What do you think?
Rate this book
The Elsewhere Express
Embark on a magical journey in this wistful, Ghibli-esque fantasy from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Water Moon – perfect for fans of Spirited Away, Dallergut Dream Department Store and The Starless Sea.
Raya is a lost soul, going through the motions of life without a dream of her own.
One night, on her subway ride home, Raya’s thoughts wander too far. She wakes on the Elsewhere Express, a magical train that offers its passengers a sense of purpose, peace, and belonging. The journey is a chance for Raya to reimagine her life – but only if she finds her compartment before time runs out.
Once aboard, Raya meets an intriguing artist named Q and together they race to find their place on the train, through a boarding car carpeted in meadow grass and along a dining carriage where passengers picnic on lilypads.
But a mysterious stowaway has boarded with them, and with it a dark, malignant magic that threatens to destroy the train. The closer Raya comes to uncovering the stowaway's identity, the nearer she draws to the ultimate question:
What is her life's true purpose – and is it a destination the Elsewhere Express can take her to?
Raya is a lost soul, going through the motions of life without a dream of her own.
One night, on her subway ride home, Raya’s thoughts wander too far. She wakes on the Elsewhere Express, a magical train that offers its passengers a sense of purpose, peace, and belonging. The journey is a chance for Raya to reimagine her life – but only if she finds her compartment before time runs out.
Once aboard, Raya meets an intriguing artist named Q and together they race to find their place on the train, through a boarding car carpeted in meadow grass and along a dining carriage where passengers picnic on lilypads.
But a mysterious stowaway has boarded with them, and with it a dark, malignant magic that threatens to destroy the train. The closer Raya comes to uncovering the stowaway's identity, the nearer she draws to the ultimate question:
What is her life's true purpose – and is it a destination the Elsewhere Express can take her to?
432 pages, Hardcover
First published January 20, 2026
570 people are currently reading
35042 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Sotto Yambao
6 books1,916 followersSamantha Sotto Yambao is a professional daydreamer, aspiring time traveler, and speculative fiction writer based in Manila. She is the author of Water Moon, Before Ever After, Love and Gravity, A Dream of Trees, The Beginning of Always, and THE ELSEWHERE EXPRESS (Jan 2026)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
November 3, 2025
The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao
4.35 rounded down to 4 🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs
Pub. Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore
Lying on a park bench, midday, Norway….
💡 Orbs Prologue: Onyx tendrils disseminate detrimental information upon my psyche. A gentle exfoliation of all that is positive, like the removal of dead skin from my face. Closing my wind-torn eyes, I slowly fall asleep. I find myself in the crevices and valleys of my own mind. Bottomless rivers of putrid self-loathing flow freely. Floating fearfully through rapids, I lazily look to the distance. Upon a flesh-colored ridge, a single circular illumination appears. The object surges closer; the brilliance of the light blinds me. The churning of something familiar, powerful, yet sleek: a train. Closing slowly to a sudden halt, an inconspicuous door opens where an auburn-haired woman invites me on board. “Minding the Gap,” I enter through the inviting sliding doors. Immediately, my senses are challenged; the aromatic scents of the finest quality float through the air. Nothing could contain my awe as I gazed out the opposite side window. Our landscape had changed; the bleakness had since been turned into a soft palette of beautiful pastel colors. Against the powder blue sky, fluffy pink clouds bounced at a relaxing pace. Those once sharp, pointy ridges were softly rounded into chartreuse, with smatterings of colorful, odd-shaped fauna completing the incredible scene. “What is this?” I stammered. “Welcome aboard the Elsewhere Express, Orb. Do you have a ticket?” curiously asks the conductor.
🔩 Nuts & Bolts: Burdened with protecting her ailing brother, Raya Sia forgoes personal dreams to help her brother, Jace, survive. An unthinkable event tarnishes Raya, one that changes the trajectory of her life forever, rendering her a failure within her own mind. Quentin Philips Jr., or rather Q, on the other hand, never escaped his dad’s fake smile. If the emotional trauma of his childhood wasn’t enough, Q, the artist, is going blind. What is true of both Raya and Q is that their lives are spiraling into darkness, and passions are being extinguished like a nighttime candle. In an unexpected chain of events, they both think they are taking a normal train home, but this circumstance lands them on a special voyage. Passengers' thoughts have built this magical train. With no destination in sight, the train wanders around aimlessly; however, those fears and anxieties have been stripped from the passengers, creating a most pleasant experience. There is one problem, that being a stowaway who is determined to destroy the vitality amongst the train cars. With the help of the conductors Lily and Rasmus, Q and Raya must help try to round up the stowaway to help save those aboard the Elsewhere Express. Author Samantha Sotto Yambao creates a majestic experience that will have readers reaching into their introspective bags for further self-examination.
👍 Orbs Pros: Ambitious and creative! An unbelievable visceral experience. Yambao’s writing is magical; the world with which the reader is left to play is awe-inspiring. Q and Raya’s characters are well conceived, bringing a plethora of emotion throughout the book.
👎 Orbs Cons: Complex! Numerous ideas roll around loosely for the reader to corral, thus bringing a slight sense of confusion. I kept flipping through my mental Rolodex of the train rules and their subsequent impact on the storyline. This stunted my ability to always enjoy the lush landscapes created by Yambao.
Highly Recommended! Chaotic/Excellent! This novel should be experienced by everyone who has experienced internal strife and found it difficult to escape the negativity that it often brings. Reminding us to let go of those emotions dragging us down, this novel seeks to enlighten and remind us that we all have special gifts to offer the world. In closing, I will add that in my 40+ years of reading, never once have I shed a tear, until now!
💡 Orbs Epilogue: A ticket appeared in my pocket. Where it came from, I have no idea, but I handed it to the conductor. After further instructions, I was to go to a different car for an orientation. In the meantime, I wandered through floating picture frames, masquerading as doorways. Opening to various other places along the train, each one left me more speechless. Songs, with wings like birds, flew along beaches, helping repair those things in need. One particular place was the train’s lost and found, where shoes and cellphones rained down from the sky, and mounds of shiny jewelry collected nearby. The conductor had said I needed to release my excess baggage and find my own compartment. Was there a deeper meaning behind all this? Somehow, I felt as though this was my time to reflect and gain perspective. A bright flash hit the back of my eyes. Upon waking up, a small duck waddled up to me and cocked its head as if to say, "Are you ok?” A smile began to form on my lips. “Yes, my feathered friend, I think I will be alright.”
Many thanks to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
4.35 rounded down to 4 🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs
Pub. Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore
Lying on a park bench, midday, Norway….
💡 Orbs Prologue: Onyx tendrils disseminate detrimental information upon my psyche. A gentle exfoliation of all that is positive, like the removal of dead skin from my face. Closing my wind-torn eyes, I slowly fall asleep. I find myself in the crevices and valleys of my own mind. Bottomless rivers of putrid self-loathing flow freely. Floating fearfully through rapids, I lazily look to the distance. Upon a flesh-colored ridge, a single circular illumination appears. The object surges closer; the brilliance of the light blinds me. The churning of something familiar, powerful, yet sleek: a train. Closing slowly to a sudden halt, an inconspicuous door opens where an auburn-haired woman invites me on board. “Minding the Gap,” I enter through the inviting sliding doors. Immediately, my senses are challenged; the aromatic scents of the finest quality float through the air. Nothing could contain my awe as I gazed out the opposite side window. Our landscape had changed; the bleakness had since been turned into a soft palette of beautiful pastel colors. Against the powder blue sky, fluffy pink clouds bounced at a relaxing pace. Those once sharp, pointy ridges were softly rounded into chartreuse, with smatterings of colorful, odd-shaped fauna completing the incredible scene. “What is this?” I stammered. “Welcome aboard the Elsewhere Express, Orb. Do you have a ticket?” curiously asks the conductor.
🔩 Nuts & Bolts: Burdened with protecting her ailing brother, Raya Sia forgoes personal dreams to help her brother, Jace, survive. An unthinkable event tarnishes Raya, one that changes the trajectory of her life forever, rendering her a failure within her own mind. Quentin Philips Jr., or rather Q, on the other hand, never escaped his dad’s fake smile. If the emotional trauma of his childhood wasn’t enough, Q, the artist, is going blind. What is true of both Raya and Q is that their lives are spiraling into darkness, and passions are being extinguished like a nighttime candle. In an unexpected chain of events, they both think they are taking a normal train home, but this circumstance lands them on a special voyage. Passengers' thoughts have built this magical train. With no destination in sight, the train wanders around aimlessly; however, those fears and anxieties have been stripped from the passengers, creating a most pleasant experience. There is one problem, that being a stowaway who is determined to destroy the vitality amongst the train cars. With the help of the conductors Lily and Rasmus, Q and Raya must help try to round up the stowaway to help save those aboard the Elsewhere Express. Author Samantha Sotto Yambao creates a majestic experience that will have readers reaching into their introspective bags for further self-examination.
👍 Orbs Pros: Ambitious and creative! An unbelievable visceral experience. Yambao’s writing is magical; the world with which the reader is left to play is awe-inspiring. Q and Raya’s characters are well conceived, bringing a plethora of emotion throughout the book.
👎 Orbs Cons: Complex! Numerous ideas roll around loosely for the reader to corral, thus bringing a slight sense of confusion. I kept flipping through my mental Rolodex of the train rules and their subsequent impact on the storyline. This stunted my ability to always enjoy the lush landscapes created by Yambao.
Highly Recommended! Chaotic/Excellent! This novel should be experienced by everyone who has experienced internal strife and found it difficult to escape the negativity that it often brings. Reminding us to let go of those emotions dragging us down, this novel seeks to enlighten and remind us that we all have special gifts to offer the world. In closing, I will add that in my 40+ years of reading, never once have I shed a tear, until now!
💡 Orbs Epilogue: A ticket appeared in my pocket. Where it came from, I have no idea, but I handed it to the conductor. After further instructions, I was to go to a different car for an orientation. In the meantime, I wandered through floating picture frames, masquerading as doorways. Opening to various other places along the train, each one left me more speechless. Songs, with wings like birds, flew along beaches, helping repair those things in need. One particular place was the train’s lost and found, where shoes and cellphones rained down from the sky, and mounds of shiny jewelry collected nearby. The conductor had said I needed to release my excess baggage and find my own compartment. Was there a deeper meaning behind all this? Somehow, I felt as though this was my time to reflect and gain perspective. A bright flash hit the back of my eyes. Upon waking up, a small duck waddled up to me and cocked its head as if to say, "Are you ok?” A smile began to form on my lips. “Yes, my feathered friend, I think I will be alright.”
Many thanks to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 21, 2025
This novel took me on a cozy ride! It is filled with a magical journey, beautiful world building and emotional depth. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I found the main protagonist to be extremely relatable and lovable. It also came with mystery, which I found very entertaining. This book made me feel reflective, emotional, inspiring and hopeful. While reading this, it made me feel like I was in a dreamlike, whimsical place. This story is about people who felt like they lost their purpose in life and were able to get on the Elsewhere Express and start over. It does come with some romance and zero spice.
The cover of this book really does match the story in the book. The characters were strongly developed, diverse and multilayered. It came with a unique location, vivid descriptions and was easy to read. It was beautifully written and had a lyrical prose to it. I found this to be an overall great book and I definitely recommend it! This is the same author that wrote the “Water Moon” book that became very popular. If you enjoyed Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao and/or The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, I think you will absolutely love this one! I give this whimsical book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Samantha Sotto Yambao and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for this wonderful eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on January 20, 2026! Publication dates are always subject to change.
The cover of this book really does match the story in the book. The characters were strongly developed, diverse and multilayered. It came with a unique location, vivid descriptions and was easy to read. It was beautifully written and had a lyrical prose to it. I found this to be an overall great book and I definitely recommend it! This is the same author that wrote the “Water Moon” book that became very popular. If you enjoyed Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao and/or The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, I think you will absolutely love this one! I give this whimsical book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Samantha Sotto Yambao and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for this wonderful eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on January 20, 2026! Publication dates are always subject to change.
Want to read
June 28, 2025Do yourself a favor and go look at the Deluxe edition on the @Delreybooks Instagram page… it’s stunning! 😍
January 26, 2026
4.0 ★— I was looking for a cozy, relatively calm, and dreamy escape, and this book provided that in abundance!
What would it be like to suddenly be whisked away onto a magical train that lets you forget your troubles and your former life, offering you a chance to start anew?
Both Raya, a med student grappling with the death of her older brother, and Q, an artist with a progressively worsening eye condition that will eventually leave him blind, are faced with this very dilemma when they find themselves aboard the Elsewhere Express.
This book explores both of their characters well, using the fantastical, dreamlike nature of the train and its various stops to allow Raya and Q to confront their fears, anxieties, as well as all the hardships they carry with them. Along the way, they also encounter a cast of characters who live on the train, which adds to the sense of whimsy and softness. In that sense, yes, this book does have some Ghibli vibes. That said, I do wish the train concept had been utilized more creatively. Often, the landscapes and places described felt somewhat detached from the idea of the Elsewhere Express itself. I think it would have been much more charming if the author had leaned more into using train compartments and other familiar train elements to creatively shape and distinguish the different spaces.
I thought Raya and Q were decent, well-realized characters, and their backstories were thoughtfully explored, even if I really wasn’t super emotionally hooked. This book felt more like something that gently washed over me rather than something that deeply moved me, if that makes sense?
I still think this is a very decent story overall, and readers looking for whimsy and gentle character exploration will likely find a lot to enjoy here.
🎧 Audiobook Note
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo
I listened to the beginning of this book on audio, and I thought the narrator did a great job conveying the dreaminess of the story! The different characters were also portrayed clearly and distinctly, which made for a super smooth listening experience!
What would it be like to suddenly be whisked away onto a magical train that lets you forget your troubles and your former life, offering you a chance to start anew?
Both Raya, a med student grappling with the death of her older brother, and Q, an artist with a progressively worsening eye condition that will eventually leave him blind, are faced with this very dilemma when they find themselves aboard the Elsewhere Express.
This book explores both of their characters well, using the fantastical, dreamlike nature of the train and its various stops to allow Raya and Q to confront their fears, anxieties, as well as all the hardships they carry with them. Along the way, they also encounter a cast of characters who live on the train, which adds to the sense of whimsy and softness. In that sense, yes, this book does have some Ghibli vibes. That said, I do wish the train concept had been utilized more creatively. Often, the landscapes and places described felt somewhat detached from the idea of the Elsewhere Express itself. I think it would have been much more charming if the author had leaned more into using train compartments and other familiar train elements to creatively shape and distinguish the different spaces.
I thought Raya and Q were decent, well-realized characters, and their backstories were thoughtfully explored, even if I really wasn’t super emotionally hooked. This book felt more like something that gently washed over me rather than something that deeply moved me, if that makes sense?
I still think this is a very decent story overall, and readers looking for whimsy and gentle character exploration will likely find a lot to enjoy here.
🎧 Audiobook Note
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo
I listened to the beginning of this book on audio, and I thought the narrator did a great job conveying the dreaminess of the story! The different characters were also portrayed clearly and distinctly, which made for a super smooth listening experience!
Review of advance copy
« invisible loads were at least twice as heavy as any that you could see. »
Alright so this is definitely a cure for insomnia.
I loved the author’s novel Water Moon and the messages it conveyed but this one was 1) not the right setting and 2) very convoluted.
There’s a sense of dread that was immediately felt during my read of this novel and I just wondered why this was the chosen route for this, because it’s supposed to be for fans of studio ghibli ; a cozy ride and for people who lost their ways. It never went into depth about people losing their ways and that was extreme missed potential. It’s even described as whimsical and enchanting but I didn’t feel this for a second.
The philosophical messages lost their momentums because of the sense of urgency this novel had. It quite frankly felt like a fever dream.
I was in the mood for something reflective, philosophical or even just sweet. But the sense of urgency to fix things really removed the lightness needed for those types of reads and I’m left feeling very let down.
Alright so this is definitely a cure for insomnia.
I loved the author’s novel Water Moon and the messages it conveyed but this one was 1) not the right setting and 2) very convoluted.
There’s a sense of dread that was immediately felt during my read of this novel and I just wondered why this was the chosen route for this, because it’s supposed to be for fans of studio ghibli ; a cozy ride and for people who lost their ways. It never went into depth about people losing their ways and that was extreme missed potential. It’s even described as whimsical and enchanting but I didn’t feel this for a second.
The philosophical messages lost their momentums because of the sense of urgency this novel had. It quite frankly felt like a fever dream.
I was in the mood for something reflective, philosophical or even just sweet. But the sense of urgency to fix things really removed the lightness needed for those types of reads and I’m left feeling very let down.
November 9, 2025
While I this is creative plot is rather repetitive and got boring real fast.
August 26, 2025
The Elsewhere Express is a story of self-discovery where people are given a second chance in life via the Elsewhere Express, a magical train that only appears to people whose lives have gone adrift and have lost their purpose in life.
I’m not sure how I can describe this book. It felt like a fever dream and a book you really need to be in the mood for to enjoy it and the philosophical message it is trying to tell. On paper, this had all the makings for a really exciting and magical read. I love anything that is fun and whimsical, especially if it is marketed as for fans of Studio Ghibli, but this one unfortunately didn’t really enchant me as much as I thought it would.
