 2018 Leanna wrote, developed and now tours a one woman show "By the Light of Tiffany: A Meeting with Clara Driscoll" about the talented 19th century artist. Visit http://leannareneehieber.com for free reads, writers' resources, interviews, videos and more, and follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/leannarenee and FB http://facebook.com/lrhieber.

Reviews

[Leanna Hieber]

Darling fans of Miss Percy Parker! Please don't miss this brand new edition courtesy of Tor Books, an edition as gorgeous inside as it is outside! Please add this edition to your shelves! This revised, author-preferred edition contains NEW scenes, new edits, NEW content, scenes never in print before, in a two volume edition containing both THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER and THE DARKLY LUMINOUS FIGHT FOR PERSEPHONE PARKER. Book 3, THE PERILOUS PROPHECY OF GUARD AND GODDESS will likely be retitled PERILOUS PROPHECY and will release in 2017. Book 4, MISS VIOLET AND THE GREAT WAR, will finally release in 2018. Because this series went out of print in a torturous turn for me in 2011, your support now with this re-issue will really help me, and this series, find resurrection in Phoenix-fire at long last. Thank you so much.

[Elana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much swooning for me, thank you.

[Julia O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be given advanced page proofs of this book to review. I had never read the original editions of the Strangely Beautiful books, so this was my first exposure to the series. I absolutely loved it, and Strangely Beautiful has officially become my favorite book by Leanna!
Be sure to check out my blog, TheGothicLibrary.com, for my full review of the book and a guest post by Leanna herself about Percy and the concept of feminine strength (coming April 25)!

The new edition of Strangely Beautiful contains updated and edited versions of her first two novels, plus some bonus material at the end.The first part, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, introduces us to the protagonist of the story and the fascinating world she inhabits. Set in Victorian London, the story begins with a prologue in which five strangers discover that they have become hosts to the spirits of a supernatural group called the Guard whose presence give them powers over the dead and the responsibility of maintaining order amongst the paranormal elements of British society. Two decades later, young Percy Parker arrives at Athens Academy, a boarding school that doubles as headquarters for the Guard. Percy is an orphan, raised in a convent, whose natural timidity is exacerbated by the self-consciousness resulting from the others' reactions to her unusually pale skin, hair, and eyes--not to mention her unusual abilities to see visions and commune with ghosts. But as she spends more time at Athens Academy, Percy's feelings for her professor and Guard leader Alexi Rychman propel her to act in bold ways she never would have imagined being capable of. And even as her romantic feelings develop, something else is growing inside Percy--something powerful, supernatural, and intimately related to the mysterious work of the Guard. But will the Guard recognize her as one of their own before it's too late?

The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker picks up on a joyful note after the intense climax of the first book. But as the title suggests, things quickly turn dark. Ominous visions and messages from spirits warn Percy that her destiny will involve returning to the otherworldly home of her namesake goddess. Percy will have to confront Darkness himself before he has the opportunity to unleash the dangerous spirits of the whisper world into the human realm.
The school grounds become a battle ground as the forces of good and evil collide in an epic fight. Percy and her friends must pool their strength as they confront both loss and love.

For my full review, check out TheGothicLibrary.com after April 18.

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good Lord. This was a relief to finish. I liked it at the start - it had some Dark Days Club vibes to it. Then it became so over dramatic that I found myself rolling my eyes. There was a swoon on every page and I swooned when I reached the end

[Melissa Polk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first half more than the second, but they were both good. As other reviewers have said, there was a bit too much swooning and being in raptures over how great spouses are/being in love is. I found it an interesting take on a popular myth and would recommend it to anyone who likes that sort of thing. While reading parts of it I felt like I was bored but then when I wasn't reading it I found myself thinking about it. So it's possible my state of mind is to blame for not getting as much out of this as I could. Anyway, I say give it a chance! Also, best Jack the Ripper explanation I've read yet. Seriously.

[jillz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very predictable and drawn out. The "romance" was not romantic at all. Also, the book didn't read like it was set in Victorian times at all. The characters felt too modern. And the protagonist was a total Mary Sue. I wouldn't even recommend for a light and fluffy fun read. I gave it 2 stars because the premise was interesting and there were a couple of interesting bits.

[Darrell Grizzle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victorian-era gaslamp fantasy from a gifted writer and storyteller. This book, which is actually two novels in one volume, has romance, magic, action, intrigue, and a deep undercurrent of spirituality that reminds me of the fantasy novels of Madeleine L'Engle and Katherine Kurtz. I'm looking forward to reading the next novel in this series!

