The Essence Book Review

 Author: Kimberly Derting. Release date: 2013. Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN: 9781442445598.

Annotation: Now the queen of Ludania, Charlie is coping with her newfound rule over her troubled kingdom where her demolishing of the caste system isn’t as accepted as she’d hoped. To make matters worse, Sabara’s essence which, unbeknownst to anyone else, was transferred when the evil queen was killed is lurking deep inside Charlie, threatening to take control at any moment.

Personal thoughts: I seem to keep being disappointed by sequels to novels that I really loved and, unfortunately, The Essence is yet another sophomore slump for me. The Pledge was a really interesting and entertaining story, with the language-based caste system, Charlie uncovering her role as heir to the throne of Ludania and her relationship with Max. In The Essence, Charlie is now a bit of a brat, whining constantly about all of the issues she has to deal with as queen. The plot is also slow and never seems to pick up a lot of speed at any point in the novel. I hope that the author can turn the series around with an excellent third novel, but I’m sorry to say that my hopes aren’t very high.    

Plot summary: Now that she is settling into her newfound role as the queen of Ludania, Charlie is struggling to cope with unrest in her troubled kingdom. The caste system that used to strictly divide the country by language has been abolished, and Charlie, Max and Brooklynn are trying to ensure that the transition to equality goes smoothly. Unfortunately, not everyone in Ludania is thrilled about what Charlie has done. Threats against the queen are uncovered on a daily basis, making Charlie fear for the safety of her family, especially her younger sister, Angelina. Charlie’s biggest threat, however, is not something outside the castle walls, but lives deep inside of her: the essence of the evil queen Sabara, the one Charlie supposedly killed to become queen, is trapped in Charlie and wants nothing more than to get out. The longer Sabara’s spirit lives within Charlie, the more their thoughts and memories become linked, and Charlie soon realizes that there is much she didn’t know about the former queen of Ludania. What do the dreams of Sabara’s previous lives mean? Why does Charlie find herself drawn to a mysterious strange, Niko Bartolo, from a neighboring kingdom? Can Charlie keep the presence of Sabara’s essence within her a secret from the people she loves?

Review: Following the popular first installment in The Pledge trilogy, veteran author Kimberly Derting continues her latest series with The Essence. Beginning shortly after the events of the previous novel, Charlie, the vendor’s daughter turned queen of the kingdom of Ludania, finds herself in a series of increasingly dangerous situations. Her people aren’t as crazy about her as she’d hoped they be, it seems like someone is trying very hard to kill her, she’s not that into being treated like royalty, and the spirit of the evil queen Sabara, who also happens to be her boyfriend’s grandmother, is living inside of her. A lot of Charlie’s spunk that was present in the first novel is absent in the wake of all of these challenges, turning her from a likable leading lady to a bit of a whiner. Things go from bad to worse when Charlie is sent to a summit where the queens of neighboring kingdoms meet to discuss official business and try to out shine one another. Charlie doesn’t know the etiquette that the other queens have had years to learn, plus her trip is especially rocky considering that someone really wants her dead. Much of what was enjoyable about the first novel, the dystopian nature of Ludania, the caste system, Charlie’s budding romance with Max, is completely absent in the sequel. While The Essence isn’t necessarily a poorly written or “bad” story, it’s drastically different from its predecessor, making it unclear if fans of The Pledge will like it. For readers who don’t mind the story veering off from a mix of adventure and dystopia into full on fantasy territory, The Essence will prove to be an entertaining read. For those who aren’t into battles, commanders, armies, and dead queens, however, the likelihood of enjoying the novel enough to pick up the third and final installment is slim.

Genre:  Fantasy

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting, Chemical Garden trilogy by Lauren DeStefano, Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth, Cinder trilogy by Marissa Meyer.

Themes:  Royalty, war, queens, magic, danger, assassins.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive review from Kirkus.

Series Information: Second installment in The Pledge trilogy. First installment, The Pledge, released in 2012. Third installment announced, but no release date yet.  

