The Peculiar
by Stefan Bachmann
Series: The Peculiar #1
Published: September 18th 2012
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Source: Pinoy Book Tours
Genre: Fantasy / Steampunk / Middle Grade
Synopsis:
Don't get yourself noticed and you won't get yourself hanged.
In the faery slums of Bath, Bartholomew Kettle and his sister Hettie live by these words. Bartholomew and Hettie are changelings--Peculiars--and neither faeries nor humans want anything to do with them.
One day a mysterious lady in a plum-colored dress comes gliding down Old Crow Alley. Bartholomew watches her through his window. Who is she? What does she want? And when Bartholomew witnesses the lady whisking away, in a whirling ring of feathers, the boy who lives across the alley--Bartholomew forgets the rules and gets himself noticed.
First he's noticed by the lady in plum herself, then by something darkly magical and mysterious, by Jack Box and the Raggedy Man, by the powerful Mr. Lickerish . . . and by Arthur Jelliby, a young man trying to slip through the world unnoticed, too, and who, against all odds, offers Bartholomew friendship and a way to belong.
Part murder mystery, part gothic fantasy, part steampunk adventure, The Peculiar is Stefan Bachmann's riveting, inventive, and unforgettable debut novel.
"Imaginatively vivid from start to finish... be prepared for
mystery, suspense and magic!"
The Peculiar is a great mix of magic and steampunk, you'll
find yourself drawn in every page turn. I thoroughly enjoy the book especially
because it satisfied my need for magic and suspense; something I rarely read as
of late. I was brought into a world of humans, faeries and changelings co-existing
in our world but still discriminated in some ways. Be prepared for something
awesome!
I liked how the author wrote this book in two perspective
and alternate way. Bartholomew and Mr. Jelliby are very noble and admirable
characters. Though they were very different they found each other and learned
to help and care for each other. Mr. Jelliby's perspective is cool and very
refined, I find his character very enjoyable to read. He's a very strong willed
character yet shows vulnerabilities in some instances. Although I find his
moves very calculated sometimes and he keeps mum about everything he thinks, he
faced his struggles on a very fashionable way. He fought his way to solve the
mystery even though it was a dangerous task.
On Mr. Jelliby's mission of finding the truth about the lady
in plum and Mr. Lickerish he met Bartholomew; a changeling. Barty is a very
curious yet defiant character, even though his mother forbid him to look at the
window and the numerous times he was reminded to keep out of sight or else
he'll be hanged he did it anyways. Although his perspective doesn't really
match with the Mr. Jelliby at first I find his struggles very personal. Shun from
the world he find himself lurking the outside curious than ever.
I was really happy that they author did write some of the
villain's perspective in some way. I find Mr. Lickerish a very effective
villain. I was really scared on how a mad faery was depicted in his open googly
eyes. I was hanging on how the lady in plum and Mr. Lickerish's plan would
unravel and I jaw-dropped the moment I knew about it.
I really liked how interwoven the story was even with
different perspectives. Allied with one cause Mr. Jelliby and Barthy faced
their mission with courage and intellectual way. I admire both characters for
sticking with each other no matter what happened. It turned out that they found
a friend with each other. They learned to trust and care and I truly admire how
the author wrote this wonderful story.
While I didn't really expect that kind of ending, it was
heartbreaking but left me sad and satisfied at the same time. Although the
ending seems open ended I sure love to read an alternate ending. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
If you're looking for a
magical tale with mystery and suspense, The Peculiar won't let you down. I
instantly got drawn in the moment I started reading this book. It was magical
from the start and it continued until the very end. The mystery and suspense
will intrigued you in different levels that you'll want to read more until you
get the answers.
RATINGS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stefan Bachmann is a writer and musician. He was born in Colorado and now lives with his family in Zurich, Switzerland, where he attends the Zurich Conservatory. He began writing The Peculiar in 2010, when he was sixteen years old.
Connect with Stefan on his: Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads
Stefan Bachmann speaking Filipino
MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT
THE PECULIAR
AVAILABLE ON KINDLE, HARDCOVER
AND PAPERBACK
AVAILABLE ON KINDLE, HARDCOVER
AND PAPERBACK
TOUR GIVEAWAY
Giveaway for PH residents: 2 winners of 1 copy each of The Peculiar
Tour-wide Giveaway (International)
Grand prize of a signed copy of The Peculiar and a Skype Chat with Stefan Bachmann!
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I was very impressed by the writing. The steampunk world was very well drawn. I found it a bit difficult to get into the fantasy aspects though. It's better than a lot of books I've read, but for me there was something lacking that didn't leave me fulfilled at the end.
ReplyDeleteYour review is a good one.
Lee
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog
i am impressed that he wrote this at such a young age! it just goes to show that great talent is found in all shapes and sizes! the review was very helpful indeed!
ReplyDeleteI like when a villain's perspective is shown. It make things so much more interesting.
ReplyDelete