Review: Predator's Gold by Philip Reeve

10 March 2023
Predator's Gold is the second book in the Mortal Engines Quartet by Philip Reeve, which was published in 2003. The book takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where cities are mobile and consume each other for resources.

This creates a unique setting for the story to unfold, as the concept of mobile cities is not something that is typically seen in fiction. The world-building in this novel is particularly strong, as the author does an excellent job of immersing the reader in this strange and fascinating universe.

One of the central themes of Predator's Gold is the danger of greed and the consequences of pursuing power at all costs. This theme is exemplified by several characters in the book, including the city of Anchorage's mayor, who is determined to maintain his position of authority at any cost.

predators gold book cover large

The novel explores how the pursuit of power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals, and how it can lead to disastrous consequences for everyone involved. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where the desire for power and control often leads to conflict and suffering.

The characters of Tom and Hester are at the heart of the story in Predator's Gold, and their development is a significant highlight of the book. Tom, who was initially portrayed as naive and idealistic in the first book, has matured and become more confident and resourceful in this novel.

He learns to take charge of situations and make tough decisions, showing significant growth as a character.

Hester, on the other hand, is struggling with the demons of her past and is forced to confront them head-on throughout the story. Her development is particularly interesting as she struggles to reconcile her violent tendencies with her desire to be a better person. Reeve does an excellent job of showing how the characters' experiences in the first book have shaped them and influenced their actions in this novel.

Predator's Gold has received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes.
 
Review Predator's Gold by Philip Reeve

The novel won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize Gold Award in the 9-11 category in 2003 and was also shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award in the same year.

The fact that the book won awards is a testament to its quality and shows that it has been recognized as an outstanding work of fiction. The novel's success also demonstrates the popularity of the Mortal Engines Quartet as a whole, which has become a beloved series among readers of all ages.

Philip Reeve, the author of the novel, has described Predator's Gold as his favorite book in the Mortal Engines series. He has said that he enjoyed exploring the characters of Tom and Hester in more depth and pushing them to their limits.

Reeve has also noted that the novel was influenced by classic adventure stories such as Treasure Island and Kidnapped. This is evident in the book's fast-paced action and thrilling plot, which keeps the reader engaged throughout. 

In conclusion, Predator's Gold is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that builds upon the world and characters introduced in the first book of the Mortal Engines series. The book's unique setting, engaging plot, and well-developed characters make it a standout work of fiction that has received critical acclaim and numerous awards.

The exploration of themes such as greed, loyalty, and love, combined with the development of the main characters, make it a worthy successor to its predecessor. The fact that the author has stated that this is his favorite book in the series only adds to its appeal and shows that it is a must-read for fans of the Mortal Engines Quartet

Check out our Review of Mortal Engines.

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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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