Book Review: The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry

The Peculiars
Author: Maureen Doyle McQuerry
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Science Fiction/Steampunk
Released: May 1st 2012
Review Source: Amulet Books
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) 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.

In a dark and gritty world, ones appearance is everything. With the government bearing down on those whom are peculiar, a young lady begins a quest to find out about her mysterious past. The Peculiars is a very intriguing novel that has many great aspects about it. With adventure, mystery, and a little romance, the Peculiars is a entertaining read. The writing of the novel takes you back to a time of Frontier land and a sense of western living. With a witty style of writing, the author easily conveys the characters emotions and thoughts. The plot is very well rounded and there is rarely a dull moment in the entire novel. The novel’s storyline is fresh and unique, that truly shows the imagination that was put forth into the creation of this book.

In an alternate America, Lena has questions about the past. Born with unnaturally long hands and feet, Lena is unsure of who she is. Knowing that her father holds answers, she goes off on a quest. While on her journey she meets a unique array of people that teaches her about many aspects of life. This is a very entertaining novel. It was refreshing and I recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit different.