Reviews

The Nightland Express by J.M. Lee

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apologiesforeverything's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

kleonard's review

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3.0

A secret, magic Pony Express hires on two new riders who must transport a challenging child across the country--but nothing is as it seems. The Sidhe have taken up residence in North America alongside indigenous gods and magics, and some of them are plenty unhappy with all of the mortals spreading out all over the place. The story is a bit over-complicated and the plotting is sort of like those Studio Ghibi films where they capture the idea of how magic works in the mind of a child--nothing has to be logical, and things turn back on themselves in fast reversals. But it's also full of important themes: a trans character comes out, as does a queer one; the earth needs protecting; found family is valid; and magic has a cost. For middle-grade readers and up.

theangrystackrat's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

marleen3843's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Loved the way Jesse was written as a trans character. Felt natural to read when their pronounce switched every so often and didn't bother me at all!!

This book took me on a turn I didn't expect, but loved all the same! Didn't love the ending as much as I wanted to though. Really hoped both the boys stayed human and together at the end, but alas. Although I have to admit, I think it would've only irritated me if they both became spirits.

Also, I WANTED THEM TO KISS AAAAAH

jhamm115's review

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4.0

A really neat YA read! The Nightland Express mixes Western with Fantasy for a unique experience. The story moves rather quickly alternating chapters between two main characters who, for the most part, are driving the same plot. Lee really sets up a special environment that made the Western United States feel magical. While I did like the characters and their development, I felt they needed fleshed out more. Overall a very nice, refreshing read.

thisdadreads's review

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4.0

Thanks to Erewhon & Netgalley for the electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. This review is spoiler free.

The Nightland Express is a YA historic fiction/fantasy novel by J.M. Lee. The book follows Jesse and Ben, two teenagers who are eager to get out of their circumstances via the opportunity to take a job with the Pony Express (or so they think). The two go on a journey of discovery about themselves and each other and realize their trip from Missouri to California is filled with more mystery and magic than they expected.

I first became aware of J.M. Lee through his YA novels set in the universe of The Dark Crystal. I quickly fell in love with his writing style and how he effortlessly draws readers into caring deeply about the characters and worlds he builds. With The Dark Crystal, there was a set universe in which his stories took place, but with The Nightland Express, Lee must start from scratch, no small feat in the world of YA fantasy. Lee efficiently establishes the setting of the United States in the mid 1860’s through his prose, but also through his strong characters. Chapters are switched from perspectives of Jesse and Ben, providing two first person narratives that allow for readers to quickly get to know each of them, struggles and all. Each lead character has something unique about them that makes them feel different (no spoilers on what those things are), Lee does a great job of showing how these differences can be celebrated in open and honest relationships.

There is a strong fantasy element in the book that took me somewhat by surprise. The transition from historic, character-driven fiction to fantasy, while somewhat jarring, ultimately works well. The trope of an alternate dimension is introduced and while that isn’t a unique story device (I got Stranger Things and His Dark Materials vibes), The Nightland Express stands out for how it balances the fantastic with the realistic. The lead characters Jesse and Ben experience some truly wondrous (and dangerous) things on their journey to California but their destinations are ultimately internal ones. Lee’s relatable teens are the foundation of the novel amidst all the fantasy elements, and this ultimately makes The Nightland Express a journey worth going on.

The Nightland Express is a great book for middle to late teens. There are some sexual elements, language, and violence that should be considered when recommending this book to readers under the age of 15 (my own opinion). For adult readers who are fans of character-driven fantasy tales, The Nightland Express deserves a place on your reading list. I especially want to congratulate J.M. Lee, as this book has been in publishing limbo for almost two years now, I want to be among the first to publicly applaud another work by him being out in the world!

The Nightland Express, like its central characters, is a unique book that celebrates the inner outcasts in all of us and shows how together we can make the world better. I give this 4/5 stars – recommend!