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Baccano! Light Novel #3
Baccano!, Vol. 3: 1931 The Grand Punk Railroad: Express
The year is 1931. A boy boards a train to visit his friend in New York. A woman in a jumpsuit boards a train to meet her employer in New York. And the conductor? He boards because it's his job. If it had been any other day, they all would have gotten where they were going just fine. But it's not any other day. The Rail Tracer is on the hunt. The gonzo tale of gangsters, immortals, and outrageous luck (both bad and good) speeds into its third volume!
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2003
18 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Ryohgo Narita
351 books385 followersRyohgo Narita (成田 良悟, Narita Ryōgo) is a Japanese light novelist. He won the Gold Prize in the 9th Dengeki Novel Prize for Baccano!, which was made into a TV anime in 2007.[1] His series Durarara!! was also made into a TV anime, which began airing January 2010
There are two traits found in most of Narita's works:
* Narita writes extremely fast, one volume a month if he wishes - with tons of spelling errors and missing words as a tradeoff. The editors like to leave them sometimes just for fun, though.
* His work titles often have an exclamation mark at the end (i.e. Baccano!, Vamp!, Durarara!!, etc.).
Kanji names: 成田 良悟 & 成田良悟.
There are two traits found in most of Narita's works:
* Narita writes extremely fast, one volume a month if he wishes - with tons of spelling errors and missing words as a tradeoff. The editors like to leave them sometimes just for fun, though.
* His work titles often have an exclamation mark at the end (i.e. Baccano!, Vamp!, Durarara!!, etc.).
Kanji names: 成田 良悟 & 成田良悟.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 28, 2023
In the previous novel we saw the events on the Flying Pussyfoot through the eyes of the cowardly Jacuzzi Splot, the psychopathic Ladd Russo, … And we saw some character’s stories come to an end. But now it’s time to get some more answers and fill in all the gaps. It’s time to see these brutal events through some fresh pairs of eyes. The daughter of a notorious terrorist, Chané Laforet. The mysterious woman in coveralls, Rachel. The emotionally scarred young boy, Czeslaw Meyer. And the incredibly fascinating urban legend come to life, the Rail Tracer.
This book is a perfect example of what makes the Baccano series so great. What this series does so well is taking extraordinary and unique characters and simply bringing them together, making their individual stories collide in a very impressive and entertaining way. The mystery of the Rail Tracer was one of the many highlights of the previous book. And here that mystery is finally solved, which means we’re introduced to one of the most fascinating characters of the whole series. It’s also cool to see how love plays such an important part here. The creepy love between Ladd and Lua. The hilariously quirky love between Isaac and Miria. And the love that takes us by surprise.
What an absolute blast from start to finish. This is a symphony of violence and chaos in all the right ways. Great conclusion to this epic two-parter.
This book is a perfect example of what makes the Baccano series so great. What this series does so well is taking extraordinary and unique characters and simply bringing them together, making their individual stories collide in a very impressive and entertaining way. The mystery of the Rail Tracer was one of the many highlights of the previous book. And here that mystery is finally solved, which means we’re introduced to one of the most fascinating characters of the whole series. It’s also cool to see how love plays such an important part here. The creepy love between Ladd and Lua. The hilariously quirky love between Isaac and Miria. And the love that takes us by surprise.
What an absolute blast from start to finish. This is a symphony of violence and chaos in all the right ways. Great conclusion to this epic two-parter.
October 29, 2020
The way that this and the previous book were constructed reminds me of how Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni has 'question' and 'answer' arcs where we see an incident first from the POV of people who have no idea what's going on, and then then same event again from the POV of characters who had a more inside look at everything, I love this sort of thing, when done correctly it really makes for a compelling mystery and a satisfying reveal (even though I already knew what was happening, having already watched the adaption)
One of the best things about reading a book rather than watching tv show/movie is that books can offer a lot more insight into what's going on inside the heads of the characters, I especially enjoyed the parts about Czeslaw, he's such an interesting character, and the anime wasn't really able to fully explain his characterisation since that would have required a huge amount of narration and/or exposition. The same goes for Rachel, I didn't consider her to be much of a memorable character in the anime (apart from being kinda weird and suspicious) but she left a significant impression on me after finishing this book.
One of the best things about reading a book rather than watching tv show/movie is that books can offer a lot more insight into what's going on inside the heads of the characters, I especially enjoyed the parts about Czeslaw, he's such an interesting character, and the anime wasn't really able to fully explain his characterisation since that would have required a huge amount of narration and/or exposition. The same goes for Rachel, I didn't consider her to be much of a memorable character in the anime (apart from being kinda weird and suspicious) but she left a significant impression on me after finishing this book.
July 2, 2020
"Huhn! You must be with those white suits. Admit it! Oh, I know: Everyone walking around bold as brass on this train, in this situation, is a scoundrel!"
Saying something that was, in a way, correct, the man with the little mustache edged closer to the stowaway.
That's kinda about it. Crazy people running all around the train (and when I say "all around", that including roof and under it) chasing one another to be the one who controls it. Meanwhile, the rest of the passengers are safely (or not so safely) hidden in their rooms.
Like I said for book 2, it's kinda hard to rate and review properly a book that's so tightly linked to another one because they're very enjoyable when taken together, but it also means that you feel them very lacking something if you only read one of the two. (And in this case, while book 2 would only feel unachieved, on the other hand book 3 would feel extremely confusing as some things pretty much only make sense if you read the previous one.)
So, hmm, this time, we redo book 2 but from the point of view of some other characters. Meaning, we get to see a lot less of Ladd Russo, and that can only be good. 😏
This time, we get to see more of Czeslaw, which is quite an interesting character (actually, among all those we see in the anime and in those light novels so far, that's one of those I'm more interested in learning more about) with his past and all. Then there's the (not so) famous "woman in coveralls" who brings a somewhat different atmosphere to it all, so that's good too. But more importantly, we get to see the story from none other than the Rail Tracer itself/himself. A character with the ego of, well, a monster. Not too sure if I like him or not actually.
That means, there's a fair share of reasons that would make me enjoy this vision of the events more than the one in book 2. But there's also the fact that, since we actually pretty much follow the Rail Tracer, it's kinda more... gruesome? I mean, some of the violent scenes are quite graphic, and I'm not sure I'm fond of that. (Actually, I know for sure that I am not, so...)
Also, one thing that bugged me a bit was how the author/narrator kept insisting on the Rail Tracer doing things that should otherwise feel impossible. As if his entire existence is impossible but possible only for the sake of the story. It's not the fact that thos seemingly impossible things still happen that bothers me (especially in a story about immortals), but rather the way it's phrased with "impossible" being repeated many more times than necessary. 🙄
Oh, and... did you think we wouldn't notice that two of the illustrations are being reused from the previous book? Yeah okay, I mean, that makes sense since it's the same chain of events, but still, it would have been nice to have other moments illustrated or a different take on them.
At the end of the day, I wonder if this wouldn't have been better to have both books reunited as one, or if they're just better separated that way to avoid things being too confusing at times. I mean, there is an awful lot of events going on at the same time. 🤔
And, to be completely honest, I've got to admit that the split into two books makes revealing how Isaac and Miria became entangled like this all the more enjoyable. 👌🏻
Still, like I said for book 2, it's a story worth reading, and it's actually kinda fun (if you can say so considering how bloody it is) thanks to a wonderful cast. Just make sure you read both volumes 2 and 3!
June 5, 2015
Baccano! 1931 Local Chapter - The Grand Punk Railroad (Part 2)
The third novel in the Baccano! series.
Be careful in a life of crime, because sometimes it can last forever. Welcome aboard the transcontinental train, The Flying Pussyfoot, currently traveling from Chicago towards Manhattan. This volume has event more insanity than the first, but that's what Baccano! is about. Baccano means ruckas, racket, noise! Crazy, unexpected, and mysterious connections between characters, both new and old. There will be psychos dancing on blood, train robbers, freaky immortals and ghosts, mafia hitmen and thier dames, mad bombers going boom, monsters going bump, and yeah...
Just note that Baccano! isn't about anyone's beginings or ends. This party's about all the twists and turns, partner. There are a dozen destinies smashing together with every character taking center stage. Hold on tight, there's no way this can be a smooth ride.
Just as with the first novel, every character is going to play the maing role, swithching between each one often. There are more characters than before, with a few returning faces. Things have gotten even wilder, making it seem like a world straight out of the movies, except a bit messier. This is basically the second part of the Grand Punk Railroad arc.
The third novel in the Baccano! series.
Be careful in a life of crime, because sometimes it can last forever. Welcome aboard the transcontinental train, The Flying Pussyfoot, currently traveling from Chicago towards Manhattan. This volume has event more insanity than the first, but that's what Baccano! is about. Baccano means ruckas, racket, noise! Crazy, unexpected, and mysterious connections between characters, both new and old. There will be psychos dancing on blood, train robbers, freaky immortals and ghosts, mafia hitmen and thier dames, mad bombers going boom, monsters going bump, and yeah...
Just note that Baccano! isn't about anyone's beginings or ends. This party's about all the twists and turns, partner. There are a dozen destinies smashing together with every character taking center stage. Hold on tight, there's no way this can be a smooth ride.
Just as with the first novel, every character is going to play the maing role, swithching between each one often. There are more characters than before, with a few returning faces. Things have gotten even wilder, making it seem like a world straight out of the movies, except a bit messier. This is basically the second part of the Grand Punk Railroad arc.
