Title: The Peculiars
Author: Maureen Doyle McQuerry
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: 1st May 2012
Pages: 350
Format: E-Book - PDF
Genre: Steampunk
Source: ARC from NetGalley
This dark and thrilling adventure, with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance.
On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars, people whose unusual characteristics make them unacceptable to modern society. Lena wonders if her father is the source of her own extraordinary characteristics and if she, too, is Peculiar. On the train she meets a young librarian, Jimson Quiggley, who is traveling to a town on the edge of Scree to work in the home and library of the inventor Mr. Beasley. The train is stopped by men being chased by the handsome young marshal Thomas Saltre. When Saltre learns who Lena's father is, he convinces her to spy on Mr. Beasley and the strange folk who disappear into his home, Zephyr House. A daring escape in an aerocopter leads Lena into the wilds of Scree to confront her deepest fears. (Goodreads Synopsis)
This was a fun delve into the world of steampunk. The novel had a strong start, grabbing my interest straight away and I enjoyed following Lena on her journey to Scree. I also liked the supporting cast of quirky characters who helped (or hindered) her along the way. The world-building was also fairly well done and background situations were described in enough detail without resorting to info dumping.
The story moved at a good pace; although, I found the ending a tad rushed. I did also get annoyed with Lena a few times as she can be a complete idiot.
This is not a book with amazingly fleshed out characters or any real depth, but it still gets four stars from me because it was a fun adventure story and the perfect book to while away a few spare hours if you just want something light and enjoyable. Steampunk fans will no doubt find this an entertaining read.
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