5.0
adventurous mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I read this for a project that will be revealed in good time, but clearly I really enjoyed it! Full transparency: this book is marketed in some places (including Goodreads) as a fantasy mystery genre blend when, in reality, it is a historical fantasy that is mysterious in tone. The writing and descriptions were gorgeous, there is climate fiction commentary, and the multiple 3rd-person POVs were really well done. AND IT IS SET ON A TRAIN JOURNEY. The book was basically made for me. Not to throw shade, but it had the elements/tone/structure/character investment that I was missing with Annihilation.

I just loved this book!