I'm not going to lie, this one was a bit disappointing. From the description it sounded right up my alley and I was super excited to read it. I waited over four months for the publisher to approve my ARC request and another month until I could find a spot in my schedule to start it, and then … sadness. I really, really wanted to love this one.

I just could not get into this story, though. The first 60% pretty much just consists of the characters walking around the train and talking to each other. Nothing happens. I mean, I suppose there's the whole thing with Elena, but for something that should be a very surprising occurrence, it's tremendously anticlimactic. And, honestly, I just couldn't bring myself to care about any of the characters – they're all pretty one-dimensional and I never felt like I got to know them in the slightest. I kept thinking that things had to get interesting at some point so I kept on reading, despite the fact that I really wanted to DNF around the 40% mark (I actually got out of bed around 2 a.m. to go downstairs and “officially” mark it as DNF'd on Goodreads but changed my mind at the last second). And there is a bit of action around the 60% mark, and things get supremely wonky after that point, but I can't say that I ever truly got invested in the story. It just all felt so … flat.

But, with that said, this book has a fantastic premise. A dangerous train journey though the magical wastelands of Siberia? Yes, please! And I have to say that I didn't hate the ending. I wasn't exactly invested in it, but it's unique and seems appropriate considering the events that lead up to it. If there were just a little more “oomph” to this story, it really could have been phenomenal.

Obviously I'm in the minority here – lots of other reviewers have loved this book. While I wasn't its biggest fan, I'd certainly be willing to try out another book by Sarah Brooks in the future – she definitely knows how to come up with an intriguing premise!

My overall rating: 2.75 stars, rounded up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

The book is categorized as scifi/fantasy, but really I’d term it more Victorian Gothic. There is a fantasy element of the wastelands, the creepy “changed” area the train crosses, but overall the story feels more Gothic horror tinged than your standard fantasy. Nothing too horrific or graphic happens, but there’s definitely a sense of ominous dread and a few “jump scares” throughout.

I thought this story had some unique, creative ideas. Without spoiling anything, I think my favorite part of the book was the commentary it makes on dealing with change. I haven’t read anything quite like this, and I read a lot of sff, so that’s saying something. I was caught up in the idea of the train as the only safe haven, all on its own in a tainted, magical landscape. It’s a story of “strangers on a train,” and has a little of that “Orient Express” feel in that you don’t know what each character might be hiding. The train is truly on its own out in the Wastelands. If something goes wrong, no help is coming, which adds to the tension throughout. The story follows three different passengers, and I generally liked the multiple perspectives, although there were times when I wish we got a little more or less of various characters.

That said, early on, some of the characters make some incredibly foolish choices without good reasoning as to why. The story didn’t wrap up quite as neatly as it could have, and I was still left with some questions about what exactly happened on the prior train journey that everyone is mysteriously silent about. In the end, we never get a straight answer on what is going on in the wastelands, and maybe that’s supposed to be the point, but personally I’d have liked a little more clarity.

Overall, though, this was a unique story that was definitely worth a read for someone who likes historical fantasy/gothic horror.

I found the premise and the world of this engaging and the overall atmosphere incredible, but it never became more than the sum of its parts for me. I think I wanted more of a forward drive, which admittedly is not what this is going for. I could see someone in the mood for a meditative mystery with a strong whiff of strangeness really falling for this!

This book straddles every single genre I love: historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, magical realism, speculative fiction, mystery, steampunk fantasy, and alternate history. It is written in vivid descriptive prose, and is surpringly engaging and fast-moving even when so much of it feels like a metaphor on society, science, history and our constant human need to ascribe meaning to things.

Sarah Brooks creates an enrapturing version of the world with the wild landscape of the Wastelands that lie between China and Russia, which are connected by a train and its secrets. She weaves the story of the characters well with the (literal and metaphorical) journey they take across the Wastelands, and balances the realism of the world with the magic associated with fantasy novels.

This book has echoes of many books I've previously read, and would appeal to those who've read the same: Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials, Susanna Clarke's Piranesi, Yann Martel's Life of Pi and R.F. Kuang's Babel. It's strange, fantastical, whimsical, and introspective. I can't wait to get my hands on a paperback, dive back in, and understand the story deeper. This book is a definite contender for the best book I've read this year!

