Book Club Book Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Synopsis: "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."

My Review: Well that was interesting! Not at all what I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one but I wasn't sucked in like I normally am use to. I don't know if it was the 1st person point of view, the characters or the sci-fi aspect that didn't quite click with me. The only character I did connect with was the Grandfather, I absolutely adored him! This was a unique adventure with time travel and some unusual abilities. I did enjoy how each one had a single talent. Though I am not happy with Jacob's final decision, the ending definitely set up for many more books in the future. The really great part about the book were the unusual photos that were included, it really set the book apart and added to the believability of the whole story.

My Rating: I really am not sure what to give this one, it was unusual, interesting and completely unexpected which gets major props, but due to the lack of character connection and the pacing it fell a little for me.  So I think I give this one a rating of Three Paws.

Rhodie Reader Thoughts: I think the overall consensus was that this was a really good book. It caught us all off guard and was so different from many of the other books we have read. A few of us did find it to be a little predictable (ie. who the bad guy is) but were surprised by other events that occurred. We also all agreed on the fact that the pacing was a little off but came to the conclusion that it may have been due to trying to get all the background details and characters prepared for the next book, which we hope will pick up pace and suck us in. None of us were very happy with Jacob's final decision or the ending. Most of us plan to read the next one when it is released.