First published 2026
Raya once dreamed of writing songs, but after her brother's death, she abandoned her music to live his life instead. Lost in thought on the subway one day, she finds herself swept aboard the Elsewhere Express, a mystical train that appears only to drifting souls. The train carries passengers searching for purpose, peace, and belonging through cars that defy reality. Raya walks through a boarding car transformed into a meadow, dines in a car where passengers picnic on lily pads, and visits a bar where jellyfish and whales swim through pink clouds. She meets Q, an artist who has also lost his way in the world. Together they explore the train's wonders during their strange night journey. But the Express harbors dangers. A mysterious stowaway has brought dark magic aboard that threatens to destroy the entire train. As Raya investigates the stranger's identity, she confronts the deeper question that brought her here. She must discover her true purpose in life and whether the Elsewhere Express can deliver her to that destination.
Genres: romance, adventure, mystery, fantasy, magical-realism, paranormal
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Elsewhere Express, Subway
369 pages · Kindle Edition · Del Rey