Discussion questions:

-         How has Charlie changed since assuming her new role as Queen of Ludania? How have Brookylnn and Aron changed?

-         How would you explain the relationship between Charlie and Sabara’s “essence”?

-        Why is Charlie so drawn to Niko? How does this attraction threaten her relationship with Max?

-        Why do you think some people in Ludania are not in favor of Charlie’s “New Equality”? Do you think social or political change is hard for people to accept in the real world?

-        Why was it so important to Avonlea when Charlie gave her a name?

-         Which of the queens at the summit did you like the most? The least?

-          What would you like to see happen in the third installment of this trilogy?

Dreaming Awake Book Review

Author: Gwen Hayes. Release date: 2012. Publisher: NAL Trade. ISBN: 9780451235541.

Annotation: After Theia Alderson made a deal with demon queen Mara in Under, she returns to the world of the living, half-human, half-demon like her boyfriend, Mara’s son, Haden. Unsure about her new powers, Theia struggles to get back to her normal life of high school and hanging out with her friends, Donny and Amelia. When students at her school begin to mysteriously fall ill, however, Theia worries that she brought something sinister back with her on her return from Under.

Personal thoughts: Falling Under was easily one of my favorite novels of 2011, so I was really excited to finally pick up the sequel. Although some of the elements of the first book that I loved so much were still there (Theia’s journeys to Under in her dreams, Haden’s charm, etc.), I wasn’t nearly as into the story as I was in Falling Under. There was too much fluff in the first half of the novel, leaving the action that occurred at the end feeling rushed and unsatisfying. I also felt that the author opened many doors in Dreaming Awake, but didn’t ever close them. I hope that she does write a third novel that can return the story to the level of originality and intrigue that was the first book. If she doesn’t then I think a series that had loads of potential would be squandered.

Plot summary: After Theia Alderson made a deal with demon queen Mara to protect Haden, Mara’s son and Theia’s boyfriend, she thought she would be stuck living in the beautiful but deadly world of Under for eternity. Thanks to her friends Donny, Amelia and Varnie, however, a summoning spell returns Theia to the world of the living. Reunited with Haden and her father, who thinks she ran away, Theia must now return to her normal high school routine while coping with the fact that she is now half-human, half-demon like Haden. Strange things start occurring in the weeks following Theia’s return from Under, however. Students at her high school begin to fall ill, she is plagued by dreams of a darkly beautiful garden next to a black, slow-moving river, and she can’t seem to shake the feeling that Mara is trying everything in her power to return her and Haden to Under. Will Theia have to choose between saving her friends and family or leaving them forever to spend an eternity as Mara’s servant in a land of skeletons, blood and nightmares?

Review: Following up her creative and riveting novel, Falling Under, Gwen Hayes continues her paranormal romance series for young adults with Dreaming Awake. The story picks up right where the first book left off, with Theia returning from several months in Under to a life on the surface that is different from the one she left behind. The same cast of characters are back: Theia’s wise-cracking but caring friends, Donny and Amelia, sweet, cross-dressing medium, Varnie, and Theia’s darkly handsome boyfriend (and reason for the events of the first novel to have taken place), Haden. What hasn’t returned for the sequel, however, is the captivating story that was Falling Under. Theia spends the majority of the sequel soul-searching (both figuratively and literally), trying to determine the nature of her new “demon blood” and wondering if she and Haden’s relationship will really work out. The mystery surrounding Haden himself is gone, replaced instead by a somewhat controlling, jealous boyfriend who can’t imagine why Theia has doubts about their amour. Mara, Haden’s demon mother, is arguably the most interesting part of the book. Icily beautiful and completely evil, she wants nothing more than to seek revenge on Theia for betraying her and leaving Under. The book ends with everything resolved more or less, but still open for another novel, which the author says may or may not be published. Fans of the wonderful Falling Under will likely want to read this novel, but not many will enjoy it with as much fervor as its predecessor.

