What an incredible book! I'll be honest and say the first thing that attracted me to this book was the gorgeous cover - then I looked properly and saw that it was illustrated throughout (by Karin Rytter, a name I didn't know but will now be on the lookout for). Then I read the synopsis and that was it, I knew this was my next read. I have torn through this book in 2 days. It is filled with unforgettable characters, magic, alternate American history, non stop adventure, love, grief and humour. Something wonderous on every page. I really cannot recommend this highly enough. Its classified as young adult, probably due to some of the language and violence but I think it would be OK for 11+ as long as they are not too sensitive. It's a complete story but there is some room left for a sequel, and I will be keeping my fingers crossed. I would love to read more from the author and find out more about this world.

What a brilliant book, so well written and dripping in fantastical avdneture. Well worth a read for anyone with an interest in fantasy, any age group. I've really enjoyed it and now my niece is hooked too!

Oddity is just as the title states, it is an odd little book. Set in an alternative historical world where the USA and Napoleon France are at war, the book follows teenager Clover Elkin who has been helping her physician father with his patients. On their return from delivering a baby, the pair are caught off guard by a group of men who want something from Clover’s father. Her father hands her his physician’s bag telling her there is an oddity inside and to get to New Manchester and find a man called Aaron Agate he will protect her and the oddities before pushing her off a bridge into the water below. It is then that she hears a gunshot and sees her father slump. The men want Clover and try to track her but Clover is a smart and resourceful young woman, but how long can she keep ahead of them and what do they want with her? This YA book is adventurous and gripping for most of the way through. It is also very strange with a talking Rooster, a witch, a man with bunny ears, and a secret-stealing hat. The title refers to items that are very rare and have special powers such as a teapot that you can pour endless cups of tea from. The book is told in three parts, there is also a list of the Oddity items at the back of the book. I enjoyed the read. I like books that are different and unusual and this book certainly fits those categories. Clover is a likeable character, yes sometimes I thought she needed to be a little braver and daring but then I’d remember she is only thirteen, newly alone in the world, just witnessed her father murder in front of her and double-crossed by someone she trusted. She has had it tough and warrants not being brave all the time. For those that like a magical/fantasy element to their reads, this is the book to pick up. It has a great plot with numerous secondary plots running parallel. It is wacky, surprising, and good fun.