The Cautious Traveller's Guide to The Wastelands
Be transported by the most exciting debut of 2024
by Sarah Brooks
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Pub Date 20 Jun 2024 | Archive Date 20 Jun 2024
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Description
The extraordinary and engrossing novel set onboard the Trans-Siberian Express - perfect for fans of Piranesi, Babel, Stacey Halls and Jessie Burton.
It is said there is a price that every passenger must pay. A price beyond the cost of a ticket.
It is the end of the 19th Century and the world is awash with marvels. But there is nothing so marvellous as the Wastelands: a terrain of terrible miracles that lies between Beijing and Moscow.
Nothing touches this abandoned wilderness except the Great Trans-Siberian Express: an impenetrable train built to carry cargo across continents, but which now transports anyone who dares to cross the shadowy Wastelands.
On to the platform steps a curious cast of characters: a grieving woman with a borrowed name, a famous child born on the train and a disgraced naturalist, all heading for the Great Exhibition in Moscow.
But the old rules are changing, and there are whispers that the train isn't safe. As secrets and stories begin to unravel the passengers and crew must survive their journey through the Wastelands together, even as something uncontrollable seems to be breaking in . . .
Advance Praise
'I was completely transported by this book, lost in its world and mysteries, astounded by its beauty, and full of admiration for its humanity. I loved every second I spent with it, and urge everybody to pick up a copy. It's an astonishing journey.' Stuart Turton, bestselling author of THE SEVEN DEATHS OF EVELYN HARDCASTLE
'A journey both unnerving and powerful, which thunders along at breathtaking speed, abounding with mysteries and marvels. Be warned - once you step into The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands, you'll never want to disembark.' Samantha Shannon, author of THE BONE SEASON
'This is a wild and wonderful journey; gloriously imaginative and completely captivating. Rich in allure, intrigue and suspense, it's a ride that readers will never want to end.' Jennifer Saint, #1 bestselling author of ARIADNE
'The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wasteland is mysterious and clever and brilliant.' Natasha Pulley, bestselling author of THE WATCHMAKER OF FILIGREE STREET
'Exceptional. Strange, addictive, immersive, it's a steampunk Piranesi meets His Dark Materials.' Jennie Godfrey, author of THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS
'Asks us to reconsider our place within the natural world amid a backdrop of capitalism and empire. . . thrilling and transcendent.' Rita Chang-Eppig, author of DEEP AS THE SKY, RED AS THE SEA
'Richly imaginative, profoundly allegorical, and utterly propulsive, I loved THE CAUTIOUS TRAVELLER'S GUIDE TO THE WASTELANDS. With impeccable pacing and elegant storytelling, this novel is pure delight. Though all on the same train, each character takes a different journey and it is most marvellous to join in as they travel the Wastelands to reach their final destinations. Bravo! All aboard for a captivating and transformative adventure!' Melissa Fu, author of PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING
'A spellbindingly original and totally engrossing book; I so much want to ride that train!' Sharon Bolton, author of THE FAKE WIFE
'I loved this book . . . deserves to become an instant classic.' Emma Kavanagh, author of TO CATCH A KILLER
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781399607537 |
| PRICE | £16.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 384 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Georgia H, Book Trade Professional
A breathtaking historical fantasy set on a train crossing the mysterious Wastelands of Siberia. Unique, unsettling, compulsive - a highly accomplished debut; Sarah Brooks is one to watch.
Lynne C, Reviewer
I loved this book, possibly one of the best I've read recently. Such a delicious mix of mystery, magical realism, steam-punk, and perfectly detailed characters. It's impossible to tell you how wondrous it is; you just have to go and read it for yourself. Totally recommended.
Katy W, Reviewer
This was delightful. A steampunk fantasy about the Trans Siberian express set in an alternative Victorian world? Yes. Yes. Yes. Where do I sign up? I loved this. Twisty, strange, magical and surprisingly tender. I absolutely loved this book. Great characters, bonkers ideas and rendered so beautifully. There was a seamless charm to the Victorian world nestled alongside a darkly troubling magical world. Splendid stuff.
Bookseller 881369
There aren’t enough stars for this book. It is so unsettlingly strange and fantastical yet also believable and authentic, with great characters, brilliant descriptions and a story that just keeps giving. The writer is going to be huge I think. Brilliant
Debi P, Bookseller
An incredible literary fantasy, exquisitely written and impeccably plotted. Echoes of Snowpiercer and Fallout, but wrapped with intricately woven lives and hearts and connection. The land and the train and the people, all connected, all striving - this is a breathtaking glimpse of a vivid new world.
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