Hollow City- The Second novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children Series

Title: Hollow City- The Second of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children Series

Author: Ransom Rigg's

Publisher: Quirk Books

Notes: Sent to me by the publisher for an honest review

Star Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: SEPTEMBER 3, 1940.

TEN PECULIAR CHILDREN FLEE AN ARMY OF DEADLY MONSTERS.

AND ONLY ONE PERSON CAN HELP THEM- BUT SHE'S TRAPPED IN THE BODY OF A BIRD.

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. There, they hope to find a cure for their beloved headmistress, Miss Peregrine. But in this war-torn city, hideous surprises lurk around every corner. And before Jacob can deliver the peculiar children to safety, he must make an important decision about his love for Emma Bloom.

Hollow City draws readers into a richly imagined world of telepathy and time loops, of sideshows and shape-shifters- a world populated with adult "peculiars", murderous wights, and a bizarre menagerie of uncanny animals. Like it's 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 reading experience.

Review:

I enjoyed this book a lot more than the previous one in the series as I felt that the genre didn't leap about as much and was far more consistent.

The book continues from where the previous one finished off, the peculiar children need help and the only adult that they trust is now trapped in the body of a bird. On their journey to seek help, they bump into some unusual animals who inform them that their best chance of helping Miss Peregrine is by going to the peculiar 'headquarters' in London, which is what they decide to do. On their way they also meet some adult peculiars who try to help them.

I think the thing I loved most about this book was the war-time photography, the message of the destruction of man was powerful and gave a darkness to this book.

I also enjoyed the fact that Ransom Riggs decided to add some new characters to this book, and of different varieties- adult and animal. This I think added to the building of this peculiar world, turning it into a larger and more established place than we had in the first book where it was all just contained on one island in a children's home.

I was pleased that the love relationship between the main characters Jacob and Emma was dulled down in this book. I remember feeling slightly disturbed and grossed out by it in the previous book. In this one however, their love was more in the background, and towards the end of the book it was questioned altogether with regards to its intensity and the sacrifices that Emma and Jacob are willing to make for it.

I preferred the way this book ended to the previous one as well. I feel I can see where the next book is going to start off, whereas before I was at a bit of a loss as to where and how the story would move on.

The physical book itself is absolutely breathtaking. It looks as though a lot of time and effort has gone into the presentation of these books. I always regard book covers a bit like food- the more appealing to the eye, the more likely I am to indulge, and this series is right at the top.

I still can't get over what a fantastic job Ransom Riggs does of working his stories around these amazing photographs. It adds so much more to the reading experience.

Overall, I would strongly advise this book. I finished Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children unsure as to whether I wanted to continue on with this series, but I am so pleased that I did as I enjoyed Hollow City so much more, and now can't wait for the next book in this series.

Trouble by Non Pratt

Title: Trouble

Author: Non Pratt

Publisher: Walker Books

Notes: I won a competition to become a VIP reader and was sent the book by the author for an honest review.

Star rating: 5/5

Synopsis: HANNAH is very smart and funny. She's also fifteen and pregnant.

AARON is the new boy at school. He doesn't want to attract attention.


So why does Aaron offer to be the pretend dad to Hannah's unborn baby?

Growing up can be trouble but that's how you find out what really matters.

Review:

This book starts by introducing main protagonist Hannah. She's 15 years old, self conscious, and hanging out with a crowd who drink, and sleep with each other.

Next, we meet Aaron. He's the school's new boy. He seems to be running away from a dark past, hence his need to blend in, and attempts to be accepted into Hannah's group of friends. 

Hannah soon finds out she is pregnant and she knows who the father is but does not want to tell. As soon as her friends find out she is pregnant gossip and speculation over who the father is spreads. Soon Hannah realizes her friends aren't really her friends anymore as it is they who have been spreading around the rumors  about her. She realizes she is all on her own. Aaron feels sorry for Hannah, so suggests that they tell everyone he is her baby's father to stop all the malicious comments.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So many authors shy away from discussing teen pregnancy and underage drinking for fear that they'll be regarded as glamorizing or encouraging it. I love the fact that Non Pratt was gutsy enough to address these controversial issues, portraying the grim reality of teenage problems today. It is happening and it isn't pretty- is the strong message of this book.

I felt this book was very realistic, covering issues such as peer pressure and bullying. The main character goes from being popular to isolated in the matter of days, when friends turn their backs on her. The reader can really sympathize with Hannah here.

The book is written is short daily entries, swapping between the two main characters Hannah and Aaron, helping to provide the reader with a dual perspective on the situation. These short entries also add to the reader's speedy progress through the book. I found I'd already read half of the book in just one sitting.

By having a second plot to this book- Aaron's mysterious history- it provides a bit of a break to the reader, making it less weighty. Although this book covers very serious matters, it is written is a very humorous way, while remaining successfully respectful.

I love the color theme of the physical book, and the simplicity of the spine has actually made it one of my most favorite on my bookshelf.

I only have one problem with this book, which I'll mention as this is an honest review. I was too embarrassed to bring this to work to read during my breaks in case people would see the cover and title and assume I had a little issue of my own.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. Very funny and very realistic.