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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
I feel like I would’ve liked this book a lot more if I was a middle grader. Not that I don’t enjoy middle grade books, I do. But I didn’t like the voice of the story or Will’s narration (even though it’s third person, Will’s point of view). The story is told in present tense, except for the fact that I didn’t think this suited the book.
I also felt that the “adventures” was just Will not really knowing anything. He would do something thinking that one thing would happen, but then poor Will would go through something else. And the villains he had to run away from, were pretty one dimensional. This is also a reason why I think I would’ve liked this book if it wasn’t middle-grade, because the villains aren’t really as developed as villains in Young Adult fiction (according to me . . . I hope I did not offend anyone).
I thought that Maren wasn’t really that well-developed. After finishing this book, I can tell you that I honestly don’t know much about her or Will. It was kind of on the flat side in that department. And I was hoping that Maren’s skills Will’s thoughts on The Boundless would be shown later on in the book. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen. I guess, that was because their development isn’t really a part of the story. It was just Will’s wish for an adventure. Mr. Dorian was kind of boring once you find out his motives in the story.
The “magic” part of this story. If you were to read The Boundless I would HIGHLY recommend knowing a bit about Native Canadian beliefs, because a lot of the beings or magic that revolves around the incidents on the train is through that.
Nonetheless, I have looked more into books written by Kenneth Oppel and I think that I would like to try this author out more. :D
Overall, I am sure The Boundless would be great for a middle grader and I highly recommend that if you want to read this, then read it with a younger relative or friend, because things they may enjoy in this story may not even come to your mind. I know if I would’ve read this book in middle grade I would’ve loved it.
I would obviously recommend The Boundless to any middle grader who is a fan of magic and a decently paced plot. Nothing major or complex happens, so if you’re looking for a story like that, then why not?
I also felt that the “adventures” was just Will not really knowing anything. He would do something thinking that one thing would happen, but then poor Will would go through something else. And the villains he had to run away from, were pretty one dimensional. This is also a reason why I think I would’ve liked this book if it wasn’t middle-grade, because the villains aren’t really as developed as villains in Young Adult fiction (according to me . . . I hope I did not offend anyone).
I thought that Maren wasn’t really that well-developed. After finishing this book, I can tell you that I honestly don’t know much about her or Will. It was kind of on the flat side in that department. And I was hoping that Maren’s skills Will’s thoughts on The Boundless would be shown later on in the book. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen. I guess, that was because their development isn’t really a part of the story. It was just Will’s wish for an adventure. Mr. Dorian was kind of boring once you find out his motives in the story.
The “magic” part of this story. If you were to read The Boundless I would HIGHLY recommend knowing a bit about Native Canadian beliefs, because a lot of the beings or magic that revolves around the incidents on the train is through that.
Nonetheless, I have looked more into books written by Kenneth Oppel and I think that I would like to try this author out more. :D
Overall, I am sure The Boundless would be great for a middle grader and I highly recommend that if you want to read this, then read it with a younger relative or friend, because things they may enjoy in this story may not even come to your mind. I know if I would’ve read this book in middle grade I would’ve loved it.
I would obviously recommend The Boundless to any middle grader who is a fan of magic and a decently paced plot. Nothing major or complex happens, so if you’re looking for a story like that, then why not?
Don't remember much about this book, but don't remember being the hugest fan of any meaning it conveyed. Fluff read.
3.5/5 stars
BOOKTUBEATHON BOOK #5 DONE BLESS UP.
I enjoyed this a lot! It was more exciting than I thought it would be. I loved the story, but the characters didn't have a lot of growth, or at least growth that made sense. It was mostly all about the plot, which in this case was good, so not a total loss! I loved the descriptions of the cars on the boundless because that seriously sounds like a train I want to be on. Overall enjoyable though not incredible!
BOOKTUBEATHON BOOK #5 DONE BLESS UP.
I enjoyed this a lot! It was more exciting than I thought it would be. I loved the story, but the characters didn't have a lot of growth, or at least growth that made sense. It was mostly all about the plot, which in this case was good, so not a total loss! I loved the descriptions of the cars on the boundless because that seriously sounds like a train I want to be on. Overall enjoyable though not incredible!