Genre:  Fiction/Romance

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes, The Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent, Misfit by Jon Skovron, Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey, The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff, Everneath by Brodi Ashton.  

Themes:  Demons, Hell, love, romance, trust, revenge, friendship, spells, magic, witches.

Awards/Reviews:  Sequel to positively reviewed novel, Falling Under (2011).

Series Information: Second installment in Falling Under series. First novel, Falling Under, released in 2011. Third novel in series may or may not be written.   

Discussion questions:

-     Which novel did you like better: Falling Under or Dreaming Awake? Why?

-       How do you think the characters in the novel changed between each book?

-      How did Theia and Haden’s relationship change between the two novels?

-       Why do you think Mara is so intent on seeking revenge against Theia?

-     How do you explain what happened in the series of chapters called “Up Is Still Down?” Did you like the author’s use of a shift between narrators?

-      If a third book is written in this series, what would you like to see happen? Do you think a third book is necessary to make the story feel complete? Why or why not?

 

 

 

Tiger's Destiny Book Review

Author: Colleen Houck. Release date: 2012. Publisher:  Splinter. ISBN: 9781402798436.

Annotation: After being captured by Lokesh, Kelsey uses her cunning to escape the clutches of the evil sorcerer and must travel to a fiery underground realm to complete the final quest and end the curse that has plagued Ren and Kishan for centuries.

Personal thoughts: This is one of my favorite series for young adults, so I was very excited to get an advanced reader copy. I think that Tiger’s Destiny might be my favorite installment thus far, for a variety of reasons. I really enjoyed all of the action in the story. In past novels in the series, I was a bit critical of Colleen Houck’s very descriptive writing, but this actually worked really well in terms of setting the stage for Kelsey, Ren and Kishan’s journey underground and in the epic battles that ensue. I also liked how Kelsey and Kishan’s relationship was intensifying, adding another layer of conflict to the love triangle between Kelsey and her tigers. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this series concludes, and to finding out what Colleen Houck comes up with next.  

Plot summary: The quest to end the Tiger’s Curse is almost complete, but Kelsey finds herself imprisoned by the evil sorcerer Lokesh. Using her cunning and convincing him that she wants to be his bride, Kelsey learns that Lokesh wants a son, a strong heir who can continue his father’s legacy of treachery. Before she can be wed, Kelsey is rescued by Ren and Kishan and the three return to India where Mr. Kadam informs them of their next task. The final gift of Durga, the Rope of Fire, lies in a fiery underground realm full of vampire-like demons, the walking dead, and powerful phoenixes. Kelsey wants nothing more than to complete their quest and end the curse that has plagued Ren and Kishan for centuries, but something is proving more difficult even than venturing deep into the Earth and battling vicious creatures: although she is in a relationship with Kishan, Kelsey can no longer deny that her love for Ren has anything but diminished. Can one girl from Oregon end the Tiger’s Curse, defeat Lokesh once and for all and decide where her heart truly lies?

Review: Colleen Houck’s epic story continues in this fourth installment in her best-selling series. What draws so many readers to these novels are the combination of fantasy, romance and action, and Tiger’s Destiny is chock full of all three. What differentiates this fourth book from the previous three is the amount of battle it contains. Kelsey, Ren and Kishan are always fighting some mystical creature in their efforts to break the Tiger’s Curse, but Tiger’s Destiny is the first novel in the series to have full on warfare as a major part of the story. Houck does a good if incredibly descriptive job of setting the reader down in the midst of a battle, and fans are sure to enjoy scenes of Kelsey and her handsome tigers wreaking havoc on their enemies. The romance aspects of Tiger’s Destiny also get more intense, with Kishan and Kelsey’s relationship becoming more serious, along with her conflicted feelings towards Ren. The end of the novel is sure to leave the reader clambering for the fifth and final installment in the series, Tiger’s Dream, which is set to be released in 2013.  

