Hollow City (Miss Peregrine's #2) by Ransom Riggs (Thoughts On)

Title: Hollow City (Miss Peregrine's #2)
Author: Ransom Riggs (website)(Twitter)
Pages: 352
Publisher: Quirk (website)(Twitter)
Source: copy from publisher for review
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

The extraordinary journey that began in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children continues as Jacob Portman and his newfound friends journey to London the peculiar capital of the world. But in this war-torn city, hideous surprises lurk around every corner. Like its predecessor, this second novel in the Peculiar Children series blends thrilling fantasy with never-before-published vintage photography to create a one-of-a-kind reacting experience.

Earlier in the week I reviewed the first of the Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and although my thoughts on it were quite scattered, I hope that I got the point across that it was wonderful. There are few times when I immediately pick up the next book in a series but I couldn't wait to start this one.

As much as I enjoyed the first book, I was quite pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the second one even more.  The action starts up - quite literally - with the last scene of book 1 and never lets up until the end. "Edge of your seat" comes to mind when describing it. There is such a sense of danger and foreboding that the pace never slows. 

Jacob and the other peculiar children and trying to save Miss Peregrine. They travel to London to find any loop that might still be open. But they are in war time London which presents even more danger for these "children". A new cast of characters is introduced and the gypsies are fun.

I love that the peculiar children are even more fleshed out in this one. They are easy to keep straight even though there are several of them. Their personalities are so varied and their voices are so distinct. The race against the clock brings out their personalities even more. What your heart is, is shown when the going gets tough. They had to stick together even more this time around and it was enjoyable to see them grow together.

The romance aspect was a bit more pronounced in Hollow City and even though I still don't necessarily agree with it, it was not badly done. The relationship changes over time so I am curious to see where it ends.

As much as I loved Miss Peregrine's, I do think that Hollow City is even more well written. Once really see what is being described in the story. I've been so impressed with these books and can't wait to read the next one.

Hollow City (Miss Peregrine's #2) by Ransom Riggs (Thoughts On)

Title: Hollow City (Miss Peregrine's #2)
Author: Ransom Riggs (website)(Twitter)
Pages: 352
Publisher: Quirk (website)(Twitter)
Source: copy from publisher for review
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

The extraordinary journey that began in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children continues as Jacob Portman and his newfound friends journey to London the peculiar capital of the world. But in this war-torn city, hideous surprises lurk around every corner. Like its predecessor, this second novel in the Peculiar Children series blends thrilling fantasy with never-before-published vintage photography to create a one-of-a-kind reacting experience.

Earlier in the week I reviewed the first of the Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and although my thoughts on it were quite scattered, I hope that I got the point across that it was wonderful. There are few times when I immediately pick up the next book in a series but I couldn't wait to start this one.

As much as I enjoyed the first book, I was quite pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the second one even more.  The action starts up - quite literally - with the last scene of book 1 and never lets up until the end. "Edge of your seat" comes to mind when describing it. There is such a sense of danger and foreboding that the pace never slows. 

Jacob and the other peculiar children and trying to save Miss Peregrine. They travel to London to find any loop that might still be open. But they are in war time London which presents even more danger for these "children". A new cast of characters is introduced and the gypsies are fun.

I love that the peculiar children are even more fleshed out in this one. They are easy to keep straight even though there are several of them. Their personalities are so varied and their voices are so distinct. The race against the clock brings out their personalities even more. What your heart is, is shown when the going gets tough. They had to stick together even more this time around and it was enjoyable to see them grow together.

The romance aspect was a bit more pronounced in Hollow City and even though I still don't necessarily agree with it, it was not badly done. The relationship changes over time so I am curious to see where it ends.

As much as I loved Miss Peregrine's, I do think that Hollow City is even more well written. Once really see what is being described in the story. I've been so impressed with these books and can't wait to read the next one.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (Scattered Thoughts On)

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine's #1)
Author: Ransom Riggs (website)(Twitter)
Pages: 352
Publisher: Quirk (website)(Twitter)
Source: library
Rating: 4/5

Summary from Goodreads:

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.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

I have to say that Quirk is one of, if not the, favorite publishers I've read. I've not read a single thing they've published that I haven't adored. Miss Peregrine's is a magical, delightful, quirky (see what I did there?!) book that had me from the get go. I read it in an afternoon. I'm quite a slow reader but I whipped through these pages because the story was so good.

