Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

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When Jacob witnesses his grandfather’s death and a terrifying face at the scene of the crime, he starts to question the whimsical but perhaps authenticity behind his grandfather’s fantastical stories of his childhood home and the curious photographs of his fellow orphan refugees. Daring to find the truth, Jacob travels to a small island off the coast of Wales where he discovers a group of very peculiar children and a way of life he never would have imagined.

Although some of the points or concepts in the book may not be entirely “new”(the fantasy part of it), the best part about this book is the beautiful but haunting authentic photographs that go with the story–I love this idea and it will really set it apart from anything else. Normally I don’t read too many books with this sort of gothic-fantasy plot but I made an exception because of the writing and well, the photos. Riggs is a wonderful writer and is very keen on visual feel–could definitely see this as being a good screen write.

Part fantasy, part paranormal, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children that combines stunning illustrations and photographs to create a strangely enchanting novel that is utterly irresistible and eerily unforgettable.

Recommendation: Readers of paranormal fiction or fantasy and those who just want a new literary experience will enjoy this book. Highly recommend. Ages 12+

Content: Violent and graphic scary images (PG)

|Pages: 352|Release Date: June 2011|Publisher: Quirk Books|

|Genre: Fantasy, paranormal fiction, family|

|Content Rating: 4/5|Cover Rating: 5/5|Overall: 5/5|

This review is copyrighted by Books and Literature for Teens.

Special thanks to Quirk Books.

Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Stories of Paranormal Love

If you can possibly thirst for more mysterious metaphysical accounts of love, Trisha Telep has organized some of the greatest and most thrilling tales of paranormal paramours since The Eternal Kiss. She presents the acclaimed literary talent of thirteen unique authors, creating a collection of stories that will undoubtedly capture the imagination of every soul who dares to read them. Werewolves, ghosts, zombies, vampires, and fallen angels drive the plot of these riveting romances.Kiss Me Deadly includes the exceptional writings of several authors, including: - Sarah Rees Brennan (faeries) - Becca Fitzpatrick (angels) - Caitlin Kittredge (witches) - Karen Mahoney (vampires: sequel to story from The Eternal Kiss) - Daniel Marks (ghost kids) - Justine Musk (sorcerers) - Diana Peterfreund (unicorns) - Michelle Rowen (demons) - Carrie Ryan (zombies) - Maggie Stiefvater (werewolves) - Rachel Vincent (banshees) - Daniel Waters (zombies) - Michelle Zink (gothic ghosts)

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Reading a collection of short stories is a great way to discover (and try) new authors. In Kiss Me Deadly’s case, I got to read up on a few paranormal writers like Michelle Zink, Rachel Vincent, and Maggie Stiefvater. Although I don’t normally read paranormal fiction, let alone paranormal romance, I did enjoy a few stories from Michelle Zink (“The Assassin's Apprentice”), Diana Peterfeud (“Errant”), and Carrie Ryan (“Hare Moon”). There are lots of other well known names in this collection as well like Becca Fitzpatrick, author of Hush, Hush. Reading paranormal or even fantasy takes some getting use to, especially on my part, so of course there were some stories I thought were just plain weird. “Lost” for instance by Justine Musk seemed silly for it jumped right into a greek mythology type monologue and was way too rushed. Maggie Stiefvater and Rachel Vincent are famous for their werewolves and vampire books but I had a hard time reading their short fiction. Stiefvater told a tale of gritty Irish folklore which, even to this moment, still didn’t get what kind of creature it was about. Vincent wrote of a literal walking and talking nightmare... that was a bit too much for me. I think Kiss Me Deadly is probably more for paranormal readers or fans of the featured authors. Again, a good way to try out new authors.

Recommendation: From unicorns, angels, to vampire fangs, paranormal/fantasy readers will be excited to get their hands on this collection of fictional stories. Recommend to paranormal fans and teens ages 14+.

