It’s not a far stretch to assume someone who enjoys writing also enjoys reading. 

Well, I for one, love to read! I want to share my thoughts on books I enjoyed reading, and some that I liked a little less. I’m going to call these posts Thursday Book Thoughts (repeating every Thursday if you couldn’t tell…). Any and all books recommendations are so beyond welcome! Send a note on under the contact page; I’d love to read some of your favorite books ❤

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In early January I read a book that I just couldn’t out down. I finished it in one night (and only had a small regret the next morning in class). David Quantick’s Night Train easily made it into my top 5 all time favorite books in one night. The book spans genres such as sci-fi, horror, mystery, and futurism. While genres like mystery and thrillers are my jam, I’m not usually a big sci-fi reader. This book changed me perspective of how sci-fi can be written.

As it opens, one of our main characters, a woman named Garland awakens on a mysterious train that she doesn’t remember boarding. As she slowly moves through the cabins of the train, she meets two more people, a man, Banks, and a young girl, Poppy. The trio join forces, and sometimes don’t, to figure out what is going on and how they got there. Time and days blur together. Their personalities continue to clash as the amount of questions and lack of answers increases.

The train has cabins that seem to go on for forever and ever. The end is never near, especially when you think it is. This is one of my favorite elements of the book because the cabins are all unique. Some are filled with gore or have creatures and monsters that seek to end them. Others are full of sweet treats, large bedrooms, and cleanliness to last for days. Opening a door means risking safety and comfort each time. The reader can’t help but be captivated under the guise of creativity and suspense Quantick creates.

So why are they moving up the train? Easy. Get answers from the unknown driver of the train.

Except, it’s not easy. It’s hard and dangerous. Would you want to fight off monsters when you’re starving and haven’t slept?

The train has cabins that seem to go on for forever and ever. The end is never near, especially when you think it is. This is one of my favorite elements of the book because the cabins are all unique. Some are filled with gore or have creatures and monsters that seek to end them. Others are full of sweet treats, large bedrooms, and cleanliness to last for days. Opening a door means risking safety and comfort each time. The reader can’t help but be captivated under the guise of creativity and suspense Quantick creates.

Now, this book is confusing with a lot more questions than answers.

BUT that’s the fun of it!

There are gorey details that probably aren’t for the faint of heart. It’s amazing the creativity Quantick draws up and made me want to get into his brain. His creatures are out of this world, unknown to humankind (and we should all be thankful they aren’t on earth). The horror and fear of the unknown was enough to keep me up at night. And I enjoyed every second of it.

Part of the dynamic that keeps the characters interesting is how much they don’t want to be stuck together. But on the other hand, they do. As the book goes on, they evolve to stick together and figure out their past and what the future looks like.

Quantick wraps dark humor into his story to keep his readers hooked in. They provide slight moments of relief from the gore and suspense the characters are constantly put through.

Now, I want to discuss the front cover. I’m a believer of the cover is everything. If it stands out on a shelf, I’m much more likely to buy a book (seriously, it’s bad). The red lights of the train attracted me to the book.

Note: I’m a sucker for red book (talk about eye catching).

I thought the imagery and font were interesting choices. Reflecting now, it really captures the books essence and I couldn’t picture a different cover if I tried.

The book, Night Train by David Quantick, is unique in its’ own right. It takes you on a wild and suspenseful story that leaves you wanting more. With fall and Halloween being around the corner, it’s the perfect read.