The Great Brain Robbery

The Train to Impossible Places #2

by P.G. Bell

The adventure continues in book two of the stunning The Train to Impossible Places middle-grade fantasy series!

Suzy Smith and her friends have gathered again for the re-launch of The Impossible Postal Express. The celebrations don't last long though, before Trollville is rocked by a violent tremor—one of a series growing more powerful by the day.

It's clear something sinister is underfoot. Nevertheless Suzy's got a long overdue package that the Express must deliver, and it may just lead her to some answers.

In P. G. Bell's The Great Brain Robbery: A Train to Impossible Places Novel, Suzy and the Express will travel deep under Trollville through the Uncanny Valley, and sky-high to new impossible places like Cloud Forge. She and the gang will test out its kinks, er, new features, and meet new allies and enemies alike, from a sentient cloud-consciousness to an obnoxious magician.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction, Adventure, Childrens, Magic, Trains

368 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2019

About the author

P.G. Bell is a native of south Wales, where he was raised on a diet of Greek mythology, ghost stories and Doctor Who. He's had all sorts of jobs over the years, from lifeguard to roller coaster operator, but all he's ever really wanted to do is write stories for a living. And now he does! He lives in Wales with his wife Anna and their two children.

Reviews

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd book was amazing too! Two more beautiful covers & illustrations throughout the books also! 😍😍We are on another amazing adventure w/Suzy & the crew. This time to save Trollville. The twist in this one was amazing. I still love Wilmot so much. As well as Stonker, Fletch, & Ursel. Mr. Trellis is so adorable, & I love him w/my whole heart! Such bravery! lol💜 I don’t want to say too much since this is the 2nd book. But that ending!! I need the 3rd one! Lol such a great ending that definitely left me wanting more! Highly recommend!!💜






Synopsis of 1st book in series:A train that travels through impossible places. A boy trapped in a snow globe. And a girl who’s about to go on the adventure of a lifetime.

The Impossible Postal Express is no ordinary train. It’s a troll-operated delivery service that runs everywhere from ocean-bottom shipwrecks, to Trollville, to space.

But when this impossible train comes roaring through Suzy’s living room, her world turns upside down. After sneaking on board, Suzy suddenly finds herself Deputy Post Master aboard the train, and faced with her first delivery―to the evil Lady Crepuscula.

Then, the package itself begs Suzy not to deliver him. A talking snow globe, Frederick has information Crepuscula could use to take over the entire Union of Impossible Places. But when protecting Frederick means putting her friends in danger, Suzy has to make a difficult choice―with the fate of the entire Union at stake.

[rachel, x · Rating 3 out of 5]

#1) The Train to Impossible Places: A Cursed Delivery ★★★★☆

➸ Trigger warnings for earthquakes (central theme), imprisonment mentioned, parental abandonment, child abuse, mind control, building collapse, and displacement.

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[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting book however when the team had to get separated I found the story dragged on a bit! The excitement for me started when they got back together and saving Trollville! Great family reunions and great teamwork!!

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series and this time Suzy has to save Trollville from ABSOLUTE destruction!


This time I decided to read this one in English and this time it worked! YAY! No need to wait for the Dutch version for me. dances

Just like the other book in the series I will do a good/not so good.

