Find my reviews on Blogger ~ Reviews by Bookish Sarah 
 - - - 
 Lena Mattacascar is different. Since birth, people around her have said that she has "goblinism". Her hands and feet are the problem. They are long, thin, and her fingers and toes are double-jointed. Lena has tried to hide them her entire life underneath her long skirts, dresses, and gloves. Lena's greatest fear is that she is a "Peculiar"; a person with a strange or freakish appearance or extremity such as Lena's hands and feet. The problem with being one of the Peculiars (aside from looking different) is that it's said they are soulless, evil creatures. They are shunned and treated as criminals or slaves. They are not to be trusted, ever. 
 When Lena turns 18, it's finally time to find out the truth. Her absentee father has left her an inheritance and the deed to a mine in Scree. She then decides that now is the time to seek out her father and see if he is truly a goblin; to find out why he left her when she was merely a few years old. 
 Traveling to Scree is a risk - the Peculiars reside there. During her journey, Lena meets some pretty interesting people. One of which is Jimson Quiggley. Jimson is on his way to the town of Knob Knoster, where he will be working in the library of a man named Mr. Beasley. An unfortunate event leaves Lena stranded in the very same town. Jimson scores Lena a job in the library so she can work for the money she needs as well as a guide to Scree. Lena quickly learns that Mr. Beasley knows much more about Peculiars than he is letting on. One terrifying night changes everything, and then Lena must fight for her life and learn who to trust, as well as the truth of her heritage. 
 - - - 
 Complaints 
 Well, this story was sluggish. I had to stop multiple times and read something else because I was getting dreadfully bored. 
 Normally I would never even comment on an ARC's grammar/spelling/etc. BUT, this was horrendous. I feel that I need to say I may have given this another star if I'd read the finished version. The capitalization was the worst part. It made it confusing for me to read at times. Sentences and paragraphs weren't defined enough. I had to re-read numerous sentences and entire paragraphs. I have never ever read an ARC with so many issues in this area. I guess there is a first time for everything, and like I said.. the only reason I am mentioning this is because I feel that it's only fair to admit that it may have changed the way I felt about the story. Maybe if I wasn't so irritated with the grammar I wouldn't of had to put it down so many times while reading. 
 Lack of Peculiars! Really, there were just a few. I can remember only 3 off the top of my head, two of which had the same peculiarity (they were related). I was definitely expecting a bit more than that and it was a disappointment for sure. 
 - - - 
 Likes 
 Okay, lack of romance. Normally I wouldn't enjoy that, but in this case I did. There was a small sliver or romance, but the story was focused on other things. The plot was intricate and the details were superb. I think too much gooey romance would have taken away from it entirely. 
 The fantasy aspect of this novel was nonpareil to any book I've read to date. That, mixed with the steampunk elements, made it an extremely interesting read. The author created a fascinating world for us to explore right alongside Lena. 
 The characters were memorable. Mr. Beasley was quirky and lovable with his odd inventions and beautiful library. Lena had a strong personality and I really enjoyed her as a protag. She started out as this meek girl who was so embarrassed by her extremities that she tried to hide herself from anyone and everyone. In the end she had a backbone and stood up for people who are different. She was feisty and bold; caring and intelligent. Jimson, Margaret Flynn, the missionaries, Thomas Saltre, Mrs. Mumbles (the cat) - all interesting characters that I won't soon forget. 
 The story was left open for a sequel. If one manifested, I'd read it. I would be curious to see the outcome of Lena's relationship with Jimson as well as how things get along in Scree. Maybe my thirst for some more Peculiars will be sated. 
 Overall: 
 For me this was a slow read, and I was left wanting a little more of something. Even so, the plot was unique down to the very last detail and fantastical enough to grasp my attention. The world and setting is well built and the story is fleshed out nicely. The Peculiars is full of mystery, intrigue, and memorable characters. If you want to take a step outside the YA Fantasy box, this is your book. 
 - - - 
 Book source: NetGalley 
 Publisher: Amulet Books/ABRAMS