Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Series: ---
Publisher: Quirk
How Received: review copy
A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here—one of whom was his own grandfather—were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.
When I got sent the book, it came with a poster of the cover. And as much as I LOVE this cover, and think it's perfect for the book in every way, the girl's face terrifies me so I can't hang it up.
Ransom Riggs is also the best author name ever.
But that's not related to the review at all. So. Onto the review portion!
I was dying to hear this book from the first time I heard about it. Between the cover, the summary, the superfabulous book trailer and the fact that John Green liked it, I was in.
It was quite a peculiar book in the best of ways. I had issues with the main character - I'll get to those later - but the rest of the cast of characters was absolutely fantastic. I loved their talents and their wide range of personalities. I can't choose a favorite to go into more detail about, but I really liked how it was done.
Every detail in the book ended up being used as part of the plot, which I adored! Excellent, excellent writing, and I did adore the plot.
The world was also something I loved. The different talents, the loops - you'll know what I mean! - and the creatures were interesting and original. I didn't put this book down.
I only had two problems with it:
One. I can't tell whether or not this is supposed to be a stand alone novel. I think it is, and it's supposed to leave you with that lingering sense that you don't know what happens completely - not everything is wrapped up - and I'm okay with that. But I just wish it was clearer that there was no sequel coming.
Two. The main character pisses me off.
[SPOILER ALERT]
I mean, sure, is he a nice guy? Yes. But he's written to be this loner who nobody likes, not even his own family, and yet this house of peculiars accepts him RIGHT AWAY and one of them falls for him RIGHT AWAY and then he looks at his family, which was the only thing he really had his entire life that loved him, AND WALKS AWAY FROM THEM. What the hell? I mean, yes, there are a whole bunch of peculiars relying on you, and I would choose their world too, but I would at least have issues with it.
[/SPOILER ALERT]
It was one of those instances where the character was written so that the plot would work without any worrisome emotional holes, I think. I don't like when that happens; I like to read those challenging emotional bits.
Oh well.
Overall Rating & Final Comments: 9/10. I really couldn't put it down!
Cover Comments: I ADORE IT and it terrifies me BUT IT'S SO GOOD but I can't look at it for too long. In other words, it's perfect for the book.