The characters in the story are fine. Raya was the main voice of reason in the story who’s quick to realise the train is more than it seems, but unfortunately this was also one of the main issues I had in the story where the sense of dread was already established early on that it made it difficult for me to be immersed by all the wonderful, fanciful things the train had to offer. Like Raya, I wasn’t really enchanted and found myself wanting to get off the train. As a protagonist, Raya was decent, however I wish she had more personality or a character trait that made her more memorable and compelling, and that was how I felt with Q as well.
The rules of the train can be convoluted, but I did see the vision the author was going for and liked the message Yambao was trying to convey. There was a perfume scene that did leave an impact on me that depicts how loss is an essential part of life, which was sweet. There was also a plot twist towards the end that might have been one of my favorites parts of the novel where the novel really gained momentum, and included tropes I really liked in a story. I felt the friendship between Raya and Q develop a bit too fast for me to fully connect, but I liked the way things came together.
I’m sad to say though that I don’t think this book is for me. I do get the philosophical concept of the train, but at times the explanations become so convoluted I found it really difficult to wrap my head around a lot of it. I feel like new things kept being introduced in the story for the sake of it. The novel probably would have benefited more as an animated film with how vivid and rich the descriptions felt.
With a book that focuses on how people’s lives have gone adrift, I wish this book explored more of that in depth. A lot of these characters feel remorse for things that have done, or could have prevented, yet I feel that this was mostly told to us as the audience instead of shown, which again, made me feel disconnected to the story where I didn’t really find myself attached to any of them even with the multiple POVs shown. The twists in the story also feel more like shock factor.
The Elsewhere Express is also a train that unfortunately does not take off until the second half of the novel as it takes a long time to establish the train’s rules and its sophisticated magic system. While the concept of the train was interesting, it felt like most of the time the rules of the train were being made up along the way and felt really unstructured. Not sure if the final book will be different, but I feel like the e-ARC I was given could have benefitted from more revisions and edits.
Thank you as always to NetGalley and Random House for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I’m not sure how I can describe this book. It felt like a fever dream and a book you really need to be in the mood for to enjoy it and the philosophical message it is trying to tell. On paper, this had all the makings for a really exciting and magical read. I love anything that is fun and whimsical, especially if it is marketed as for fans of Studio Ghibli, but this one unfortunately didn’t really enchant me as much as I thought it would.
The characters in the story are fine. Raya was the main voice of reason in the story who’s quick to realise the train is more than it seems, but unfortunately this was also one of the main issues I had in the story where the sense of dread was already established early on that it made it difficult for me to be immersed by all the wonderful, fanciful things the train had to offer. Like Raya, I wasn’t really enchanted and found myself wanting to get off the train. As a protagonist, Raya was decent, however I wish she had more personality or a character trait that made her more memorable and compelling, and that was how I felt with Q as well.
The rules of the train can be convoluted, but I did see the vision the author was going for and liked the message Yambao was trying to convey. There was a perfume scene that did leave an impact on me that depicts how loss is an essential part of life, which was sweet. There was also a plot twist towards the end that might have been one of my favorites parts of the novel where the novel really gained momentum, and included tropes I really liked in a story. I felt the friendship between Raya and Q develop a bit too fast for me to fully connect, but I liked the way things came together.
I’m sad to say though that I don’t think this book is for me. I do get the philosophical concept of the train, but at times the explanations become so convoluted I found it really difficult to wrap my head around a lot of it. I feel like new things kept being introduced in the story for the sake of it. The novel probably would have benefited more as an animated film with how vivid and rich the descriptions felt.
With a book that focuses on how people’s lives have gone adrift, I wish this book explored more of that in depth. A lot of these characters feel remorse for things that have done, or could have prevented, yet I feel that this was mostly told to us as the audience instead of shown, which again, made me feel disconnected to the story where I didn’t really find myself attached to any of them even with the multiple POVs shown. The twists in the story also feel more like shock factor.
The Elsewhere Express is also a train that unfortunately does not take off until the second half of the novel as it takes a long time to establish the train’s rules and its sophisticated magic system. While the concept of the train was interesting, it felt like most of the time the rules of the train were being made up along the way and felt really unstructured. Not sure if the final book will be different, but I feel like the e-ARC I was given could have benefitted from more revisions and edits.
Thank you as always to NetGalley and Random House for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2025
This book was beautifully magical and full of feeling.
Welcome aboard The Elsewhere Express - boarded at the end of all your dreams at a quarter past your heaviest. The Elsewhere Express is made from spools of daydreams, plans, ideas, memories, poems, and songs. Excess baggage not allowed.
Raya is dealing with loss and guilt.
Q is dealing with loss and hopelessness.
They find themselves aboard, purposeless. They must embark on a quest across the train to find their compartment where they belong.
Similar to Watermoon, this jumps from one task to the next, but they seemed more seamless in this book.
This touches on mental health through allusions and metaphors in a Studio Ghibli setting which invokes nostalgia, longing, and melancholy.
Exactly what our two protagonists feel.
I found the plot more compelling and the themes more explored compared to her debut.
There were a lot of conveniences and easy ‘get-out’ cards, but if you go in expecting a whimsical, no-sense magical realism, you won’t be disappointed.
I did guess the big reveal, but I liked how the book played out.
Especially with the disability representation.
Arc gifted by Transworld Books.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Welcome aboard The Elsewhere Express - boarded at the end of all your dreams at a quarter past your heaviest. The Elsewhere Express is made from spools of daydreams, plans, ideas, memories, poems, and songs. Excess baggage not allowed.
Raya is dealing with loss and guilt.
Q is dealing with loss and hopelessness.
They find themselves aboard, purposeless. They must embark on a quest across the train to find their compartment where they belong.
Similar to Watermoon, this jumps from one task to the next, but they seemed more seamless in this book.
This touches on mental health through allusions and metaphors in a Studio Ghibli setting which invokes nostalgia, longing, and melancholy.
Exactly what our two protagonists feel.
I found the plot more compelling and the themes more explored compared to her debut.
There were a lot of conveniences and easy ‘get-out’ cards, but if you go in expecting a whimsical, no-sense magical realism, you won’t be disappointed.
I did guess the big reveal, but I liked how the book played out.
Especially with the disability representation.
Arc gifted by Transworld Books.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for this ARC!
When I saw that it was about a train, I immediately knew I needed this book. I love atmospheric stories set on trains, and this one is magical on top of that.
This is a book about learning how to let go of dark thoughts after losing someone close, and especially about releasing guilt.
It's an easy read with a whimsical, magical atmosphere and two characters who are searching for meaning in life. This is very much a mood book, you need the right moment and headspace for it.
At times, I was a bit bored, and I didn't really grow attached to the characters, even though Raya's story was quite sad. Still, this is very much a personal reaction rather than a flaw of the book itself.
3.5/5 ⭐️
When I saw that it was about a train, I immediately knew I needed this book. I love atmospheric stories set on trains, and this one is magical on top of that.
This is a book about learning how to let go of dark thoughts after losing someone close, and especially about releasing guilt.
It's an easy read with a whimsical, magical atmosphere and two characters who are searching for meaning in life. This is very much a mood book, you need the right moment and headspace for it.
At times, I was a bit bored, and I didn't really grow attached to the characters, even though Raya's story was quite sad. Still, this is very much a personal reaction rather than a flaw of the book itself.
3.5/5 ⭐️
January 21, 2026
✨ The Elsewhere Express Review
Brief synopsis:
The Elsewhere Express follows Raya, a young woman who has lost her sense of self after her brother’s death. When a mysterious train appears only to those who are adrift, she’s swept into a liminal world filled with wonder, danger, and possibility, one that asks its passengers to confront who they are and who they’re meant to become.
My review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
This is not just a story, it’s a journey. Layered with metaphor and rich with analogy, The Elsewhere Express feels like a lucid dream you don’t want to wake from. Every car of the train holds meaning, every moment invites reflection, and every page gently asks you to look inward.
Samantha Sotto Yambao has truly become a favorite of mine. Her writing is cozy yet profound, whimsical yet emotionally grounded. This book reminded me that our thoughts are powerful, that grief reshapes us, and that purpose often finds us when we least expect it. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time. If you love cozy fantasy with depth and heart, I highly recommend boarding this train, just know, it will take you elsewhere.
Live. Breathe. Be.
Thank you to @delreybooks, @samanthasotoyambao and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available Now
#TheElsewhereExpress #Bookstagram #CozyFantasy #ARCReview #FantasyReads
Brief synopsis:
The Elsewhere Express follows Raya, a young woman who has lost her sense of self after her brother’s death. When a mysterious train appears only to those who are adrift, she’s swept into a liminal world filled with wonder, danger, and possibility, one that asks its passengers to confront who they are and who they’re meant to become.
My review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
This is not just a story, it’s a journey. Layered with metaphor and rich with analogy, The Elsewhere Express feels like a lucid dream you don’t want to wake from. Every car of the train holds meaning, every moment invites reflection, and every page gently asks you to look inward.
Samantha Sotto Yambao has truly become a favorite of mine. Her writing is cozy yet profound, whimsical yet emotionally grounded. This book reminded me that our thoughts are powerful, that grief reshapes us, and that purpose often finds us when we least expect it. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time. If you love cozy fantasy with depth and heart, I highly recommend boarding this train, just know, it will take you elsewhere.
Live. Breathe. Be.
Thank you to @delreybooks, @samanthasotoyambao and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available Now
#TheElsewhereExpress #Bookstagram #CozyFantasy #ARCReview #FantasyReads
November 1, 2025
Rating: 2.5/5
When you’ve lost your way in life, the Elsewhere Express is ready to lead you somewhere new. Only appearing to those who have lost all hope and purpose, the Elsewhere Express is a magical train that takes its passengers on a journey to restore their ambition and offer them a safe haven of joy and belonging. This book follows the two newest arrivals: Raya, a songwriter who abandoned her own dreams to live out her late brother’s instead, and Q, an acclaimed painter watching his world and his art fade as he slowly loses his sight. Both Raya and Q have either figuratively or literally lost their vision in life, and the Elsewhere Express arrives for them both to offer a redemptive tour of whimsy, meaning, and acceptance.
This is one of those rare cases where a book didn’t fully work for me, but I can easily see it resonating with other readers. Because of that, I want to start with the positives, since most of my criticisms come down to personal taste more than objective flaws. More than anything, the author’s creativity shines through and really wowed me, showing incredible writing chops and imagination in coming up with some of these ideas. One of my main complaints from Water Moon was its slow start, but here I felt the opposite—the beginning was actually the strongest point. The author does an incredible job establishing the characters and their backstories, and their grief is so raw and palpable that it transcends the page and sits with you in a heavy way. I was deeply connected to these characters’ heartbreaking stories and was so excited to see their startling entrance onto the train and begin traveling with them on this strange adventure, which I assumed would be a cathartic and whimsical journey of learning to live with grief and rediscover joy in life.
Unfortunately, this journey was just that for me: strange and bizarre. Once Raya and Q enter the train, the book sets off on a never-ending fever dream that dips and weaves until it completely lost me. There are fun ideas, like a dining car where patrons picnic on lily pads or a museum where the exhibits are the viewer’s most private secrets, but they enter and exit the story in the span of a page. Suddenly we’re getting an info dump about one niche train car, then quickly moving on and never bringing it up again. It’s like a taste-testing marathon, briefly describing some colorful idea and then never expanding upon it in a meaningful way. While the author’s creativity is undeniably impressive, there’s no structure for these ideas to root themselves in. The worldbuilding of the train is essentially “whatever you dream up can become real,” so with no guidelines to explain things, I felt completely ungrounded and lost.
To give an example: it bothered me that everything is centered around this “Elsewhere Express,” except it really isn’t a train in function, just in title. The train cars don’t even vaguely resemble or operate as what they’re called, the conductor doesn’t perform any typical conductor duties, and I can only recall two scenes where the setting or story reflected an actual train. It felt like the title of Elsewhere Express could be swapped for anything else, like the “Magical Museum” or the “Harmonious Home,” and nothing would change.
Because of this rapid switching from one idea to another, it was impossible for me to follow or engage with the story and setting in a meaningful way. I consistently felt overwhelmed by the info dumping and bored due to my lack of connection, to the point where multiple times the only thing that kept me from DNF-ing was the fact that this was an ARC. Adding to this, there was almost an aggressive amount of whimsy. I found myself actively disliking the concept of a magical train that takes you away from everything you know, “allows” you to forget everyone you love, and lose yourself in the delirious absurdism of its attractions. While I could tell the reader was supposed to disagree with Raya’s pushback and side with Q, I actually found myself fully on board with her and wanted her to escape. And sure, later in the book, I was frustrated with her decision-making and willful ignorance, but it was hard to blame her when I also disliked the train’s staff and its forced emotional development.
Now, I do want to take some time to explain why I think this could work much better for other readers. For one, I love fantasy, but not all cozy fantasy works for me. As I’ve said in many previous reviews in the genre, it requires an incredibly delicate balance of fluff, over-description, and a tiny sliver of plot to keep you invested. Unfortunately, the ratio here leaned too far into the fluff and over-description and became something I personally didn’t find enjoyable. I think the comparisons to Studio Ghibli are spot on, and readers who look for that childlike playfulness and whimsy will find that here. This was very similar to Water Moon and hits many of the same notes, including an emotional journey expressed through spontaneous magical attractions, processing grief and exploring new stages of life, and a wholesome romance side plot, so I’m confident those who enjoyed that book will enjoy this as well. I also found it reminiscent of Our Infinite Fates and The Night Circus, and I think fans of either would really connect with the worldbuilding and themes here.
So, for me, this was a bit of a disappointment, and I strongly preferred Water Moon out of the two works I’ve now read by this author. I think I’ve come to terms with the fact that Yambao’s writing style and preferred story type aren’t quite for me, and I’ll likely avoid her works in the future. Even so, I can still appreciate the heart and imagination she pours into her stories, and I think readers who connect with her style will find something truly special here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When you’ve lost your way in life, the Elsewhere Express is ready to lead you somewhere new. Only appearing to those who have lost all hope and purpose, the Elsewhere Express is a magical train that takes its passengers on a journey to restore their ambition and offer them a safe haven of joy and belonging. This book follows the two newest arrivals: Raya, a songwriter who abandoned her own dreams to live out her late brother’s instead, and Q, an acclaimed painter watching his world and his art fade as he slowly loses his sight. Both Raya and Q have either figuratively or literally lost their vision in life, and the Elsewhere Express arrives for them both to offer a redemptive tour of whimsy, meaning, and acceptance.
This is one of those rare cases where a book didn’t fully work for me, but I can easily see it resonating with other readers. Because of that, I want to start with the positives, since most of my criticisms come down to personal taste more than objective flaws. More than anything, the author’s creativity shines through and really wowed me, showing incredible writing chops and imagination in coming up with some of these ideas. One of my main complaints from Water Moon was its slow start, but here I felt the opposite—the beginning was actually the strongest point. The author does an incredible job establishing the characters and their backstories, and their grief is so raw and palpable that it transcends the page and sits with you in a heavy way. I was deeply connected to these characters’ heartbreaking stories and was so excited to see their startling entrance onto the train and begin traveling with them on this strange adventure, which I assumed would be a cathartic and whimsical journey of learning to live with grief and rediscover joy in life.
Unfortunately, this journey was just that for me: strange and bizarre. Once Raya and Q enter the train, the book sets off on a never-ending fever dream that dips and weaves until it completely lost me. There are fun ideas, like a dining car where patrons picnic on lily pads or a museum where the exhibits are the viewer’s most private secrets, but they enter and exit the story in the span of a page. Suddenly we’re getting an info dump about one niche train car, then quickly moving on and never bringing it up again. It’s like a taste-testing marathon, briefly describing some colorful idea and then never expanding upon it in a meaningful way. While the author’s creativity is undeniably impressive, there’s no structure for these ideas to root themselves in. The worldbuilding of the train is essentially “whatever you dream up can become real,” so with no guidelines to explain things, I felt completely ungrounded and lost.
To give an example: it bothered me that everything is centered around this “Elsewhere Express,” except it really isn’t a train in function, just in title. The train cars don’t even vaguely resemble or operate as what they’re called, the conductor doesn’t perform any typical conductor duties, and I can only recall two scenes where the setting or story reflected an actual train. It felt like the title of Elsewhere Express could be swapped for anything else, like the “Magical Museum” or the “Harmonious Home,” and nothing would change.
Because of this rapid switching from one idea to another, it was impossible for me to follow or engage with the story and setting in a meaningful way. I consistently felt overwhelmed by the info dumping and bored due to my lack of connection, to the point where multiple times the only thing that kept me from DNF-ing was the fact that this was an ARC. Adding to this, there was almost an aggressive amount of whimsy. I found myself actively disliking the concept of a magical train that takes you away from everything you know, “allows” you to forget everyone you love, and lose yourself in the delirious absurdism of its attractions. While I could tell the reader was supposed to disagree with Raya’s pushback and side with Q, I actually found myself fully on board with her and wanted her to escape. And sure, later in the book, I was frustrated with her decision-making and willful ignorance, but it was hard to blame her when I also disliked the train’s staff and its forced emotional development.
Now, I do want to take some time to explain why I think this could work much better for other readers. For one, I love fantasy, but not all cozy fantasy works for me. As I’ve said in many previous reviews in the genre, it requires an incredibly delicate balance of fluff, over-description, and a tiny sliver of plot to keep you invested. Unfortunately, the ratio here leaned too far into the fluff and over-description and became something I personally didn’t find enjoyable. I think the comparisons to Studio Ghibli are spot on, and readers who look for that childlike playfulness and whimsy will find that here. This was very similar to Water Moon and hits many of the same notes, including an emotional journey expressed through spontaneous magical attractions, processing grief and exploring new stages of life, and a wholesome romance side plot, so I’m confident those who enjoyed that book will enjoy this as well. I also found it reminiscent of Our Infinite Fates and The Night Circus, and I think fans of either would really connect with the worldbuilding and themes here.
So, for me, this was a bit of a disappointment, and I strongly preferred Water Moon out of the two works I’ve now read by this author. I think I’ve come to terms with the fact that Yambao’s writing style and preferred story type aren’t quite for me, and I’ll likely avoid her works in the future. Even so, I can still appreciate the heart and imagination she pours into her stories, and I think readers who connect with her style will find something truly special here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2025
5 ⭐️
I would like to take the time to introduce you to one of the best books I’ve read all year - yes on the last days of 2025 I have found a book that jumped to my top reads on the entire year.
For the kids who always had their head in the clouds, this is for us. Go into this with an open mind and a soul ready to fly away.
This was an explosively artful expression of the power we hold in our minds and what we can manifest, change, explore, hurt and heal from.
The Elsewhere Express read more like The EVERYTHING Express to me. This book took me on a fantastical, emotional, and fulfilling journey from start to finish and I never once lost my grip on the words. I stayed up late into the night reading this one and that’s something I don’t find myself doing much anymore as an adult. This tickled my inner child, this took me back to the first time I watched Alice in Wonderland and the way it made my mind explode with colors and deep thoughts.
Let’s dive in a little deeper because I can’t say enough:
⭐️ Characters - beautifully done. Complete with depth, back stories, compelling problems and likable but flawed personalities.
⭐️ Plot - I don’t want to give too much away with the plot but I will say that twists in books have a hard time shocking me. This book SHOCKED me. It was a phenomenal plot.
⭐️ Pacing - I could not put this down. It just kept going and going. With short chapters and a cliffhanger at the end of almost each one, you’ll fly through it.
⭐️ Writing style - This story was written like one big metaphor, like one big piece of poetry or maybe even a song. It was stunning to read through and I think I left it with over 50+ highlighted. The imagery was unreal, the emotions punched you, the sentences were heaven to take apart.
⭐️ Romance - I was sorely missing this sort of romance in books. It was understated but so so powerful. This felt like truly falling in love. Loved.
Overall, I absolutely adore this book. I hope it finds the readers who will appreciate it the way I do.
Thank you Del Rey Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to take the time to introduce you to one of the best books I’ve read all year - yes on the last days of 2025 I have found a book that jumped to my top reads on the entire year.
For the kids who always had their head in the clouds, this is for us. Go into this with an open mind and a soul ready to fly away.
This was an explosively artful expression of the power we hold in our minds and what we can manifest, change, explore, hurt and heal from.
The Elsewhere Express read more like The EVERYTHING Express to me. This book took me on a fantastical, emotional, and fulfilling journey from start to finish and I never once lost my grip on the words. I stayed up late into the night reading this one and that’s something I don’t find myself doing much anymore as an adult. This tickled my inner child, this took me back to the first time I watched Alice in Wonderland and the way it made my mind explode with colors and deep thoughts.
Let’s dive in a little deeper because I can’t say enough:
⭐️ Characters - beautifully done. Complete with depth, back stories, compelling problems and likable but flawed personalities.
⭐️ Plot - I don’t want to give too much away with the plot but I will say that twists in books have a hard time shocking me. This book SHOCKED me. It was a phenomenal plot.
⭐️ Pacing - I could not put this down. It just kept going and going. With short chapters and a cliffhanger at the end of almost each one, you’ll fly through it.
⭐️ Writing style - This story was written like one big metaphor, like one big piece of poetry or maybe even a song. It was stunning to read through and I think I left it with over 50+ highlighted. The imagery was unreal, the emotions punched you, the sentences were heaven to take apart.
⭐️ Romance - I was sorely missing this sort of romance in books. It was understated but so so powerful. This felt like truly falling in love. Loved.
Overall, I absolutely adore this book. I hope it finds the readers who will appreciate it the way I do.
Thank you Del Rey Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
to-be-released
July 15, 2025y'all i just requested this eARC and i will totally cry be an adult about it if it gets denied 🙃
September 23, 2025
Crafted with lush prose that feels just as magical as the settings it describes, "The Elsewhere Express" reads like a modern day fairy tale.
Our main setting is The Elsewhere Express itself — a train built from, and powered by, the wandering thoughts of people such as daydreamers and worriers. A person is only able to obtain a ticket to board the Express after they've let their thoughts roam so far that they've managed to wander away from reality itself. The Express is there to provide its passengers a second chance at finding their purpose in life and, ideally, provide them with eternal happiness as well. But what happens when things start to go off the rails during the newest passenger’s orientation? You’ll have to read for yourself to find out!
This is a story that really explores loss in many different forms — both physical and abstract — but it’s also a story about acceptance, resilience, and love. Even though it’s all wrapped up in this otherworldly setting, Yambao has crafted an adventure that, at its core, is based off of very real thoughts and fears. Our main characters, Raya and Q, feel like real people with real problems — if a bit exaggerated for fiction's sake — and I found them to be pretty solid characters overall. I did think Q was a bit underdeveloped in comparison to Raya, but I still really wanted to see both of them grow and find their happiness by the end of the story.
If I had to give readers one piece of advice, it would be to take their time going through this novel! The rules that govern the Express can get a bit convoluted at times, so having a little extra processing time can really help with getting properly oriented. There's also many instances of abstracts being turned into more physical entities — such as songs that manifest as butterflies who work to help keep the Express running — so it can really feel like you need to pay attention to every little detail as so many things serve a greater purpose or help construct a larger metaphor. Luckily the chapters in this novel are rather short so it's easy to pick up, read a few chapters, and then put it down for that mental processing break!
Overall I thought this book was absolutely beautiful and I’d definitely recommend it to anybody looking to add a little magic to their life, especially if they aren't afraid of getting a little philosophical while doing so!
(Thank you to Del Rey for providing me a free ARC via NetGalley! I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.)
Our main setting is The Elsewhere Express itself — a train built from, and powered by, the wandering thoughts of people such as daydreamers and worriers. A person is only able to obtain a ticket to board the Express after they've let their thoughts roam so far that they've managed to wander away from reality itself. The Express is there to provide its passengers a second chance at finding their purpose in life and, ideally, provide them with eternal happiness as well. But what happens when things start to go off the rails during the newest passenger’s orientation? You’ll have to read for yourself to find out!
This is a story that really explores loss in many different forms — both physical and abstract — but it’s also a story about acceptance, resilience, and love. Even though it’s all wrapped up in this otherworldly setting, Yambao has crafted an adventure that, at its core, is based off of very real thoughts and fears. Our main characters, Raya and Q, feel like real people with real problems — if a bit exaggerated for fiction's sake — and I found them to be pretty solid characters overall. I did think Q was a bit underdeveloped in comparison to Raya, but I still really wanted to see both of them grow and find their happiness by the end of the story.
If I had to give readers one piece of advice, it would be to take their time going through this novel! The rules that govern the Express can get a bit convoluted at times, so having a little extra processing time can really help with getting properly oriented. There's also many instances of abstracts being turned into more physical entities — such as songs that manifest as butterflies who work to help keep the Express running — so it can really feel like you need to pay attention to every little detail as so many things serve a greater purpose or help construct a larger metaphor. Luckily the chapters in this novel are rather short so it's easy to pick up, read a few chapters, and then put it down for that mental processing break!
Overall I thought this book was absolutely beautiful and I’d definitely recommend it to anybody looking to add a little magic to their life, especially if they aren't afraid of getting a little philosophical while doing so!
(Thank you to Del Rey for providing me a free ARC via NetGalley! I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.)
January 27, 2026
Damn…it’s been a bit since a book touched me this deeply. I really couldn’t help but cry at the end of this one. It was all so vivid and beautiful and cinematic. The beginning was a tad slow and the sheer confusing, whimsical chaos of the train was hard for me to wrap my head around at first.
But my gosh, Samantha Sotta Yambao has a gorgeous imagination and way of writing that just really cuts right to the heart and wakes your imagination with fantastical ideas and concepts and vistas that I’ll be casually thinking about forever.
This book was very similar in pace to Piranesi, honestly - maybe I feel that way because I read both this month. But this is a cerebral, timeless feeling quality to the Elsewhere Express and its story. And GOD don’t even get me started on all the gorgeous quotes😭
Since this is a spoiler review I can share the one that kicked my in the teeth and made me cry:
“Unlike the rest of the train’s passengers, she knew who she owed her life to. When she erased him, there would be no one left who remembered what Q had done for the train. His sacrifice would go unnoticed just like all the invisible battles people waged every day.
Getting out of bed. Smiling. Taking a deep breath.
Invisible victories for invisible people with invisible pain where the only prize up for grabs was the chance to do it all over again the next day.”
That hit REALLY close to home😭
‘Raya laughed. Then cried. Nothing cut deeper than loss, but finding what you lost hurt too. You couldn’t hold it without grieving for all the years your arms were empty.’
“Isn’t that what we are too?” Raya said. “A collection of our thoughts? Beliefs? Values? Fears? Isn’t that what’s beneath our skins? What makes us human?”
“That’s different.”
“How? What could be more real than our thoughts? You and I have built our whole lives around them. They’ve set our limits and direction. They drove you to the edge of a train platform and convinced me to carry around a dead dream. You and I were trapped long before we ever set foot in the Missed and Misplaced Department.”
This book has a lot of deep things to say about thoughts, what we believe, and the wibbly-wobbly nature of time and reality.
THE TWIST! WOW, I should’ve probably seen it coming but I absolutely did not😭 That really shook me. Yambao is QUITE good at surprisingly plot twists, same with Water Moon. I’m really keen to read her backlog now.
It really moved me, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a contemplative book with gorgeous world design and a thought provoking plot. The ending raised some questions I’ll never get the answer to, but boy it hit me right in the feels. 🥹 Gorgeous - Yambao’s unique imagination and storytelling made this book an utter delight.
But my gosh, Samantha Sotta Yambao has a gorgeous imagination and way of writing that just really cuts right to the heart and wakes your imagination with fantastical ideas and concepts and vistas that I’ll be casually thinking about forever.
This book was very similar in pace to Piranesi, honestly - maybe I feel that way because I read both this month. But this is a cerebral, timeless feeling quality to the Elsewhere Express and its story. And GOD don’t even get me started on all the gorgeous quotes😭
Since this is a spoiler review I can share the one that kicked my in the teeth and made me cry:
“Unlike the rest of the train’s passengers, she knew who she owed her life to. When she erased him, there would be no one left who remembered what Q had done for the train. His sacrifice would go unnoticed just like all the invisible battles people waged every day.
Getting out of bed. Smiling. Taking a deep breath.
Invisible victories for invisible people with invisible pain where the only prize up for grabs was the chance to do it all over again the next day.”
That hit REALLY close to home😭
‘Raya laughed. Then cried. Nothing cut deeper than loss, but finding what you lost hurt too. You couldn’t hold it without grieving for all the years your arms were empty.’
“Isn’t that what we are too?” Raya said. “A collection of our thoughts? Beliefs? Values? Fears? Isn’t that what’s beneath our skins? What makes us human?”
“That’s different.”
“How? What could be more real than our thoughts? You and I have built our whole lives around them. They’ve set our limits and direction. They drove you to the edge of a train platform and convinced me to carry around a dead dream. You and I were trapped long before we ever set foot in the Missed and Misplaced Department.”
This book has a lot of deep things to say about thoughts, what we believe, and the wibbly-wobbly nature of time and reality.
THE TWIST! WOW, I should’ve probably seen it coming but I absolutely did not😭 That really shook me. Yambao is QUITE good at surprisingly plot twists, same with Water Moon. I’m really keen to read her backlog now.
It really moved me, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a contemplative book with gorgeous world design and a thought provoking plot. The ending raised some questions I’ll never get the answer to, but boy it hit me right in the feels. 🥹 Gorgeous - Yambao’s unique imagination and storytelling made this book an utter delight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
This is such a whimsical story, filled with adventure, secret compartments, hidden identities, and worlds beyond your imagination. Welcome aboard the Elsewhere Express.
The Elsewhere Express is made from spools of daydreams, plans, ideas, memories, poems, and songs. Excess baggage not allowed. We follow two passengers, Raya and Q. Raya is grappling with loss and guilt, while Q is dealing with the loss of his eyesight. Both find themselves aboard the train feeling purposeless, and they’re sent on a journey across the cars to find the compartment where they truly belong.
This book explores mental health heavily through metaphors and allusions, wrapped in a Studio Ghibli–esque world that’s equal parts beautiful and melancholic. I really loved the themes and how they were explored, and the atmosphere is honestly magical.
That said, some parts felt a little too convenient, things just kind of work themselves out when they need to, which took me out of the story at times.
Still, it’s a beautiful, gentle read. If you’re in the mood for something whimsical, soft, and emotionally reflective, this is definitely one to pick up.
The Elsewhere Express is made from spools of daydreams, plans, ideas, memories, poems, and songs. Excess baggage not allowed. We follow two passengers, Raya and Q. Raya is grappling with loss and guilt, while Q is dealing with the loss of his eyesight. Both find themselves aboard the train feeling purposeless, and they’re sent on a journey across the cars to find the compartment where they truly belong.
This book explores mental health heavily through metaphors and allusions, wrapped in a Studio Ghibli–esque world that’s equal parts beautiful and melancholic. I really loved the themes and how they were explored, and the atmosphere is honestly magical.
That said, some parts felt a little too convenient, things just kind of work themselves out when they need to, which took me out of the story at times.
Still, it’s a beautiful, gentle read. If you’re in the mood for something whimsical, soft, and emotionally reflective, this is definitely one to pick up.
January 5, 2026
Thank you Del Rey for the ARC!
Once again, this was BEAUTIFUL. Where Water Moon is about living with regret, The Elsewhere Express is about finding your purpose even when it feels like you have none. And how we can find purpose in the most unexpected places.
Samantha has SUCH a way with metaphor--the entire train is a metaphor for various parts of life, and is constructed with the feelings and thoughts of people in a way that makes sense while also being intangible. I don't know how she does it, because my brain could NEVER. Just like Water Moon, this is beautifully written. I loved the chapter headers too--they read like a "normal" FAQ sheet, but tie in directly to the story in a way that's really clever.
I think this is a great read for anyone that's struggled with identifying their purpose in life, or coming to terms with figuring out who they ARE--not who other people THINK they are. Raya's emotional journey is SO relatable even if her specific situation is not. I'm definitely going to be thinking about this one for awhile.
This was such a fun read while also being melancholy. Thought provoking while also not taking itself too seriously. This book definitely solidified SSY as an auto buy author for me. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Once again, this was BEAUTIFUL. Where Water Moon is about living with regret, The Elsewhere Express is about finding your purpose even when it feels like you have none. And how we can find purpose in the most unexpected places.
Samantha has SUCH a way with metaphor--the entire train is a metaphor for various parts of life, and is constructed with the feelings and thoughts of people in a way that makes sense while also being intangible. I don't know how she does it, because my brain could NEVER. Just like Water Moon, this is beautifully written. I loved the chapter headers too--they read like a "normal" FAQ sheet, but tie in directly to the story in a way that's really clever.
I think this is a great read for anyone that's struggled with identifying their purpose in life, or coming to terms with figuring out who they ARE--not who other people THINK they are. Raya's emotional journey is SO relatable even if her specific situation is not. I'm definitely going to be thinking about this one for awhile.
This was such a fun read while also being melancholy. Thought provoking while also not taking itself too seriously. This book definitely solidified SSY as an auto buy author for me. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
January 11, 2026
Transported me. Absolutely magical and just what I needed. Beautiful and moving.
January 23, 2026
I have to admit: I'm a little disappointed in this book after having read Water Moon last year, not necessarily because it didn't live up to the first book, but because it has a lot of the same bones as Water Moon but doesn't feel as cohesive.
Both books have characters that sort of wander through an unfamiliar fantastical and often whimsical world, but The Elsewhere Express left me feeling lost way more often. Maybe because I had trouble imagining how this world was actually a train, or maybe because neither of the main characters knew where they were going half the time (as opposed to Water Moon, in which one main character was very familiar with the world and acted as almost a tour guide for the other). But it's at least in part because the train cars just aren't as well-described as they should be. It makes sense to feel lost when characters in a book you're reading are lost, but they did eventually gain their bearings and I never found mine. I'm still not sure how the layout of the train works and if it's supposed to make sense or not.
There is enough to love about this book that I'd still recommend it though, especially if you really loved Water Moon. It's very hard not to draw comparisons between the two, but if you are willing to accept that you will likely not love them both equally, it's a fun read. Raya and Q's journey through The Elsewhere Express is dreamlike, mind-bending, and beautifully written with some surprising reveals. The idea of each train car having a sort of thought or emotion 'theme,' (for example: a train car made from stubbornness and grudges, or one made up of thoughts that never had the chance to become fully-formed) is interesting and it was fun to read about the types of worlds and objects that could be made out of the many different types of thoughts we all have. One of my favorite train cars was The Missed and Misplaced Department, where missing items like socks, jewelry, and pocket change fall from the sky and organize themselves into piles.
