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June 24, 2014
Time for more of Kevin's Book Bacon!
The writer of "The Peculiar", Mr. Stefan Bachmann, was just 16 when he began this book and it was published when he was only 19! A mighty fine accomplishment for a teenager.
Flavor:
The story takes place in a “steampunkish” version of Victorian London where faeries and humans live - somewhat - at peace. The unlucky ones who are half human, half fae are called peculiars and life is quite difficult for them. The main goal of their existence is to stay hidden to survive. But someone is capturing peculiars and killing them, so life for them has quickly become doubly dangerous. Young Bartholomew and his sister Hettie are both half human/half fae who unfortunately find themselves mixed up in the plans of the sinister force behind the murders. Hettie is captured, so Bartholomew throws himself into the dangerous, intimidating world, ready to do whatever it takes to save his little sister. He gets unlikely help from a gentleman named Arthur Jelliby, who - though he’s in Parliament - would much rather be sipping tea and chatting than involving himself in the affairs of others AND fighting the forces of evil. Together they loyally press on through an action-packed adventure, carrying us to a dizzying, dramatic end where a massive cliffhanger awaits them....and us readers!
Sizzle:
I had no idea this book was written by a teenager and frankly, I’m amazed. “The Peculiar” is complex and detailed yet excellently written. Mr. Bachmann weaves in clever mechanical/clockwork inventions (this is why I said it’s “steampunkish), neat faery magic and plenty of fascinating segments that keep the story zipping along. The POV does often switch back and forth between Bartholomew and Arthur Jelliby but this is done well and the changes fit nicely within the story, so I barely noticed. It’s great to follow Jelliby as he develops from a disinterested aristocrat into a man who’s willing to risk his life to help people he barely knows. And Bartholomew’s devotion to his sister is touching and serves as a true anchor to the book. Also there are plenty of other unique, intriguing characters to enjoy in “The Peculiar” - ensuring you won’t get bored with this one.
Bacon Fat:
Maybe a little dark, probably would be confusing for younger readers. There is the murder of the peculiars that is going on and this is talked about, but never really described in detail. Bartholomew is tattooed by some fairy magic and he ends up with red writing all over his body. This is excruciatingly painful for him and there is some detail around that. Other possible scary parts relate to the very evil bad guys who have some pretty bad plans for the world. But I don’t recall reading anything too over the top or excessively violent. Overall, if you stick with the more mature 11-13 or older age recommendation, “The Peculiar” should be fine.
The Crunch:
I truly liked this book because it’s full of magic; plus a bit of sci-fi; and it takes place in a completely new, well-developed and highly imaginative world. Throw in several likeable characters and plenty of creative, excellent writing by a young author - and you have a real winner for mature middle-graders up to adults. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the sequel. And you most likely will too because - SPOILER ALERT - it’s really a two part story. The end turns out to not really be the end at all....just a set-up for the next book, which is called “The Whatnot”. Watch for a review on that one soon!
The writer of "The Peculiar", Mr. Stefan Bachmann, was just 16 when he began this book and it was published when he was only 19! A mighty fine accomplishment for a teenager.
Flavor:
The story takes place in a “steampunkish” version of Victorian London where faeries and humans live - somewhat - at peace. The unlucky ones who are half human, half fae are called peculiars and life is quite difficult for them. The main goal of their existence is to stay hidden to survive. But someone is capturing peculiars and killing them, so life for them has quickly become doubly dangerous. Young Bartholomew and his sister Hettie are both half human/half fae who unfortunately find themselves mixed up in the plans of the sinister force behind the murders. Hettie is captured, so Bartholomew throws himself into the dangerous, intimidating world, ready to do whatever it takes to save his little sister. He gets unlikely help from a gentleman named Arthur Jelliby, who - though he’s in Parliament - would much rather be sipping tea and chatting than involving himself in the affairs of others AND fighting the forces of evil. Together they loyally press on through an action-packed adventure, carrying us to a dizzying, dramatic end where a massive cliffhanger awaits them....and us readers!
Sizzle:
I had no idea this book was written by a teenager and frankly, I’m amazed. “The Peculiar” is complex and detailed yet excellently written. Mr. Bachmann weaves in clever mechanical/clockwork inventions (this is why I said it’s “steampunkish), neat faery magic and plenty of fascinating segments that keep the story zipping along. The POV does often switch back and forth between Bartholomew and Arthur Jelliby but this is done well and the changes fit nicely within the story, so I barely noticed. It’s great to follow Jelliby as he develops from a disinterested aristocrat into a man who’s willing to risk his life to help people he barely knows. And Bartholomew’s devotion to his sister is touching and serves as a true anchor to the book. Also there are plenty of other unique, intriguing characters to enjoy in “The Peculiar” - ensuring you won’t get bored with this one.
Bacon Fat:
Maybe a little dark, probably would be confusing for younger readers. There is the murder of the peculiars that is going on and this is talked about, but never really described in detail. Bartholomew is tattooed by some fairy magic and he ends up with red writing all over his body. This is excruciatingly painful for him and there is some detail around that. Other possible scary parts relate to the very evil bad guys who have some pretty bad plans for the world. But I don’t recall reading anything too over the top or excessively violent. Overall, if you stick with the more mature 11-13 or older age recommendation, “The Peculiar” should be fine.
The Crunch:
I truly liked this book because it’s full of magic; plus a bit of sci-fi; and it takes place in a completely new, well-developed and highly imaginative world. Throw in several likeable characters and plenty of creative, excellent writing by a young author - and you have a real winner for mature middle-graders up to adults. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the sequel. And you most likely will too because - SPOILER ALERT - it’s really a two part story. The end turns out to not really be the end at all....just a set-up for the next book, which is called “The Whatnot”. Watch for a review on that one soon!