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Boys on a Train
2022 FINALIST: Leapfrog Press Global Fiction Prize
A journey through adolescence, one ride at a time...
EDDIE: Resident loser. Hair that never sits right. Vintage acoustic guitar.
DYLAN: Brooding charm. Good genes. Rising star of the footy team.
Despite the distance that divides them, fate sees these two sharing more than just a train to school.
Set against the concrete jungle of Brisbane, Australia, we follow 17-year-old Eddie as he navigates his final years at Greenview High, and the coming of age he always feared was coming.
"A lyrical, compulsively readable story about first love and coming of age. It captivated me."
Deidre Knight
New York Times Bestselling Author
A journey through adolescence, one ride at a time...
EDDIE: Resident loser. Hair that never sits right. Vintage acoustic guitar.
DYLAN: Brooding charm. Good genes. Rising star of the footy team.
Despite the distance that divides them, fate sees these two sharing more than just a train to school.
Set against the concrete jungle of Brisbane, Australia, we follow 17-year-old Eddie as he navigates his final years at Greenview High, and the coming of age he always feared was coming.
"A lyrical, compulsively readable story about first love and coming of age. It captivated me."
Deidre Knight
New York Times Bestselling Author
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2023
65 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Amy Coomer
2 books21 followersAmy Coomer is an author and actress based in Queensland, Australia. When she's not working on novels, she's writing, producing and acting in various film and TV projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 13, 2024
2,5 stars.
Three things made me curious and hopeful I'd like this book:
-reviews saying it was like Heartstopper, only Australian,
-the blurb says this is "a lyrical, compulsively readable story about first love and coming of age"
-the bright cover in yellow and blue.
Maybe the fact that the 2 boys on the cover DON'T EVEN SMILE should have been a heads up for the mood of the book.
It wasn’t like Heartstopper (at all!), the one thing it has in common with Heartstopper are two queer MCs. It's not a light or wholesome book, either. And the falling in love - part was not easy to see for me.
The author tried very hard to create an authentic YA feeling. The storyline was all edges and lashing out, hurting and being hurt while the MCs where trying to find out who they were.
What I missed was a believable connection between the MCs to make the mutual hurting bearable (for them and for me). I longed for even a bit of mutual comfort-giving to balance the anger and insults out, but I got none until 85% (and then it was in micro- doses) and this made it very hard to read on.
The story is told in third person one pov from Eddie's perspective. The other MC is Dylan and although the blurb doesn't say anything about it, there was a third MC in my opinion, Eddie's step sister Marissa.
For a big part of the book (about 1 year) Dylan and Marissa were a couple, while Eddie was fixated on Dylan. I couldn't say he fancied Dylan or fell in love with him, because I never got that vibe. Dylan was drawn to Eddie, too (same feelings here, it don't think Dylan fancied Eddie or was in love with him) they kissed and there even was a handjob (while Marissa was in the other room) but it never felt like they were seeking or finding comfort in being together. After Marissa found out about Eddie and Dylan the book took a dive from hurtful and angry to depressing and hopeless.
I couldn't say I felt that the MCs seperately or together EVER were happy.
The bullying Eddie had to go through, mostly because of his epilepsie, was VERY bad.
There is strangely enough a hfn at the end, but it wasn’t enough to lift my spirits even a bit.
TW: bullying, homophobia, depression, death of parent, cheating, recurring manipulation/blackmail from someone in a position of power to take clothes off (it felt like a prelude to sexual assualt, the blackmail stops with the MC's refusal to continue shedding clothes).
Tldr: not a light YA novella. Lots of bullying, drinking, smoking weed. Lots of anger, little to no comfort.
Three things made me curious and hopeful I'd like this book:
-reviews saying it was like Heartstopper, only Australian,
-the blurb says this is "a lyrical, compulsively readable story about first love and coming of age"
-the bright cover in yellow and blue.
Maybe the fact that the 2 boys on the cover DON'T EVEN SMILE should have been a heads up for the mood of the book.
It wasn’t like Heartstopper (at all!), the one thing it has in common with Heartstopper are two queer MCs. It's not a light or wholesome book, either. And the falling in love - part was not easy to see for me.
