"Bachmann's prose is beautiful, and his story is swift, strong, and entertaining. Highly recommended. I can't wait to see what Bachmann writes next." -- CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle) "Stefan Bachmann's sparkling debut is sure to get a lot of well-deserved notice. He breathes fresh life into ancient magic." -- RICK RIORDAN, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Kane Chronicles and Percy Jackson and The Olympians "Polished and fun to read.Bachmann's steampunk fairy tale.recalls Dostoevsky, Dickens, and more recent classics, such as J.

K. Rowling's Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events.Bachmann leavens the dark goings-on with whimsy.in spectacular and hilarious fashion.[An] unusually gifted young writer." -- Los Angeles Times "Richly realized . accomplished . This is a story young fantasy buffs are sure to enjoy.

" -- The New York Times Book Review "Imaginative, highly descriptive writing . Thrilling adventure." -- Booklist "An absolute treat for readers of any age." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Gripping . with a wry humor and unusual characters. Fans of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book (HarperCollins, 2008) and young steampunk enthusiasts will find much here to enjoy." -- School Library Journal "The Peculiar has the kind of enchantment, whimsy, and utter wonder that stands the test of time. An astounding debut!" -- Marie Lu, New York Times best-selling author of the Legend trilogy.