Thanks for the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC of the book, and thank you to the author for that wonderful, beautiful story!

I’m giving this 5 stars because it was so beautifully written and so unique, anything less would be wrong.

But it was also sad and very strange, and I’ll have to think about how exactly I feel about it for several days.

A great adventure story reminiscent of The Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer. Great for readers of fantasy and speculative fiction.

Breathtaking Mysteries: Abounding with enigmas, the narrative keeps you guessing.
Marvelous World-Building: Brooks paints a vivid picture of a magical landscape.
Atmospheric and Unpredictable: The tension builds, and surprises await at every turn.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC of The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks.

In a different version of late 1800s Earth, the land between China and Russia has been overtaken by the "wastelands", a growing, changing altering space where the flora/fauna/animals are different and any humans who venture inside disappear. It is walled off on either side of Russia and China, and the 15-day Trans-Siberian Express is the one transportation option available instead of traversing across the world. It has been ten months since the train has last made the journey after the last trip where all the passengers and crew forgot the entire experience - a worrisome sign that the tainted wasteland air had entered the train. This is always a danger of the journey - and wasteland sickness, an urge to take any means necessary to get out of the train and into the wastelands itself, occurs often enough that there are windowless rooms in the infirmary for those suffering. Luckily, the Company that owns the train has explained the fault of the previous journey as faulty glass, and with that repaired the train is as good as ever to run anew (or is it?). It is an interesting world that Brooks has done a great job describing and bringing to life. As readers we join the crew and the passengers - some with secrets to hide and fortunes to be made - and we see how the wastelands has altered again in the previous years and how far the Company who owns the train will go to keep it on track.

It's interesting that the book has a lot of cozy vibes, but some parts of the setting are actually quite disturbing - if Brooks had wanted to, this could have become a horror novel -- I'm glad it isn't, and I think she laid just the right current of fear of the unknown and fear of wasteland sickness and the fear of the Crows/the Company to the story where you could justify people choosing this journey.

Each of the main characters have their own arc, goals, secrets and pursuits and Brooks is great at intertwining their stories and their decisions that occur from the lapses or aims of others. The story felt well structured and there was intensity brewing throughout - like the issues with the water, etc. (I don't want to say too much more here without giving away plot points).

The ending of the book was unexpected but I liked it - and the more I think about it, the more it is the only ending that does the story justice.

I think Brooks touches on the fear of change and the fight to survive in a very curious setting. Both the capitalism-centric company linking Russia and China (ironic) and the way the world just sort of blocks off the wastelands and carries on as normal are also interesting ways of looking at globalization, industrial progress, and care for nature/the planet.

This is a suspenseful, entertaining story in a well thought out world - I highly recommend it.

This is a dazzling novel, one that deftly questions how humans change the environment, how we judge places and people by their places, how what seems terrible and unknowable can become essential and embraceable. Moving between several beautifully-drawn characters, Brooks sets her tale on a train in a time much like great days of luxury train travel, where an international staff serves a diverse clientele.. But this train, running from Beijing to Moscow under the auspices of the Trans Siberia Company--a "company" in the way the East India Company was a "company"--passes through the Wastelands of Siberia, a little-understood place that can drive travelers mad. Brooks's language is evocative and rich and it felt luxurious to read. A complete delight; an utter gem.

This book is set almost entirely on the Great Trans-Siberian Express as it makes it's way through an area known as the Wastelands in the late 1800's. It is very well written with picturesque descriptions of the Wastelands and of life aboard the train. The cast of characters each have their own agendas for being in the train. Uncovering the truth behind what happened on the last journey is the mystery.

Even though this is a 19th century fantasy, I'm not sure if someone looking for a steampunk work will enjoy this as such. If you're looking for a well written fantasy mystery, I recommend this.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love the concept of this book; it is a highly imaginative and creative piece of speculative fiction, with a bit of classic mystery, and even a touch of horror, thrown in. Set in the late 1800’s, we join three distinctive POV characters and a well-defined supporting cast, on the final passage of the Trans-Siberian Express across the Wastelands from Beijing to Moscow. The train, and the journey, evokes elements of both ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and ‘Snowpiercer’. The mystical landscape calls to mind the magical novels of Erin Morgenstern. All blended with Victorian Era historical fiction.