Genre:  Adventure/Romance

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Previous installments in the Tiger’s Curse series by Colleen Houck

Themes:  Destiny, romance, magic, curses, India, adventure, war.      

Awards/Reviews:  Fourth installment in best-selling series.   

Series Information: Fourth installment in the Tiger’s Curse series. Previous novels in series: Tiger’s Curse (2011), Tiger’s Quest (2011), Tiger’s Voyage (2011).

Discussion questions:

-       Including Tiger’s Destiny, which is your favorite novel in this series? Why?

-       Why do you think Lokesh wanted to marry Kelsey? Do you think it was a smart move for her to convince him that she felt the same way? Why or why not?

-       Do you think that Kishan realizes that Kelsey still loves Ren? Would you want to be in a relationship with someone who had feelings for someone else?

-       Describe the role that each of Durga’s weapons plays in the novel. Which is your favorite? Which was the most important? Why?

-      What are you hoping to see happen in the fifth and final novel in this series?

The False Princess Book Review

 Author: Eilis O’Neal. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  EgmontUSA. ISBN: 9781606840795.

Annotation: All of her life, Nalia, heir to the throne in the kingdom of Thorvaldor, has been preparing to become queen some day. Shortly after her sixteenth birthday, however, she is stunned to learn the truth: she is not a princess, but rather a stand-in to protect the real Nalia who was sent away for protection after a prophesy warned of her murder. Now Nalia has returned, and the false princess, whose real name is Sinda, is sent away from the palace to make her own way in the world.

Personal thoughts: I love a good fairy tale, so it was easy for me to like The False Princess with all of its magic, sword-fighting, princesses, and adventure. It’s not difficult to understand why this novel has received the accolades it has: it is well-written, very age-appropriate, and entertaining. I would have no trouble recommending this title to tween or teen girls who are in the mood for something with a medieval flavor. I look forward to seeing what else Eilis O’Neal publishes in the future.

Plot summary: The prospect of becoming queen someday has always frightened Nalia, heir to the throne of the kingdom of Thorvaldor. Having spent her life in the lush palace in the capital city of Vivaskari, Nalia feels more comfortable in the library enjoying a good book or with her best friend, Kiernan, than learning the skills necessary to be a proper princess. Shortly after her sixteenth birthday, however, Nalia’s life changes forever when she learns the truth: she is not a princess, but only a stand-in meant to keep the real Nalia safe from a prophesy that warned of a possible murder attempt on the real princess before she turned sixteen. Now the true heir to the throne is returning, and there is no need for the false Nalia, who also learns that her real name is Sinda, an orphan who’s only living relative is an aunt who works as a dyer in the nearby village of Treb. Forced to leave the only home she has ever known, and Kiernan, Sinda moves to Treb and discovers that her royal education does little to help her get by in life as a commoner. Fortunately, Sinda makes another startling discovery: her real mother, like many in the kingdom of Thorvaldor, was sorceress, and Sinda herself has magical powers. Determined to reunite with Kiernan and make a name for herself beyond the title of false princess, Sinda returns to Vivaskari and begins to apprentice with Philantha, a kind but eccentric sorceress. What Sinda doesn’t expect upon returning to her old town, however, is that there might be more to the story of her former life as princess than she realized.

Review: The False Princess, the first novel written by author Eilis O’Neal, is perfect for readers with fond childhood memories of fairy tales who want to read something with a bit more romance, action, and adventure. Set in the magical land of Thorvaldor, one of the biggest strengths of the story is the author’s skills at world-building. A lot of creativity is evident in her creation of place names, the history of the kingdom, and the mythology of the characters and events. A lot of factors play a role in the plot, but the effort taken to make the reader understand and care about Sinda, Kiernan and the Thorvaldor monarchy is very well concealed. The story is constructed effortlessly, making for a smooth, easily enjoyed fantasy adventure. The character of Sinda is likable and relatable, particularly after she is given the heave-ho once the true Nalia returns to the palace. Readers will sympathize with what she is going through and her actions, both good and bad, work well in the context of her experiences. The supporting characters are also very well-written, including Sinda’s best friend Kiernan and the goofy but lovable sorceress Philantha. Overall, there is much to enjoy in The False Princess and it would be highly recommendable to tween and teen girls who want a more age-appropriate fairy tale than Cinderella.