The writing style is wonderful. The descriptions are awesome. The characters are so well rounded. In a word, I loved it. That Riggs wrote this around the pictures in the book is simply brilliant. The pictures add quite a bit to the story line and I actually wished there had been more.

Usually I have a clear favorite character but all of these were so fantastical and so varied that I couldn't pick just one. I wanted to go to Miss Peregrine's myself. The story was so unique that I find it hard to even write an adequate review. 

The tragedy that started Jacob on his journey to Wales and Miss Peregrine's wasn't sugar coated. It was awful and sad. What I liked most about the book though, was the sense that Jacob was evolving so definitely. He was maturing and doing what he needed to do even when it was difficult. He questioned himself but he moved forward.

I know that some bloggers had a hard time with the romance that he becomes involved in. Although I'm not 100% for it, I can appreciate why it happens. 

I've already read the second in the series and can't wait for the next. Ya'll need to get this book asap. If you've read it, tell me...did you love it as much as I did? Meh? Hated it? 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (Scattered Thoughts On)

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine's #1)
Author: Ransom Riggs (website)(Twitter)
Pages: 352
Publisher: Quirk (website)(Twitter)
Source: library
Rating: 4/5

Summary from Goodreads:

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.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

I have to say that Quirk is one of, if not the, favorite publishers I've read. I've not read a single thing they've published that I haven't adored. Miss Peregrine's is a magical, delightful, quirky (see what I did there?!) book that had me from the get go. I read it in an afternoon. I'm quite a slow reader but I whipped through these pages because the story was so good.

The writing style is wonderful. The descriptions are awesome. The characters are so well rounded. In a word, I loved it. That Riggs wrote this around the pictures in the book is simply brilliant. The pictures add quite a bit to the story line and I actually wished there had been more.

Usually I have a clear favorite character but all of these were so fantastical and so varied that I couldn't pick just one. I wanted to go to Miss Peregrine's myself. The story was so unique that I find it hard to even write an adequate review. 

The tragedy that started Jacob on his journey to Wales and Miss Peregrine's wasn't sugar coated. It was awful and sad. What I liked most about the book though, was the sense that Jacob was evolving so definitely. He was maturing and doing what he needed to do even when it was difficult. He questioned himself but he moved forward.

I know that some bloggers had a hard time with the romance that he becomes involved in. Although I'm not 100% for it, I can appreciate why it happens. 

I've already read the second in the series and can't wait for the next. Ya'll need to get this book asap. If you've read it, tell me...did you love it as much as I did? Meh? Hated it? 

Princesses Behaving Badly by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie (review}

Title: Princesses Behaving Badly (Real Stories from History - without the Fairy-Tale Endings)
Author: Linda Rodriguez McRobbie
Pages: 279 (ARC)
Source: Publisher for review (Quirk Books Twitter)
Rating: Loved it, fun!

Princesses Behaving Badly is a truly fun book! So many interesting stories from history. Sometimes we look around our world today and think that it has gone a bit nuts but reading these stories will make you realize - we've ALWAYS been nuts.

From Princesses that sleep around to Princesses to become pirates, I was interested in them all. Most of the stories are quite short but are packed with information. The book is broken up into different sections with certain main topics: such as Warriors, Schemers or Floozies. I enjoyed reading about each "type" throughout the years. 

The writing style was really enjoyable. There were little comments throughout or explanations that I found interesting and/or helpful. It's a fascinating look at history.

I think that this is a book meant to be read over time. Dipping in and out and reading what catches your eye instead of trying to read it straight through. Although it is fairly short at just 280 pages, there is a ton inside.

I think that all fans of history, princesses, strong women or royalty will enjoy Princesses Behaving Badly. Quirk Books is becoming one of my very favorite publishers. Every book of theirs I have read has been a winner. So if you're looking for a unique take on history, check out Princesses Behaving Badly.

Princesses Behaving Badly by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie (review}

Title: Princesses Behaving Badly (Real Stories from History - without the Fairy-Tale Endings)
Author: Linda Rodriguez McRobbie
Pages: 279 (ARC)
Source: Publisher for review (Quirk Books Twitter)
Rating: Loved it, fun!

Princesses Behaving Badly is a truly fun book! So many interesting stories from history. Sometimes we look around our world today and think that it has gone a bit nuts but reading these stories will make you realize - we've ALWAYS been nuts.

