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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
An interesting fictionalization of some key events in Canadian history. I really liked this book, it was unique and kept me engaged throughout. I will share it with intermediate students in the future.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Cultural appropriation
"The moment is just a moment, but it contains multitudes."
That was disappointing.
I really wanted to like this book, and at first I did, but then it went downhill from there. It felt like it was building up for something that never came. It was too descriptive when it didn't need to be, and not enough when it didn't, and felt lacking somehow. Almost as if this wasn't the final copy of the book, and they accidentally printed that version instead of the fully edited one.
The concept was very interesting. Running on top of a 'boundless' train with a killer on your tail? Sounds fun. (Or at least to me). Yet, it ended up feeling more like a middle grade book than a young adult book, as it just didn't have much depth.
The characters were pretty boring. And I was so annoyed that Will felt the need that he had to protect Maren. Maren was such a bada** and she did NOT need Will's help. And besides Mr. Dorian, (who I actually really liked, he was such a morally grey character), all the other ones were boring. I kind of wished that I DNF'ed this one, but it's one of those books where you're itching to find out what happens, so you just rush through it. Now, I didn't rush through it by any means, but when I was reading it, I did find myself reading faster than normal, and not because it was really good.
The plot was fairly interesting in the beginning, but then everything slowed down until the final 'showdown' at the end which really wasn't that interesting. It's so sad because this book has an absolutely gorgeous design, and even more so in person, but I was really disappointed.
I really wanted to like this book, and at first I did, but then it went downhill from there. It felt like it was building up for something that never came. It was too descriptive when it didn't need to be, and not enough when it didn't, and felt lacking somehow. Almost as if this wasn't the final copy of the book, and they accidentally printed that version instead of the fully edited one.
The concept was very interesting. Running on top of a 'boundless' train with a killer on your tail? Sounds fun. (Or at least to me). Yet, it ended up feeling more like a middle grade book than a young adult book, as it just didn't have much depth.
The characters were pretty boring. And I was so annoyed that Will felt the need that he had to protect Maren. Maren was such a bada** and she did NOT need Will's help. And besides Mr. Dorian, (who I actually really liked, he was such a morally grey character), all the other ones were boring. I kind of wished that I DNF'ed this one, but it's one of those books where you're itching to find out what happens, so you just rush through it. Now, I didn't rush through it by any means, but when I was reading it, I did find myself reading faster than normal, and not because it was really good.
The plot was fairly interesting in the beginning, but then everything slowed down until the final 'showdown' at the end which really wasn't that interesting. It's so sad because this book has an absolutely gorgeous design, and even more so in person, but I was really disappointed.
What a fantastic adventure. It reminds me of Airborn (in its sense of fun and grand adventure), but it's definitely its own story. I especially loved the part about the Muskeg hag. Shiver.
Two good books in two days... heck, this is another Oppel steampunk novel after all. Highly reminiscent of his [b:Airborn|428042|Airborn (Matt Cruse, #1)|Kenneth Oppel|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388350089s/428042.jpg|2519210] series with Will & Maren here instead of Matt & Kate.
There was also a rather interesting literary reference to [b:The Picture of Dorian Gray|5297|The Picture of Dorian Gray|Oscar Wilde|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1546103428s/5297.jpg|1858012] 4/5th of the way through, and I was pleased about it.
Also like the actual historical things Oppel placed in the book (like the Chang siamese twins!)
There was also a rather interesting literary reference to [b:The Picture of Dorian Gray|5297|The Picture of Dorian Gray|Oscar Wilde|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1546103428s/5297.jpg|1858012] 4/5th of the way through, and I was pleased about it.
Also like the actual historical things Oppel placed in the book (like the Chang siamese twins!)
This book was fantastic. The story kept me guessing and hooked the entire time. I loved the way he wrapped everything together. I will gladly read anything he writes.
I had high hopes for this book and while it was an interesting story, it wasn't what I had expected. I wouldn't use it as a read-aloud with the word "feck" used twice,reference to Chinaman and Redskins, and men disappearing into rooms with painted women in the saloon car.
This one is hard. I really LOVED Oppel's other books in the Airborn series. I wanted to love this one as well but I had issue with much of the story. The writing is sound and well done and a few of the characters were genuinely great, the female lead Maren is great.
Many of the problems stem from the male lead Will. He is supposed to be 17 in the story but often asks so childish and insecure that I felt, and in fact imagined him in my mind, as a 12 or 13 year old. The decisions he makes and the way he behaves is either a very, very immature 17 year old or much more like a very young teenager. This 17 year old boy (who they continually refer to as a boy in the story...wouldn't they be more likely to refer to him as a young man in the 1800's?) is apparently oblivious to another 17 year young lady who happens to be smart, beautiful and mysterious too boot.
Honestly there were times in the story where I seriously believed the story was written with Wil as a 13 year old kid that the author later decided to make 17 years old and just did not upgrade the rest of the story to match this change. When he fights with another man the man lifts him and tosses him about like he was a small child, not a 17 year old! Things like that bugged me.
Other things that bugged me was there clear evidence of magic in the story, yet a clear sense of denial of its existence. Certain things happen and there can be no other explanation but magic for it to work.
Anyway, the story is interesting and worthy of a read but I would not run out and buy this unless your shelf is empty.
The setting in interesting, the train is pretty cool and well written.
Many of the problems stem from the male lead Will. He is supposed to be 17 in the story but often asks so childish and insecure that I felt, and in fact imagined him in my mind, as a 12 or 13 year old. The decisions he makes and the way he behaves is either a very, very immature 17 year old or much more like a very young teenager. This 17 year old boy (who they continually refer to as a boy in the story...wouldn't they be more likely to refer to him as a young man in the 1800's?) is apparently oblivious to another 17 year young lady who happens to be smart, beautiful and mysterious too boot.
Honestly there were times in the story where I seriously believed the story was written with Wil as a 13 year old kid that the author later decided to make 17 years old and just did not upgrade the rest of the story to match this change. When he fights with another man the man lifts him and tosses him about like he was a small child, not a 17 year old! Things like that bugged me.
Other things that bugged me was there clear evidence of magic in the story, yet a clear sense of denial of its existence. Certain things happen and there can be no other explanation but magic for it to work.
Anyway, the story is interesting and worthy of a read but I would not run out and buy this unless your shelf is empty.
The setting in interesting, the train is pretty cool and well written.