Kenneth Oppel's brand of storytelling is captivating. I was enthralled by his Airborn series and was pleased to find this newest adventure just as thrilling. Warm, likable, interesting characters in a fascinating world of frontier trains, circus marvels, and intrigue. Also, I listened to the audio book version of this; it was tremendously well done. So many dialects!
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.
*I'd more likely give this book 2 1/2 stars, but not quite three.
Will needs to get to the front of a train that has almost 1,000 cars. He has a key that urgently needs to be returned to his father, who is conducting the massive train. He manages to get help from some circus members who are also aboard the train. Along the way, his progress is impeded by a Sasquatch, gun fights, and plenty of villainous brakemen. Will receives quite a surprise about his mission, though, and has to make some tough choices. When he finally reaches the front of the train, nothing is as he thought it was.
One of my major hangups about this book is that it had a lot of parallels to the "Snowpiercer" graphic novel/movie. It didn't follow the "Snowpiercer" plot outright, but there were enough similarities that it was distracting to me.
I was also initially confused about the character of Will. His thoughts and actions made me think that he might be young, between 10-13, when it turns out that he's actually 17. Will wasn't really a character I connected with. He seemed very flat for a main character. The story is told in present tense, which is always a little unsettling for me, and I never really seemed to pick up the flow of the story.
Part of my dislike might not be entirely because of the book. I found "The Boundless" in the children's section of my local bookstore, and when I picked it up, I had my fourth graders in mind. I even found that Amazon suggested it for ages 8-12. I would definitely NOT recommend this book for young readers. The language borders inappropriate at times, with characters using "feck" and "Jaysus" as cuss words. There's even a part where a Sasquatch tears off a man's head and puts it on a spike. I think this book is inappropriate for young readers, but it seems like older readers would find it boring.
Will needs to get to the front of a train that has almost 1,000 cars. He has a key that urgently needs to be returned to his father, who is conducting the massive train. He manages to get help from some circus members who are also aboard the train. Along the way, his progress is impeded by a Sasquatch, gun fights, and plenty of villainous brakemen. Will receives quite a surprise about his mission, though, and has to make some tough choices. When he finally reaches the front of the train, nothing is as he thought it was.
One of my major hangups about this book is that it had a lot of parallels to the "Snowpiercer" graphic novel/movie. It didn't follow the "Snowpiercer" plot outright, but there were enough similarities that it was distracting to me.
I was also initially confused about the character of Will. His thoughts and actions made me think that he might be young, between 10-13, when it turns out that he's actually 17. Will wasn't really a character I connected with. He seemed very flat for a main character. The story is told in present tense, which is always a little unsettling for me, and I never really seemed to pick up the flow of the story.
Part of my dislike might not be entirely because of the book. I found "The Boundless" in the children's section of my local bookstore, and when I picked it up, I had my fourth graders in mind. I even found that Amazon suggested it for ages 8-12. I would definitely NOT recommend this book for young readers. The language borders inappropriate at times, with characters using "feck" and "Jaysus" as cuss words. There's even a part where a Sasquatch tears off a man's head and puts it on a spike. I think this book is inappropriate for young readers, but it seems like older readers would find it boring.
3.5.
An enjoyable story with a lot of additional fun for Canadians/those familiar with Canadian history.
An enjoyable story with a lot of additional fun for Canadians/those familiar with Canadian history.
3.5 and rounded up - A fun adventure story that kept me reading.
Oppel's latest is a solid adventure story with a classic feel that's a perfect fit for middle schoolers. The world-building is effortless, blending folklore and fantasy with historical fiction, and the Boundless itself is such a fascinating and well-realized setting. As the classic boy character who has effectively run away to join the circus, Will is a realistic protagonist and relatable despite the historical setting, though perhaps a bit lacking in personality. Oppel is particularly skilled at creating suspense and a sense of breathless pursuit that moves this adventure forward quickly, drawing readers into Will's drive to survive. The circus and the train itself provide a rich and entertaining cast of secondary characters, but this is ultimately an adventure story and the focus remains squarely on Will, what he has, and who's after him. Fluidly written and action packed, it's a high-quality read for middle graders looking for plenty of excitement and a truly unique setting.