Mortal Engines

Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines is a masterpiece of dystopian fiction that has captured the imaginations of readers and moviegoers alike. 

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where cities roam the earth on giant wheels, Mortal Engines tells the story of a young apprentice named Tom Natsworthy and a fierce rebel named Hester Shaw who embark on a journey to save their world from destruction.

Reeve's world-building is truly remarkable. He has created a unique and immersive world where cities are not just static structures but are living, breathing entities that move across the landscape, devouring other cities for resources. At the heart of it lies Municipal Darwinism, the brutal logic driving traction cities to hunt their prey in a cycle born from the 60-Minute War that decimated civilization.

This concept alone is enough to make Mortal Engines stand out in the crowded genre of dystopian fiction, but Reeve's attention to detail and world-building goes far beyond that. He has created an intricate ecosystem of cultures, technology, and politics that feels real and fully fleshed out. London’s origins as a static city raised by the Ancients, only to become the most feared predator among the traction cities, anchors much of the conflict and adds weight to every chase and siege.

mortal engines

But Mortal Engines isn't just a story about a world that history forgot. It's a saga entwined with the ghosts of the 60-Minute War and the secrets of the Ancients, with tokens like the MEDUSA superweapon and the grim legacy of Stalkers.

It's also a story about characters, and Reeve has created some truly unforgettable ones. Tom and Hester are both complex, flawed characters who undergo tremendous growth throughout the course of the story. Their relationship is at the heart of the book, and Reeve handles it with great sensitivity and nuance. 

Anna Fang's legacy as the pilot of the airship Jenny Haniver and her role in the Anti-Traction League add layers to the conflict, while Chudleigh Pomeroy’s tinkering with artifacts from the Ancients shows how lost technologies can tip the balance of power.

Other characters, such as the aviator Anna Fang and the engineer Chudleigh Pomeroy, are also incredibly well-drawn and add depth and richness to the story. Anna’s reputation as a hero among the resisting settlements, and Chudleigh’s knowledge of Ancient machines like the Fishcake engine, illustrate how the remnants of pre-war science still shape every battle.

And then there's Shrike:

hester shaw shrike concept art

Once a human assassin turned into a Stalker by the Workshop of the Ancients, Shrike embodies the horrors of the 60-Minute War and the twisted mercy of those who wield power. His haunted eyes and unstoppable resolve make him a force of dread in the ravaged wastes.

The Mortal Engines Quartet

Thunder City


mortal engines hester shaw

Fever Crumb Prequel Trilogy

The Fever Crumb Prequel Trilogy serves as the foundation for the Mortal Engines Quartet, offering a riveting exploration of a society in the throes of technological and social upheaval. Through the eyes of Fever Crumb, a young engineer with a mysterious past, readers are transported to a fractured London, years before it becomes the colossal, predator city on wheels. 

fever crumb prequel mortal engines

These novels weave together themes of identity, invention, and destiny, as Fever embarks on a journey that challenges the boundaries of her logic-driven upbringing. Her discoveries about the origins of the traction cities, and the hidden machinations of characters like Dr. Cheddar, lay bare the seeds of the world that Tom and Hester will later navigate.

Her adventures illuminate the origins of the traction cities and the events that shaped the world Reeve masterfully constructed, blending imaginative storytelling with richly detailed world-building to captivate readers with a blend of science fiction, adventure, and a hint of steampunk flair.

  • Fever Crumb - the first prequel novel and its setting in early traction-city history.
  • A Web of Air - A review of the second prequel, focusing on the race to save London’s prototype airship.
  • Scrivner's Moon - review of the third prequel, exploring the conflict between the Flying Legions and the Scriven.
  • The themes of Fever Crumb - An examination of core themes such as identity, technology, and the rise of municipal politics in prequel lore.

concept art of a traction city
Concept art of a traction engine

Key elements of the Mortal Engines world

Philip Reeve made a wonderland in his universe with so many wondrous elements!

The movie adaptation

The Mortal Engines film, directed by Christian Rivers and produced by Peter Jackson, brought Reeve's world to life on the big screen. While the movie did not perform as well at the box office as some had hoped, it was still a visually stunning adaptation that captured the essence of the book. 

The film's special effects were particularly impressive, bringing to life the massive, moving cities and the steampunk-inspired technology of the Mortal Engines world.

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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.

At The Astromech, you can expect to find a variety of articles, reviews, and analysis related to science fiction, including books, movies, TV, and games.
From exploring the latest news and theories to discussing the classics, I aim to provide entertaining and informative content for all fans of the genre.

Whether you are a die-hard Star Trek fan or simply curious about the world of science fiction, The Astromech has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey through the stars!
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