From Princesses that sleep around to Princesses to become pirates, I was interested in them all. Most of the stories are quite short but are packed with information. The book is broken up into different sections with certain main topics: such as Warriors, Schemers or Floozies. I enjoyed reading about each "type" throughout the years. 

The writing style was really enjoyable. There were little comments throughout or explanations that I found interesting and/or helpful. It's a fascinating look at history.

I think that this is a book meant to be read over time. Dipping in and out and reading what catches your eye instead of trying to read it straight through. Although it is fairly short at just 280 pages, there is a ton inside.

I think that all fans of history, princesses, strong women or royalty will enjoy Princesses Behaving Badly. Quirk Books is becoming one of my very favorite publishers. Every book of theirs I have read has been a winner. So if you're looking for a unique take on history, check out Princesses Behaving Badly.

The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters {review}

Title: The Last Policeman (The Last Policeman #1)
Author: Ben H. Winters (website)(Twitter)
Pages: 336 pages
Published on May 13, 2013 by Quirk Books (website)(Twitter)
Source/format: Won paperback

The premise of The Last Policeman is right up my alley so when I found out I won the first two books of this trilogy I was super excited. When they arrived in the same week as 4 other books and were added to my toppling TBR stack, I wasn't sure when I would get to it. Enter my 6 year old who was asked to pick out my next book for me. So, Ben H. Winters, please thank Cole for picking you based on there being "policeman" in the title. He wants to be a Sheriff's Deputy when he grows up.

After explaining to him that this wasn't a book that I could read TO him, he wandered off to let me read. And read I did. I finished it in one day. 

A huge asteroid is heading towards earth. There is about 6 months left. People have quit their jobs to live out their "bucket lists" and the number of religious organizations have sky rocketed. Henry Palace has just been promoted to detective and is called to a hanging at the local McDonald's. He doesn't think that it is suicide though and starts to investigate. Everyone questions why he is investigating since the asteroid is still headed towards them and there are suicides every day.

Detective Palace was a very fun character for me. He was quiet, unassuming and methodical. A bit of a dry wit that calls things like they are, he reminds me of one of my very favorite people on the planet.

A secondary cast of characters was diverse and well developed. I am glad that it was mostly centered on Palace though. The Last Policeman was told in first person from his perspective. Since this was the case, I felt like I got a good grip on who he was and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

The mystery is a good one and I enjoyed the way that the story unfolded. It lagged a bit in the middle but still was able to hold my attention regardless. The best part of the book was the imagining of what life would be like if something was about to wipe us all out. That part was believable and therefore a bit scary. 

I really enjoyed The Last Policeman and am looking forward to getting to Countdown City soon. 

The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters {review}

Title: The Last Policeman (The Last Policeman #1)
Author: Ben H. Winters (website)(Twitter)
Pages: 336 pages
Published on May 13, 2013 by Quirk Books (website)(Twitter)
Source/format: Won paperback

The premise of The Last Policeman is right up my alley so when I found out I won the first two books of this trilogy I was super excited. When they arrived in the same week as 4 other books and were added to my toppling TBR stack, I wasn't sure when I would get to it. Enter my 6 year old who was asked to pick out my next book for me. So, Ben H. Winters, please thank Cole for picking you based on there being "policeman" in the title. He wants to be a Sheriff's Deputy when he grows up.

After explaining to him that this wasn't a book that I could read TO him, he wandered off to let me read. And read I did. I finished it in one day. 

A huge asteroid is heading towards earth. There is about 6 months left. People have quit their jobs to live out their "bucket lists" and the number of religious organizations have sky rocketed. Henry Palace has just been promoted to detective and is called to a hanging at the local McDonald's. He doesn't think that it is suicide though and starts to investigate. Everyone questions why he is investigating since the asteroid is still headed towards them and there are suicides every day.

Detective Palace was a very fun character for me. He was quiet, unassuming and methodical. A bit of a dry wit that calls things like they are, he reminds me of one of my very favorite people on the planet.

A secondary cast of characters was diverse and well developed. I am glad that it was mostly centered on Palace though. The Last Policeman was told in first person from his perspective. Since this was the case, I felt like I got a good grip on who he was and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

The mystery is a good one and I enjoyed the way that the story unfolded. It lagged a bit in the middle but still was able to hold my attention regardless. The best part of the book was the imagining of what life would be like if something was about to wipe us all out. That part was believable and therefore a bit scary. 

I really enjoyed The Last Policeman and am looking forward to getting to Countdown City soon.