Genre: Fantasy

Reading level: Grade 6+

Similar titles: Entwined by Heather Dixon, Cinder by Marissa Meyer, The Pledge by Kimberly Derting.  

Themes:  Royalty, prophesy, conspiracy, magic, wizards, sorcery, loyalty.  

Awards/Reviews:  2011 YALSA Teen’s Top Ten Awards nominee,  2012 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection, 2011 ABC New Voices selection, 2011 ABC Best Books for Children selection, starred review from School Library Journal, positive review from Publishers Weekly.

Series Information: N/A

Discussion questions:

-        How would you have felt if you were Nalia when she learned she wasn’t the true princess?

-      Why do you think Sinda’s Aunt Varil was so hard on her?

-      Do you think it was wise for Sinda to return to Vivaskari? Why or why not?

-     How does Sinda’s efforts to get into the Wizard College similar to students in today’s society trying to get into a university? Were there other parallels in the novel to our society?

-      Do you think the spell Sinda cast on Kiernan was the right thing to do? Why or why not?

-      Do you think Mika will be able to do what she promised in regards to improving things in Thorvaldor?

Snow in Summer: Fairest of Them All Book Review

 Author: Jane Yolen. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Philomel. ISBN: 9780399256639.

Annotation:  Snow-in-Summer Morton was seven when she lost her mother, and her father has been inconsolable ever since. After years of grieving, Summer’s father meets and quickly weds a mysterious woman who Summer can only call “Stepmama.” At first, Summer is hopeful that she will finally be able to have a normal family like in the fairy tales, but soon realizes that what she has gotten instead is a wicked Stepmother.

Personal thoughts:  I picked this novel up by chance after seeing that Jane Yolen was the author (I am very familiar with her books for younger children.) I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this quiet but intriguing version of Snow White! One of my favorite parts of the novel was the setting. It is clear that Yolen has a passion for the area, it being the home of her husband’s family, and I thought that all of the local names for plants, customs of the people of Addison, and the time period were very charming. I would highly recommend this novel to tweens, teens, or adults. It is short but excellent!   

Plot summary: Snow-in-Summer Morton’s life changed forever at age seven when her mother died in childbirth, leaving her alone and her father, Lemuel, with a broken heart. Cousin Nancy, the widow of Summer’s father’s favorite cousin who was recently killed in World War II, helps to care for Summer after her father slips into a deep, dark grief unable to cope with the death of his beloved wife.  One day, four years later, now eleven-year old Summer is shocked when Lemuel returns with a mysterious but beautiful woman. Cousin Nancy and the rest of the townsfolk in Addison, West Virginia fear that Lemuel has become bewitched by the enchanting woman. When Lemuel quickly marries her, Summer hopes that she, her father and her new Stepmama will be able to form the family she’s longed for. As the years pass, however, Summer begins to realize that Stepmama is far from loving. Stepmama seems to have Lemuel in some kind of spell causing him to become withdrawn and unaware. In the meantime, Summer is subjected to abuse and eerie behavior at the hands of the woman, while Cousin Nancy can only look on in worry about her goddaughter. One day, Summer happens into Stepmama’s room where she encounters a strange mirror that seems to speak to her. The mirror warns of danger, danger that threatens to end in Summer’s death. Will Summer ever be able to escape the clutches of the woman that has appears to have bewitched the entire town and save her father’s life?