Content: sexual references, some language, paranormal elements (PG-13)

The Last Straw: First sentence:
"I made my way through the crowd, trying not to jostled by the men around me."

("The Assassin's Apprentice" by Michelle Zink)

|Pages: 423|Published: Aug. 2010|Publisher: Running Press Teens|Price: soft. $9.99|

|Genre: Paranormal fiction, romance, fantasy|

|Age Group: YA, ages 14+|Content: PG-13)|

|Enjoyed It: 3/5|Cover: 4/5|Content Rating: 3/5|

|Overall: 3/5|

The Nightmarys by Dan Poblocki

Timothy July has a secret. And it’s giving him nightmares. Abigail Tremens has a problem. Her nightmares are haunting her…while she is awake. When they team up for a school project, they don’t realize that Abigail’s past and Timothy’s present are making them the target of a terrible curse. A curse that turns their worst fears to reality. But their fears are just the beginning. The curse stems from a strange artifact that gains strength by devouring a human soul. And it needs to feed again. Dan Poblocki (author of The Stone Child) has written another bone-chilling page-turner to give you goose bumps. It’s the kind of book best read on a bright afternoon…which may keep your own nightmares at bay.

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From the author of The Stone Child comes another suspenseful and eerie story of how fear can control and haunt our minds. The Nightmarys is Poblocki's best book yet... perhaps a bit more scarier even. From the very first to the final page, The Nightmarys is sure to entice readers and leave them anxious for more.
Poblocki starts out with an unsuspecting and chilling event that sets the entire dilemma into play. I like that it "cuts to the chase" if you will and the whole story is very eventful–there's never a dull moment. I also love how mystery or horror books always play a big part in Poblocki's novels. In the Stone Child, the protagonist must locate the whereabouts of a missing horror writer and in The Nightmarys, the story unfolds as Timothy and Abigail follow clues in book as well. Nathaniel Olmstead, the missing writer from The Stone Child, is also mentioned in The Nightmarys so be sure to keep an eye out for this important reference. 
The story takes place in a small seaside town in Massachusetts that has some terrifying, dark secrets. Told in three parts, The Nightmarys is a great thriller for young adults or, for the young at heart. Poblocki has great potential and I think either one of his books deserve much more recognition.

I'm not a die-hard horror or even mystery novel fan but I have to admit I really enjoy reading Poblocki's books even though they do creep me out a bit. Even if–while you're reading The Nightmarys–objects seem to move out of the corner of your eye or you keep thinking the Nightmarys are going to appear at the foot of your bed, rest assure, Poblocki's characters always triumph over evil. With this said, and a fair warning included, if you're looking for an exciting book with a chilling edge, The Nightmarys is for you! I absolutely can not wait for another scary adventure...

➔The Nightmarys is now out in bookstores near you!

Recommendation: Looking for something that goes bump in the night? Recommended for ages 12+


This Book is For: Those who like "scary" stories 
This Book is Not For: Those who, well, don't like the paranormal


Content: Scary images and gore (PG)


The Last Straw: Passage from a random page [147]:
Small, shiny black eyes stared out from a pale, hairless, and doughy face. Terrified Stuart grabbed a glass of water off the nightstand and flung it into the corner of the room. It shattered above the figure's head, but the thing did not move, or even respond. It only continued to watch him.


|Pages: 325|Publisher: Random House|Published: August 2010|
|Genre: Suspense, Paranormal, Horror|Price: Hard. $15.99|
|Age Group: Ages 12+|Content: PG|
|Enjoyed It: 4/5|Content: 3/5|Cover: 5/5|
|Overall: 4/5|

The Turning: What Curiosity Kills by Helen Ellis

Plucked from foster care, Mary Richards hit the jackpot with a loving family, an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and a spot in the elite Purser-Lilley Academy. But she might lose it all if people find out about The Turning. Something not human is inside Mary. Her mind is reeling and her body is rebelling. She succumbs to urges and desires she never imaged. And then there's the bizarre physical transformation... Struggling with her metamorphosis, Mary is sought out by two boys who share her secret. Will she reject the destiny they wear is hers? Our will she find out what curiosity kills? - from book jacket

