The Conference of the Birds offers readers with a fifth dive into Ransom Rigg’s world of the much-adored literary peculiars. In this novel, which carries on directly from ‘A Map of Days’–released as the fourth book in 2019–Jacob and his peculiar friends return to uncover the mystery surrounding their newest companion Noor, most namely piecing together the elusive lore that surrounds her and a prophecy that threatens to wreak havoc on both the normal world and the peculiar world as Jacob and his friends know it. As the novel progresses, Jacob and his friends follow leads to uncover several essential items needed to prevent the resurgence of Miss Peregrine’s ill-fated sibling. This ultimately leads the peculiar cohort on a loop-jumping journey which spans several timelines, bringing new characters to light, while also reuniting one with the abnormal party.
I will preface this review by saying: while I did enjoy reading this novel, that–in no way–makes it a perfect read. As a ravenous horror connoisseur, I have always tried to maintain completely impartial towards this book series–but I just can never let go of how exquisitely it weaves together a medley of great characters and plot, while still managing to bring something new to the table. However, this novel was a little bit of a disappointment to me, especially when I subconsciously place this series on a literary pedestal; I ultimately found that it didn’t properly live up to its predecessors, most namely ‘A Map of Days’–my favourite novel of the quintet. This novel was intricate to a fault, and while it is sometimes possible for novels to manage this component of storytelling well, ‘The Conference of the Birds’ definitely lacked a cohesiveness that I have always typecasted Riggs for. Rather than have the photographic elements of the novel be complementary to the plot–which is one of the reasons why I feel that the novel it such a driving force in the world of publishing–I honestly felt as though the images laced throughout the pages were not totally coherent with the plot.
If I was trying to explain this novel to a friend, I would have a lot of trouble trying to convey all that was happening throughout; it seemed as though the plot was moving in a systematic form, but would then divert off into a subplot that never fully came to fruition. This led to a sense of detachment from the characters and the plot, ultimately causing significant issues for my overall enjoyment. This novel also diverted into far too many different peculiar loops. Readers who are familiar with this series will always remember the plights of the Devil’s Acre and the inaugural Cairnholm loop from the first novel, but by adding in so many different loops, time settings and characters–all while failing to employ proper development–led to even more detachment from the plot, progressing the narrative from fast-[aced and interesting to drab and stagnant.
All in all, this book was a disappointment. I can certainly say that when I finished ‘A Map of Days’ last year, I had been counting down the days until the release of book five. I expected a lot more from one of my favourite series, but if Book 6 is on its way, I truly hope that Riggs can progress his narrative in a more cohesive sense in order to achieve a harmonious balance between plot intrigue and proper pacing.
The Graveyard Book, published in 2008, is a work of Neil Gaiman’s that instantly appeals to readers of the macabre and strange. The novel follows Nobody ‘Bod’ Owens through his experiences of living with a cohort of ghouls and ghosts within a cemetery. The Graveyard Book chronicles his life throughout the graveyard and the places …
In 1984, one of modern literature’s most celebrated works, readers are introduced to Winston Smith, who lives in a dystopian society in which everything–from actions, movements, careers, and, even in some cases, thoughts–are monitored and recorded tirelessly. In this society, all individuals are governed by organisations who mandate conformity and allegiance, and who will cause …
Marcus Zusak’s captivating debut novel follows the story of Liesel, who witnesses the death of her younger brother while on a train through Germany. When she discovers a novel hidden in the snow while standing by her brother’s grave, Liesel pockets it, despite the fact that she has not acquired the ability to read. When …
Take Three Girls is the collaborative effort of YA writers Cath Crowley, Fiona Wood and Simone Howell. It follows the lives of three boarding school girls as they find themselves under attack from a cyber bullying presence and form an unlikely friendship. `The novel covers all the intricacies of female friendships in a way that [...]
Courtney Summers’ well-written murder mystery is a modern take on the genre. Following the sister of a missing girl and the journalist trying to find her, Sadie’s format is unique, if a little confusing at times. The chapters written from Sadie’s perspective are in first person, but every second chapter is written as a script …
Stalking Jack the Ripper is a gripping, fast-paced novel written by first-time author Kerri Maniscalco. The novel follows Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a young woman apprenticing with her Uncle in a mortuary deep within the alleyways and public houses in 1800s London. Wadsworth is soon caught up in a dangerous set of mass murderers as a …
Book Review – The Conference of the Birds by Ransom Riggs
I will preface this review by saying: while I did enjoy reading this novel, that–in no way–makes it a perfect read. As a ravenous horror connoisseur, I have always tried to maintain completely impartial towards this book series–but I just can never let go of how exquisitely it weaves together a medley of great characters and plot, while still managing to bring something new to the table. However, this novel was a little bit of a disappointment to me, especially when I subconsciously place this series on a literary pedestal; I ultimately found that it didn’t properly live up to its predecessors, most namely ‘A Map of Days’–my favourite novel of the quintet. This novel was intricate to a fault, and while it is sometimes possible for novels to manage this component of storytelling well, ‘The Conference of the Birds’ definitely lacked a cohesiveness that I have always typecasted Riggs for. Rather than have the photographic elements of the novel be complementary to the plot–which is one of the reasons why I feel that the novel it such a driving force in the world of publishing–I honestly felt as though the images laced throughout the pages were not totally coherent with the plot.
If I was trying to explain this novel to a friend, I would have a lot of trouble trying to convey all that was happening throughout; it seemed as though the plot was moving in a systematic form, but would then divert off into a subplot that never fully came to fruition. This led to a sense of detachment from the characters and the plot, ultimately causing significant issues for my overall enjoyment. This novel also diverted into far too many different peculiar loops. Readers who are familiar with this series will always remember the plights of the Devil’s Acre and the inaugural Cairnholm loop from the first novel, but by adding in so many different loops, time settings and characters–all while failing to employ proper development–led to even more detachment from the plot, progressing the narrative from fast-[aced and interesting to drab and stagnant.
All in all, this book was a disappointment. I can certainly say that when I finished ‘A Map of Days’ last year, I had been counting down the days until the release of book five. I expected a lot more from one of my favourite series, but if Book 6 is on its way, I truly hope that Riggs can progress his narrative in a more cohesive sense in order to achieve a harmonious balance between plot intrigue and proper pacing.
RATINGS
Plot: 4/10
Writing: 8.5/10
Characters: 7/10
OVERALL: 7/10
Related Posts
Book Review – The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The Graveyard Book, published in 2008, is a work of Neil Gaiman’s that instantly appeals to readers of the macabre and strange. The novel follows Nobody ‘Bod’ Owens through his experiences of living with a cohort of ghouls and ghosts within a cemetery. The Graveyard Book chronicles his life throughout the graveyard and the places …
Book Review – 1984 by George Orwell
In 1984, one of modern literature’s most celebrated works, readers are introduced to Winston Smith, who lives in a dystopian society in which everything–from actions, movements, careers, and, even in some cases, thoughts–are monitored and recorded tirelessly. In this society, all individuals are governed by organisations who mandate conformity and allegiance, and who will cause …
Book Review – The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
Marcus Zusak’s captivating debut novel follows the story of Liesel, who witnesses the death of her younger brother while on a train through Germany. When she discovers a novel hidden in the snow while standing by her brother’s grave, Liesel pockets it, despite the fact that she has not acquired the ability to read. When …
Take Three Girls – by Cath Crowley, Simmone Howell & Fiona Wood
Book Review – Sadie by Courtney Summers
Courtney Summers’ well-written murder mystery is a modern take on the genre. Following the sister of a missing girl and the journalist trying to find her, Sadie’s format is unique, if a little confusing at times. The chapters written from Sadie’s perspective are in first person, but every second chapter is written as a script …
Book Review – Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerry Maniscalco
Stalking Jack the Ripper is a gripping, fast-paced novel written by first-time author Kerri Maniscalco. The novel follows Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a young woman apprenticing with her Uncle in a mortuary deep within the alleyways and public houses in 1800s London. Wadsworth is soon caught up in a dangerous set of mass murderers as a …