This book is fantastical in the true sense of the work. The trans-Siberian express runs through the wasteland, where strange plants grow and surreal creatures roam. The very air is tainted. The train is a steam powered fortress that powers through the landscape, fortified so that it never comes into contact with the outside.
The Trans-Siberia company is a powerful entity and an oppressive presence throughout the novel. The book has three points of view – Weiwei, the child of the train, who knows the train better than anyone; Marya, who is in disguise and trying to find the truth and Henry Grey, who is desperate to get out into the wasteland and collect samples.
The writing shows the atmosphere on the train – partly exciting, partly claustrophobic, vividly. It’s set in a sort of alternative history and, although I don’t think the time period is specified, it feels like the golden age of steam.
The story goes along at a good pace and I genuinely wasn’t sure what was going to happen at the end.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s vibrant, imaginative and interesting.
I got a review copy from Netgalley. I requested it mainly because it was set on a steam train (and I’m a sucker for a steam train!).
Buy link: https://amzn.to/3T5iLCX*
*As an Amazon affiliate, I will make a small amount of money from qualifying purchases. This will not cost you anything extra.
Jeevani Charika 