[Meshia Chatman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the first half of this book and didn't like the rest of it. I am not a fan of Alexi and Percy relationship and felt like Percy is too naive and Alexi too possessive. I felt like i was reading a Historical Fiction love story more than an actual Historical fantasy book. Will continue with the next book.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much potential, so much excitement and novelty, but I simply didn't like either main character and I did not believe their connection. I won't be reading the second book/half. The strange thing is I can feel the care that went in to the book, but it brought mixed results and mixed feelings.

[R.S. Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story. I only wished there was more character development -- I simply wanted to know them even more. Will definitely read more from this author.

[Candice Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moody, romantic, and supernatural, Leanna Heiber weaves a wonderful romance that takes place in 1800s London while our core group of protagonists deals with the supernatural occurrences going on around them.

Many critics compare this book to Wuthering Heights because of the period romance and moody background. But the romance and setting in this is worlds better!! The romantic tension between the main protagonists in this book is hot without being explicit and keeps the tension without falling into a "will they/won't they trap". The relationships between the other characters is also compelling.

Highly recommend!

[Seizure Romero · Rating 1 out of 5]

There's some good writing here and almost-interesting characters, but the positives get lost in all the swooning, brooding, longing, etc. Meh.

Lest butt-hurt scolds descend upon me for my harsh opinion of their most adored favoritest berk, know this first: my copy in no way indicated 'romance.' I did not pick up a romance novel and then complain about the romance happening in a romance novel. It's billed as fantasy, published by Tor (a well-known publisher of fantasy and science-fiction).

Bastards.

[Preeti]

DNF after 12 chapters. I have a lot of patience with books these last few years, finishing almost everything I start. This was just poorly-written, though. The characters were unappealing, one and all. The plot didn't hook me enough to even skim further to find out what happens.

[Corwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luminous Story!

These two books captured me and drew me in to their amazing story. With excellent world building and an intriguing story, the author does a marvelous job of grabbing your interest and holding you until the ghosts have long departed.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me, but I did not waste my time reading it.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun mashup of gothic romance and the supernatural.

[Aisyah Umaira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf at 120 bacause I cant stand that Percy Parker. Might be picking it up later for the other plot of it.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume contains 2 novels and is completely engrossing. I loved it so much. I'm excited to find there are more stories in this series and look forward to reading them.

[Hazeim Nazrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the other members of the Guard rather than the main 2 characters.

[Rena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was very up and down for me. Sometimes is he really into it, and other times I'd just feel meh about it.

I do like the characters and the basic premise of the story. I guess just certain executions just didn't work for me. Still not a bad read though.

[Riley]

Strangely Beautiful is a re-release of two of Leanna Renee Hieber’s books into one volume. Originally published as The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker and The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker, this new edition is the gothic tale of a group of defenders against evil who take on London’s Ripper. (I like the new shorter title much better!)

Percy and Alexi are quite obviously the main characters in this story. It very well could have been more of an ensemble cast of characters, with 5 more gifted guard members, but they were only hangers on in this story. Too bad. I liked them, but because I didn’t know enough about them, I actually had a hard time keeping track of them. For instance – which one is the healer and what exactly is the nobleman’s gift?

Percy is a fascinating character. An albino, she lives in the shadows, reluctant to reveal her true nature and personality. She has few friends and loves Shakespeare. Fluent in a number of languages, she has no problem communicating when called upon to do so. I liked her spunk and her intelligence while at the same time, I sympathized with her solitary life. Is she the prophecized 7th member of the guard? There are signs that point that way. She is young though (19), lending the book a bit of a coming of age purpose that I personally did not appreciate, as most of the other characters are adults.

Since becoming the leader of the Guard, Alexi has been waiting for the prophecy to bring him something his heart longs for. Does he see it in Percy? The prophecy was vague and warned of pretenders. Despite the fact that I wanted to shout at him to pay attention to what/who is in front of him, Alexi’s character was solid in that his mindset kept him looking for something he just might never find.

The advance copy I downloaded from NetGalley was only a partial copy. So I don’t know how the prophecy was eventually realized. Potentially, there were a lot of interesting trials, heartrending mistakes and exciting confrontations with evil before the prophecized 7th Guard member stepped up. There are also some potential romantic relationships, but after 20 chapters, I can’t tell for sure if romance was meant to be part of the story. Because I was not able to finish the story, I will not be giving it a rating. I will say this: I was into this story and disappointed when it abruptly ended! I do think readers of historical fantasy fiction would enjoy Strangely Beautiful.

[Thom Truelove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of Greek mythology. Well, since 2nd Grade at least. Since then I’ve been interested and inspired by any worthily written reinterpretation. Leanna Renee Hieber’s “Strangely Beautiful” starts there, borrowing a character from one of the best well-known myths and giving her a life and story of her own. I was predisposed to like her.

What I did not expect was the fascinating direction the story would go nor how much I’d enjoy the company of the characters who became my companions along the way. Strangely Beautiful is set against the backdrop of a quite supernatural and Victorian London that Percy Parker must face; it has involved her since birth.

Miss Parker begins, due to circumstances beyond her control, if not as an outcast then as someone shunted to the periphery of society. Had she been provided the opportunity to join the normal world, she’d almost certainly have done so with caution. How much more so a paranormal one?

Alexi Rychman is a professor at Athens Academy, where Miss Parker finds herself in essence enrolled and soon after recruited to a group, known as The Guard, which Professor Rychman heads. What follows is a genuine saga of emotion, hauntings, and dark forces admirably faced by a poetically crafted cast of heroes.

I think authors should use the phrase “involved with” in reference only to their own characters. I became involved by Ms. Hieber’s creations. Fortunately, the new edition of the “Strangely Beautiful” saga is two full novels in one edition, newly edited and expanded.

Both “The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker” and “The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker” are so close to the wall the things that go bump in the night are bumping against you might expect this saga to turn fully down Horror Avenue. It never does because it does not have to. The world created in these stories reminded me of the more sunlit parts of Clive Barker’s “Imajica” or “Weaveworld”. More eerie than creepy. More Gothic than gross.

If you’ve ever taken a familiar path made mysterious and unfamiliar by doing so at night and then heard a sound that forced you to ask aloud, “What was that?!”…

You may find the answers here.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victorian London and six children are summoned without them knowing why or how by a strange yet beautiful goddess. They each are given powers: fire, talent to paint pictures to keep at bay fear, healing, intuition, a loving heart to bring peace to the restless soul, the power to see the past. The Guard, as they are called, exists to protect the world from the Whisper World where Darkness reigns. As years go by and while The Guard deals with ghost of the kind and not so kind nature, they wait for the promise of the coming of a seventh member and Persephone Parker, a mousy, ghost-like looking girl comes into their lives and changes everything and so The Guard awaits for the final confrontation with Darkness. Mythology mixed with Ms Hieber own imagination.

Ms. Hieber writing is exquiste, that's what first stroke me as I read. Just beautiful, Victorian. Her characters became so endearing to me. From Alexi, their leader, brooding, commanding presence, waiting for his goddess; Josephine, irreverent and with the power in her paintings to protect those haunted by the spirits. Jane, the healer, with a generous, loving heart. Michael, the vicar, whose touch can calm the tempests brewing in the hearts of those feeling despair. And Elijah, the aristocrat, the joker, the one whose touch can recall the memories of what might come or has come. And lastly but never least Persephone, Percy; the orphan hiding behind scarfs and glasses her white as ghost body. I loved them all and fell in love with Ms. Hieber's writing.

[Natty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and entertaining retelling of the Persephone myth, it waxes a bit more romantic than I generally prefer but action and dark wit temper it nicely.

[Ash K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so meant to finish reading the second half (technically the second book) but things got in the way. But I could not be happier that I picked it up again. There are few authors today with a firmer command of the Gothic than Leanna and she instills it with a modern sensibility that I thoroughly enjoy.

I can count on one hand the number of books that have straight up given me chills, and Strangely Beautiful joins their number today. The combination of heart-wrenching sacrifice and heart-warming love... The boldly woven mythology and magic and historical paranormal set her works apart.

A truly wonderful book and the inclusion of extra scenes in this particular addition was an added delight.

[Christina Caniyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heiber's beautifully written prose casts a wonderful gaslight setting of the victorian era, along with the supernatural and mythological elements, set such a stage for the blossoming romance of Alexi and Percy. I enjoyed it from start to finish.

[Aj · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was very much not a book for me. I really lack the genre context to judge this as a modern piece of writing. I'm glad I read it and finished it, but I don't see myself reading more by the author or in the genre.

[Michelle Himbarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I read Percy's tale quite a few years ago and was hoping that Violet's War would be reprinted. I was so delighted to see it was available. Love these characters and story lines are so interesting. Highly recommend these books. Can't wait to read about Violet

[Simon Yeomans · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed binge-reading the first half of this book, but couldn’t pull myself to read the second. Good concept, could have been done a bit better. It felt like it was edging too close to love story over a fantasy/magic one.

[Jessie H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars.

This omnibus was an interesting read. It was strange and weird but in a good way. Overall, I enjoyed the story and will definitely be picking up the next book.