The main characters are very likeable and their struggles are super relatable. Q’s steady loss of eyesight is heartbreaking, especially considering he’s an artist. And Raya, whose entire existence is due only to her sick brother’s potential need for a donor, is drowning in unfathomable grief. These are two people who are need the kind of escape The Elsewhere Express provides and it’s comforting to witness the growth they experience.
I think The Elsewhere Express has decent potential to be a beloved book for many readers, but personally, I feel it had even more potential to be something greater. Ultimately, it felt a lot like one of the half-formed thoughts wandering around the train and I think that's a bit of a shame.
Thank you to Del Ray for the ARC of this book.
Both books have characters that sort of wander through an unfamiliar fantastical and often whimsical world, but The Elsewhere Express left me feeling lost way more often. Maybe because I had trouble imagining how this world was actually a train, or maybe because neither of the main characters knew where they were going half the time (as opposed to Water Moon, in which one main character was very familiar with the world and acted as almost a tour guide for the other). But it's at least in part because the train cars just aren't as well-described as they should be. It makes sense to feel lost when characters in a book you're reading are lost, but they did eventually gain their bearings and I never found mine. I'm still not sure how the layout of the train works and if it's supposed to make sense or not.
There is enough to love about this book that I'd still recommend it though, especially if you really loved Water Moon. It's very hard not to draw comparisons between the two, but if you are willing to accept that you will likely not love them both equally, it's a fun read. Raya and Q's journey through The Elsewhere Express is dreamlike, mind-bending, and beautifully written with some surprising reveals. The idea of each train car having a sort of thought or emotion 'theme,' (for example: a train car made from stubbornness and grudges, or one made up of thoughts that never had the chance to become fully-formed) is interesting and it was fun to read about the types of worlds and objects that could be made out of the many different types of thoughts we all have. One of my favorite train cars was The Missed and Misplaced Department, where missing items like socks, jewelry, and pocket change fall from the sky and organize themselves into piles.
The main characters are very likeable and their struggles are super relatable. Q’s steady loss of eyesight is heartbreaking, especially considering he’s an artist. And Raya, whose entire existence is due only to her sick brother’s potential need for a donor, is drowning in unfathomable grief. These are two people who are need the kind of escape The Elsewhere Express provides and it’s comforting to witness the growth they experience.
I think The Elsewhere Express has decent potential to be a beloved book for many readers, but personally, I feel it had even more potential to be something greater. Ultimately, it felt a lot like one of the half-formed thoughts wandering around the train and I think that's a bit of a shame.
Thank you to Del Ray for the ARC of this book.
December 31, 2025
3.5⭐️
Thank you @delreybooks and @prhaudio for the galley and ALC ♡
👉🏽🌙🌧️🪭 Studio Ghibli vibes right here.
“𝙸𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚜. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚝𝚜.”
🚂💺✨☁️ Hop aboard a magical train that will take you to where water fountains flow up, and pain can be erased away with magical tonics. Where those who are lost can find themselves.
This is a found friendship between two lost souls who are each going through their own grief and guilt.
“𝙽𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚞𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚜, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚝 𝚝𝚘𝚘. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚝𝚢.”
🌙 Fans of Water Moon will love this as it carries the same cinematic and whimsical elements that would translate beautifully to the big screen.
Overall, I was feeling the vibe and the prose was beautiful. However, I lost the plot through the middle with the magical train rules piling up and then being rewritten. A slow journey to healing.
·..·˙✧˖°⋆⊹ “𝙼𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎.” ⊹⋆..·˙✧˖°·∘
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 TBH, would recommend eyeballs or immersive reading. Narrators were great, but as with nonlinear stories, prepare to rewind to catch what was missed.
Thank you @delreybooks and @prhaudio for the galley and ALC ♡
👉🏽🌙🌧️🪭 Studio Ghibli vibes right here.
“𝙸𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚜. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚝𝚜.”
🚂💺✨☁️ Hop aboard a magical train that will take you to where water fountains flow up, and pain can be erased away with magical tonics. Where those who are lost can find themselves.
This is a found friendship between two lost souls who are each going through their own grief and guilt.
“𝙽𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚞𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚜, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚝 𝚝𝚘𝚘. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚝𝚢.”
🌙 Fans of Water Moon will love this as it carries the same cinematic and whimsical elements that would translate beautifully to the big screen.
Overall, I was feeling the vibe and the prose was beautiful. However, I lost the plot through the middle with the magical train rules piling up and then being rewritten. A slow journey to healing.
·..·˙✧˖°⋆⊹ “𝙼𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎.” ⊹⋆..·˙✧˖°·∘
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 TBH, would recommend eyeballs or immersive reading. Narrators were great, but as with nonlinear stories, prepare to rewind to catch what was missed.
dnf
September 3, 2025Deadly combo of this book being way too twee for me and having a 2-year-old and being just so sick of trains right now.
November 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This was absolutely beautiful and so vivid. The way Yambao creates worlds and images? Wow. I wish I had her talent. This is steeped in grief, possibility, growth, and love.
The mystery of the book took a larger role than I had anticipated and I think it got a little muddled there in the middle, but when it all comes together it is beautiful.
Thank you Del Rey books for gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
This was absolutely beautiful and so vivid. The way Yambao creates worlds and images? Wow. I wish I had her talent. This is steeped in grief, possibility, growth, and love.
The mystery of the book took a larger role than I had anticipated and I think it got a little muddled there in the middle, but when it all comes together it is beautiful.
Thank you Del Rey books for gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Read
November 24, 2025This was cutesy rtc (maybe lol)
pre-read .𖥔 ݁ ˖.
Alexa start playing Sunday Driver by Soobin‼️🗣 (that’s just the vibes I get from the cover lol)
Anyway, trying to read through my arcs and I somehow got the arc for this?? ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!
It looks gorgeous so I’m hoping the story is just as good as the cover!
pre-read .𖥔 ݁ ˖.
Alexa start playing Sunday Driver by Soobin‼️🗣 (that’s just the vibes I get from the cover lol)
Anyway, trying to read through my arcs and I somehow got the arc for this?? ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!
It looks gorgeous so I’m hoping the story is just as good as the cover!
January 26, 2026
⭐ 4.25/5 Review of Elsewhere Express
Elsewhere Express is a haunting, atmospheric read that blends psychological tension with speculative elements. The premise feels fresh yet deeply unsettling, and the author’s ability to weave unease into every page is impressive. The pacing is deliberate—slow enough to build dread but never stagnant—and the character work is layered, especially in exploring identity and belonging.
Trigger Warnings & Heavy Topics
This book dives into some intense and potentially distressing themes. Readers should be aware of:
Death & Grief: Central to the narrative, explored in raw and lingering detail.
Suicidal Ideation: Not glamorized, but present in emotional depth.
Isolation & Mental Health Struggles: Characters grapple with depression and existential dread.
Loss of Autonomy: Psychological manipulation and control play a major role.
Body Horror & Disorientation: Certain scenes evoke visceral discomfort.
If you’re sensitive to these topics, proceed with caution—the author does not shy away from emotional intensity.
Why It Stands Out
Compared to Water moon, Elsewhere Express feels more cohesive and thematically rich. Where Water moon leaned heavily on aesthetic and mood, this book delivers a sharper narrative arc and stronger character motivations. The tension builds organically, and the ending—while ambiguous—feels earned rather than abrupt.
Elsewhere Express is a haunting, atmospheric read that blends psychological tension with speculative elements. The premise feels fresh yet deeply unsettling, and the author’s ability to weave unease into every page is impressive. The pacing is deliberate—slow enough to build dread but never stagnant—and the character work is layered, especially in exploring identity and belonging.
Trigger Warnings & Heavy Topics
This book dives into some intense and potentially distressing themes. Readers should be aware of:
Death & Grief: Central to the narrative, explored in raw and lingering detail.
Suicidal Ideation: Not glamorized, but present in emotional depth.
Isolation & Mental Health Struggles: Characters grapple with depression and existential dread.
Loss of Autonomy: Psychological manipulation and control play a major role.
Body Horror & Disorientation: Certain scenes evoke visceral discomfort.
If you’re sensitive to these topics, proceed with caution—the author does not shy away from emotional intensity.
Why It Stands Out
Compared to Water moon, Elsewhere Express feels more cohesive and thematically rich. Where Water moon leaned heavily on aesthetic and mood, this book delivers a sharper narrative arc and stronger character motivations. The tension builds organically, and the ending—while ambiguous—feels earned rather than abrupt.
January 30, 2026
A dream of a novel that completely suits the Studio Ghibli references. I enjoyed this magical realism novel that follows two lost people whose grief and lack of enthusiasm for life sees them transported onto a magical train - the Elsewhere Express where regular laws of physics and reality don't apply.
This one has great disability rep (X, the male main character is an artist who is going blind) and mental health rep (the female main character Raya is grieving the tragic loss of her older brother).
While Raya and Q explore the Elsewhere Express they encounter beauty, have adventures, face unknown adversaries and even find love. Great on audio and gorgeous as a physical hardcover with sprayed edges. Recommended for fans of authors like Matt Haig and books like The rainfall market.
This one has great disability rep (X, the male main character is an artist who is going blind) and mental health rep (the female main character Raya is grieving the tragic loss of her older brother).
While Raya and Q explore the Elsewhere Express they encounter beauty, have adventures, face unknown adversaries and even find love. Great on audio and gorgeous as a physical hardcover with sprayed edges. Recommended for fans of authors like Matt Haig and books like The rainfall market.
December 12, 2025
Thank you to Del Rey for the ARC!
The Elsewhere Express is an imaginative and heartfelt story that blends whimsy, grief, and self-discovery. I enjoyed the premise of a mysterious train that takes passengers to places they have longed for or lost. The world-building was enchanting, like a dream you can almost remember. Similar to the author’s debut book, Watermoon, I felt like I was experiencing a Studio Ghibli movie.
Raya and Q are interesting characters who face various challenges throughout their journey on the train. I liked them, but seemed undeveloped both individually and as a pair. I expected more character growth with a story like this. The philosophical passages also felt heavy-handed at times, and the conclusion (while touching) wraps up more neatly than expected.
Overall, I thought this was a unique and atmospheric read. I look forward to seeing what Samantha Sotto Yambao writes next.
The Elsewhere Express is an imaginative and heartfelt story that blends whimsy, grief, and self-discovery. I enjoyed the premise of a mysterious train that takes passengers to places they have longed for or lost. The world-building was enchanting, like a dream you can almost remember. Similar to the author’s debut book, Watermoon, I felt like I was experiencing a Studio Ghibli movie.
Raya and Q are interesting characters who face various challenges throughout their journey on the train. I liked them, but seemed undeveloped both individually and as a pair. I expected more character growth with a story like this. The philosophical passages also felt heavy-handed at times, and the conclusion (while touching) wraps up more neatly than expected.
Overall, I thought this was a unique and atmospheric read. I look forward to seeing what Samantha Sotto Yambao writes next.
November 9, 2025
Thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy of The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao, to be published on January 20th, 2026. This is a whimsical book, perfect for Hayao Miyazaki fans. The design and layout are really beautiful. You will find excerpts in the form of tickets; and the story is written as a handbook for passengers, but there are other types of entries as well. The topic is an interesting concept surrounding people who have lost meaning in life.
January 26, 2026
The Elsewhere Express is another atmospheric and emotional journey from Samantha Sotto Yambao. Having loved her previous work, Water Moon, I went into this with high expectations for her signature blend of whimsy and weight.
Synopsis -
The story follows Raya, who is grappling with the loss of her brother and a fractured sense of identity, and Q, a boy facing the terrifying reality of his deteriorating vision. Both find themselves aboard the Elsewhere Express, a magical, destination-less train designed to offer its passengers peace. However, the magical journey turns dark when a malignant stowaway threatens the train. Raya and Q must discover their connection to this entity to save the Express and themselves.
Likes -
Compared to her debut, the character backstories feel much more fleshed out and intentional. The romantic subplot was also much improved here, it felt earned and grounded rather than rushed.
The book successfully captures the “Studio Ghibli” aesthetic —a world that feels cozy and imaginative on the surface but hides poignant, dark undertones beneath.
The core themes of grief and healing (specifically the use of art as a sanctuary and the delicate balance of knowing when to hold on/when to let go), are handled with a clear, unique voice.
Dislikes –
This book is overflowing with creative concepts, but many felt like metaphorical musings that were abandoned after a chapter rather than contributing to the plot's momentum. This lack of narrative “glue" made the middle of the book feel like a bit of a chore to navigate. I often found myself disengaged, trying to discern what was advancing the story versus what was simply atmospheric filler.
While the creativity is undeniable, the reading experience was occasionally more confusing than immersive. I might revisit this one down the line when I’m in the mood for a slower, more abstract read.
Thank you to Del Rey for providing an early copy for review! All opinions are my own.
Synopsis -
The story follows Raya, who is grappling with the loss of her brother and a fractured sense of identity, and Q, a boy facing the terrifying reality of his deteriorating vision. Both find themselves aboard the Elsewhere Express, a magical, destination-less train designed to offer its passengers peace. However, the magical journey turns dark when a malignant stowaway threatens the train. Raya and Q must discover their connection to this entity to save the Express and themselves.
Likes -
Compared to her debut, the character backstories feel much more fleshed out and intentional. The romantic subplot was also much improved here, it felt earned and grounded rather than rushed.
The book successfully captures the “Studio Ghibli” aesthetic —a world that feels cozy and imaginative on the surface but hides poignant, dark undertones beneath.
The core themes of grief and healing (specifically the use of art as a sanctuary and the delicate balance of knowing when to hold on/when to let go), are handled with a clear, unique voice.
Dislikes –
This book is overflowing with creative concepts, but many felt like metaphorical musings that were abandoned after a chapter rather than contributing to the plot's momentum. This lack of narrative “glue" made the middle of the book feel like a bit of a chore to navigate. I often found myself disengaged, trying to discern what was advancing the story versus what was simply atmospheric filler.
While the creativity is undeniable, the reading experience was occasionally more confusing than immersive. I might revisit this one down the line when I’m in the mood for a slower, more abstract read.
Thank you to Del Rey for providing an early copy for review! All opinions are my own.
January 13, 2026
This was such a cozy, gentle read.
The Elsewhere Express feels like stepping into a dream. It’s whimsical, atmospheric, and emotionally soft in that quiet, reflective way very much a mood book. The story follows two lost souls who find themselves aboard a magical train that appears only to those who are adrift, carrying them through surreal, beautiful places while gently nudging them to confront grief, guilt, and the question of purpose.
I really enjoyed the overall vibe of this one. The train itself was the highlight for me floating fountains, strange cars, magical tonics, and settings that felt straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. The writing has a lyrical, cinematic quality that made the journey feel cozy and immersive, even when it touched on heavier themes like loss and regret.
This is a quiet, character-focused story about healing, letting go, and learning how to move forward. There is some romance, but it stays very soft and subtle, letting the emotional journey and the atmosphere take center stage.
If you love whimsical fantasies, found connection stories, and books that are more about feeling than fast-paced plot, this one is definitely worth picking up especially on a rainy day when you’re in the mood for something gentle and reflective. Thanks to DelRey for the gifted ARC.
The Elsewhere Express feels like stepping into a dream. It’s whimsical, atmospheric, and emotionally soft in that quiet, reflective way very much a mood book. The story follows two lost souls who find themselves aboard a magical train that appears only to those who are adrift, carrying them through surreal, beautiful places while gently nudging them to confront grief, guilt, and the question of purpose.
I really enjoyed the overall vibe of this one. The train itself was the highlight for me floating fountains, strange cars, magical tonics, and settings that felt straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. The writing has a lyrical, cinematic quality that made the journey feel cozy and immersive, even when it touched on heavier themes like loss and regret.
This is a quiet, character-focused story about healing, letting go, and learning how to move forward. There is some romance, but it stays very soft and subtle, letting the emotional journey and the atmosphere take center stage.
If you love whimsical fantasies, found connection stories, and books that are more about feeling than fast-paced plot, this one is definitely worth picking up especially on a rainy day when you’re in the mood for something gentle and reflective. Thanks to DelRey for the gifted ARC.
January 21, 2026
I loved this! We need to talk about The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao. I adored this read. The writing is beautiful and lyrical. Our FMC Raya, and MMC, Q are burdened by the emotional baggage they carry with them in life. Raya was born to keep her brother alive. She wasn't allowed to eat sugar, she was on a strict diet to ensure she remained as healthy as possible so she could provide whatever her brother needed of her. This sounds awful, but Raya and her brother Jace are very close and love each other.. As an adult, Raya is not living the life she planned as she struggles through med school. Q's life was complicated as a child, too. As an adult he is very talented and successful artist, but he is going blind. Both Q and Darcy are getting on their commuter trains to head home when they find themselves on the Elsewhere Express. This is a story about grief and forgiveness and finding your path in life and I adored every minute of this read. I'm impatiently awaiting my preorder of the book so I have my gorgeous shelf trophy! Thank you so much to Net Galley and Del Rey for my e-arc! This book published today, January 20, 2026.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews