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paigeteeman's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There have been moments—and Will remembers each one—when he has sensed his life shift. He felt it that day in the mountains when he met Maren for the first time. And he feels it again now. The entire world seems much larger and stranger than he could ever have imagined.
General Thoughts
I went to the library looking for book recommendations and this was one of the librarian's picks for me based on what I've liked to read in the past. He described this novel as similar to Murder on the Orient Express, and I think I'd have to agree. The middle-grade level and fast-paced nature of this novel makes for an easy read for even the pickiest of readers.
Favorite Moments
Plot & Pacing
This is a fast-paced novel with a pretty straight-forward plot. The plot contains a minor budding romance between Will and Maren as they avoid murderous thieves and venture through the train. There aren't many surprises, but that does not detract from the intensity of the story. Overall, it was a fun read that is quick and easy to finish.
Setting & Worldbuilding
This novel takes place on The Boundless, a train with over 900 cars on its first trip. The train exists in a fantasy world with Sasquatches and Wendigos roaming the forests. The fantastical elements do not push the plot forward but rather provide a backdrop for the story. The train itself establishes a class system and uses this device to critique classism at a rudimentary level. As Will encounters each class, he and the reader are both confronted by the stark difference in quality of life, which I think provides a good introduction to this sort of socio-political commentary to middle school readers.
Characters
I found the characters in this novel to be average at best, and standard tropes at best. We follow Will, a shy kid that lacks confidence and looks up to his father. Will has some strong character development throughout the novel, stepping out of his shell as he is chased by thieves that want to murder him. We see him struggle with his father's expectations of him and what he wants to do with his future. We also see the train through his eyes as he experiences each section of the train, from the Caboose back to first class. Will meets Maren, a circus member helping to keep him safe, along the way. A budding romance sparks between them, but the novel ends before it truly develops into something deeper. Maren is a fun character to follow and acts as a guide through the circus. Mr. Dorian is the circus leader, who acts as a guide through the fantasy world Oppel established. With seemingly unlimited knowledge, we learn much about the fantasy world from Mr. Dorian, who is your standard fantasy mentor or guide through the novel.
Originality & Writing Style
A lot of the writing is very simple and easy to read, which is expected for a middle-grade novel. However, I wish the writer did more showing instead of telling. There were several points where it felt like the obvious was stated, which slightly took me out of the novel.
Overall Enjoyment & Emotional Impact
I'm rating this novel a 3.5 because it kept me turning the page, however I prefer a slightly higher level of writing. I don't think that my critiques should deter people from reading this novel! It was easy, and great for someone getting out of a reading slump. This was only the second book I finished after one of the longest reading slumps of my life, and I finished this in one day. It’s a fun story with good themes and critiques, but it wasn’t necessarily my favorite book ever.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence and Racism
reggiethebird's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It's like snow piercer, but for kids! Mr.Dorian is absolutely a favorite character, and the ambiguity behind his skills is really nice. A good adventure, thank you Kenneth Oppel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Classism
Moderate: Death, Racism, Murder, and Colonisation
megdconway's review
fast-paced
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Cultural appropriation, and Classism
Minor: Misogyny and Sexism
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