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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The premise was incredibly intriguing, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The plot was weighed down by excessive exposition and lacked enough action to keep the momentum going. The “guide” mentioned in the synopsis felt almost irrelevant, as it wasn’t explored in any meaningful way—its author and content barely received any attention, aside from brief mentions. The central mystery of what lies beyond the world the characters inhabit also went largely unexplored, leaving me wanting more.
I’m tempted to give it another read to see if maybe I missed something, but I think I need some distance before I do. The ending felt far too abrupt, and the only character arc that truly resonated with me was that of the scientist.
I’m tempted to give it another read to see if maybe I missed something, but I think I need some distance before I do. The ending felt far too abrupt, and the only character arc that truly resonated with me was that of the scientist.
The late 1800's, the Trans Siberian Express is making it's first journey in months after an incident occurred on its last trip. Secrets unravel and whispers circulate the train is unsafe as the passengers and crew make the 15 day journey from Beijing to Moscow across the mysterious Wastelands.
A debut novel from the author and was a good read, I went I to it not knowing what to expect.
There was a lot to like here, the setting, the writing, the characters, all strong.
It did however take a bit to get into, a lot of characters are introduced early on and it was hard to keep track of at first. It's not a fasted paced story, it's more centred around the people and the journey than the destination. The setting was beautifully described both in and out the train with a creepy video throughout that very much felt like Area X from the Southern Reach books by Jeff Vandermeer.
Quite a complex story with some whimsical moments and intriguing characters blending fantasy, sci-fi and mystery.
A debut novel from the author and was a good read, I went I to it not knowing what to expect.
There was a lot to like here, the setting, the writing, the characters, all strong.
It did however take a bit to get into, a lot of characters are introduced early on and it was hard to keep track of at first. It's not a fasted paced story, it's more centred around the people and the journey than the destination. The setting was beautifully described both in and out the train with a creepy video throughout that very much felt like Area X from the Southern Reach books by Jeff Vandermeer.
Quite a complex story with some whimsical moments and intriguing characters blending fantasy, sci-fi and mystery.
This just wasn't for me, though I can see how it would appeal to others who are looking for a book that uses a fantastical premise to dive into human nature, science, character study, and ecological speculation.
I came to this book looking for more of a propulsive plot featuring adventure and fantasy mixed with folklore and mythology, so the slow, introspective tone was not in line with what I was expecting. I saw another review mention that there were some elements of the "gothic" and "horror" genres, which I would agree with, and those are also not typically in my wheelhouse.
Like I said, I just don't think I am the right audience for this book.
Reading this reminded me of "Our Wives Under the Sea" - another acclaimed title that many enjoyed, but fell short of what I was looking for when it came to plot and backstory. When the end was approaching I kept feeling like there was supposed to be metaphor and a deeper meaning these stories were representing, but they just didn't land with me.
I respect the craft of the writing, the detailed descriptions, and the overall nicely phrased prose, but the plot execution wasn't what I have come to enjoy when I pick up a book.
mysterious
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
Not what I expected from this book. A little slow, a little anti-climactic ending. I think the world was very interesting and much more could have been done with it. But I finished it and didn’t hate it as I was reading.
Very unique concept that i really loved, just didn't connect with it emotionally at all.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I couldn’t make it through the book and DNF at about 32% in.