The Desolations of Devil's Acre: Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children, Book 6
Series finale ramps up intense action and fantasy violence.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Desolations of Devil's Acre is the sixth and final installment in Ransom Riggs' popular Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series. Reading the series in order will really enhance your understanding of the characters and plot. Fantasy and real-world violence includes horrific monsters that kill people, and fights that include magical abilities, swords, knives, guns, and World War I trench warfare. Some descriptions of violence and injuries are slightly gory, with detailed but brief descriptions of things like choking, biting, punching, and ripping bodies apart. Lots of scariness and peril arises from being chased, nightmarish monsters, and being hit or crushed by falling debris. The corpse of a loved one is dropped so hard that crunching bones are heard, and the body is reanimated using animal hearts, with brief descriptions of blood. There's sadness from the past deaths of a grandparent and a foster parent. Strong language includes "s--t," "crap," "ass," and a couple of French swear words that aren't translated. Sexual content is very mild, with a few instances of holding hands and a couple of kisses. Teens drink alcohol once and don't like it. Miss Peregrine smokes a pipe once or twice, and there are several mentions of addicts to a fantasy drug called "ambrosia."
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What's the Story?
In THE DESOLATIONS OF DEVIL'S ACRE, Caul is back. He's been resurrected from the destroyed remains of the Library of Souls, and he wants only one thing: total, ultimate dominion over the entire peculiar world and its inhabitants. The only chance to rid the world of Caul once and for all is to figure out the prophecy that hints that Noor is one of seven who can do just that. But who are the other six? And do what, exactly? When they're not fighting off Caul's minions sent to kill them (each one bigger, more powerful, and more terrifying than the last), Jacob, Noor, the other wards, and as many ymbrynes as can be gathered together have to find the answers before Caul becomes too powerful to be stopped.
Is It Any Good?
Fans will find that this sixth and last installment in the creepy Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series once again delivers everything they love about it. The Desolations of Devil's Acre brings back favorite characters, introduces colorful new ones, and comes right out of the gate at a full gallop, picking up right where The Conference of the Birds left off. Ever more action, terrifying monsters, and spooky atmospheres this time are offset with even less time to rest and regroup while the kids try to work out a vague prophecy and save the world.
Reading the other books first is highly recommended to better understand the characters and how they've been shaped by past events. This finale brings a satisfying end to the roller-coaster ride without slamming any doors shut.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Desolations of Devil's Acre. How much is too much? Is it different in books than in movies, games, or videos? Why, or why not?
Have you read the other books in the series, or seen the movie of the first book? Which did you like best? Why do we like scary books, movies, games, etc.?
What do you think of the vintage photos that author Ransom Riggs includes in each book? Do they add to the atmosphere or the story? Do they help you picture things in your mind, or do they distract you from the story?
Book Details
- Author: Ransom Riggs
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Dutton Books
- Publication date: February 23, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 512
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 19, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
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The Conference of the Birds: Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children, Book 5
Fifth in creepy series delivers chills and suspense.
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The Raven's Tale
Gripping, dark exploration of famous writer's teen years.
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Into the Heartless Wood
Gripping romantic fantasy is dark, lyrical, violent.
For kids who love horror
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