Cover: The cover was really one of the first reasons why I read this book. It drew me in and said "look at me! I'm different and new!"
Author: Ransom Riggs
Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction, Time-Travel, Fantasy
Goodreads Blurb: A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. 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 were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.
A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
Published/ing: June 7th 2011 Quirk
Rating: 4.3/5
Review:
This book delivered. When I first heard about it, I was extremely excited to start reading it. The pictures and the cover really captivated me, and I thought it was so unique the way they tied into the story.
The main character, Jacob, was enjoyable. I think, though, that he was underdeveloped. He didn't have very much umph as a character. Especially in the beginning, when you first meet him, there isn't much to him. I actually had trouble discerning whether he was a guy or a girl.
The side characters were more developed than Jacob. I loved the mutant children and their mixed desires and thoughts on the world they live in. Emma was one of those great side characters. She had the personality of someone from the 1940s and the stubbornness of a girl who's grown up in a never ending loop of time.
The relationships between Jacob, his dad, and his grandfather were very well-developed. We see how a teenager's relationship with a parent is compared to grandparent. Also, the relationship between Jacob and his grandfather create the plot for the book, which I think is a great way to bring forth the plot and conflict.
The setting was probably my overall favorite part. We go from Florida to Whales within a few chapters, making it seem like the transition would be complete crap, but Ransom Riggs really takes the time to develop the back drop and mood the little island off the country of Whales. It also adds to the the gothic element of the story and the overall theme.
The only problem I had with this book was that it got off to a slow-ish start. But once I got into it, I couldn't stop.
As a whole, this book was extremely well written and very interesting. It was a good escape from the contemporary and dystopian genres. If you are looking for something newer and different, I think this book is a great choice.
The main character, Jacob, was enjoyable. I think, though, that he was underdeveloped. He didn't have very much umph as a character. Especially in the beginning, when you first meet him, there isn't much to him. I actually had trouble discerning whether he was a guy or a girl.
The side characters were more developed than Jacob. I loved the mutant children and their mixed desires and thoughts on the world they live in. Emma was one of those great side characters. She had the personality of someone from the 1940s and the stubbornness of a girl who's grown up in a never ending loop of time.
The relationships between Jacob, his dad, and his grandfather were very well-developed. We see how a teenager's relationship with a parent is compared to grandparent. Also, the relationship between Jacob and his grandfather create the plot for the book, which I think is a great way to bring forth the plot and conflict.
The setting was probably my overall favorite part. We go from Florida to Whales within a few chapters, making it seem like the transition would be complete crap, but Ransom Riggs really takes the time to develop the back drop and mood the little island off the country of Whales. It also adds to the the gothic element of the story and the overall theme.
The only problem I had with this book was that it got off to a slow-ish start. But once I got into it, I couldn't stop.
As a whole, this book was extremely well written and very interesting. It was a good escape from the contemporary and dystopian genres. If you are looking for something newer and different, I think this book is a great choice.
Future News:
The second book in the MPHPC series just recently came out in January, called Hollow City. The graphic novel was also just released. A third book for the series has yet to be announced.
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