GOOD:
-We are back in this amazing world and I just loved reading about Trollville, and various other new places that they visited in their quest to save Trollville.
-Suzy is back and this time she is all up to date with how a postie works. I loved that she read the guide so much that she can now quote things out of it.
-I loved seeing the new train with still some old heart in it. I had a big laugh that socks kept disappearing right off people’s feet when the train accelerated to a high speed. Thankfully the crew had plenty of socks left to grab when socks disappeared.
-I loved reading that Suzy took her physics to a new level, this time some imagination. I am glad that her parents did agree with her and were on her side, that made me so happy.
-I loved that we had two POVs, though of course Suzy was still my favourite.
-Fun illustrations that made the story come further alive!
-Cloudwright was just an amazing place with amazing things happening. I would love to visit that one for real.
-I loved the name of the person they meet in Cloudwright, such a fitting name, Cirrus.
-I loved the villain, he was perfectly villainous, and creepy. The author did a great job at writing him.
-I had a big big laugh at the beginning of the story when Suzy was talking to her parents and in the mean time looking at the time. And then plop her parents fell asleep. 😛
-Big big points to my favourite character, Ursel! I love that bear!
-The Brain Storm and AI that lived there.
-Mr. Trellis. Go go, that old man is just amazing. No matter the situation, he is there to help out and have some more adventures.
-Crepuscula. She is still wicked, but in a good way.
-The ending was also fab and while there are still some open endings, I guess those will get tied up in the next book.
-I am especially happy with Suzy’s decision in the end. That is definitely the best one. You can’t keep doing that to people, it is unfair for them. I am curious to how they reacted to the news.

NOT SO GOOD:
-Lord Meridian and what Suzy had to do to get information out of him. It just felt like everything they went through in the first book was for nought. And that is just a shame. It could have been handled so much better. Especially by his sister. sighs
-How every time I thought maybe now we would progress with the story and get further with the Trollville saving something would happen and they would have travel somewhere else. It just got a bit eye-rolling.
-I had actually hoped for some more postal stuff… instead we do get a couple of letters here and there but most of the travelling on the train is done because they had to go places to find people. sighs I was so excited for a new train, new postal stuff, and then nothing happens with it. There are so many letters left unsent, and while sure, it would get a bit boring if you did it all the time, just mix it with the whole adventure stuff.
-Why is Frederick back? Can’t that guy take a hint and stay away?
-How naive Suzy was about the Postie stuff and thought everyone would just be kind because she was the postie. rolls her eyes

I wondered about one of the illustrations (at least one), on page 345 we see Suzy hanging on a wooden chair (clearly wood given the ridges and the grooves and such), but the description of the scene is the following: “She clung to the armrests and tried to push herself back into the leather.” Leather? On a completely wooden chair? mmm

As you can see a lot of good and I had tons of fun reading this book! I definitely look forward to the next book in the series. I would also recommend both this and the other book to all looking for a fun fantasy (with a dash of physics) series.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Dawnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

overall fun but a little to long since parts towards the middle dragged on a bit and if the book would have been 50 pages or so shorter it would have been better.

i did love how it ended thought and i am excited to see where the next book is taking the story and the characters and where this last adventure is going to go.

about this book … it was fun.

in comparison with the first book, i have to say i prefer the first one. the timing and pacing was better, the writing felt a little better and the characters felt more interesting.

in this one it all felt a little slower and not as throughout and detailed as the first one did.

also it did what i personally really dislike when any media does it by Recycling their villain
that always feels a bit boring and „been there done that already too many times“ because it’s such a overused method especially in movies and tv shows.

and especially in this book it was unnecessary to do it.

the eagle/owl/whatever thing bad guy was enough. he could just have learned out the „treasure“ somehow thought that meant something worth while his time and went for it with that as a side effect almost destroying trollville but the team come together chases him opens the thing and the end after discovering it doesn’t have anything valuable on it for the bad guy. he even could have made a break for it and they chase after him


but that would have even been enough. there is no need to always do more. one bad guy per book is enough. no need for more! especially if they aren’t even new ideas but just what has already been done before on the book for this one!


all on all this was still fun.
bit slower bit less rousing adventure and more hectic running around but fun non the less.

[Manon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really enjoyable!

[Tammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read- December 2021
- I honestly do think this series is just so much fun and I'm going to try and read the third book today as well.

[Kate Waggoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley and Macmillan's Children's Publishing Group for an advance copy of The Great Brain Robbery (A Train to Impossible Places, #2) by P.G. Bell. All opinions are my own.

Suzy Smith returns to the land of Impossible Places or the re-launch of the Impossible Post Express. While in Trollville reuniting with her old friends, an earthquake hits. Suzy, Frederick, Wilmot and the rest of the gang uncover a dubious plot to steal a hidden treasure buried deep beneath Trollville. The attempts to break into the vault threaten to bring down the whole city. It is up to Suzy and her friends to stop the culprits, solve the mystery, save Trollville, and maybe deliver some mail along the way.

The second book in the series was just as fun, funny, and magical as the first. The world Bell has created is vibrant and unique. I love that magic, logic, and physics (I mean fuzzics) function differently than in other fantasy novels. Suzy is a strong female protagonist with a big heart and a good head on her shoulders. It was also fun to get to know Frederick as his true self rather than a snow globe frog. This book is full of twists and turns and I wasn't able to predict most of the plot. This is perfect for students who enjoy whimsical stories full of mystery and adventure.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Great Brain Robbery (Train to Impossible Places #2) by P. G. Bell, 373 pages. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2019. $17.

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Suzy is very eager for her next mission as part of the postal service on the Impossible Postal Express. But something is very wrong — when they go to Trollville for the Express’s relaunch, they are caught in a severe earthquake. If Suzy, Wilmot, Frederick and the others don’t find the truth, Trollville may be shaken to bits. Their pursuit of answers will take high into the clouds and down into the depths.

Bell drops us right into another life-or-death situation with the Express. We get meet another part of the world, but rarely get a chance look around. For those who love fantasy and laughs with a healthy dose of danger.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suzy and her friends are back on the Impossible Postal Express, but something is rotten at the heart of Trollville. Their mission to save it will take them to amazing new worlds and gain them new allies and enemies.

The first book in this series suffered badly from 'everyone but Hero knows what's happening and they won't tell her.' This one is much better. With Suzy settled in better, people are much happier to give her the information she needs.

The characters are great, too. I love Fredrick's evolution, and several other characters are better explored this time around as well. The series is building up an enjoyable mythology, and it could keep going for a long time yet.

This'll be a popular choice this Christmas.

[Mewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suzy się zmieniła. Z dobrej uczennicy, która kocha fizykę ponad inne przedmioty, stała się dwunastolatką ze zbyt bujną wyobraźnią. Bo jak inaczej wytłumaczyć chociażby to, że dziewczynka próbuje obliczyć prędkość z jaką jedzie samochód, gdy w połowie drogi zmieni się kierunek grawitacji? Przecież nikt by jej nie uwierzył, gdyby opowiedziała o Niemożliwym Ekspresie Pocztowym i tym jak działa fikzyka... Całe szczęście jej przygoda z Niemożliwymi Miejscami wcale nie została zakończona! Jeszcze dwie minuty! Jeszcze jedna! I oto nagle zaklęcie snu znowu zostaje rzucone na domowników, a transport pojawia się, by zabrać Suzy do Trollowic. Trollowic, które znajdują się w poważnym niebezpieczeństwie.

P. G. Bell kolejny raz zachwycił mnie swoją wyobraźnią. Pewne elementy świata, który stworzył, pachną zagraniami jakie można zaakceptować tylko w książeczkach dla dzieci, ale Autor rozbudowywuje je z na tyle dużą dawką realizmu magicznego, że jego powieści mogą łączyć pokolenia. Odnajdą się w nich bowiem młodsi czytelnicy, ale również Ci, którzy już dawno zostali obsypani zmarszczkami. Bohaterowie są starannie nakreśleni wieloma odceniami szarości, akcja od początku ma swoje tempo, którego stara się trzymać, a świat rządzi się prawami, w których nie ma zgrzytów. Dodatkowo w całości jest wiele ciepła, a wszystko to daje cudowne połączenie.

„Wielki napad na mózg" stanowi drugi tom „Pociągu do Miejsc Niemożliwych", a zmiana jaka zachodzi w bohaterach na przestrzeni tych książek jest widoczna i jak najbardziej mile widziana. Wilmot staje się jakby odważniejszy, Suzy zdaje się dorastać na naszych oczach, a Frederick krok po kroczku otwiera się na innych. Dorosłych bohaterów natomiast poznajemy lepiej i nawet jeśli początkowo nie każdy jest sympatyczny, to w końcu można zobaczyć jego bardziej pozytywną stronę. Zło nie zawsze jest złe, a sojusznikami okazują się ci, po których byśmy tego nie oczekiwali. Wszystko to jest dla mnie bardzo ważne w książkach, a już zwłaszcza w tych dla młodszych czytelników. Zostawia to człowieka z ogromem pozytywnych uczuć w sercu.

Również i ta część została wzbogacona ilustracjami Flavii Sorrentino, które niezmiennie cieszą moje oczy. Tekst sam w sobie jest dobry, ale gdy zostaje przyozdobiony pracami tej artystki, to daje to czytelnikowi wielopoziomową przyjemność. I może okładki stworzone jej ręką niekoniecznie do mnie trafiają (sugerują treść dla znacznie młodszych czytelników, niż docelowo książki te są przeznaczone), ale i one z czasem nabierają uroku. Teraz na ich widok zaczynam się automatycznie uśmiechać i nic poradzić na to nie mogę ani nawet nie chcę. A wszystko przez to, że naprawdę polubiłam świat stworzony przez P. G. Bell i bardzo dobrze wspominam każdą chwilę, jaką w nim spędziłam.

Nie zostaje mi nic innego, jak czekać na moment, gdy Jowita Maksymowicz-Hamann przetłumaczy kolejny tom i będę trzymać kciuki, by P. G. Bell wyjaśnił w nim całemu światu, gdzie znikają te wszystkie skarpetki! Nie tylko te z kart jego książki, ale też te z naszych pralek! Wypatruję odpowiedzi, Autorze!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Great Brain Robbery returns Suzie to Trollville and the Impossible Postal Express, just in time to stop a catastrophe from destroying the city. Almost all the characters from the first book return, and Suzie takes a more active role as a Postal Express employee (instead of a stowaway), having gained a lot of confidence from her experiences in the first book.

I didn’t find this book quite as charming as the first, though it’s still inventive and fun. There’s a sad lack of the actual Postal Express part; in this book, it’s just used as an excuse to get to specific places to accomplish their goals. I guess I was expecting a more Dawn Treader-style vibe of Suzie and Wilmot stumbling across adventures and dangers while they delivered letters, instead of delivering letters to further adventure and prevent danger. Every character is “on foot” for the most part in this one, and since what I loved so much about the first book was the train, that was a little disappointing.
My major issue with this book, besides the lack of the train and other aspects of the first book that I enjoyed, is that it’s a little repetitive in terms of plot structure. What I mean is that while the villains (for the most part), locations, and other plot concepts are brand new, it’s the same structure as the first book. While it’s not terribly noticeable, it might feel pretty formulaic for someone who is more acquainted with plot tropes and conventions. In addition, there are too many characters and not enough things for them to do, making characters like Frederick and some others feel sidelined and useless.

Also, I’m not a fan of the illustrations and the strange way they represent humans (it looks like each character was drawn in a different style, and Frederick in particular has an old man head), but the author doesn’t have much (or any) control over the illustrations, so that’s nothing I have against the written part of the book (though illustrations are pretty important, if there are going to be illustrations, in communicating multiple things and in overall reader interest).

I’ll probably read the next book simply because I do really like the world and the overall idea. I hope that some of the more formulaic elements are smoothed out, the characters are given more things to do (I liked the way they were split up and given different tasks, though I don’t like how that basically benched Wilmot and turned Suzie into some sort of expert Postal worker), and the Big Bad Villain isn’t just a repeat of the first book’s villain.

[Sirpy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read both the first and the second in quick succession, I’m compelled to madly rave about this ingenious series. The imagination is wild and sometimes incredibly satisfying. For example, one would think why make the bear yellow other than try hard to appear moving from the norm? There is a reason. Why make the clouds pink? There is a reason.

For every random setup and appearance, there is almost always a satisfying, if not logical, explanation. And that makes this series truly great, for me.

I loved the Train to Impossible Places and I loved The Great Brain Robbery. Suzy is made remarkably well and the story is sound all round. Trollville is in trouble, there is a villain who remains a surprise and then the postie team goes deeper than they expected.

What caught me off guard was that, even though this is a children’s book, I sincerely do think adults need to read it. It is so much fun, has strong thoughts and ideas that are well written, and there seems to be a brilliant analogy to the current times if read closely enough.

Highly recommended.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
The second in the Train to Impossible Places series. The Posties are reunited to celebrate the rebuilt Express. The huge celebration takes place in Trollville to begin the book. Just as the king is blessing the train, an earthquake strikes. And, the adventures begin. Suzy and Wilmot work together and separately to save Trollville and the rest of the Impossible Places. Old enemies and tricksters reappear (Lord Meridian, Frederick) along the way to help save the locations from a new enemy and a hidden enemy.
Bell brings his worlds to life with clear descriptions and plenty of action to pull middle age readers in to this world. His characters have flaws and strengths and have to make compromises to move forward - just like in our lives.
Interesting twists at the end (no spoiler). Looking forward to book 3.

[Ralinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een nieuw avontuur van Suzy en haar vrienden. Hoewel er slechts 2 maanden voorbij zijn gegaan, kan Suzy niet wachten om terug te keren naar Trollenstad en de Trein naar Onmogelijke Bestemmingen. Echter blijkt een aardbeving roet in het eten te gooien. Wat volgt is een spannende zoektocht naar de veroorzakers van de aardbeving en een race tegen de klok om Trollenstad te redden van de Brainstorm (een soort AI advanced). Het is interessant om te zien wat er kan gebeuren als we AI volledig carte blanche geven. Jammer genoeg en Suzy en Wilbert het grootste deel van het boek niet bij elkaar, maar de aanwezigheid van meneer Tuin maakt een hoop goed. Hij is het soort onverschrokken bejaarde dat je ook tegenkomt in De 100 jarige man die uit het raam klom en verdween. Weer een heerlijk boek dat lekker wegleest, kom maar door met het volgende deel!

[jess (bibliophilicjester) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm going to go with 3.75...final answer lol. I definitely like this one better than the first one mostly because Suzy just kind of went with everything instead of continually saying how it was all "impossible" in a place literally called the union of impossible places 🙄 it was really nice to see more of Wilmot and trollville, and we even got some backstory for stonker. I loved everything with the cloudwrights and how Suzy is sort of friend to the friendless (does that make sense?). You don't really figure out what the title means until the end-ish, but I loved everything with that... trying to avoid spoilers haha but now I'm really excited to see where this is all going to end up in the third book!

[Ashley Fuhr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great adventure with Suzy and the gang! The best part of the second book in a fantasy series is that you can skip the world and character building to get right to the story. Suzy is invited back to the world of impossible places to celebrate the rebuilding of the Express. Suzy isn’t back for long when an earthquake strikes Trollville. In an effort to help, they soon discover that someone is out to steal a treasure hidden beneath the city, and the earthquake is actually the work of a drill! Racing all over the impossible places to figure out who is behind the evil plot (that will soon destroy Trollville), we are introduced to friends (and enemies) both old and new, and each new revelation will keep you guessing! This is a fun book with vivid imagery, and a unique story line that will keep kids engaged. Pick up the first two books for that special kid in your life. They’ll love them! Bell leaves you with an ultimate teaser that has me ready for book number 3!

I was given an early copy of this manuscript through NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Caitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable read. Suzy is a fantastic main character: loyal, brave and kind. The friendships between the team on the Express are genuine and everyone gets their moment to shine.

There are so many hilarious one-liners and puns in this book (just like the first) that you have to read carefully to make sure you don't miss any. I enjoyed the mystery in this story and was constantly trying to guess who the main villain was.

In addition to enjoying the story, the book is illustrated throughout with detailed drawings giving you an insight into what the Impossible Places look like.

It ended on a fantastic cliffhanger so I am eagerly awaiting book 3.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting the new year off with a fun children's book! As a retired teacher, I always enjoy reading the books I give to my nieces and nephews before I gift them. I am a fan of fantasy and love to escape to other worlds like Trollville. Having a strong young female heroine also makes this extra fun for me, as the book is intended for my nieces. I gave them the first book in this series last Christmas and will now give them book two for a birthday gift. New evil characters are introduced, while we visit old friends form the first book. Excitement rules the day as a troll titan is unearthed and earthquakes wreck Trollville, but the plot is thwarted, though some evildoers do escape.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful romp in the imaginary universe! Suzy and her new friends and crew from the first book have postal deliveries with even higher stakes, saving Trollville from ruin. The imprisoned bad guy in the first book holds the keys to what is causing the earthquakes and but will only give them up in exchange for his freedom. If only it were as simple as that!!! Meet the Cloudwrights and one with a magical ride. Add in old postal employees and a librarian to join their forces to save Trollville and the Impossible Places from a hostile takeover by an unseen enemy...that seems somewhat familiar! Always an impossibly fun ride on the Train to Impossible Places.

[Adrianne Lonsinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book for World Brain Day (July 22nd) and I read it aloud to my kids. I don't normally read adventure so it was a change in genre for me, but it was certainly exciting! The vocabulary used was fantastic! There was a lot happening and I did get a bit lost at times with so much going on with so many characters, but it was definitely entertaining and very creative. My children loved it! It kept all 3 of their very different personalities engaged. I didn't realize it was part of a series, so now my kids are begging me to read number 3 AND go back and read number 1 as well! Anytime my kids ask for more books, and all 3 agree, I count that as a win!

[Taylor Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book! Truly so happy with this sequel. My only problem- Suzy waking her parents up at the end and letting them in on her adventures (or at least, that’s what we assume book 3 will start with). I love the lesson of “don’t lie to your parents” and my own parents are my best friends that I share everything with, but I just really don’t like them in middle grade books- is that crazy? I just feel like they sort of take away from the magic and are sort of buzzkills! I know it’s silly, and it really isn’t the biggest deal, just something that annoys me lol.

[Wendy Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a world of magic it seems that there comes into play alot of different characters and places, and often found myself lost in a sense of who was doing what and where. Not a bad read, guess it just didn't keep me hooked like the one before it, I am interested to read the third book of this trilogy however.

[Tamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun to read. The translation was better than with the first book. I read it in Dutch and the first one had a few errors in it. It was a lot of fun to go on a journey with Suzy again. It's mainly a lighthearted read, with a few more serious topics weaved into it. I'm intrigued to read the rest of the series and go on more adventures with Suzy! 8.14 on CAWPILE

[Grace P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was honestly better than the first one. Mainly because I had already known all of the characters and all of the places so much less of the book was explaining what they are and what they looked like. I really enjoyed the adventure in this book. I also loved the joke that kept coming up about socks!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow up to the Train to Impossible Places. Even more adventure and thrills with new, interesting characters and adventure at every turn! Great middle grade adventure for even the most reluctant readers.

[Cheryl Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun sequel to The Train to Impossible Places. The characters are wonderfully crafted and the writing is superb. The action in the last couple of chapters kept me at the edge of my seat. Loved this book!

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the second installment in the series the books has definitely kept its charm. Different story same characters (and a couple of new ones) makes a combination for a story just as good as the debut in the series. Recommended for people who love scifi fantasy books

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better character development but limited world building in this second book. The premise is unique but the execution of it is constraining. Why introduce a world but limit your main character limited opportunities to interact?

[Mihaela-Dana Stoica · Rating 4 out of 5]

O carte foarte frumoasă plină de greșeli de tipar (oare unde sunt corectorii de altă dată? :))
Nerecomandată copiilor din clasele mici care citesc singuri, prea multe "deschise ochi" și alte asemenea.