Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

“They were orphans of war, washed up on that little island in a tide of blood. What made them amazing wasn't that they had miraculous powers; that they had escaped the ghettos and gas chambers was miracle enough.” ― Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs
Jacob Portman grew up on his grandfather's stories. Stories of surviving World War 2 by escaping to a mysterious island off the coast of Wales where he met all sorts of peculiar children with special abilities. At sixteen, Jacob hasn't believed the stories in a long time, but that's about to change when his grandfather is murdered by a monster. Now everyone thinks Jacob is losing his mind and his only chance at proving them wrong is to go in search of the boarding school where the the students are most peculiar.

As far as concepts go, I thought Ransom Riggs executed his beautifully. Picking out a selection of haunting photographs, to accompany a brave selection of haunted "peculiar" characters. The tension in the plot was thick, each new unanswered question leaving the hints of paranoia and curiosity in the forefront of the mind. The story wraps up with an explosive war scene and a life changing decision by the hero of the story. This is not just "another young adult novel", it's an adventure I'd encourage anyone of any age to read. Embrace the peculiarity.

 Rating 4/5
Review originally posted:
May 03, 12

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