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It takes quite a bit of persuasion–usually from my part–to get me to read paranormal fiction. On a whim, after receiving an email from Sourcebooks explaining how great of an author Helen Ellis was (who I had never heard of before), I accepted to review none other than a story about... werecats or humans that shape-shift into felines. I don’t like writing overly praised or cliche reviews, but I have to admit I really enjoyed reading The Turning! It was the best paranormal book I’ve read since the Cathy’s Book trilogy. Not only that, Ellis has a great eye for detail and, of course, cats. It only took me about two sittings to finished this book (approx.. 3 hrs.), so if you’re looking for a good page turner for hesitant readers look no farther. As many teenagers know there is a big boom in paranormal fiction these days, but most of the spotlight is focused on vampires and the occasional werewolf. I’ve only read one other story [a short story] by Anne Curtis Klaus (author of Blood and Chocolate) about werecats, so I was very intrigued when I found out about Ellis’s books. The Turning is the first book in the Curiosity Kills series; at the end of the this book you can definitely hint a continuation. It was summed up nicely to where there was no cliff-hanger but it leaves you very excited to read the next installment. Ellis’s writing is great. I think you enjoy a book so much more when you combine a “new” idea with a fresh, writing style. Despite the cover looking a bit sinister, The Turning will not give you goose-bumps unless, that is, you are afraid of cats. Just don’t go around thinking your cat will suddenly become a person–that would be too freaky.

My Recommendation: This a great book for paranormal fanatics. I’m not quite sure every teen in general would enjoy this book frankly because they have to be interested in reading about werecats. If you’re looking for something with an in depth plot or dynamic characters, then this isn’t the book for you. The Turning is a quick read that focuses mainly on the object or event. Recommend for ages 14+.

This Book is For: Paranormal fans or anyone who might like trying paranormal or cats.

This Book is Not For: Teens who don’t like paranormal stories or children.

Content: For sensuality and sexual references (PG-13).

The Last Straw: A teaser from pg. 190 of The Turning:

“I’ll convince her [Octavia] to not tell our parents. I’ll

steer clear of Country Club and his strays. I’ll stay away

from Yoon’s deli. I won’t hunt. I’ll figure out how to

love. Nick and I will keep to ourselves. I won’t let

curiosity kill what we have.”

|Pages: 211|Year Published: May 2010|Publisher: Sourcebooks|

|Genre: Paranormal fiction, teen romance|

|Content: PG-13|Age Group: YA, ages 14+|

|Enjoyed It: 4/5|Content Rating: 4/5|Cover: 5/5|

|Overall: 4/5|

For an review with an opposite opinion, go to Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf to read her take on The Turning.

Cathy's Ring by Sean Stewart & Jordan Weisman

[Sorry no synopsis here--unless you've read Book 1 and 2 it will spoil the story!]
The Cathy's Book series is a pretty good action packed/paranormal story of two teenage girls who solve a secret that could cost them their lives. Cathy's boyfriend, Victor is pretty much the target of Book 1, while Book 2, introduces several new characters....including a whopping surprise about Cathy's deceased father. In Cathy's Ring, it's more about Cathy and is shorter and more serious than the other two books. Although there were a few loose ends when I finished the last page--like what happened to Denny and Jewel--the sudden ending suited the pace of the story perfectly. I think the Cathy's Book series would make really cool movies. Jackie Chan could be Cathy's father or something.
The drawings in this book were awesome--again; and once more my favorite character was Pete because he's always the optimistic computer geek. There was no "proof" (little photos and nick-knacks in the front of the book) because it was from the library and they take all that stuff out [sniff], but I still had a great time reading this final installment! If you'd like to read this series, be sure to pick up Cathy's Book or if you'd like to read my review on Cathy's Book and Cathy's Key, please go here.
I hope Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman come up with another series--they are really good at creating action-packed stories!

|Pages: 149|Year Published: 2009|Publisher: Running Press|
|Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal fiction, action & adventure, romance|
|Age Group: YA, ages 14+|Content: Some language, violence, & sensuality|
|Enjoyed It: 4/5|Content Rating: 3/5|Cover: 4/5|
|Overall|

Tombstone Tea by Joanne Dahme

In order to be accepted by the “in crowd” at her new high school, Jessie accepts a dare to spend one night in a local cemetery collecting rubbings from ten gravestones. Once inside the gate of the dark and frightening burial ground, Jessie meets Paul, a handsome boy who works as a caretaker at the cemetery. Paul explains to Jessie about Tombstone Tea: a fund-raising performance in which actors impersonate the people buried in the cemetery. The actors are supposedly rehearsing on this particular evening, but Jessi quickly discovers that they aren’t actors at all but the ghosts of men and women buried in the cemetery. When one woman decides to adopt Jessie to replace her lost daughter, our heroine fears she may never escape the cemetery. - book jacket

*****

I’m not quite sure I liked Tombstone Tea very much. It is suspenseful and mysterious, but I couldn’t help but feel creeped out about Paul and Jessie being able to talk to dead people or that they liked cemeteries. What was even weirder was that one of the ghosts is just insane.

I understand that Dahme is trying to incorporate history into her book, but you don’t have to talk to “ghosts” to learn about or respect history and you sure don’t have to go to cemeteries!

Tombstone Tea takes on two different dialogues: Jessie’s (present day) and Paul’s (early 20th century). Jessie’s side of the story was okay with me, but Paul’s was confusing and eerie. I mean, he use to do seances and worked as a grave digger. What a life right? Then there is this one ghost who is just downright evil and that really turned me off. I like ghost stories, but this one just went too deap into the world of the "supernatural", spirits, and death.

Although Tombstone Tea is written extremely smoothly and has well developed characters, I'm not sure every teen would enjoy such a dark story. I mean is it really enjoyable to read about stuff like that?

Dahme is a good writer however, and I want to read her historical fiction novel, The Plague; but I still think that Dahme could do better with history and not supernatural stories.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend Tombstone Tea (unless you absolutely love strange graveyard stories). There are plenty of other "creepy" books out there that are much more fun to read.

|Pages: 223|Year Published: Sept. 2009|Publisher: Running Press|

|Genre: Ghost stories, paranormal fiction, suspense|

|Age Group: YA, ages 13+|Content: supernatural themes|

|Enjoyed It: 2/5|Content Rating: 3/5|Cover: 4/5|

|Overall|

The Stone Child by Dan Poblocki

What if the monsters from your favorite horror books were real? Eddie Fennicks has always been a loner, content to lose himself in a mystery novel by his favorite author, Nathaniel Olmstead. That’s why moving to the small town of Gatesweed becomes a dream come true when Eddie discovers that Olmstead lived there before mysteriously disappearing thirteen years ago. Even better, Eddie finds a handwritten, never-before-seen Nathaniel Olmstead book printed in code and befriends Harris, who’s as much an Olmsteady as he is. But then the frightening creatures of Olmstead’s books begin to show up in real life, and Eddie’s dream turns into a nightmare. Eddie, Harris, and their new friend, Maggie, must break Olmstead’s code, banish all gremlins and monster lake-dogs from the town of Gatesweed, and solve the mystery of the missing author, all before Eddie’s mom finishes writing her own tale of terror and brings to life the scariest creature of all. - book jacket

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From angry trolls, a missing author, and a curse as old as time, The Stone Child is a magical read filled with terrifying creatures and amazingly scary fun.

