Gone with the Respiration Series

Lia Habel’s spellbinding mash-up of sweeping period romance, futuristic thriller, and zombie drama rises to a whole new level of innovative storytelling with Dearly, Beloved.
 
A high-tech, post-apocalyptic society dressed in the trappings of an antique era isn’t New Victoria’s only contradiction. Ever since the outbreak of the mysterious plague known as “The Laz” turned thousands into the living dead, those with a heartbeat and those without one have been forced to coexist. But can a nation so drastically divided survive? Though some of its zombies are mindless monsters, hungry for living flesh, others can still speak, reason, and control their ravenous appetites. And at least one unlikely couple—privileged Nora Dearly and dashing zombie ex-soldier Bram Griswold—have found true love, despite their “differences.” Still, tensions continue to grow between pro- and anti-zombie factions. As paranoia, prejudice, and terrorist attacks threaten to turn into full-scale war, scientists—living and otherwise—desperately seek a cure. But their efforts, and Nora and Bram’s budding relationship, may be doomed when a whole new strain of “The Laz” appears—and the nation of New Victoria braces for the next wave of the apocalypse.

“A realistic and exciting world with a swoon-worthy romance . . . The plot is addictive, the characters well-rounded.”—RT Book Reviews
 
“Nora and Bram’s touching and tender relationship, with its emphasis on equality and living in the moment, feels particularly special.”—Publishers Weekly, on Dearly, Departed

A classic romance, suspense thriller, rip-roaring adventure, and macabre comedy all at once, Dearly, Departed redefines the concept of undying love.
 
CAN A PROPER YOUNG VICTORIAN LADY FIND TRUE LOVE IN THE ARMS OF A DASHING ZOMBIE?
 
The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the mores of an antique era. Sixteen-year-old Nora Dearly is far more interested in her country’s political unrest than in silly debutante balls. But the death of her beloved parents leaves Nora at the mercy of a social-climbing aunt who plans to marry off her niece for money. To Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses. Now she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting a fatal virus that raises the dead. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and thoroughly deceased. But like the rest of his special undead unit, Bram has been enabled by luck and modern science to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.
 
“Heart-pounding . . . Nora and Bram’s touching and tender relationship, with its emphasis on equality and living in the moment, feels particularly special.”—Publishers Weekly
 
“Absolutely spellbinding . . . full of ingenious inventions and dynamic characters.”—RT Book Reviews
 
“A zombie romance? You bet.”—Library Journal