The Peculiars

I'm generally a big fan of steampunk novels, and so I was excited to read The Peculiars. Although, it didn't turn out to be quite what I expected. This was a book that held my attention for the most part, but was really missing something also. Slow at parts, I almost didn't make it through. Still, at the end of the day I'm glad that I did.

Lena's an okay main character. She's flawed in a lot of ways, which makes her equal parts lovable and infuriating. Raised to be constantly worried about her odd hands and feet, Lena has a lot of misconceptions about the world around her. She believes that she may be part goblin, and that her father was too. I have to praise this young character for her perseverance! Lena doesn't give up.

The premise of the plot was interesting, but the pacing was what really hindered the ready for me. There are portions that move so slowly while Lena tries to figure out who to trust, that it makes it hard to follow her. Lena is, if nothing else, a bit naive at times. However towards the end of the book so much happens all at once! Amazing inventions, fantastic discoveries, all in a matter of days. I wish it would have been more spaced out.

I truly believe that if the world building had just been a little more vivid, and the characters a little more fleshed out, I would have enjoyed The Peculiars much more. I did enjoy the story by the end, but it was an uphill battle to get there in the first place. If there was a sequel, I'd come back. For now, this one sits on the self of books that were enjoyable, but not my favorite.

I enjoyed this tale of a strange alternate world that is bordered by Scree, a unknown territory that is filled with people who are a bit different. I liked the characters, the pacing, and the plot. I am assuming this will be a series as the entire book is the actual journey to get to Scree. We meet, in fact, very few “peculiars” and none that are featured on the cover (except the main character).
Lena is complex in a way that is pleasant. I do think the author did a great job explaining her motivation to help Mr. B and Jimson and the marshal all at the same time. I could have used more development with Jimson who does not seem to act in a consistent manner-one minute he is aloof, the next very attentive.
Bonus for all of the steampunk elements present here! I look forward to more stories in this world and want to see Lena grow even stronger. Once more thing, I am now a big fan of Mrs. Mumbles.