Book Review

 

Kenneth Oppel​'s The Boundless is an exciting story targeted at the middle grade set, but it can be enjoyed by readers well into their teens. There's plenty of adventure for all ages aboard this 900-car train and a fair amount of danger as well. It mostly involves jumping moving railroad cars and getting chased by baddies with knives and guns. Expect some deaths, a few sad and a couple gory with heads left on spikes. Readers will learn quite a bit about the time period just after the Canadian Pacific Railroad was built -- an era that included lots of smoking and drinking. Will, a teen, drinks a little, too. Mostly he's a good kid, though, with some tough decisions to make about honesty and loyalty. Language stays pretty mild -- nothing beyond "asses." Read by Nick Podehl in the audiobook version, which the American Library Association named a 2015 Notable Children's Recording.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-boundless

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Praise for The Boundless

"A wild, cinematic ride: Canadian railway history, fantasy, a flutter of romance- and a thoughtful examination of social injustice-collide in this entertaining swashbuckler." - Kirkus (starred)

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"With its imaginative plot, cast of colorful, well-rounded characters, and nonstop action, Oppel's latest is a delight to read from the first page right through the satisfying conclusion. Take note: This book will be popular!" - School Library Journal (starred review)

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"Vividly imagined...heart-stopping action scenes involving dozens of memorable characters. An epic journey novel with a distinctive setting, a powerful sense of adventure, and just a whiff of steampunk. Expect hoards of passengers aboard The Boundless." - Booklist (starred review)

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"Oppel's imagination and sense of adventure never disappoint, and readers should thrill to this rousing tale as it barrels ahead at full speed." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

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"Steeped in Canadiana and suspense, The Boundless reads like a blood-speckled love letter to the late 19th century True North strong and free." - Quill & Quire (starred review)