Series finale ramps up intense action and fantasy violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a lot
Fantasy and real-world violence: fighting with guns, swords, knives, magical abilities, trench warfare, choking, biting, punching, ripping bodies apart. Some gore that's not described in detail but mentions bones crunching and blood spewing, dripping, etc. Pain, injuries, being choked, horrifying monsters are described in some detail. Lots of scariness and peril from being chased, monsters, and being hit or crushed by falling debris. The corpse of a loved one is carried and dropped so that crunching bones are heard. It's later reanimated using animal hearts; brief descriptions of blood. Sadness from past deaths of a grandparent and a foster parent. Lots of eerie atmospheres described and vintage photographs reprinted.
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"S--t," "crap," "hell," "ass," "damn," "bastard"; "Jesus Christ" as an exclamation. A couple of French phrases (not translated) include "merde" ("s--t") and "con" ("stupid," or more profane variations).
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In a fantasy world, an adult gives teens homemade rye. Several of them drink it but it doesn't taste good, and Jacob only has a sip. An adult drinks from a flask, and a teen gives an adult alcohol as a gift. Mention of a fantasy drug "ambrosia," and that a lot of people are addicted to it. People with magical abilities who are on it cause mass destruction and chaos. Miss Peregrine smokes a pipe once or twice.
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Some romantic dynamics like holding hands and wanting to be close. A few kisses are briefly described. Hints that a romance is blossoming, like leaning together and fingers intertwining.
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All of the kids in Miss Peregrine's "brood" model loyalty, courage, bravery, supporting their loved ones, and putting themselves in harms way to help others. Jacob and Noor epecially model perseverance, strong endurance. They put aside their personal wants and needs for the greater good, patiently waiting for the right time. A range of skin tones are mentioned describing characters. Most of the people in the antique photographs are White, but a number of people of color are shown too.
Positive Messages
some
Your real home is the bond you have with your loved ones, whoever they are, wherever you are. Being willing to sacrifice yourself for loved ones is noble, but together you're stronger. Working together using each person's particular strengths is the best chance for success. Appreciate and celebrate what makes you different from everyone else.
Educational Value
very little
Fantasy meant to entertain. Has some phrases in French that are not translated, and most don't offer context clues.
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."
Step inside a world of adventure, mayhem, friendship and thrill.
Absolutely great series for any child who wants to pick up reading. Had my kid start with this book and she has now taken up the reading habit thanks to this series. Completely filled with adventure and very otherwordly. Loved all of the books. A little bit of boy crushes but nothing a 11 year old and above cannot handle.
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.
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 Birdsleft 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?
Available on:
Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
Last updated:
February 19, 2021
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The Desolations of Devil's Acre: Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children, Book 6
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