Review:  From award-winning author Jane Yolen comes this enchanting re-telling of the classic Snow White story set in 1940s Appalachia. The author is clearly a masterful storyteller as Snow in Summer flows easily and quickly from start to finish. Although it is relatively short, the characters are well-thought out and effective in allowing the reader to venture into the world of Addison, West Virginia. Yolen’s enthusiasm for the town, which she states in the beginning was the birthplace of her late husband’s family, is evident throughout the book. The rolling mountains, lush greens, and simple way of life all play an important role in setting the tone of the novel. Although Summer’s story is based on a very well-known tale, Yolen’s interpretations make for a fresh take on the classic. Summer’s creepy Stepmama as well as her kindly Cousin Nancy help narrate the plot, allowing the reader to see exactly what is going on inside the mind of the “wicked stepmother.” Overall, an excellent novel for tweens, teens or anyone who is a fan of Snow White or the American south.

Genre: Fairy Tale/Historical Fiction

Reading level: Grade 6+

Similar titles: Sweetly and Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce, Entwined by Heather Dixon.   

Themes:  Snow White, fairy tales, West Virginia, 1940s, death, grief, stepmothers, magic, witches.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive review from Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus.

Series Information: N/A

Discussion questions: 

- How does Snow in Summer compare with the classic fairy tale Snow White written by the Brothers Grimm? How about the Disney movie version?

- Why was Lemuel unable to sing to the plants after his wife’s death? Do you think people change after someone they love dies? Why or why not?

- What do you think Stepmama was referring to when she said “the Craft”?

-  How did Summer’s knowledge of plants help her in the novel?

- Were you happy with the ending of the novel? Why or why not?

Tiger’s Voyage Book Review

Author: Colleen Houck. Release date: November 2011. Publisher:  Splinter. ISBN: 9781402784057.

Annotation:  Kelsey’s adventure, and romance, with her two tiger princes continues in a nautical journey to the mysterious Seventh Pagoda.

Personal thoughts:  I was a bit hard on the second installment in this series, but was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed this third novel quite a bit. I still find some elements of the story to be a bit on the melodramatic or cheesy side, but I think that, overall, the author does a good job of mixing romance with adventure. I really grew to like Kelsey more in this novel, and think that Houck has done a good job of developing the characters. I am really looking forward to the next novel.

Plot summary: After Ren’s memory loss following his rescue in Tiger’s Quest, Kelsey must work to make the prince fall in love with her all over again if she is going to keep her growing feelings for his brother, Kishan, at bay. Matters are complicated when Mr. Kadam unravels the next portion of their journey: retrieving Durga’s mystical pearl necklace located in the mysterious Seventh Pagoda. In order the reach the Pagoda, the group must travel by sea, seeking instruction from the five dragons who know how to reach the necklace. The journey will become increasingly more risky, but not quite as dangerous as the growing tension between Kelsey and Ren as she becomes closer to Kishan.

Review: As is often the case with series, some installments are better than others. This third book in Houck’s best-selling Tiger’s Curse series is, in many ways, the most enjoyable yet. The characters have already been firmly established and Houck has done an excellent job of acquainting the reader with the setting and ins and outs of the often complicated journey of Kelsey, Ren and Kishan. Although the next phase of the quest to break the centuries long curse is even more elaborate than in the previous two novels, it is also more original and entertaining. The love-triangle between Kelsey and the two princes is really at the forefront of the storyline, and Houck does a good job of creating a growing sense of tension throughout the novel. Coping with Ren’s memory loss was an excellent way to keep the romance between Ren and Kelsey interesting. Houck also introduces other characters that compete with Kelsey for Ren’s affections and vice versa, adding another layer to the thickening plot. Overall, this third installment in the series greatly improves upon the second, and leaves the reader with a cliffhanger that will surely keep anticipation for the fourth novel running high.  

Genre: Adventure/Romance

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: First and second installments in Tiger’s Curse series by Colleen Houck.  

Themes:  Romance, relationships, magic, India, curses, China, diving, yachts.

Awards/Reviews:  Third installment in best-selling series.  

Series Information: Third installment in Tiger’s Curse series. Other novels in series: Tiger’s Curse (2011) and Tiger’s Quest (2011).  

