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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
I can always expect a solid, good story from Kenneth Oppel. This was quite the historical adventure, with a touch of the supernatural.
Certain elements of his stories may not be the most awe-inspiring, some of the writing may not be "anything new"; but every time I pick up one of his books, I'm transported completely into the little world he's created by his extraordinary ability to capture character. His characters are always so vivid, even without extensive physical description. If I remember correctly, our only base for Will is that he's taller than his father, has pale-ish skin, and has dark red hair. But he's so much more than that. I love how Oppel draws characters through actions and language and dialogue. My rating of this book may also be a tad biased because of three things.
1.) I've consistently rated Oppel's books in such ways. I haven't read all of his stuff yet, but I've always thought it was above average, and a great story. And if you know you enjoy an author, you're more likely to equally enjoy his other offerings. So, safe bet for me.
2.) I listened to the audiobook version of this story because I needed something for a car trip. I was ecstatic to find out that it was read by Nick Podehl... my audiobook crush. No shame; I have a crush on this guy over how he reads books. He is such a phenomenal voice actor, that I knew hands-down it was going to be awesome. And I wasn't wrong. He can suck you into a story, even if you couldn't care less about the actual material (not the case for this story, though). As the popular phrase goes, I'd listen to him reading the phone book. *whisper* It's even more awesome that he's local (West Michigan)! I'm not a stalker! I just support Brilliance Audio.
3.) It's Tween Historical Fantasy. It's mostly a historical piece, but the fact that Oppel managed to sneak in Sasquatches (is that the plural?), bog hags, and the fountain of youth into a time piece about railroad construction and early century circus performers... I mean, how cool is that?! Tickled me pink.
So, if that all sounds like something you'd also find entertaining, pick up The Boundless! Because along these epic tracks and miles of cars, there be monsters.
Certain elements of his stories may not be the most awe-inspiring, some of the writing may not be "anything new"; but every time I pick up one of his books, I'm transported completely into the little world he's created by his extraordinary ability to capture character. His characters are always so vivid, even without extensive physical description. If I remember correctly, our only base for Will is that he's taller than his father, has pale-ish skin, and has dark red hair. But he's so much more than that. I love how Oppel draws characters through actions and language and dialogue. My rating of this book may also be a tad biased because of three things.
1.) I've consistently rated Oppel's books in such ways. I haven't read all of his stuff yet, but I've always thought it was above average, and a great story. And if you know you enjoy an author, you're more likely to equally enjoy his other offerings. So, safe bet for me.
2.) I listened to the audiobook version of this story because I needed something for a car trip. I was ecstatic to find out that it was read by Nick Podehl... my audiobook crush. No shame; I have a crush on this guy over how he reads books. He is such a phenomenal voice actor, that I knew hands-down it was going to be awesome. And I wasn't wrong. He can suck you into a story, even if you couldn't care less about the actual material (not the case for this story, though). As the popular phrase goes, I'd listen to him reading the phone book. *whisper* It's even more awesome that he's local (West Michigan)! I'm not a stalker! I just support Brilliance Audio.
3.) It's Tween Historical Fantasy. It's mostly a historical piece, but the fact that Oppel managed to sneak in Sasquatches (is that the plural?), bog hags, and the fountain of youth into a time piece about railroad construction and early century circus performers... I mean, how cool is that?! Tickled me pink.
So, if that all sounds like something you'd also find entertaining, pick up The Boundless! Because along these epic tracks and miles of cars, there be monsters.
Not my favorite book by Mr. Oppel, but still a very fun, fast-paced read. I enjoyed it very much. Worth the read if you like adventure stories with a hint of romance. 4 out of 5 stars. Very good.
This started out really good, but kinda ran outta steam about halfway in.
Fun, unique train adventure story set in Canada at the turn of the century with an eccentric millionaire, an unusual circus, and a boy who loves to draw.
What a ride! The Boundless starts out as a historical novel about the completion of the Canadian transcontinental railroad, then suddenly takes a left turn into an alternative reality where natural disaster, villiany, adventure, and mythical creatures swoop in to replace the historical facts. Add in a mysterious (and perhaps magical) circus ringmaster who gives allusion to a classic literary character, and you've got one interesting novel! Oppel's vivid descriptions leapt off the page and drew me right inside the amazing city-on-wheels that is The Boundless train. I'm not sure how I felt about the way it ended, but the journey was well worth it.
I just love the worlds Kenneth Oppel creates. This was not as good as the Airborn series, but still entertaining.
I loved this book. Not only is the cover stunning, but the story is so fun and magical. Definitely a book I'll keep to share with my son
4.5/5
Absolutely delightful. Fresh, fast paced, funny - perfect for middle grade readers (and adults who still appreciate good fiction, no matter the intended audience) of all levels and sex. Filled with flawed fascinating characters, plots twists and turns and almost non stop action . Some fabulous little inside jokes for the adult reader as well. (Mr Dorian tee hee hee). And as always Oppel weaves a tale that never talks down to his intended audience and appreciates that children are aware of so much more than we think and understand some of the darker aspects of life. Readers will also learn a little of Canadian history and they won't even realize they are learning something (a rare gift for an author to pull off) And well hey -- It's Canadian with Canadian locations -- you know us Canucks love that shit!
And sorry, I accidentally deleted the quotes I wanted to use
Absolutely delightful. Fresh, fast paced, funny - perfect for middle grade readers (and adults who still appreciate good fiction, no matter the intended audience) of all levels and sex. Filled with flawed fascinating characters, plots twists and turns and almost non stop action . Some fabulous little inside jokes for the adult reader as well. (Mr Dorian tee hee hee). And as always Oppel weaves a tale that never talks down to his intended audience and appreciates that children are aware of so much more than we think and understand some of the darker aspects of life. Readers will also learn a little of Canadian history and they won't even realize they are learning something (a rare gift for an author to pull off) And well hey -- It's Canadian with Canadian locations -- you know us Canucks love that shit!
And sorry, I accidentally deleted the quotes I wanted to use
I loved the setting but nothing else really grabbed me.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes