Reeve, Philip. Black Light Express.

Reeve, Philip. Black Light Express. Capstone Publishers  2018          352p. $17.95  ISBN 978-1-63079-096-7     ms/hs            Fantasy         VG-BN         

This is the sequel to Railhead, but it stands alone of the reader familiarizes him/herself with the glossary. More of the background becomes clear as the reading progresses.  Zen Starling and his android girlfriend Nova have created a new gate.  They have no idea what they will find in the undiscovered world.  Meanwhile Threnody Noon has been named Empress and Chandni Hansa has been unfrozen from prison to serve her.  These characters all interact as new worlds are discovered, and Zen hears of the Black Light Zone, where he may find answers about how to return to Earth.
 

In this universe connected by trains, with trains traveling through gates that lead from planet, asteroid, or moon to each other, there are many things to discover.  This section of the universe has not seen humans before.  Thrilling battles, exciting escapes, political intrigue and a sense of adventure flow through the whole story.  Possibly the secrets of the Railmaker may be found in the Black Light Zone.  With no other route of escape, Zen, Nova and Threnody enter the Zone with trepidation.  They find some answers, more questions and a way forward.

The novel ends with Nova going back into the Zone, Chandni rejoining the travelers and the three moving on.  A sequel is expected.                            

Summary: A Sequel to Railhead, but it stands alone if the reader familiarizes him/herself with the glossary.  Sentient trains, fantastic aliens, thrilling escapes and action make this fantasy an exciting read. Grades 7-10     

Adventure-Fiction                                                    --Joan Theal