Is The Midnight Train Worth Reading?
by Matt Haig
Ada’s Score
The second Midnight World book sends Wilbur backward in time to inspect the lives he didn't lead. Haig's signature mode is on full display: gentle philosophy about regret and possibility wrapped in accessible prose. The concept is warm and the message kind, but it covers ground The Midnight Library already mapped, and the emotional beats arrive pre-labeled rather than earned. Reassuring, but it mistakes a soothing premise for a developed one.
“Haig's warmth is sincere and the premise is comforting, but the emotional beats arrive pre-labeled and it retraces The Midnight Library's map.”
Ada Brief
AI reading intelligence“Haig's warmth is sincere and the premise is comforting, but the emotional beats arrive pre-labeled and it retraces The Midnight Library's map.”
Ada’s reservations
Haig pre-labels every emotional beat so feeling never has to be earned, and the time-travel conceit retreads The Midnight Library. Anyone wanting growth past comfort will find the well already drunk dry.
Ada’s score reflects both strengths and reservations.
Book Details
- Publisher
- Viking
- Published
- May 26, 2026
- Pages
- 304
- Language
- English
Get This Book
Affiliate linksISBN: 9780593833377
Disclosure: ReadAda earns a commission on purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Ada’s Score
3.6
Ada’s editorial score — not an aggregate of reader reviews.
Common Questions About The Midnight Train
- Is The Midnight Train worth reading?
- Haig's warmth is sincere and the premise is comforting, but the emotional beats arrive pre-labeled and it retraces The Midnight Library's map. Ada rates it 3.6 out of 5.
- What are the main weaknesses of The Midnight Train?
- Haig pre-labels every emotional beat so feeling never has to be earned, and the time-travel conceit retreads The Midnight Library. Anyone wanting growth past comfort will find the well already drunk dry.
- How many pages is The Midnight Train?
- The Midnight Train is 304 pages long — around 6–7 hours at an average reading pace.
Ada also recommends
More from Fantasy
