shereadytoread's Reviews (806)

This book was so much fun. Gothic YA horror with a mysterious subplot. Queer representation and a wide cast of supporting characters that kept the story moving.

This was an excellent read! Fun subplot of the hallmark film. Great supporting characters that added to the story. Wonderful messaging around fatphobia and respect for sex workers. I loved it.

“Go to that wonderful place and stay there as long as you can manage. In that place, you are free. In that place, we are all free.”

Review: 4.5 stars rounded up

The Nightland Express is a YA historical fantasy that takes place in the antebellum frontier. It is such a fun ride with depth and stakes. It follows two young people trying to escape their secrets as they join the Pony Express only to find out they are taking an adventure on the magical Nightland Express instead.

The main characters Jesse and Ben are such deeply written characters and their foil brings so much to the table. As their secrets are slowly revealed to one another, we see how important the promises that we make to ourselves and each other can be. The queer representation in the book is explored through the fantasy elements and it’s so beautiful. It also speaks to colonization and historical traumas very well.

I can say that I am not a big fan of historical fiction or westerns but the themes of this book push out of the genre and pulled me into the story.

Disclaimer: I received a gifted finished copy of this book. 

This book had too much going on and not enough at the same time. The premise of the scale of the scares didn’t make sense with what was set up. But the scares themselves were still pretty good. Maybe the sequel will tie up the plot holes?