The atmosphere and tone are perfect for the time and the unfolding story. And it is well written, rich with imagery and details. The tension and pace build beautifully, like the moving train itself. And it has obvious (yet not overbearing) messages regarding classism, ambition, the dangers of capitalism, and respecting nature.

This is not a quick read. It is too dense and descriptive to fly through it. But if you have the time and inclination to immerse yourself in this magical journey, it is engrossing and satisfying.

Thanks to NetGalley, Sarah Brooks, and Flatiron Books for the ARC.

“The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands” is a mysterious historical fantasy following several main characters as they travel from Beijing to Moscow. I was very curious as I started to read this novel. The pieces slowly start to come together to reveal what the wastelands are, and what the main characters are seeking on this fateful journey. If, like me, you like to read a book in which you don’t really know what to expect, then this one’s for you. The book is well written, with vivid descriptions and deeper themes. The pace of the plot did not pick up for me until the last quarter of the book.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Enchanting. Mysterious. Your encounter with each of the characters traveling on this train from Beijing to Moscow grows on you as they each discover for themselves the life and meaning of the Wastelands outside. Infectious and addictive. I couldn't put it down.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

With the comparison to Piranesi, one of my favorite fantasy novels, I'm disappointed to say this book was a miss for me. The concept of the story is quite incredible--set in the late 1800s, a train runs through the Wastelands, the space between China and Russia. However, something dangerous happened on the train's last crossing, causing operations to shut down for quite some time. Along with the train's passengers, we embark on the first journey since the hiatus, though the Trans-Siberia Company has kept all the details completely silent. Even those who were on the last crossing can't remember what happened.

I thought the book was written very well, with stunning descriptions of the train journey and atmosphere. However, I the fantasy world-building fell a bit short. I'm not sure if I would describe this as fantasy at all. It reads more like magical realism to me. Which is usually something I really enjoy, but in this case, I found the pacing too slow, and I couldn't visualize the fantastical/unnatural elements.

The cast of characters seems diverse at first glance: Marya Petrovna, a wealthy Russian widow, Henry Grey, the English naturalist, Zhang Weiwei, the girl who grew up on the train, Suzuki, the train's Cartographer. But they all felt one-dimensional to me, and I couldn't connect with them. Their varied cultural backgrounds hardly come up at all. In the beginning of the book, we are told they speak a kind of train language that bridges between Russian and Chinese, a fascinating concept, but this linguistic diversity doesn't come across in the story. Even the economic disparity between First and Third class passengers feels like an afterthought.

I think readers of cozy fantasy would enjoy this book, though it does have some ominous/horror themes. I'm learning that I prefer fantasy that makes bolder statements. While I don't regret reading this, it unfortunately wasn't for me.

Thank you to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for providing me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book comes highly recommended for fans of fantasy thriller, gothic horror, and historical fiction, offering a captivating blend of genres reminiscent of Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express.'

While the slow-paced beginning may raise some initial questions, the narrative quickly gains momentum as different narrators unveil their introductory stories, drawing readers into a thrilling adventure. Picture a journey through the Wasteland, where glimpsing out of the train windows can unleash twisted images that threaten to shatter one's sanity. The voyage aboard the Trans-Siberian Express from Beijing to Moscow proves to be a journey not only of financial cost but also of mental toll—a price that voyagers may pay with their very sanity.

The cast of characters is as diverse as it is intriguing, reminiscent of the 12 passengers aboard the haunted Orient Express. Among them is Marya Petrovna, a grieving woman harboring a secret agenda under a borrowed name; Henry Grey, a disgraced naturalist seeking redemption for his past sins; and Elena, a stowaway with secrets and mysterious connections to the Wasteland. As alliances form and betrayals loom, passengers like Zhang Weivei find themselves torn between duty and loyalty, grappling with decisions that could alter the course of their journey—and their lives. With danger lurking both inside and outside the train, trust becomes a precious commodity, and passengers must navigate a web of deception to uncover the truth.

Overall, this is a captivating and smartly written fiction that seamlessly blends different genres, evoking Christie-esque vibes while delivering a thrilling fantasy-horror narrative with a touch of gothic intrigue. I wholeheartedly recommend it to genre enthusiasts and fiction readers alike, offering a unique and adventurous journey filled with twists and surprises.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for providing me with a digital review copy of this exceptional novel in exchange for my honest thoughts

Thank you NetGalley & Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review can also be found on Goodreads.

Set in the late 1800's just before the turn of the century, readers join the passengers of the Trans Siberian Railway on their journey across the intrepid Wastelands from Beijing to Moscow. Moving at an incredible rate of speed, be careful not to look out the window for too long. You'll be drawn into the mystical landscape of the wastelands that holds a power no human yet understands.

We follow multiple characters across this harrowing & risky journey. This mystical railway is known to face challenges of creatures and events no one can explain. Their journey is filled with tension, and anxieties begin to rise when they realize that the powers of the wasteland are greater than they could've ever imagined. Readers are thrust into a magical and thrilling world, all leaving you wanting more.

This book was INCREDIBLE. I instantly fell into the story when I started, and I forced myself to read it slowly instead of devouring it. It is dense and intricately detailed, and reading slower than usual really helped me absorb all that was going on. I often have a hard time visualizing books as I read, but this book was an exception to that. The descriptive writing is beautiful and impactful for the reader. I was so engrossed in the story that I felt I was on the train as a passenger, experiencing the journey with them. Any book that can do that is an instant 5-star read for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC ♥️♥️♥️
All aboard for a spellbinding journey! This book whisks you away on the Great Trans-Siberian Express, where a cast of intriguing characters embarks on a transformative voyage. As the train chugs through the enigmatic Wastelands, secrets and tales begin to unfurl, and the stakes rise. With rumors of unknown dangers lurking in the shadows, the passengers must band together to survive the treacherous ride. Blending historical and fantastical elements, this tale will captivate and unsettle you. For me, reading this book was a dream come true in more ways than one. Born in Kazakhstan, I've always been fascinated by the Trans-Siberian Railway and dreamed of traveling on its iconic trains. Through this book, I felt like I finally got a taste of that adventure. I personally loved how the author wove together elements of mystery, adventure, and self-discovery, making it a thrilling page-turner that left me eager for more. Fasten your seatbelts for a thrilling adventure through the Wastelands, where the unexpected awaits around every bend!

The Cautious Travelers Guide to the Wastelands takes place on the Trans-Siberia Express at the end of the 19th century as it crosses the Wastelands from Beijing to Moscow for the Great Exhibition where the train itself is to be an exhibit.

This book greatly reminds me of Annihilation, just set in the Victorian era. The Wastelands are rapidly undergoing changes, which are surrounded by fear and little understanding. Those who have tried to study these changes have never returned from their excursions.

The story told here is interesting. I just really struggled to ever engage with it. It took me a while to get through it. While there was a ton of description, the world building felt lacking. There were definitely parts of the story that sucked me in, were mysterious and exciting, even magical, and then I’d lose interest again. I’m think that maybe this book, for me, had the unlucky fate of being the right book but just at the wrong time. I intend to read it through again at a later date to see if maybe that is the case here.

This book follows an armoured behemoth of a train across the eerie and dangerous Wastelands, where passengers are equally in danger from staring outside and catching the attention of something unwanted as they are sitting quietly inside and getting lost in their own thoughts.

Everyone on this particular journey has a different reason for coming along, and none of them seem to be just to get to the other side. As different characters scheme and uncover secrets, others begin to wonder if the train is as invincible as they've been told.

Honestly, this book was a lot of fun. It was very atmospheric where it doesn't explain exactly why things are the way they are, but still feels *right* in how it portrays them. Cast of characters is lovely and each one feels distinct. My one gripe is that the train doesn't seem to have a name? Or I missed it, which is possible.

The Cautious Traveler’s Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks is a strange and wonderfully unusual novel that takes place in Victorian times. Traveling on the Trans-Siberian Express costs more than the price of the ticket, it may cost your sanity or life. What we see and experience from the train’s windows is terrifying and mystifying. Strong storms, Wastelands sickness, and wild creatures add to the mortal peril and nail biting suspense.
This is an imaginative, interesting fantasy novel that unfolds like a psychological, gothic thriller. It’s hard to describe this story, it’s like a dream that leaves you feeling out of sorts for hours after you wake.

Thank you Flatiron Books and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.