November 29, 2024
This volume hit me with so much feels, like Flying Pussyfoot at top speed.
Now, I'm finally liking the characters. This volume is just too good!
It satisfactorily filled the holes left by the last volume.
This is just soo good.
Now, I'm finally liking the characters. This volume is just too good!
It satisfactorily filled the holes left by the last volume.
This is just soo good.
June 9, 2025
love works set inside a moving train, need to find more works set inside a moving train
September 23, 2022
This book singlehandedly saved me from my reading slump! Keeps the action going from the perspective of the other half of characters and wraps up the Flying Pussyfoot arc.
For me Claire's parts made this for me. I am not immune to Claire Stanfield
For me Claire's parts made this for me. I am not immune to Claire Stanfield
March 3, 2017
Fun, action-packed, easy to read. The cast of characters is huge and consistently interesting, and never picks a main character to focus on. Every character's action impacts another, seemingly unrelated, event. Pure, gory brain candy; no deeper meaning, just a fun read.
January 25, 2017
I really needed to read something light that ends happily, and this was exactly that.
January 14, 2025
1931 is definitely one of the best arcs in the series.
June 3, 2018
The conclusion of the 2 book story. The first part feels both slow and rushed. "Wait what???!?!" I'll explain: it feels rushed because the author skips from killing and unexplained event to the next really fast, but it feels slow because the interesting stuff only begins after 90 pages.
What a great series Baccano! is turning out to be :D And what a group of characters the author has assembled in 1931's New York for the next volume! Having read 8 volumes of Durarara!! already, I'm seeing some patterns and archetypes Riota uses. One thing he does really well is to have the characters behave in weird ways that are only explained once he writes a chapter from their point of view... and you'll either go "oooh ok that makes sense" or "ok... this character is clearly insane and has some twisted logic".
Great storytelling, great fun! Really recommend this series even to non-LN fans!
What a great series Baccano! is turning out to be :D And what a group of characters the author has assembled in 1931's New York for the next volume! Having read 8 volumes of Durarara!! already, I'm seeing some patterns and archetypes Riota uses. One thing he does really well is to have the characters behave in weird ways that are only explained once he writes a chapter from their point of view... and you'll either go "oooh ok that makes sense" or "ok... this character is clearly insane and has some twisted logic".
Great storytelling, great fun! Really recommend this series even to non-LN fans!
October 31, 2020
This is really the second half of the story from Volume 2. Or rather, it's the same story from a different perspective which offers some new information because of that. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but I didn't find most of it to be particularly spectacular either. The one or two "big" reveals for me were okay so I'd go 3½ stars if I could but not enough to round it up to 4.
As per volumes 1&2 the cast of characters is rather large which can make giving everyone enough page time rather difficult. By the end of 2 volumes I honestly doubt it I remember most of them even though they're the ones that seemed to be around the most.
But hey, the Costume Bandits are in it - they're always worth reading about.
Verdict: Part 2 of 2 two book arc and it shows. I will give volume 4 a shot to see how it differs.
As per volumes 1&2 the cast of characters is rather large which can make giving everyone enough page time rather difficult. By the end of 2 volumes I honestly doubt it I remember most of them even though they're the ones that seemed to be around the most.
But hey, the Costume Bandits are in it - they're always worth reading about.
Verdict: Part 2 of 2 two book arc and it shows. I will give volume 4 a shot to see how it differs.
November 14, 2018
That volume also covers the Flying Pussifoot incident, but with different perspectives. Reading out of Czeslaws perspective with really annoying because I just hated that evil immortal kid. Well, Karma went havoc on him later on in the novel, hahaha
Reading out of Rachels perspective was gold because of how mentally healthy she is and how much she suffered from all that insane shit happening around her. And reading out of Claire's perspective was worth wating 3 months for that volume, the solipsist and dramatic assassin is one of the best written book characters of all time. Naritas masterpiece, as I say.
Reading out of Rachels perspective was gold because of how mentally healthy she is and how much she suffered from all that insane shit happening around her. And reading out of Claire's perspective was worth wating 3 months for that volume, the solipsist and dramatic assassin is one of the best written book characters of all time. Naritas masterpiece, as I say.
December 8, 2018
One of my favourite anime, and despite having watched it many times before, I still have enjoyed to read it since there are more details that in the anime weren’t told, or were different, besides having one character that wasn’t even shown in the anime version. I’m still amazed at how the author tells a main story from different characters who are, at the same time, having their own story as it goes on and everything is intertwined perfectly. I don’t recall to have ever read a story which doesn’t have a main character but a bunch of them equally important, charismatic and that you can easily care for.
June 3, 2022
Thiết lập mọi thứ ở tập 2, nhưng chỉ tập trung góc nhìn từ mấy tên râu ria trong băng áo trắng, áo đen, và Pov của băng bé xăm mặt. Dường như mọi thứ có thể gây nhàm chán cho cốt truyện đều nhét hết vô vol 2; tuy nhiên vẫn giữ lại sự bí ẩn về Rail Tracer, cảnh hành động máu me đầy ghê tởm, giúp cho vol 2 tuy chỉ là vol thiết lập nhưng vẫn đỡ nhàm chán.
Và rồi tinh túy của chuyến tàu đều dành hết cho vol 3, Pov của tất cả các nhân vật thú vị đều được điểm qua. Cùng là 1 sự kiện nhưng ở góc nhìn khác ta sẽ thấy được nó tác động đến những sự kiện ở vol 2 ra sao.
Điểm sáng đúng là ở Claire và Rachel với màn hỏi thăm vé tàu đâu :))))))
Và rồi tinh túy của chuyến tàu đều dành hết cho vol 3, Pov của tất cả các nhân vật thú vị đều được điểm qua. Cùng là 1 sự kiện nhưng ở góc nhìn khác ta sẽ thấy được nó tác động đến những sự kiện ở vol 2 ra sao.
Điểm sáng đúng là ở Claire và Rachel với màn hỏi thăm vé tàu đâu :))))))
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2018
As expected, think this might have been my favourite of the series so far.
This and the second novel focused on the events of the Flying Pussyfoot - a part that was entirely my favourite part of the anime, with this novel focusing on my favourite character of the anime (the Rail Tracer, d'uh)
A number of the lines and interactions were highly amusing and good fun, though do half wish I had read this novel sooner after the second so could better put the pieces together.
This and the second novel focused on the events of the Flying Pussyfoot - a part that was entirely my favourite part of the anime, with this novel focusing on my favourite character of the anime (the Rail Tracer, d'uh)
A number of the lines and interactions were highly amusing and good fun, though do half wish I had read this novel sooner after the second so could better put the pieces together.
March 15, 2023
Fantastic, while some of the re-treading is a little repetitive and it would have been fun to experience all these events in one section as I dont feel splitting POVs like this really added to anything to the story, 1931 The Grand Punk Railroad: Express is still a very fun book filled with fantastic characters, insane moments, and a wonderful, fun, extatic sense of adventure.
January 3, 2018
The mystery of the Rail Tracer is just so much fun and bizarre. Vol. 2 and 3 are two halves of the same story, so you need to read both. Vol. 3's reveal of how all the mysterious stuff went down is just so much more fun to read than Vol. 2 however.
October 12, 2017
Baccano... I czy trzeba czegoś więcej? Genialna książka, genialni bohaterowie, genialna akcja i nie mogę doczekać się kolejnych przygód moich ulubionych bohaterów!!!!
June 3, 2021
La conclusión a la historia del Tren y el demonio El Corredor de Rieles. Estoy enamorado de estas novelas ligeras. Lean carajo!
January 23, 2022
Wrapped up with a lovely bow, wonderful
April 5, 2024
claire stanfield the man that you are
January 6, 2025
I’m already very familiar with this story having watched the animated adaptation but it was delightful to engage with it in its original written format.
April 29, 2025
Trains!! Oh HELL yeah!!!!
October 8, 2016
The writing style is mediocre, whether because the original was somewhat lackluster or because of the translation, but it has its good points and is always clear. The plot is complex and I worry about my ability to understand future installments in the series, for which I have not seen the anime. And the characters remain excellent, though I definitely have my preferences: Chane and Czeslaw are great, but Ladd and Claire make me grate my teeth, especially Claire who's a bit too arrogant and megalomaniacal for my tastes. At least Ladd is honest about his psychopathy and his sadism. Claire pretends to be morally justified and considers himself the center of the world. That level of arrogance honestly disturbs me more than all the murders he commits (I mean it's Baccano, you kind of expect the latter). Anyways, pretty great. I will read the next installment soon, most likely.
March 24, 2013
This is my favorite so far because of Vino. He's my favorite character and I really enjoy reading his part. It's nice to finally be able to see more of his relationship with the Gandor family, the anime only gives a little bit of information about that. I love Claire Stanfield a ka Vino a ka Rail Tracer the most and it's fun to read this mind. Despite his bloodlust attitude, he is a bit of a naive guy.
"Man, this is a problem. Does this mean this is my first love letter? If it is, I might have to take off the roof so I can keep it."
"Man, this is a problem. Does this mean this is my first love letter? If it is, I might have to take off the roof so I can keep it."
December 26, 2013
Continuando la maratón de las novelas, la segunda parte del flying pussyfoot llega para responder las interrogantes que quedaron de la novela anterior. Protagonizada en mayor medida por Czes, Claire y Rachel y con un montón de escenas para la memoria. Genial.
August 9, 2012
Claire is awesome, he has become my favourite character :D
March 25, 2016
克蕾雅太可爱了
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews