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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
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.
Alternate history with fantasy elements. It was a fun story. But I had some concerns about the depictions of Native Americans and Canadian Aboriginal peoples and their beliefs, like the Wendigo. I was troubled by the passing mentions of inequalities onboard the train that were never resolved. Also, the treatment of the Sasquatch was troubling. The Sasquatch are sentient creatures whose land is being taken for the railroad. They fight back and the railroad responds by trying to kill them. One of the young Sasquatch is taken prisoner and becomes part of the circus. The Sasquatch play an important role in the resolution of this adventure. Yet there is no criticism of their treatment by the railroad or any indication that the railroad will change that treatment.
In the end, this book left me unsatisfied. Young readers will likely enjoy the adventure and gloss over the things that concerned me. But that leaves me wondering whether it's appropriate to encourage them to read it. This could be a good book for discussion of these issues, in the right setting.
In the end, this book left me unsatisfied. Young readers will likely enjoy the adventure and gloss over the things that concerned me. But that leaves me wondering whether it's appropriate to encourage them to read it. This could be a good book for discussion of these issues, in the right setting.
Good adventure story. I think the main character was a bit wimpy, but he certainly had his fair share of exciting things happen to him. The descriptions of the Boundless were gorgeous; I wanted to be on that train. Trains, circuses, and villains; something for everyone in this book.
What a fun YA choice! I would highly recommend this adventure for boys and girls alike. Very imaginative and I also love that it isn't a series. Not everything needs to be a series, right?!
Maybe a 3.5? I wasn't as caught up in the story as I would have liked to have been and a lot of the magic of this alternative world was lost on me. The premise is good and I think young readers will enjoy it, especially boys looking for an "adventure" novel.
3.5 stars.
Really good. Moved fast, was intriguing. Seemed timeless.
Really good. Moved fast, was intriguing. Seemed timeless.