Library of Souls (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children, #3)

by Ransom Riggs

[Quirky Cat]

When I first picked up Miss Peregrine’s School for Peculiar Children, I had no idea it would end up becoming some an extensive and intense series. Yet here we are, at the third book, and I find myself not ready to say goodbye yet.
I saw a lot of reviews talking about this book like it were the end, but I have to remind myself that even if it is the end of the plot (which it looks like is it) that doesn’t mean the series itself will end. There are plenty of things left to explore in this peculiar world we’ve grown to love so much.
There are at least two more books for me to read after this, if not more. Currently there’s Tales of the Peculiar, which I imagine will be like the book mentioned a few times throughout the series. Then there’s A Map of Days, which sure sounds like a continuation, though in a different way.



Warnings first: There are a lot of small moments throughout the course of this novel that may make some people uncomfortable. There are dead animals, in various states to put it lightly, as well as drug addicts, a horrific description of where the drug of choice for peculiars comes from, and then there’s torture and experimentation as well. None of it goes into too much detail…but it’s all still there.
Wow. There is so much that happens in this novel, I’m honestly not even sure where to start. I guess I’ll start by saying just how much I enjoyed reading it. Actually, this was one of the rare audiobooks I picked up (from my library) to listen to, but you know what I mean.
Despite how much occurs in this book, never once does it feel like any of it dragged on. There were slower points, but those points were usually filled with information needed during the crazier parts of the book. Though I’ll admit that looking back on it, I’m having trouble not believing that this was actually two separate books. That should tell you how far this one book comes.
The progression of Jacob’s character and abilities was one of the highlights of the novel, at least for me. I think we all knew that the powers would get stretched further than just being able to see Hollows. Still, I loved the explanation for why his powers had evolved the way they did. It had been bothering me, since Hollows are relatively new. It didn’t make any sense, evolutionarily speaking, for an ability to arise so quickly to counter then. Riggs’ way of explain how the abilities work allow it to make sense though, so I’m happy with it.
There were so many new characters introduced over the course of this novel. Some only lasted a few pages, while others lasted several chapters. It was interesting getting to see so much more of the peculiar world. The only sad part about it was seeing the world while it was at war. I’d love to hear more about it all when it’s happy and stable (which I’m hoping Peculiar Tales will do).
The fight scenes were intense in this book, but also very well written. I imagine it’s a challenge, balancing all the powers and abilities on each side of the fight. Especially with something so overpowered as the Hollows. But Riggs did a decent job of it, and I found myself enthralled with the action.
While I was sad to see the book end, I have to admit that I was happy with the conclusion. It wasn’t rushed, and it’s clear that there was a lot of thought that went into making sure that it all made sense. I feel like most of the main characters got a moment to shine, and more importantly, all seemed to get some sort of resolution in the end (even if it was only being freed).
I’m curious to see what Map of Days has in store for me, so hopefully I can make some time to read that sooner rather than later. I have a few ideas of where it might go, but I’m afraid to get my hopes up just let. So I’m going to try and be good and just wait and see.


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