Book Review: The Peculiar

Bartholomew is a peculiar. As peculiars, he and his sister Hattie are shunned by both faeries and humans. The only way they can survive in a world that would rather see them dead is by avoiding notice. “Don’t get yourself noticed, and you won’t get yourself hanged.” They live in a small, old apartment in the slums of Bath in the faery distract. Their mom takes as good care of them as she can, but there’s only so much she can do. Life in such poverty is dull and hard, but at least they’ve managed to survive. Their biggest problems begin when peculiars start showing up dead. Covered in mysterious red writing, their bodies begin washing up in London completely flat and empty like old leather sacks. When Bartholomew sees a strange lady in purple take away a peculiar that lives across the street from him, he can’t help but be curious. That’s when he makes his greatest mistake. He gets noticed. Then, he is plummeted him down a path that will change his life forever.

Bachmann creates a wonderful world that reveals an entirely new perspective on fairies and other magical creatures. He does an incredible job of building the characters and paints a very realistic picture of their personalities. This book is even more impressive when you realize how young the author is. A fun read with mystery, fantasy, and steampunk all rolled into one.

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On the surface, the professor’s ancient inventions seemed harmless enough, practical even: a steam-powered wheel chair, lighting veins that decorate the walls, a balloon raft that travels the cave tunnels. But when someone starts trying to kill Molly and her friends, they begin to realize the rumors may be true. Rumors of a secret society of warriors and a lost cavern filled with cunning potions and fierce weapons, powerful machines and dangerous devices.
Molly is determined. They will find the cavern, they will reveal its secrets, and they will save the world. No matter what the cost.

Get your free ebook copy of The Amber Key, Book One of the Xandi series, today, so you will have all the information you need when you read book two, The Forest of Faces.

The Amber Key at Amazon

REVIEWS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED.

Accepting Books for Review

I’ve decided to start reviewing more books here on my blog. So far, I’ve only completed two or three, but I hope to begin posting more soon. My goal is to review books from new, undiscovered authors. I won’t be posting many reviews from best sellers simply because the fact that they are best sellers already indicates that people think they are good. I want to find the unknown gems and make them known.

Since I write middle-grade/young adult books, books in those age categories are mostly what I will be reviewing. (My favorites are fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery.) I won’t review smut (erotica) or books that use an abundance of coarse language. I also don’t really have much interest in non-fiction.

If you would like for me to review your book, I ask that you send me a free copy (ebook format or paperback). I cannot guarantee to review every book I receive nor do I guarantee a positive review. Reviews will be fair and honest, based on a 1-5 system. I will apologize in advance in case anyone is not happy with their review; however, my goal is to give honest feedback and provide trustworthy information for people seeking good books to read. I will not give a positive review to any book that I believe is not worthy of it. If I feel that I cannot honestly give at least three stars to your book, I will not post a review at all.

Reviews that are posted on here will also be shared on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com (if possible).

If you’d like me to review your book, please contact me at aecooksbooks@gmail.com. Please type Request for Review in the subject line. Your request needs to include author name, genre, target age, and a short synopsis of your book. Thank you.

Limited First Editions Available

My book, Stealing the Amber Key, is now available in paperback at Coldwater Books in Tuscumbia, AL and the Dragonfly in Collinwood, TN as well as online at Renaissancevalleypublishing.com. There are only a few copies of the limited first edition left. Get yours while supplies last.

You can also purchase it in e-book format on Amazon.com. Read the book summary below:

For many generations, dangerous secrets have lain hidden in a cavern laboratory deep below the surface of a small island in the Pacific Ocean. Over the years, many people have tried to find and claim the incredible powers within; none, so far, have succeeded. The story of the lost laboratory faded into legend…until now. A dark enemy has arrived on the island seeking that very power. It’s up to Molly, her brother Jake, and their new friends to hold back the evil that threatens to rise.

With the help of the professor’s ancient journal, the group begins their quest. If they are to find the amber key and reach the laboratory first, they must solve numerous puzzles, overcome countless obstacles, and survive perilous traps set by both the professor and their new enemy.

Little do they know that their greatest and most dangerous challenge will come after they find what they seek. It’s then that they must make a terrible decision: turn their backs on the world and let evil win, or risk losing everything they know and love, everything they are, by using the powers in the cavern themselves.

Readers Wanted: Help me choose the best book blurb for the back of my upcoming book, Stealing the Amber Key: Book One of the Xandi

I got some great responses the last time I asked for help choosing my book blurb. Unfortunately, the results were about 50/50. I need more votes! I’ve even put it in an easier-to-use format this time, and there’re only a few questions. Just click the link below to go to the Survey Monkey survey. Please take a couple of minutes to let me know what you think. Thanks!!!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PG2ZSCR