The Boundless

By: Kenneth Oppel

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's Summary

Will Everett has always wished for an adventure. Little does he know his adventure starts the moment he boards the Boundless. There is a murder, and now Will protects a key that can unlock the train¹s hidden treasures. Villains are fast on his heels and strange creatures are lurking outside the windows, as the Boundless hurtles across the country. Together with Maren, a gifted escape artist, and Mr. Dorian, a circus ringmaster with amazing abilities, Will must save the Boundless before someone else winds up dead. His adventure may have begun without him knowing…but how it ends is up to Will.

©2014 Firewing Productions, Inc. (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

So-so story with impeccable elements

Any additional comments?

I am a mother of three boys (13 and a pair of 11-year old twins) and they allow me to read books to them (still!). This is one of our "family book club" picks and it was so-so. My 11 year old twins found the periodic setting (1870ish in Canada) boring; I thought the narrative style was lacking and though ultimately the pace of the book accelerated and the central conflict resolved in a dramatic way, I do not think this book was as good as The Nest, also by Oppel, which we also read a few months ago. Three things I did very much love about this book: the train as a city - what an imaginative setting and Mr. Oppels descriptions of the opulence and filth were wonderful. I also loved the literary homage to Portrait of Dorian Gray, which I discussed with my children. However, the leap to the fountain of youth canvas was tentative at most, and probably one of the weakest links in the plot. Thirdly, I enjoyed the factual treatment of the sasquatch. This element added a bit of whimsy and fantasy to a thrilling YA mystery novel crossed with historical fiction.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Exciting Chidren's Story Bounding Through Canada's Landscape

An exciting and whimsical story perfect for 10 to 14 year old boys and girls. A wonderful balance of the imaginary and historical characters. The perfect read aloud.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Language

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

For a book to be categorized as ages 8-12 is terribly misleading. There is no reason to put foul language into a child's book. We are loving the story. We are loving the narration. My 10 year old is heartbroken that we cannot finish it. But no, I do not expose my children to bad language purposely. Yes it will be in their everyday world eventually, but not now!

What did you like best about this story?

He has loved the excitement and fiction becoming reality in his little mind.

Any additional comments?

Very disappointed. We would love a little warning ahead of time so that we can make a educated decision ahead of time. We would love to know exactly how many curse words are in a book.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Slow to start, but we all enjoyed eventually

The story was a bit bogged down at first, but once it got going, we could hardly stand to stop it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Couldn't put it down!

Another amazing novel by Kenneth Oppel! Non stop adventure from start to finish! As per his usual Oppel has left me both immensely satisfied and wanting more!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Loved it!

It was the most amazing book I ever read. Khalil#10
It was the most amazing book I ever read. Khalil#10

Full of adventure

We loved this book! This book has adventure and suspense. We listened to it in the car and it kept everyone engrossed from my 6 year old to my eighteenth year old. The narrator was enjoyable to listen to as well. Although it is long, we’ve listened to it several times.

Captivating for all ages

Great story; great reader performance. I have three daughters, ages 13,11 and 10. My husband, myself and our girls all wanted to keep listening. I liked the adventure and descriptive writing. I would recommend this book to anyone, maybe 9 years old and above.

Great Adventurous Book!

My kids and I were enthralled with this book. The narrating was great and the storyline was just captivating. Adventure from beginning to end. My middle son asked, "Is there a sequel?"

Exciting Adventure

Wonderful imagery by Oppel. I thought Brogan was a great antagonist. I didn't know if Dorian was a good guy or a bad guy- now I think he's both. Exciting and page-turning until the end!