Title: Railhead
Author: Philip Reeve
Rating: 5/5 stars
Page Count: 312 pages
Genre: SCI-FI, Middle Grade/ YA, Adventure, Fantasy
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23532981-railhead?ac=1&from_search=true
Synopsis:
Zen Starling is a kid who lives in the future and is not understood by anyone at least that’s what he thinks. But when he gets in trouble and he meets Raven. Who will give him a way out that will change his life forever. Will he take that chance and ride the royal train to find the ultimate piece of the puzzle to the universe?
If you are looking for a SPOILER-FREE REVIEW check out my review on my Youtube channel.
Style of Writing:
I really liked that it was in third person instead of first because with Railhead the world is so much of the story and a character in itself that it worked to its advantage. I loved that all the parts of the world whether it is the trains or the Guardians they were explained just enough to grasp the concept but also to let your imagination completely run wild with possibilities of what it looked like in your head.
Themes:
I love the theme of trains when I was a kid my parents used to take me on those steam train rides so awesome! So this is the book I have wanted since I was a kid and now I have it! It is traintastic! I loved the SCI-FI future theme in this book because it was not fantastical but quite realistic in terms of the fact that this could be a possible future. The theme of friendship was beautifully written especially between Zen and Nova.
Characters:
Zen Starling was a great character. He was just a lost kid at the start then he develops throughout the story into this strong character. Nova I absolutely loved as a character because she was so loyal to Zen and quite human in her personality. Raven I didn’t like as a person but as a villain he was really good. Threnody for me was too annoying in the beginning but I grew to like her at the end of the book. The trains were epic; Damask Rose and Thought Fox such fantastic characters with their own bolshie personalities. Also I loved Uncle Bugs.
Plot:
The plot was fantastic so thrilling and exciting loved every minute of it. I was always waiting and wondering what was round the corner on the next page in the adventure. I really like that you didn’t always know if Zen and Nova were going to make it which kept the suspense going throughout. The ending was great because it felt like you ended a chapter but there was so much more to explore so you didn’t feel like there was nothing to look forward to.
My Thoughts:
I can’t do this book justice in a few words its just absolutely amazingly and fantastically traintastic! It is just fun and thrilling story filled with great story of friendship and finding yourself and your place in your world. Great for children’s fiction, SCI-FI and train lovers.
Comment below if you have read Railhead or interested in reading it or to let me know what you thought of the review!
KEEP GEEKING!
