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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
“Often the case with people who don’t read fiction. Hollow inside, monochrome, so they can switch gears no problem. They swallow something and forget about it as soon as it goes down their throat. Constitutionally incapable of empathy. These are the people who most need to read, but in most cases it’s already too late”.
Two things to note before I get into this:
1 - I watched the movie when it came out so I already had an idea of what was going to happen.
2 - I had no idea this was a part of a book series lmao
Regardless of those two things though, this is still a great read. I realized only midway through the book that this was actually the second one in the series and that’s when it clicked that I was missing some context for the story. There were a few times where characters or places where mentioned that I didn’t remember reading about but I won’t knock the book for that because it’s my fault for not reading the first one lmao.
Mostly though, I really appreciate how funny this book is. The story itself is very entertaining already but Isaka has, however unintentionally, wrote some hilarious dialogue. I like that the book doesn’t take itself too seriously even though it’s about espionage and assassins.
Honestly a really fun read. I feel obligated now to read the other two lol
Fast paced, over the top, unexpectedly funny. This was a wild ride aboard the Shinkansen from start to finish. A great mix of characters you adore and those you despise. Twists, turns and some lovely pay offs to some crumbs of information left along the way.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
After seeing Bullet Train - The Movie, I became very interested in reading Kotaro Isaka's novel, but was afraid that it would be essentially the same and feel redundant. And so it appeared at first, but the differences mount up and each version stands on its own as a distinct work. For one thing, the movie has more action, while the book has more conversation. For another, the movie morphs the story to fit its unusual casting and it makes a huge difference. The movie is also quite concerned with creating a vast conspiracy to explain how so many assassins as on the same train, but the novel instead turns it into the intersection of the unluckiest person in the world and the luckiest, and Fortune obviously has a hand in the proceedings. So several of the characters are quite different (and I take it we can count on Isaka to create offbeat characters regardless), and the train - by which I mean the story - is heading in a different direction. Even if you've seen the film, there will be surprises. One thing that is certainly the same is Lemon's obsession with Thomas and Friends, and it's even more annoying in book form when we're privy to the character's thoughts. But being in Ladybug's and the Prince's heads is quite fun, so there's a balance. A different kind of satisfying.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Bullet Train is a thrilling, fun, and entertaining read by Isaka. The upcoming film adaptation peaked my interest into reading the book and I'm glad I did. The intensity of the action sequences and dialogue reminded me of violent thrillers like John Wick while the back and forth between different characters' perspectives added plenty of variety. It definitely kept me on my toes the entire time, guessing and speculating what was going to happen next. I totally recommend this if you're looking for a thrilling, bloody page turner that has plenty of quirk too. Can't wait for the movie in August!
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes