The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands

By Sarah Brooks
** Publication Date 18 June 2024 **

5 stars / This review will be posted on goodreads.com today. 

There is only one way across the Wastelands, the Trans-Siberian Express. The Wastelands are a mysterious and dangerous place. Passengers of the train are trying to get from China to Russia or back again, though they also want to have the experience of the Wastelands and its magical creatures.

Weiwei is the child of the train. Born to a dying mother on the train, she has been raised by the entire crew, from the cook to the captain. Weiwei is as much a part of the train as the engines.  As the train ventures from Beijing for Russia once again, with both first and third class full, Weiwei finds a stowaway. A young girl, about Weiwei’s age, Elena seems to know more about the Wastelands than anyone. Weiwei is torn whether to report Elena to the captain or help her stay hidden away. 

On the last passage, something went wrong. Neither Weiwei nor the other crew nor the frequent travelers remember what happened. Which causes Weiwei, the child who knows more about this train than anyone, to be somewhat afraid. With her stowaway friend’s help, perhaps Weiwei can solve some of the mysteries and get the train safely through the Wastelands to Russia.

Truly a magical story about a special young girl and her friend, and a quite incredible train. Each character’s piece of the story belongs. These pieces are so well interwoven to create this incredible fantasy of the wildness that can consume us all. If you’re a fantasy fan, you should love this tale of an unbelievable place and the people that cross it.