Review: Night Flights by Philip Reeve

10 March 2023
Night Flights is a gripping and captivating short story collection by Philip Reeve, set in the post-apocalyptic world of his Mortal Engines quartet. The stories are linked by the central character of Anna Fang, a fierce aviatrix and leader of the Anti-Traction League. 

The collection was published by Scholastic Press in 2018 and has received numerous accolades.

In Night Flights, Philip Reeve offers readers three gripping and thrilling short stories set in the world of Mortal Engines, all tied together by the central character of Anna Fang

The first story, Frozen Heart, provides readers with an insightful look into Anna's backstory as a slave and her escape on the Jenny Hanniver. The novel only hinted at this backstory, but here it is fleshed out, giving Anna a moral authority that drives her to join the Anti-Traction League.

Traction City Blues, the second story, takes place in London itself. Anna is playing the role of a spy and encounters a Stalker, resulting in a game of wits with the London Police. Reeve once again demonstrates his ability to humanize even the most villainous characters, making for an enjoyable and fun story.

The final story, The Teeth of the Sea, is a self-contained adventure in which Anna is sent by the Anti-Traction League to assassinate the Sultana of Pulau Pinang Island. This story allows readers to see Anna's belief that she was on the right side of the war against Municipal Darwinism and that her moral compass is her own. The story is a quick but exciting romp around the island, culminating in a fantastic ending.

The three stories are expertly crafted, with Anna Fang tying them together and adding a depth to her character that was previously unexplored.

The stories are brilliantly crafted and showcase Reeve's talent for world-building and character development. Anna Fang ties the stories together, and her character is central to the collection. She is a strong and resilient character, who shows unwavering loyalty to her cause and is determined to do what is right, even when the odds are against her. Her backstory and motivations are explored in more detail in this collection, adding another layer to her already complex character.

Night Flights has received high praise from reviewers. The Guardian called it "A brilliantly realised addition to Reeve's Mortal Engines universe" and praised the collection for its "compelling storytelling and well-rounded characters." Kirkus Reviews described it as "a gripping trio of tales that showcases Anna Fang's fierce determination and cunning intelligence." Booklist also gave it a positive review, stating that "Reeve's knack for world-building and his skill in creating memorable characters are on full display in these thrilling tales."

night flights review cover

The collection has also received several awards, including the Locus Award for Best Young Adult Book in 2019. It is a testament to Reeve's talent as a writer and the popularity of the Mortal Engines universe. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and Night Flights offers a fresh and exciting perspective on this world.

In conclusion, Night Flights is an outstanding collection of short stories that showcase Reeve's mastery of storytelling and world-building. Anna Fang is an unforgettable character, and her presence ties the stories together, creating a cohesive and engaging collection. The awards and positive reviews it has received are well-deserved, and it is a must-read for fans of the Mortal Engines series.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

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