REVIEW: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR 
PECULIAR CHILDREN

by Ransom Riggs

Pages: 352

Publisher: Quirk 

Publication Date: 7th June 2011

ISBN: 1594744769

Summary 

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of curious photographs. 

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.

Review

This is one of those books that you hear so much about but for some reason never get around to reading it. Then the movie gets released and a voice in your head says, "You're not watching the movie before you've read the book!" Which lead me to now. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is not at all what I was expecting, mainly because I was basing my knowledge of the book on the movie trailer but also because of its uniqueness.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children follows Jacob as he tries to discover the truth behind his Grandfather's secret past. His search leads him to a mysterious island just off the coast of Wales and what he fines is more than he could ever have imagined. The children he meets unlock a world of peculiar magic and impossible dangers that makes Jacob question everything he knows. The big question though is whether or not Jacob is strong enough to be truly peculiar himself. 

I don't really want to say too much about this one as I feel it spoils it. So, for those who haven't read it yet (I'm sure like me you are in the minority) I'll keep this brief. 

The way in which Riggs writes is enchanting and the story drags you in pretty quickly. The book itself is filled with mystery and wonder and will keep you guessing the whole way through. The characters are, for lack of a better word, peculiar but they are endearing and wonderfully bazar. Not to mention funny!! The children at Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children had be laughing out loud to myself on several occasions, especially Emma Bloom. FYI Emma is most definitely my favourite character! 

Overall this book had me hooked and I would highly recommend it if you haven't already devoured the whole series by now. Team Peculiar all the way!