The author tried very hard to create an authentic YA feeling. The storyline was all edges and lashing out, hurting and being hurt while the MCs where trying to find out who they were.
What I missed was a believable connection between the MCs to make the mutual hurting bearable (for them and for me). I longed for even a bit of mutual comfort-giving to balance the anger and insults out, but I got none until 85% (and then it was in micro- doses) and this made it very hard to read on.
The story is told in third person one pov from Eddie's perspective. The other MC is Dylan and although the blurb doesn't say anything about it, there was a third MC in my opinion, Eddie's step sister Marissa.
For a big part of the book (about 1 year) Dylan and Marissa were a couple, while Eddie was fixated on Dylan. I couldn't say he fancied Dylan or fell in love with him, because I never got that vibe. Dylan was drawn to Eddie, too (same feelings here, it don't think Dylan fancied Eddie or was in love with him) they kissed and there even was a handjob (while Marissa was in the other room) but it never felt like they were seeking or finding comfort in being together. After Marissa found out about Eddie and Dylan the book took a dive from hurtful and angry to depressing and hopeless.
I couldn't say I felt that the MCs seperately or together EVER were happy.
The bullying Eddie had to go through, mostly because of his epilepsie, was VERY bad.
There is strangely enough a hfn at the end, but it wasn’t enough to lift my spirits even a bit.
TW: bullying, homophobia, depression, death of parent, cheating, recurring manipulation/blackmail from someone in a position of power to take clothes off (it felt like a prelude to sexual assualt, the blackmail stops with the MC's refusal to continue shedding clothes).
Tldr: not a light YA novella. Lots of bullying, drinking, smoking weed. Lots of anger, little to no comfort.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
they said aussie heartstopper but this was like 1000% more devastating
December 30, 2023
I think this beautiful debut deserves WAY more attention and recognition. I thought it was such a sweet, wholesome and relatable (in ways) story with well-written characters and a well-paced storyline. It also dealt with heavy moments in such a tender way. So if you love Heartstopper, you’ll 100% enjoy this because it shares a lot of similarities, only it’s set in Australia haha
December 22, 2023
Amy Coomer's 'Boys on a Train' is a beautifully written story that captures the essence of teenage struggles and the beauty of first love. The character Eddie, with his relatable insecurities and dreams, makes the story come alive. The emotional depth of the book is profound, making it a memorable read.
March 16, 2024
this was incredible!!! i think it’s more sitting at a 4.5, and oh my GOD was this book incredible!!! this was a really amazing YA coming of age story which tackled a lot of topics really well, including epilepsy and internalised homophobia. it was written incredibly well and i enjoyed it immensely!! also the prose was just too good! it really captured the feeling of riding an australian train in such a beautiful way, and really made me appreciate the writing more. highly recommend for everyone to read it!!!
November 17, 2025
It was a slow day at work so I opened up my phone at 8am and read. And read and read.
Been a while since I’ve read an entire book in one day. And this one was worth it 💙. Australian Heartstopper, you broke me and put me back together. Like a perfect song.
Listening assignment after reading: Nauseous by Conan Gray
Been a while since I’ve read an entire book in one day. And this one was worth it 💙. Australian Heartstopper, you broke me and put me back together. Like a perfect song.
Listening assignment after reading: Nauseous by Conan Gray
March 4, 2024
I LOVED IT SO MUCH AHH ITS DEFFO AN EMOTION ROLLAR COASTER BUT I ENJOYED IT A LOT!! READ THROUGH IT WITHIN 24 HOURS AND ITS LIKE THE FIRST TIME THAT HAPPENED BUT IT WAS JUST SO ADDICTING RAH GO GET THE BOOK ‼️‼️
April 3, 2024
Adored!
This is a beautiful coming of age story and I loved it. A big journey about self discovery, identity, sexuality. Not allowing the labels people put on you to make a difference on how you feel yourself. Ugh! Just a great book.
This is a beautiful coming of age story and I loved it. A big journey about self discovery, identity, sexuality. Not allowing the labels people put on you to make a difference on how you feel yourself. Ugh! Just a great book.
