Warning; this will contain slight spoilers for the previous three books.
I was originally interested in the series because it made use of odd- and sometimes creepy- old photographs. The idea of crafting an entire world around those old photos was incredibly creative. The plot-line of the first few books wrapped up pretty solidly in the third book (Library of Souls), so I didn’t know what to expect in A Map of Days. In this fourth installment, Jacob is back in his home state of Florida, surrounded by people who know nothing about peculiars or wights, and wouldn’t believe him if he told them. The peculiars that went through his adventures with him in the three previous books have shown up out of the blue, and Jacob is asked to give them lessons in “normalization,” so they can pass for children of the present day. What begins as a crash course in being a modern child soon turns dangerous as the peculiars learn secrets about Jacob’s grandfather that send them on a secret mission across the U.S., in and out of the different time loops. There are also several new characters introduced, one of whom is seriously cool.
I felt that Ransom Riggs becomes a better writer with each subsequent book, and this one is by far my favorite. It has a different feel than the others, and the fact that it takes place on a different continent opens Riggs’ world up and makes the stakes feel higher. I also like that it wasn’t just a rehash of the other three books: there are new villains to fight, and new problems to solve. In a lot of ways, it seemed like a treasure hunt: there were clues that needed to be put together, and a lot of second-guessing as far as whose motives were questionable.
This book split the peculiars into a smaller group, which meant each character was able to have more focus put on them. That had both good and bad points for me: Millard was given a lot more attention, which I love because he’s one of my favorites, but Horace wasn’t in it much, completely bumming me out. Millard had several new experiences, though, and there was at least one “aww!” moment for me involving him. The whole Jacob- Emma relationship thing kind of weirds me out, seeing as the third member of the unintentional love triangle involves Jacob’s deceased grandfather. I mean, come on Emma! Maybe try dating outside the family. Thankfully, all that is resolved without becoming the main focus of this book. All in all, despite a few odd moments here and there, I felt this was the best book in the series to date. It’s a fun read, and absolute one-of-a-kind. I’m looking forward to picking up the next book when it releases.
Have you read this series? What are your thoughts?
I just finished reading this book today! I think this was my favorite out of the series. It leaves you hanging at the end. I can’t wait until the next book! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was my favorite too. Do you have a favorite character?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm…I really like Emma, but I think Bronwyn is my favorite. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bronwyn is great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve not read any of these, but hear good things about them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually like the first book the best 🙈 But true that the fourth one has a different feel to it and it’s more focused ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do you have a favorite character?
LikeLike
I didn’t realize there were so many books to this series! I’ve always meant to start the first one at some point…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t love them, but they’re enjoyable and incredibly creative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read this book recently and yeah this is my favourite book in the series too. I am also extremely relieved that the whole dating fiasco got sorted. I loved the use of colour photos in this book and the American peculiardom . Noor is my favourite she is so cool. Who is yours? I did feel Emma was a bit manipulative and mean in this book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Millard and Horace are probably my favorites, although Bronwyn is up there. Ha ha!
I’m hoping to get more of Noor in the next book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad this has ended up being your favourite and the Riggs has improved as a writer- cos I also felt the 3rd book wrapped things up pretty well and wasn’t sure whether to get this one. Now I definitely want to check it out. Brilliant review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
I almost didn’t read this because I couldn’t see how out could continue, but what he came up with is fantastic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah that’s what I was worrying about- but now I know I have to read it!! 😀 Thank you for your review!
LikeLiked by 1 person