Will Everett has always wished for an adventure.

Little does he know his started the moment he boarded The Boundless. The longest, most glamorous locomotive in the world, it stretches more than eleven kilometres long and pulls an astounding 987 cars: passenger cars, shooting galleries, gardens, an onboard swimming pool, cinema and much more. But its maiden voyage won't be a smooth ride for Will. After witnessing a murder during a station stop, he barely makes it back onto the train (with a running leap!), then must work his way from the caboose forward to his father in first class - with the murderer and his cronies on his tail. Luckily, a clever and nimble friend is perfecting her act in The Boundless's circus car, and there the real thrill ride begins. Sasquatches, bog-dwelling hags and illusions abound in this outsized adventure aboard the Titanic of trains!

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Reviews

Oppel has woven together the most incredible strands in this latest fantasy... Oppel does an amazing job of weaving fact with fiction. Just when belief is stretched to the breaking point, another historical truth is worked into the plot, and we joyfully continue the ride. The Boundless lacks only one thing – a sequel.

– Resource Links

Kenneth Oppel returns with another rip-roaring adventure tale for readers aged 10 through 16. The Boundless is a magic realism re-visioning of one of Canada’s most dramatic historical periods—the completion of the CPR... As serious as its philosophy and ideology are, at its core The Boundless is a rollicking adventure tale incorporating all the best features of the genre... The Boundless will become another timeless Canadian classic, standing in good company with Oppel’s other works. Highly Recommended.

– CM Magazine

The urgent third-person present-tense narrative creates a palpable sense of suspense as these well-drawn characters travel through an alternate-universe Canadian wilderness toward a climactic confrontation. Once again, Oppel proves himself to be one of the premier writers of action and adventure for a middle-grade audience.

– Horn Book

Kenneth Oppel's latest, wonderful book...is delightfully studded with surprises, and Oppel cleverly has the circus performers use their skills to solve problems and make getaways. Important sub-narratives on class, the Metis uprising, and immigration keep the abracadabra moments grounded.

– Globe and Mail

"Adventure, history and moral nuance: The Boundless deserves its name."

- Brian Bethune, Macleans

Oppel’s (Such Wicked Intent) imagination and sense of adventure never disappoint, and readers should thrill to this rousing tale as it barrels ahead at full speed.

– Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

While Kenneth Oppel may be known for his brisk plots and inventive premises, he reveals himself as a modern-day Farley Mowat in his latest effort, an all-Canadian thriller set in the 1800s... Oppel skillfully balances lesson and legend. Steeped in Canadiana and suspense, The Boundless reads like a blood-speckled love letter to the late 19th century in the True North strong and free.

– Quill & Quire (Starred Review)

With its imaginative plot, cast of colorful, well-rounded characters, and nonstop action, Oppel’s latest is a delight to read from the first page right through the satisfying conclusion. Take note: This book will be popular!

– School Library Journal (Starred Review)

Canadian railway history, fantasy, a flutter of romance - and a thoughtful examination of social injustice - collide in this entertaining swashbuckler from the author of Printz Honor–winning Airborn (2005).

– Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

Oppel offers a grand adventure story that is firmly rooted in Canadian history but which is never limited by mere recorded facts. This vividly imagined, present-tense narrative features a series of heart-stopping action scenes involving dozens of memorable characters... An epic journey novel with a distinctive setting, a powerful sense of adventure, and just a whiff of steampunk.

– Booklist (Starred Review)