Discussion questions:

- How does this novel compare to the first two in the series? Did it meet your expectations? Why or why not?

- How did you feel about Ren’s memory loss and aversion to Kelsey? Do you think that is realistic? Why or why not?

- Why do you think Kelsey is torn between Ren and Kishan?

- Which of the dragons was your favorite? Why?

- This novel ends with a cliffhanger. Describe what a cliffhanger is and why it is often used in series novels.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Book Review

Author: Ransom Riggs. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Quirk Books. ISBN: 9781594744761.

Annotation:  Growing up, Jacob’s head was filled with his grandfather’s tales of growing up in an orphanage on an island near Wales. This island was home to fantastical children with otherworldly talents, all looked after by a wise old bird. At first, Jacob believes his beloved grandfather’s stories wholeheartedly. But as he grows up, he begins to wonder if they are simply the workings of a delusional old man.

Personal thoughts:  I really enjoyed this book and am so excited that it seems to be getting quite popular. I think Riggs does a fantastic job of writing a very compelling story that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. The vintage photos are great, and I really fell in love with the world Riggs created. I can’t wait for the sequel, and the movie version!

Plot summary: Jacob lives an ordinary life with an ordinary family in an ordinary town. The only excitement he has are the stories his beloved Grandfather Portman tells him about his youth growing up in an orphanage after escaping the Nazis in his native Poland.  Unlike other orphanages, this one was magical: the sun always shone, the other children had fantastic powers, and they were all lovingly looked after by a wise bird. Most importantly, his grandfather, and the other children, were safe on the island from the monsters who hunted them. Jacob believes his grandfather’s stories with all his heart, but as he grows up he begins to wonder the truthfulness behind his tales. All of the old photographs his grandfather showed him, of children levitating, hoisting enormous boulders, and making fire in their hands, start to look fake and Jacob, and the rest of his family, begin to doubt the aging man’s sanity. After his grandfather is brutally murdered, however, Jacob is convinced there was some truth behind his stories of monsters lurking in the shadows hunting the children, especially since Jacob believes he saw the very monster that killed his grandfather. In order to uncover the mystery behind his grandfather’s death, and restore his own sanity, Jacob and his father travel to a remote island off the coast of Wales, the location of the peculiar orphanage.

Review:  At times touching, horrifying, mysterious and always interesting, Ransom Riggs begins a very promising series with this page-turning novel. Almost as important as the text are the vintage photos scattered throughout the book. Riggs makes sure to point out that these are actual photographs collected over the years by various enthusiasts, and their appeal adds enormously to the story. Many of the characters introduced in the story are illustrated in the photos, helping to set the mood for what is actually a very interesting and original story. Jacob is a compelling protagonist, particularly because of the sweet relationship he has with his late grandfather. As he uncovers more about his grandfather’s past, and his own future, the reader begins to genuinely care about Jacob and the other children under the care of the mysterious Miss Peregrine. The novel is always full of twists and turns that keep the reader on their toes, closing with a cliffhanger that leaves a great deal of anticipation for the second installment. Although the date of the sequel’s release has not been announced yet, Fox Studios has already won the movie rights for what is certain to be a very successful franchise for Riggs. An exciting beginning to a wonderful series.

Genre: Fantasy

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente, X-Men series.

Themes:  Magical powers/abilities, Wales/England, World War II, grandfather/grandson relationships, sanity/insanity, time-travel, orphans/outcasts.  

Awards/Reviews:  New York Times best seller.   

Series Information: First novel in Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children series. Movie set to be released in 2013.

Discussion Questions:

- Do you think the pictures add to the story? Could the story be told without the pictures?

- Why do you think Jacob has such a close relationship with his grandfather?

- Do you think Jacob is "crazy"? Did your opinion of him change while reading the novel?

- Did you learn anything about the United Kingdom or World War II while reading this novel?

- Do you think this novel could be adapted successfully into a movie? Why or why not?