I'm struggling to write a review for this book. I guess it's because I can't clearly decide whether I like or dislike it. One thing I'd like to say is that contrary to most expectations, THIS IS NOT A HORROR story. It's nearer to suspense and mystery.


The book's title gave me the impression that it's Miss Peregrine who serves as the lead character. Surprisingly, a teenage kid named Jacob was responsible for fueling the entire story.

Jacob has been fascinated by the stories of his grandfather. His grandfather has been showing him pictures of the peculiar children and all the stories attached to it. Jacob soon developed doubts about his Grandfather's stories. His life further became complicated when his Grandfather's life ended in a mysterious death. Unfortunately, Jacob's quest to find  answers made him worst in the eyes of his family. He was accussed of becoming mentally ill. In the course of his treatment, Jacob was allowed to set off to an island that his Grandfather was referring. He was bound to find Miss Peregrine and all the peculiar children that he used to see in pictures.

Plot and story wise, I'd like to give Ransom Riggs 3.5 out of 5 stars. More than the interesting storyline, I feel that it's the suspense and mystery that drew my interest. It's the questions that are waiting to be answered that made me held on to this book. Each chapter yielded chain reactions that created more attachment to the readers.

I'm not sure if it's true but I read somewhere that the original plan was for Riggs to release a photo book. Since he acquired vintage photos from everywhere, he was set to showcase his collection. However, Riggs was later encouraged to write stories about each photo. Soon, Riggs was already writing a literary piece. If this is really true, I'd like to render my hats off to Riggs. He was able to weave a literary piece from pictures that don't belong to each other.

As for character development, this is another angle that makes me undecided. I don't have apprehensions about Jacob's development. As more answers and mysteries are unfolded, Jacob's character transformed and strengthened. My apprehensions are contained on issues that I wished were explained. I was hoping that Riggs could explain the origins of each peculiar children and Miss Peregrine. How did they become peculiar? Why is it that some kids ended up peculiar in the story's point of view?

My unresolved sentiments further intensified when I discovered the story's ending. I felt like I was dragged in the sea of uncertainty. The ending gave me another open ended question. So what will happen next? Though after reading some interviews from Riggs, I have a feeling that the book will have a sequel.

Overall, I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars. If you prefer a lighter dose of suspense and mystery, then this book is for you.

PS I heard Tim Burton will bring this book to the big screen. :)