DUNKIRK - On Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., Jamestown author Lia Habel will be at the Book Nook in the D&F Plaza signing copies of her novels "Dearly, Departed" and her new release "Dearly, Beloved."
Habel's novels take place in the age of New Victoria, in the year 2195. Her series begins with "Dearly, Departed," following Nora Dearly, a well to do teenager and a member of high society. After her parents' death, Nora is sent to live with her aunt, who is determined to marry Nora off for money. Before Nora can be betrothed, she is almost kidnapped by an army of zombies, suffering from "The Laz," a disease that raises the dead. Nora then meets a handsome, but dead, young soldier named Bram Griswold. Although a zombie, Bram is nearly human, and Nora falls for him. Habel's states in her website, "In Dearly, Departed, steampunk meets romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love."
The second novel in the series, titled "Dearly, Beloved," picks up where "Dearly, Departed" left off. People in the city have been divided into pro and anti zombie camps, and the battles have taken to the city, where prejudice threatens the well-being of all citizens. RT Book Reviews writes that "Dearly, Beloved" is "absolutely spellbinding ... full of ingenious inventions and dynamic characters."
Habel, who hails from Jamestown, is a self-proclaimed zombie geek and her goal is to see every zombie movie ever made. She also has an interest in Victorian history, often dressing in full Victorian costume. Her excitement over zombies and Victorian culture prompted her to write her first novel, "Dearly, Departed." Habel received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from SUNY Buffalo and an M.A. in Museum Studies from the U.K.'s University of Leicester.
Habel herself says that when she began writing her first novel in 2008, she was unemployed for the fifth or sixth time. Before becoming an author she had worked as a makeup artist, an envelope-opener, a retail clerk, a grocery scanner, a door guard, and a substitute teacher. When she received her first check from the publisher she had only $10 in her bank account. Since then Habel has toured the United States attending book signings and steampunk events.
To meet Habel, go to The Book Nook on Tuesday to get signed copies of "Dearly, Departed" and "Dearly, Beloved."
Both titles are in stock and available for purchase now at the store. For questions about this event, contact The Book Nook at 366-0685.