I really enjoyed reading The Stone Child because, though it was scary enough to make your skin crawl, it has a good vs. evil plot and a creative “book within a book” style. This book is perfect for anyone who, like myself, enjoys horror stories that give you a good adrenaline rush, but doesn’t keep you up at night.

The Stone Child keeps you on your toes with brave, but curious characters; secret codes and myths about ancient times; and an eerie eye-view of the haunts of Gatesweed. It was a lot of fun to read, and even though the red-eyed dogs really gave me the creeps, they were by far my favorite “monster”.

With it’s magical, detailed narrative and stunning ending, I think readers will never forget The Stone Child. (I know I’ll never forget that troll!) Poblocki has such a neat imagination, I am really looking forward to reading more of his books!

All in all, from the very first sentence to the last paragraph, The Stone Child will capture your attention with frightful adventure and a world of monsters than will only go away if you can discover the key to the stone child. Just make sure you stay away from the lake....trust me.

Dan Poblocki has always loved telling frightening stories and scaring his friends. So much in fact, that his mother began receiving phone calls from angry parents. He decided to write the stories instead. Dan and his magical imagination live in Brooklyn, NY. This is his first novel.

For more info on The Stone Child, go it's Shelfari page, where I have updated it with the first sentence, a short summery, and a list of characters.

See my book trailer for The Stone Child!

Pages: 274 Year Published: August 2009 Publisher: Random House

Genre: Thriller, suspense, mystery, horror Age Group: YA, ages 12+

Content: Monsters and horror Enjoyed It: 4/5 Rating: 4/5

Special thank-you to Casey at Random House for sending me this book!

Blog Tour: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

What really happened to Anastasia Romanov? Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead. In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams… - book jacket

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With a mixture of paranormal fantasy, contemporary and historical fiction, Dreaming Anastasia is a magical tale of dreams, folklore, and of course, Anastasia.

I enjoyed Dreaming Anastasia not just for the unique build on the mysterious disappearance of Anastasia Romanov, but for the stunning writing and backdrops of this book. From the streets of Chicago to the forest of Baba Yaga, Preble did a fantastic job on her debut novel!

The characters were well created and I really loved reading what three different people were thinking: Anne, Ethan, and Anastasia. I'm glad Preble scattered tiny tid bits of history throughout the book for those who aren't too familiar with the Romanov family; it was fun too see a different take rather than the well-worn tales of finding the real Anastasia still alive.

When the story of Baba Yaga (a Russian tale similar to Cinderella) was introduced in the book, I was a bit unsure it wold work in the story. Although the idea was still a bit odd at times, it still fits the plot because of it's magical effect on Anne and Anastasia's curse. It just wouldn't be Dreaming Anastasia without a dash of Russian folklore. Besides the Baba Yaga, the secret Brotherhood, and the spell, Preble also added lots of action that brought the book to a whole different level.

Overall, Dreaming Anastasia is a novel filled with magic, love, and dreams that will enchant readers long after the last page. I look forward to reading more by Preble!

See guest post with Preble

Joy Preble grew up in Chicago. She has an English degree from NU and teaches English to high school students in Texas. This is her first novel. Visit joypreble.com

Pages: 302 Year Published: Sept. 2009 Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Historical fiction Age Group: YA, ages 14+

Content: Some graphic violence and sexual references

Enjoyed It: 4/5 Rating: (based on content)

Special thanks to Paul at Sourcebooks for sending me this book!

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri

A devilish debut by a brother-sister team invites us into the world of the elite Marlowe School, where some gifted students are having a hell of a year. One night, in cities all across Europe, five children vanish — only to appear, years later, at an exclusive New York party with a strange and elegant governess. Rumor and mystery follow the Faust teenagers to the city’s most prestigious high school, where they soar to suspicious heights with the help of their benefactor’s extraordinary "gifts." But as the students claw their way up — reading minds, erasing scenes, stopping time, stealing power, seducing with artificial beauty — they start to suffer the sideeffects of their own addictions. And as they make further deals with the devil, they uncover secrets more shocking than their most unforgivable sins. At once chilling and wickedly satirical, this contemporary reimagining of the Faustian bargain is a compelling tale of ambition, consequences, and ultimate redemption. - from book jacket

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Another Faust was filled splendid detail and glamours characters, but the overall story fell flat for me. I tried really hard to concentrate throughout the book, but some of the details were so long, my mind would wonder and then I'd have to start all over again.

I understood that the characters were robotic on purpose since they "sold their soul" to the devil, but they were still human and I was expecting them to be a little more personable. They weren't though, they felt too unrealistic.

Many confusing things happened throughout the book which made the storyline feel even more foggy. Some things I understood about how greed and hatred can consume people (I think that was what one of the main points), but I don't enjoy books that are dark and mysterious like that.

Though it took Brice the entire book just to figure out what was going on, it did have a good ending. I must say, because of the exordinary detail, I would try another Nayari book, but one that is not a gothic novel.

Overall, I wouldn't waste eye strain unless you're a gothic novel fan-but even then, I don't think I would recommend because mainly, you're more than likely to get bored with it.

Pages: 387 Year Published: August 2009 Publisher: Candlewick

Age Group: YA, ages 13+ Content: Dark, gothic style/mild sexual references

Enjoyed It: 2/5 Rating: 2/5

Special thanks to Candlewick for sending me this book.

Sideshow edited by Deborah Noyes

Molly is a bearded girl who joins the circus, only to find that her former tormentor faces a far hairier plight. Tia claims that her lamented mom is a three-thousand-year-old mummy, but is it really an act? Cody sets out to foil a pop psychic, but the shocking result is not what he planned for. And Tiffany’s grandma sees something wild in her future, but is the girl prepared for the powerful shape it will take? Whether the sideshow touts a two-headed rat or a turn-of-the-century American jargo, whether the subject discovers an odd kind of miracle or learns that the real freaks are outside the tent, these stories and graphic tales are by turns humorous and insightful, edgy and eerie, but always compulsively entertaining. - from amazon

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From magical shapshifters to bearded girls and other illusive creatures, Sideshow is a stunning and whimsical collection of stories is sure to bring the circus freak out of anyone.

I really enjoyed reading this collection of short stories, even if some of them were just a touch too "odd" for me-still, I can't help but think how Candlewick publishes some of the neatest books. My favorite story was The Bread Box by Cecil Castellucci, a bizarre yet charming tale of a living family heirloom, or The Bearded Girl for it's unusual message of acceptance. My favorite comic was Jargo! end of story. It was funny and enchanting-the perfect way to end a truly a magical book.

Complete with eerie and intriguing stories alike, fans of fantasy, paranormal fiction, and all things unusual will certainly be delighted by Sideshow. Circuses, fairs, carnivals, and magic shows have captivated us for hundreds of years; why not bring the hidden side of the circus to life!

"There are some strange things in this world...."

Deborah Noyes has edited the acclaimed story collections The Restless Dead and Gothic! and is the author of The Ghost of Kerfol. She lives in Massachusetts.

Sidshow contains the following short stories and comics:

"The Bearded Girl" by Aimee Bender

"Those Psychics on TV' by Vivian Vande Velde

"Year of the Rat" by Danica Novgorodoff

"The Mummy's Daughter" by Anette Curtis Klause

"When God Came to Kathleen's Garden" by David Almond

"The Shadow Troupe" by Shawn Cheng

"Cat Calls" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

"The Bread Box" by Cecil Castellucci

"Living Curiosities" by Margo Lanagan

"Jargo!" by Matt Phelan

Pages: 240 Year Published: July 2009 Publisher: Candlewick

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Age Group: YA, ages 12+ Content: None

Enjoyed It: 5/5 Rating:

Many thanks to Marie at Candlewick Press for sending me this neat book!