Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I feel like this book has yet to find it's audience, which is a shame because it's gorgeous. I'd particularly recommend if you enjoyed 'Piranesi' by Suzanne Clarke (although ironically I didn't actually enjoy that one personally!) The world Brooks has created is just thoroughly lush and atmospheric - the plot it secondary really, although definitely there, and resolved in a satisfying way. And maybe fans of T. Kingfisher's horror? It has that same really visceral feel, creepy but beautiful and enthralling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Death of parent
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Body horror, Confinement
slow-paced
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Even after finishing, I still have absolutely no idea what this book is about or who all the characters are.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The ending of this book was a happy one, and with that also a safe/neutral one. With the build-up of tension in this book, it lends itself well for a sadder/more monumental ending. Otherwise a very nice and interesting book.
adventurous
mysterious
DNF’d at page 100. Just couldn’t get int it. It is a good idea but I got so bored.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This review is for the audiobook.
This novel lands somewhere between magical realism and historical fantasy. A weird cross between Murder on the Orient Express (without the murder) and Annihilation. I did like the premise. The majority of the book takes place on a train, which is the only way to safely cross the Wastelands, which is full of magical nature that may or may not kill you or turn you mad. Sounds neat!
Most of this book is about the characters and why they are on that journey, which is why I say magical realism. I liked Maya's story best, it felt the most fleshed out and she had the most agency of everyone. Weiwei was an interesting character but I felt her abrupt "friendship" with Elena was forced. Dr. Gray I just kind of wanted to smack but I suppose I see his point of view.
Most of the book the Wastelands is a VERY background setting. The last 20% of the book is where we finally get the real Wastelands experience and things pick up. The end was well done.
One quibble is the "historical" piece that this claims to be. The author should not have specifically used the Trans-Siberian line and instead make up their own railway. In no way would it take 25ish days to go from China to the Russian border on train - it takes like 5-6 days. Is this book claiming Mongolia is the Wastelands? There is some discrepancies and odd timing that for some reason really bothered me.
Overall a decent story with decent narration. Nothing Earth-shattering but worth a read for a unique premise.
This novel lands somewhere between magical realism and historical fantasy. A weird cross between Murder on the Orient Express (without the murder) and Annihilation. I did like the premise. The majority of the book takes place on a train, which is the only way to safely cross the Wastelands, which is full of magical nature that may or may not kill you or turn you mad. Sounds neat!
Most of this book is about the characters and why they are on that journey, which is why I say magical realism. I liked Maya's story best, it felt the most fleshed out and she had the most agency of everyone. Weiwei was an interesting character but I felt her abrupt "friendship" with Elena was forced. Dr. Gray I just kind of wanted to smack but I suppose I see his point of view.
Most of the book the Wastelands is a VERY background setting. The last 20% of the book is where we finally get the real Wastelands experience and things pick up. The end was well done.
One quibble is the "historical" piece that this claims to be. The author should not have specifically used the Trans-Siberian line and instead make up their own railway. In no way would it take 25ish days to go from China to the Russian border on train - it takes like 5-6 days. Is this book claiming Mongolia is the Wastelands? There is some discrepancies and odd timing that for some reason really bothered me.
Overall a decent story with decent narration. Nothing Earth-shattering but worth a read for a unique premise.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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:
Complicated
Its a bit like if Jeff Vandermeer's Annihilation had a baby with the writing of Philip Pullman or Suzanne Collins. Victorian/Edwardian manners with some nature horror all on a train. Very fun.