I'm seventeen, and Stefan Bachmann literally inspired me to start writing after I'd been in a funk. Because he's just so awesome and wonderful and imaginative, and so young, that I felt stupid and silly for wasting my time moping when I could be spending time getting better and getting published one day...like him.The Peculiar is a world in which fairies and the English coexist, although not too happily. There is clockwork (AKA steampunk), lots of magic, imagery, horror and bits and pieces of lovely dialogue. It was rich, well-thought out, imaginative, and not something I could have written at my age. In short, it's wonderful. However, there were a few things I picked up. I still gave it five stars though, because I repeat: IT WAS MAGICAL AND WONDERFUL. Some flaws:1) Underdeveloped characters. Both Bartholomew and Mr Jelliby seemed rather thin characters, not quite fleshed out into proper, human beings. Honestly, they seemed rather like caricatures and cliches, especially Mr Jelliby. But who cares? The world-building and adventure is awesome. I know they emphasise on characters all the time, but often times I'm more interested in the plot and magic rather than the people. 2) Ending seemed a little too easy, a little too abrupt. Somehow, I just think that, considering the whole lead-up to the climax, there should have been more trumpets and fanfare and horror, and greater, scarier consequences. But maybe that's just me. But, in short, BUY IT. Gorgeous prose. Gorgeous descriptions. As a writer myself (though still, unfortunately, unpublished) I say: FANTABULOUS. Eine ganz außergewöhnliche Geschichte: überall dampft und zischt es. Hier wachsen statt Haaren Zweige aus den Köpfen. Hier verwandeln sich in elegantes Purpur gekleidete Damen in schwarze Federn. Hier wachsen kleine Halbelfen Jungen über sich hinaus, um die gekidnappte Schwester zu befreien. Hier müssen sich Herren der oberen Londoner Gesellschaft gegen zu leben erwachtes Mobiliar wehren. Hier gibt es kleine Vögelchen, die nicht aus Haut und Federn sondern aus Schrauben, Springfedern und viel Metall bestehen. Und hier gibt es Milch, die durch Apfelkerne zum Leben erwacht und als Augen und Ohren dient, um den Bösen vom Fortschritt des fiesen Plans zu berichten.
What do You think about Die Seltsamen (2014)?
Loved this book and loved it even more when I found out it was conceived by a 16 year old kid!
—Brittneyshea26
This is indeed a peculiar read but I liked the atmosphere it evoked.
—lil_writer
Too many books to read. Perhaps try again another time
—almimi
Iz stoopid buke,downt reed dis stoopid buke
—Weeniemin
Interesting mix of steam punk and fantasy.
—kimyeoh