December 14, 2023
Oh my goodness! I LOVED this! It was so good. Eddie is such a sweetheart! He has my heart.
January 20, 2024
I loved this and stayed up late, late into the night to finish it - it was a hard one to put down!
I felt the same way reading this as I did other Aussie novels like Boy Swallows Universe and The Messenger - they're not fluffy, they're realistic and rough. They just remind me of being young and growing up in Australia.
"Eddie found out later that the new guy was an exchange student from America. He also found out that he was a massive dicklick."
“Have you even kissed a girl?” she asked Eddie.
“Yes.”
“Who?” Marissa asked.
Eddie picked at his jeans. “You don’t know her.”
“Please. I know everyone.”
“This girl’s hard to get a hold of,” Moe said. “What with her living inside Eddie’s mind and everything.”
This was a marvellous debut and I look forward to reading more from this author down the track!
I felt the same way reading this as I did other Aussie novels like Boy Swallows Universe and The Messenger - they're not fluffy, they're realistic and rough. They just remind me of being young and growing up in Australia.
"Eddie found out later that the new guy was an exchange student from America. He also found out that he was a massive dicklick."
“Have you even kissed a girl?” she asked Eddie.
“Yes.”
“Who?” Marissa asked.
Eddie picked at his jeans. “You don’t know her.”
“Please. I know everyone.”
“This girl’s hard to get a hold of,” Moe said. “What with her living inside Eddie’s mind and everything.”
This was a marvellous debut and I look forward to reading more from this author down the track!
April 25, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! The descriptions, the setting, the characters personality, it was amazing. It was clever and funny at times and definitely well keep you in the edge if you seat sometimes. The end did get a little long but it’s ok because it made you for it. Definitely an emotional roller coaster but a good read
January 31, 2025
What a ride! BOAT had me hooked from the first page and I'm still thinking about it. Amy Coomer nails the character development and the short, punchy chapters kept me locked in.
This book is intense, emotional, and impossible to put down. Looking forward to Amy's next release!
This book is intense, emotional, and impossible to put down. Looking forward to Amy's next release!
December 7, 2023
Screaming crying throwing up. Probably the best book I’ve ever read in my life. I’m currently in tears. I love this book. Dylan and Eddie will forever hold a special place in my heart.
January 26, 2024
4,5/5,0
I wish they are together until they're old and wrinkly.
I wish they are together until they're old and wrinkly.
May 30, 2024
This was like the angry, difficult version of Heartstopper. When two boys are met with much more homophobia and anger and confusion about themselves. It was achingly sweet and sad.
June 3, 2024
OMG 😭😭😭😭😭
February 6, 2025
A sweet read
February 15, 2024
Good and fast read. Not as heavy as I thought even though there are some heavy topics dealt with. Some times there was chemistry missing but I really enjoyed Darcy as a character
February 16, 2024
This wasn’t a feel-good YA book, but it felt very real.
Although this was a queer M/M YA novel, it was very different to what I’d usually read. The whole story felt like a real snapshot into growing up, and the messiness of it, that most of the books I read don’t show.
There were highs and lows, mistakes and pain, happiness and hope. It features bullying, drinking, smoking, physical assault and uncomfortable moments between an adult and a minor. But it also had tenderness, friendship and discovery.
This was a real coming of age story. There wasn’t one big moment of falling in love, but instead a story of what happens for a lot of queer people as they try to make sense of why they feel the way they do about someone. Why are you suddenly so obsessed with that boy, what does that means for me and my future?
The thing I liked most about this book was the growth in almost every character as their stories developed. And I loved Darcy, she truly represented how every queer person needs their queer family, someone who just gets it.
Most importantly for me and this book, throughout the messiness of it all - I was rooting for Eddie and Dylan.
🛤️🚉💖
Although this was a queer M/M YA novel, it was very different to what I’d usually read. The whole story felt like a real snapshot into growing up, and the messiness of it, that most of the books I read don’t show.
There were highs and lows, mistakes and pain, happiness and hope. It features bullying, drinking, smoking, physical assault and uncomfortable moments between an adult and a minor. But it also had tenderness, friendship and discovery.
This was a real coming of age story. There wasn’t one big moment of falling in love, but instead a story of what happens for a lot of queer people as they try to make sense of why they feel the way they do about someone. Why are you suddenly so obsessed with that boy, what does that means for me and my future?
The thing I liked most about this book was the growth in almost every character as their stories developed. And I loved Darcy, she truly represented how every queer person needs their queer family, someone who just gets it.
Most importantly for me and this book, throughout the messiness of it all - I was rooting for Eddie and Dylan.
🛤️🚉💖
December 3, 2023
Originally came upon this through the short book trailer released, which was a great touch! It’s a good bit of fun that I finished in one sitting! The tension in the first half or so was delightful.
As always with these independently published novels, it could always do with a few edits and evaluating the need for some characters to be included and loose ends tied up.
Generally, it’s a fun book and I enjoyed the chemistry of the couple combined with the Australian setting (I love to see my home represented!)
As always with these independently published novels, it could always do with a few edits and evaluating the need for some characters to be included and loose ends tied up.
Generally, it’s a fun book and I enjoyed the chemistry of the couple combined with the Australian setting (I love to see my home represented!)
January 6, 2026
i loved this book from start to finish. nothing felt predictable to me, the character development and the way that you saw multiple different relationships grow and bend and break (not just dating relationships) was amazing to me. i love that it gave the reader gentle reminders to take into their own life, and how it showcased that sometimes finding yourself is heartbreaking and liberating all at once. i love that nothing was forced, it all came together in the end.
June 3, 2024
(2.5 stars) it was okay but the fact that it wasn’t written in first person annoyed me.
January 16, 2026
WoW!
This is the best mm book I’ve ever read. And I read a lot. It is not porn oriented at all. It is romantic and realistic at the same time.
Try it. It’s a really good book.
This is the best mm book I’ve ever read. And I read a lot. It is not porn oriented at all. It is romantic and realistic at the same time.
Try it. It’s a really good book.
January 18, 2026
so beautifully written!! this book will live rent free in my head for months
December 9, 2025
it could be a true story.
I really like stories that have an element of reality. This story really tweaked my interest because I have seen it play out in real life and often I laughed when things turned out, just the way I had seen them play out in real life. Enjoyable story.
I really like stories that have an element of reality. This story really tweaked my interest because I have seen it play out in real life and often I laughed when things turned out, just the way I had seen them play out in real life. Enjoyable story.
December 21, 2025
Frustratingly sweet!
Great story! Very frustrating at times, but that’s how life and love can be! Couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend!
Great story! Very frustrating at times, but that’s how life and love can be! Couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend!
May 12, 2025
A train ride into adulthood
The thing about “Boys on a train” is that you can go into it thinking it’s going to be a story about coming out and first love. Or a story about a gay teen trying to fit in with his school and his family. But if you do so, you may be disappointed with this wonderful first novel by Amy Coomer. However if you go in to this book with an open mind you’ll get to meet an incredible young man who is riding the train tracks in a journey of self discovery.
Eddie is one of those characters that is probably a lot closer to the author than most you read about in YA fiction. There is a real depth to his personality and his family dynamics. His humour, the banter with his step sister and with Dylan, are so rich it almost feels like the author was eavesdropping on someone’s conversations. He is such a wonderful person to read about and a great narrator and this is very much a book about his story.
As we journey on this train ride through 18 months of his life we see all manor of interesting things hop on and hop off his train. Old friends leaving earlier than expected are quickly replaced by new friends who jump in to their vacated seat. None more so than a new boy Dylan who comes into Eddie’s life bringing an angry wave of emotions and a new set of confusing feelings. The angry back and forth between these two is so brilliantly written that you find yourself craving more verbal jousting each time they meet. The simmering tension between the two frequently erupts both verbally and occasionally physically as these two continue to butt horns.
But if you only focus on their growing attraction you will soon find yourself being disappointed in this book. Not just because it is a slow burn that never really catches fire until the final pages, but because you will miss all the great angst that surrounds Eddie’s life. His sister’s struggles with mental health, unresolved grief at the loss of his father, parental pressure and control, sexual identity and feelings of self worth. There’s even a (miss judged) storyline about a sexual predator in the workplace. Through all of this we see Eddie struggle internally with these issues. And we very much get a teenage boy’s take on it. And much to the frustration of some reviewers, there is definitely more “one step forward, two steps back” with how Eddie deals with all of this. But that is how things are in real life and especially how things are with boys growing up.
Sure there are the usual high school issues that get written about such as bullying, drunken parties and sex shaming. And many of these storylines do not properly get resolved… particularly the bullying. But these are the background canvas on which the author paints Eddie’s story. Some, like Marissa’s house party, are a glaringly obvious orchestrated plot ploys written to push the storyline in a particular direction, but most feel like a natural part of teenage life. But this is definitely a book worth your time, if only to spend a few hours in Eddie’s head as he tries to discover who he is. It’s different to many of the trope heavy YA books out there and doesn’t feel like it’s been written by a preachy adult. Yes I would have liked to have spent more time following Eddie’s coming out to his family and his reconnection with Dylan as this all felt too rushed towards the end, but this was an interesting story and a great addition to the genre. I hope the author writes some more books like this, particularly if she is able to write characters as fully formed as Eddie, Darcy and Moe.
The thing about “Boys on a train” is that you can go into it thinking it’s going to be a story about coming out and first love. Or a story about a gay teen trying to fit in with his school and his family. But if you do so, you may be disappointed with this wonderful first novel by Amy Coomer. However if you go in to this book with an open mind you’ll get to meet an incredible young man who is riding the train tracks in a journey of self discovery.
Eddie is one of those characters that is probably a lot closer to the author than most you read about in YA fiction. There is a real depth to his personality and his family dynamics. His humour, the banter with his step sister and with Dylan, are so rich it almost feels like the author was eavesdropping on someone’s conversations. He is such a wonderful person to read about and a great narrator and this is very much a book about his story.
As we journey on this train ride through 18 months of his life we see all manor of interesting things hop on and hop off his train. Old friends leaving earlier than expected are quickly replaced by new friends who jump in to their vacated seat. None more so than a new boy Dylan who comes into Eddie’s life bringing an angry wave of emotions and a new set of confusing feelings. The angry back and forth between these two is so brilliantly written that you find yourself craving more verbal jousting each time they meet. The simmering tension between the two frequently erupts both verbally and occasionally physically as these two continue to butt horns.
But if you only focus on their growing attraction you will soon find yourself being disappointed in this book. Not just because it is a slow burn that never really catches fire until the final pages, but because you will miss all the great angst that surrounds Eddie’s life. His sister’s struggles with mental health, unresolved grief at the loss of his father, parental pressure and control, sexual identity and feelings of self worth. There’s even a (miss judged) storyline about a sexual predator in the workplace. Through all of this we see Eddie struggle internally with these issues. And we very much get a teenage boy’s take on it. And much to the frustration of some reviewers, there is definitely more “one step forward, two steps back” with how Eddie deals with all of this. But that is how things are in real life and especially how things are with boys growing up.
Sure there are the usual high school issues that get written about such as bullying, drunken parties and sex shaming. And many of these storylines do not properly get resolved… particularly the bullying. But these are the background canvas on which the author paints Eddie’s story. Some, like Marissa’s house party, are a glaringly obvious orchestrated plot ploys written to push the storyline in a particular direction, but most feel like a natural part of teenage life. But this is definitely a book worth your time, if only to spend a few hours in Eddie’s head as he tries to discover who he is. It’s different to many of the trope heavy YA books out there and doesn’t feel like it’s been written by a preachy adult. Yes I would have liked to have spent more time following Eddie’s coming out to his family and his reconnection with Dylan as this all felt too rushed towards the end, but this was an interesting story and a great addition to the genre. I hope the author writes some more books like this, particularly if she is able to write characters as fully formed as Eddie, Darcy and Moe.
February 6, 2024
When I read the first 40 pages I was a bit skeptical. Due to the simple blurb, the name of the book and most other things like the cover art, I felt like it would be a happy and sweet story. Those pages proved me wrong.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want to continue. But Eddie and Dylan both made me dislike them instantly. Still I was really excited to read this book.
That night when I read reviews I saw people’s mixed opinions. Even after reading a spoiler I was still intrigued. And i’m glad that I kept reading and was filled with delusions.
Hidden behind a lot of bullying, homophobia and unfortunately a realistic high school experience for some is a sweet love story. One of persistence and plenty of self discovery. And it answers the question “What if two emotionally closed off people fell for each other?”
Truly I believe most of the reviews to be wrong calling this an aussie heartstopper. Boys on a train is its own thing and I wouldn’t change it for anything else.
This was a book that kept me thinking the whole time and at others made me feel sympathy for all the main characters.
The love that Dylan and Ethan have is unique. It’s one that has to be kept a secret until the end but even then you could see moments where all they wanted to do was be in eachother’s arms and make the world disappear.
The ending of this book also filled me with pure joy. After everything that happened to these two characters they both finally learnt to open up to others and be public about their feelings.
A satisfying ending to a story filled with heartbreak, secret love and a lot of people who no matter how hard they tried couldn’t hold others down into their dark pits of despair.
I definitely look forward to seeing the future of Amy Coomer’s writing and will gladly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a more realistic love story where the ending felt deserved for everyone after a long fight where you feel major relief knowing the main two characters don’t have to hide their love anymore.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want to continue. But Eddie and Dylan both made me dislike them instantly. Still I was really excited to read this book.
That night when I read reviews I saw people’s mixed opinions. Even after reading a spoiler I was still intrigued. And i’m glad that I kept reading and was filled with delusions.
Hidden behind a lot of bullying, homophobia and unfortunately a realistic high school experience for some is a sweet love story. One of persistence and plenty of self discovery. And it answers the question “What if two emotionally closed off people fell for each other?”
Truly I believe most of the reviews to be wrong calling this an aussie heartstopper. Boys on a train is its own thing and I wouldn’t change it for anything else.
This was a book that kept me thinking the whole time and at others made me feel sympathy for all the main characters.
The love that Dylan and Ethan have is unique. It’s one that has to be kept a secret until the end but even then you could see moments where all they wanted to do was be in eachother’s arms and make the world disappear.
The ending of this book also filled me with pure joy. After everything that happened to these two characters they both finally learnt to open up to others and be public about their feelings.
A satisfying ending to a story filled with heartbreak, secret love and a lot of people who no matter how hard they tried couldn’t hold others down into their dark pits of despair.
I definitely look forward to seeing the future of Amy Coomer’s writing and will gladly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a more realistic love story where the ending felt deserved for everyone after a long fight where you feel major relief knowing the main two characters don’t have to hide their love anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
All he could think of was why. That very word he'd grown to hate - that cold stream of unforgiving thoughts.
Why, why why.
"Do you like girls?" Eddie asked.
Dylan sneered at him. "Of course I like girls."
"But you don't want to have sex with them."
" I didn't say that. I just said that I hadn't been with your sister."
Dylan turned to him, smothering Eddie's outrage over the word sister.
"Maybe this isn't about girls at all. Maybe it's because I don't want to have sex with someone - anyone - when all I can think about is Eddie fucking Jergins."
Well this was certainly cute - quite the roller coaster too!! Boys on the Train follows the story of growth, development, learning experiences (bad and good) and how this shapes adolescence as the worst/best part of life. Eddie and Dylan are our beloved MMCs, navigating the troubling world of high school, unideal family situations, friendship struggles, and discovering who they are and what they want to achieve - kinda hectic right 😅 Eddie, a loner but a dreamer to be a musician, and Dylan, an American arrival simply wanting a new life seemingly bond over - interesting things... but teach the readers the importance of communication and being brave, fearless, and persistent. DID I MENTION THIS IS BASED IN AUSTRALIA 😉 My only big criticism is I did not really like the timeline layout - the book jumps into "a year later" type context but I felt it was very smushed and condensed, which can be a bit confusing. I think adding dates in the chapters, as tedious as it sounds, would add the the overall plot and the climax, while highlighting the importance of growth over time and how long/short this can take. This is a very nice, close-to-home LGBTQIA+ story for those interested and need a little pick me up!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews