My Review:
Well that was indeed peculiar…
While with an interesting premise and creepy photos, I found the story difficult to get into because of the main character. Jacob is annoying, whiny, and bratty, and his only redeeming quality is the relationship he has with his grandfather. I couldn’t connect to Jacob because he was entitled and snobby; filthy rich with a great, loving family, but still has time to cry and moan about how “boring” and “ordinary” his life is. Jacob gets better as he keeps meeting the other peculiars, but maybe that’s because the focus isn’t all on him then.
The aspect of the photographs is interesting in theory, but lacked in execution. I was never particularly creeped out or anything of the sort. I thought it was interesting that the pictures were actually real, but at the same time their introduction to the story seemed a bit too forced. I felt as if the author specifically wrote a scene or said something to include as many pictures as possible.
That brings me to my next point: I was bored with the writing. The writing never captured me as I thought it would. I usually like boy narrators, but this time around Jacob’s voice only made me want to take frequent breaks in between readings because I was so bored. I think the book was a little bit too long-winded for everything that did happen in it.
Things that I did like:
I really liked the sound of these peculiar children! It was sometimes hard to keep track of which child had which power, but I got the hang of it eventually. I liked the idea of seemingly “immortal” children with special powers, it was interesting to see them interact with Jacob.
I also really enjoyed the ending of the book even if I didn’t particularly click with the pacing. The ending made me want to read book two, so I have got to give it that.
Overall, while I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would because of the slow pace, unlikable main character and lackluster storyline, I do want to read the next book if only to get some much needed answers.
[rating-report]
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Boricuan Bookworms 
Aw, sorry this didn’t work for you! I thought it was enjoyable and I want to read the rest. I think the movie version might work well for this type of story though.
Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com
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Yeah this book fell flat for me too, though I think I rated it a bit higher than you. It had such potential but after the start it got a bit boring and not as scary as I was hoping. It’ll be interesting to see what the movie is like and whether I enjoy that more.
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Yeah this book fell flat for me too, though I think I rated it a bit higher than you. It had such potential but after the start it got a bit boring and not as scary as I was hoping. It’ll be interesting to see what the movie is like and whether I enjoy that more.
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It’s been a while since I read this, but I remember enjoying it. I’m looking forward to the movie 🙂
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It’s been a while since I read this, but I remember enjoying it. I’m looking forward to the movie 🙂
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Oh no! I’m sorry to hear this one wasn’t really for you, Marianne
I have heard mostly great things about this book and the series in general, but there have been a few reviews that make me wonder if they hype may have gotten to people *shakes fist* I have the first two books because I love the idea of a story being interwoven with photographs that are both creepy and real. But since you said that the inclusion sometimes felt forced, I’ll go in a bit more wary.
If you do end up reading the second book I hope it works out better for you, lovely!
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Yikes. Oh well. I don’t blame you. I think I’ll probably have the same sentiments as you do with this book. I just feel like the author is beyond my reach.
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Yikes. Oh well. I don’t blame you. I think I’ll probably have the same sentiments as you do with this book. I just feel like the author is beyond my reach.
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Oh no D: I haven’t read this one myself, but it has such glowing reviews so I do own a copy. Will definitely go into it with my eyes wide open though! Hopefully the second book is better than this one.
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I’ve tried to get into this one multiple times but I think it’s just not for me. Thanks for your honesty!
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Wow, yours is the first negative review I read of this one! The concept of this sounds so unique and original, I can’t wait to pick it up!
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I did enjoy the book but I really didn’t like Miss Peregrine. Her character felt forced and I noticed that especially in the scenes where she’d refer to the kids by their last names, like Miss Bloom. She wasn’t a very successful authoritative figure in my opinion. She made weird decisions as to what she reveals or does not reveal to the kids and came off as slightly illogical. I did really enjoy book 2 but I wasn’t a fan of book 3. I would suggest you read on though as overall, the series isn’t too bad.
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I was never that interested in reading this but my nephew is obsessed!
Thanks for the honest review – I don’t think I’ve read anything but 5 star reviews for this one so it’s nice to get a differing viewpoint.
Karen @For What It’s Worth
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I felt the same way about this book.
-Karen@thebookreturn
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