[[stefan-bachmann-rev]]An impressive debut novel from 18 year-old Stefan Bachmann, The Peculiar draws on a number of classic stories yet is both fresh and original.

And, what’s more, bestselling authors Rick Riordan and Christopher Paolini are singing its praises.

Set in an alternate version of Dickensian England, faeries and humans struggle to co-exist after a devastating battle. Their uneasy peace is threatened by a spate of dire crimes involving half-faerie, half-human changelings, and the exciting race against time to save a changeling child brings this story to a dramatic and stunning conclusion.

This book is a wonderful mix of gothic, high fantasy and suspenseful mystery, with a dash of steampunk thrown in for good measure. It will appeal to readers 10 and up, as well as adults who enjoy reading fantasy. I loved it (and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel)!

Athina Clarke