Library of Souls
The Third Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children
Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle Edition
Written by Ransom Riggs
Quirk Books
Original Release Date: September 22, 2015
Paperback Release Date: April 11, 2017

The end of Hollow City, the 2nd book, left our peculiar children (well teenagers), Jacob and Emma, on the brink of death. Jacob, in particular, had a hollow tentacle wrapped around his neck. A calm soon surrounded him and he was able to say a command in hollow-tongue, which was immediately obeyed. The moment Jacob realizes that his gift is not just to sense or see hollows, but to control them, is where Library of Souls: The Third Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs begins.

More below.

Jacob, Emma, and peculiar talking dog Addison (my fave), are in pursuit of the kidnapped Ymbrynes, including their precious Miss Peregrine, and their other peculiar friends. That is Addison’s specialty – his nose can sniff out peculiars. These three chase Caul, Miss Peregrine’s brother, whose mission is to control the Library of Souls, long thought of as a myth, but real. The Library of Souls contain more power than anybody should have (especially bad guys), as it holds all of the souls of past Peculiars. Her other brother, Bentham, joins the children because he feels responsible for how far Caul has gotten. Bentham (and Caul) have invented “Panloopticons,” a much quicker way to travel loops.

Jacob’s journey from unsure boy to confident man (sort of) takes place in this novel, as he follows his mission, or vows to “die trying,” exploring his power over the hollows.

This is what bridges the gaps of these books between YA and adult literature. The story is simple and complex enough for the enjoyment of young (the brave young) and old alike. There is quite a bit of violence and hopelessness strewn about with the heroism.

The book is non-stop wonder (sometimes with a horrific slant). The loops themselves give the reader a “loopy” feeling of un-reality. It is one of those novels that you can read over and over, and discover delightful nuances each time. The vintage photographs enhance the experience, especially when the readers know they ARE real both outside and inside the book.

My only criticism is that this is the end of the trilogy, when the possibilities of more tales exists.

Library of Souls official synopsis:

Time is running out for the Peculiar Children. With a dangerous madman on the loose and their beloved Miss Peregrine still in danger, Jacob Portman and Emma Bloom are forced to stage the most daring of rescue missions. They’ll travel through a war-torn landscape, meet new allies, and face greater dangers than ever. . . . Will Jacob come into his own as the hero his fellow Peculiars know him to be? This action-packed adventure features more than 50 all-new Peculiar photographs.