Black Light Express

By Author / Illustrator

Philip Reeve

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Oxford University Press

ISBN

9780192744784

Format

Hardback

Published

06-10-2016

Synopsis

There was nothing, and then there was a train. A train with two passengers: a petty thief from a dead-end town, and an android girl who could be more human than the rest of us. Join Zen and Nova as they find out what really lies beyond the end of the universe . . .Take a ride in Philip Reeve's incredible imagination as he returns with this stellar follow-up to Railhead. Full of extraordinary beings and utterly real, complex characters, of thrills and thoughtful moments, this is a stunning step beyond the universe which will appeal to both sci-fi fans and foes alike.

Reviews

The sequel to Railhead doesn't disappoint. With the same high energy, high speed action, Zen and the android Nova are once again embroiled in the schemes of the Guardians and get caught in the crossfire between two corporate families as the ruthless Kraitt wage war upon the Noons and usurp the Empress Threnody Noon. As the railwar wages, Threnody, Zen and Nova (along with Chandni, a young criminal newly released from freezer prison) flee for safety as their trains rattle across the known and unknown parts of the galaxy. A brand new K-gate opens up a new part of the network but what will happen when the humans realise there are alien species out there? Why have the Guardians been so desperate to keep alien life secret for so long and what makes them willing to destroy each other in their determination to keep this a secret? Our heroes plunge into the Black Light Zone in a desperate bid to return home, not knowing what lies ahead, but certain that destruction is close on their heels. With gun fights, bombs, intrigue, double crossing and plenty of plot twists, Philip Reeve has expanded the world of Railhead with his superb imagination. 311 pages / Ages 11-adult / Reviewed by Melanie Chadwick, school librarian