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mariareadssff 's review for:
The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands
by Sarah Brooks
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Welcome to my favorite debut of 2024, “The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands”.
I could not help myself thinking that Jules Verne would have been impressed with this wonderful creation.
This blend of Alternate History, Steampunk Fantasy and Ecological Horror was exactly what I needed in order to get myself fully immersed between the pages of a book.
I soon as I met Zhang Weiwei, one of the three points of view that we follow along, I fell in love with this character and I was sure this will be a new favorite reading experience.
And I was right in my instincts. For me Weiwei was the heart and soul of the narrative.
I soon started to understand and appreciate the other two points of view, Marya, a young woman shrouded in her secret and DR Henry Grey, a disgraced naturalist that wants to clear his reputation and prove his theories.
The slow burn and the thorough build up of the story worked exceedingly well for me. It offered me a feeling of being transported alongside the passengers of the train, but also behind the scenes with the hardworking staff. I got to witness some fascinating character growth, but also a understanding of their surroundings and their world.
I already miss this book, being enveloped in its lush prose, living together with its characters, witnessing the Wastelands which both fascinated and terrified me.
Count me in to read whatever this bright author will come up with next.
I could not help myself thinking that Jules Verne would have been impressed with this wonderful creation.
This blend of Alternate History, Steampunk Fantasy and Ecological Horror was exactly what I needed in order to get myself fully immersed between the pages of a book.
I soon as I met Zhang Weiwei, one of the three points of view that we follow along, I fell in love with this character and I was sure this will be a new favorite reading experience.
And I was right in my instincts. For me Weiwei was the heart and soul of the narrative.
I soon started to understand and appreciate the other two points of view, Marya, a young woman shrouded in her secret and DR Henry Grey, a disgraced naturalist that wants to clear his reputation and prove his theories.
The slow burn and the thorough build up of the story worked exceedingly well for me. It offered me a feeling of being transported alongside the passengers of the train, but also behind the scenes with the hardworking staff. I got to witness some fascinating character growth, but also a understanding of their surroundings and their world.
I already miss this book, being enveloped in its lush prose, living together with its characters, witnessing the Wastelands which both fascinated and terrified me.
Count me in to read whatever this bright author will come up with next.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Chronic illness, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent