Slug Train

by Chad Retterath

Nowhere is as dangerous as the Wildwood. Enormous insects inhabit the forest, happy to devour any humans that step foot within. As long as humans stay out of the forest, they are safe.

The slug train follows a strict schedule, transporting humans through the untamed central forest of Wildwood Isle on Mondays and Thursdays. Many people, like Chester Peekman, use the slug as a means to commute to the opposite side of Wildwood Isle. Chester is happy to escape the daily monotony of his career to look into the dangerous, dark forest on the long ride from Hannifer Bay to Fothwood.

Every day is dreaded, every moment at work a nightmare. The slug train is a brief interlude from that existential despair, a relaxing event, until the slug leaves its own route, bringing its passengers into the dangerous depths of the Wildwood.

Genres: Fantasy

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2024

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

The slug was the best character.

[Kyra Chapman]

I came across this book at the Minneapolis Book Fair for Grown Ups, where individuals have an opportunity to purchase books written by local authors. One of the aspects that really drew me to this book at first was the cover. Although I don't like to judge books by their cover, I enjoyed the cover and the content of the novel.

This was a delightful quick read. The pacing was fast and maintained its speed for the duration of the story. Overall, I thought it was a cute novel with fun whimsical elements.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right in the nugget.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not perfect this was very fun and an enjoyable read. I fully didn't expect this to go the way it did? I'm not sure what I expected but it wasn't what I got, and I'm very happy with what I got.

I really loved the setting and the creatures here, obviously Slug Train was a star. The characters needed a hair more depth, and I wish the ending wasn't so abrupt but I'll 100% pick up more from the author and continue this if it were turned into a series.

[Ashe Smutnik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slug Train!!! I read this in one sitting (which is an impressive accomplishment, because I have a tiny attention span). Slug Train is such a light hearted and whimsical story. What you think you’re going to get is exactly what you get from a book called slug train. The slug train is by far the most adorable character, but Chester provides his own amount of irreverent humor to the story. Seriously though, this book is a great light hearted, quick read.

[Rachel Mars · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the slug, I liked the concept, I liked the hint of a love interest, but I didn’t like the lack of emotional depth of the story to make it gripping or make you care, or the lack of real point to the story.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads for a copy of this book.

Quirky and wild read! Loved the Slug Train. He is my favorite character in the book.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice weird tale

It is just nice to read from a non typical tale. Organic training yes love BioPunk anything. Nice details in it

[Bethany Corbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, Quick Read

This was a fun book, and gave me Earth Defense Force vibes. The main character was enjoyable, as was the slug. My only big criticism is the abrupt ending.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy man who hates his job and lacks proper footwear becomes best friends with a very puppy-like slug and a band of misfits. Delightful read, got through it in about two and a half hours.

[Starr ❇✌❇ · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Review to come*

[Kalli Hazelbaker]

Just a delightful, mediocre, silly story that could be read in one sitting. I needed something whimsical and ridiculous that I could read without becoming invested, and this hit the spot.