On the Train

Turtledoves père and fille offer two stories set on a railroad-girt world. Harry Turtledove (Supervolcano) introduces Javan, a young man from the city of Pingaspor whose third-class ticket allows him to expand his worldview, and whose ambition allows him to make a life for himself in the narrow confines of the Train. Rachel Turtledove’s story describes the first-class travels of nanny Eli, hired by the Baroness Vasri, who becomes entangled in the world of the Directors of the Railroad and the slinkers who stow away. The world of the Train is insular even as it circles the planet, offering only fleeting glimpses into the wonders beyond, whether the ravages of war or the effects more magical regions have on the Train’s mechanism. The original setting and likable characters have a surprising number of possibilities that could easily be explored in future books. (Oct.)