Published: June 7, 2011 by: Quirk
Pages: 352
Rating: 4/5 stars
When sixteen year-old Jacob's grandfather tragically dies in a mysterious accident, Jacob decides to visit a crumbling island off of Wales, the place where supposedly, his grandfather grew up. As Jacob explores the abandoned orphanage that his grandfather spent most of his days, he learns more about the odd children that lived there and their eccentric headmistress. But as the mystery of his grandfather grows deeper and deeper, Jacob begins to sense that the orphanage isn't abandoned after all. In fact, it is filled with peculiar children.
This book was...odd. It was definitely nothing I had ever read before and it left me feeling a little creeped out. This book was very strong in keeping an eerie atmosphere, that's for sure, but in some ways, it fell short on plot.
This book contains many old photographs of peculiar children that are weaved into the storyline. This was a very amazing touch as it led to the creepiness of the book and I could visually see what was being talked about in the book. The fact that the photos were real too and not staged made it all the more eerie.
Like I said, I loved the mood created by this book. I read it on a rainy fall day covered up in a blanket, and it really helped to convey that sort of rainy, odd atmosphere. The world-building in this book is so incredibly done that you think you have stepped right into the story yourself.
What I think this book lacked was an extremely captivating plot. I felt like some parts were so slow and boring towards the end that I lost interest. This isn't meant to be a fast-moving fantasy at all, but I would have liked a bit more action towards the end.
Overall, a really unique book. Nothing that you have ever read before, and will leave a chill down your spine. I think this book has a great underlying message of acceptance, while weaving in fact and fiction. Plus, if you're a photography lover, the pictures are really cool.
Have you read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children? What did you think?
Emily @ Paperback Princess
I loved the mood of this book, too. The pictures really helped to take the mood to the next level. It was a great book. I'm glad you liked it as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brooklyn! The pictures were a huge hit :)
DeleteI haven't read this series, but I did watch the movie (YES, the movie, not the books hahaha) and it was spectacular- I LOVED the atmosphere and the characters and it was just all so amazing overall! Vera rec'd me the movie and she even approved of me just watching it even without reading, so I suppose if you don't feel up to reading, you can always watch the movie! :D
ReplyDeleteThere's no harm in watching the movie before the book! I need to watch it because I feel like it's so magical and cool!
DeleteI always get ridiculously happy when a book has Wales XD & that meant lots of Wales in the film!!!!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteLol I thought of you when I read it!
DeleteI read the series and although they were not my favorite and I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters, they were enjoyable overall. I saw the movie too which was a lot of fun, not as dark as the books.
ReplyDeleteRebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
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I don't know if I want to continue the series because I found this book to be good enough on it's own! I'll have to see.
DeleteI tried to read this a long time ago and couldn't get through it, but I want to try reading it again sometime soon...
ReplyDeleteYou should!! It gets really good :)
DeleteI still haven't read this book! I intend to, at least before I actually watch the movie :)
ReplyDeleteAeriko @ The Reading Armchair
It's really good :)
DeleteI saw the movie to this recently and now I'm thirsting to read this book - it sounds totally unique and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie yet but I imagine it's just as good!
DeleteI do agree that this was quite odd. I've never read anything like it before, and it struck me as very strange. The pictures gave me chills haha. I didn't really like this book as much as I thought I would, but it was still a great read. I'm glad you liked it nonetheless :) Great review emily!
ReplyDeleteJillian @ Jillian's Books
I think I liked it so much because it was strange! Idk I don't normally go for such creepy things but honestly it was hard not to be intrigued by it. Thanks Jillian :)
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