The Always Train
J.D. Penndagger
Pen & Dagger Press (2026)
ISBN: 978-1968864071
Reviewed by Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Reader Views (09/2026)
Rainbow “Bo” Moore has been in a terrible accident. But she and the boy of her dreams believe they can change the trajectory and prevent the tragedy from ever occurring by climbing aboard a time-traveling train.
A train wreck on the way to a soccer championship in Portland has life-altering consequences. Bo survives with a concussion, while other students, as well as Ty, the boy she vibed with on the train, have their lives cut short. Ty and Bo no longer exist in one another’s universes, but what if the train never crashed at all? If Bo and Ty go back in time, maybe they can rewrite the future.
The Always Train: Medford Is Burning by J.D. Penndagger is a stunning coming-of-age novel that blends humor, time travel, and friendship, and will appeal to readers of any age. Penndagger presents a fresh, unconventional story that prompts readers to question whether their future is predetermined or whether they can change its direction. The author explores themes of destiny versus free will, resilience, and self-preservation.
Penndagger’s top-notch world-building fully immerses readers in Bo’s world. Between the catified passengers and the magnificence of the bullet train, the writing ignites one’s imagination, and I felt like I was riding the train alongside Bo and Ty. Readers will marvel at every stop along the way, where the author combines vivid imagery and a sprinkle of magic. Needless to say, the time-traveling experience appealed to my inner child.
Beyond the fantastical elements, the novel boasts a group of quirky, well-developed characters. Ty and Bo have an excellent natural chemistry. Bo’s best friend, Carmen, is a sarcastic fashionista who keeps Bo in line but won’t bat an eyelash at aiding a stealthy kidnapping (all in the name of saving the future!). Lilly, the beautiful but slightly neurotic conductor, is obsessed with reuniting with her husband-turned-cat and hell-bent on keeping Bo and her friends from altering reality; Abigail, Ty’s headstrong little sister; and, of course, Ryan, the clever hacker.
Readers who enjoy action-packed and emotionally driven coming-of-age novels will adore Penndagger’s The Always Train. The writing will elicit laughter and tears and, for those over thirty, provide plenty of ’90s nostalgia. Grab your ticket (ahem, copy) and board the marvelous Always Train. Destination: the greatest escape!
At a Glance: A YA coming-of-age fantasy blends time travel, friendship, and adventure as two teens attempt to undo a deadly train disaster. Humor, emotional stakes, and ’90s nostalgia accompany questions about fate, choice, and the consequences of changing reality.
Best for Readers Who Enjoy: YA time-travel fiction, coming-of-age fantasy, alternate timelines, fate versus free will, quirky characters, emotional adventure, teen friendship, light romance, ’90s nostalgia, magical train stories