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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
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.
Middle grade historical fiction/thriller/fantasy great for boys. Almost the whole story takes place on a long train. Good boy book , grades 4+.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a cute middle grade book. It is a little slow and not really a mystery despite being claimed as such. You know the who but the mystery is more about the how. I would class this more as an adventure novel as it is mostly about our characters making their way through the train to get to the locomotive.
I think that once we got into the action it picks up, but the set up is a little slow. Also, I wanted more with the Sasquatches. They were introduced as actual creatures in this universe, but they weren’t really a part of it except for like two or three scenes.
ARC from Edelweiss
Action packed train adventure -might have ended suddenly but a lot of excitement along the way!
Action packed train adventure -might have ended suddenly but a lot of excitement along the way!
For students who like mystery and a bit of magical realism.
Will's struggles with confidence through his adventures resonated---and I loved the magical and steam-punk elements thrown into the mix. Overall a fast-moving story. Could see vocab being challenging for some readers.