I am totally in love with Oppel’s writing style. I will probably say that at the beginning of every review of his book, because I keep thinking something will break the spell, but every single book is amazing! He is fantastic at creating worlds that sit just this side of reality…everything is recognizable until it isn’t. Whether it’s a sasquatch or a truly creepy hag or a painting that grants immortality – Oppel keeps us guessing about which ones are real, and which ones are imaginary. I may be hasty in proclaiming this, but I think it’s my new favorite kind of fantasy.
In addition to the awesome overarching setting, the plot is completely fascinating. A cross-Canada train ride full of nighttime adventures running the roofs and daytime performances with a circus troupe, every single page is exciting. Will and Maren and Mr. Dorian are great – another one of Oppel’s talents is in creating characters that are neither good or bad, but somewhere in between. The other circus performers are super interesting, and I wish we’d gotten even more of them. The danger feels real, the stakes are high, and now I really want to go on another cross-country train trip of my own.
Book Jacket
Will Everett has always wished for an adventure. Little does he know his adventure starts the moment he boards the Boundless. There is a murder, and now Will protects a key that can unlock the train’s hidden treasures. Villains are fast on his heels and strange creatures are lurking outside the windows as the Boundless hurtles across the country. Together with Maren, a gifted escape artist, and Mr. Dorian, a circus ringmaster with amazing abilities, Will must save the Boundless before someone else winds up dead.
His adventures may have begun without him knowing…but how it ends is up to Will.
Release Date: March 2014
It Is Trish 