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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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
- Mortal Engines - analysis of the themes of the novel. A review of the original novel and a deep dive into its core themes.
- Predator's Gold - A review of the second book, detailing the chase across the ice sea.
- Infernal Devices - A critique of the third installment and its revelations about London’s secrets.
- A Darkling Plain - A review of the series' conclusion and its reflections on the fate of traction cities.
- Night Flights - Anna Fang Short Story Collection - the novella collection exploring Anna Fang’s backstory.
Thunder City
- Thunder City, a new prequel for Mortal Engines
- What are the themes of Thunder City by Philip Reeve? - An examination of thematic elements present in the Thunder City prequel.
- Thunder City by Philip Reeve review - review and critique of the Thunder City prequel novel.
Fever Crumb Prequel Trilogy
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.
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| 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!
- What is Municipal Darwinism? Explanation of the brutal philosophy driving traction cities to consume one another.
- What was the origin of the Shrike in Mortal Engines? Details the backstory of Shrike and how he became a fearsome Stalker.
- What is the meaning of Mortal Engines novel title? Clarifies the symbolism behind the title and the notion of inevitability in a predatory world.
- The 60 Minute War of Mortal Engines explained Delves into the cataclysm that reshaped civilization and gave birth to traction cities.
- How the Medusa weapon was used in Mortal Engines? Examines the MEDUSA superweapon and its devastating impact on the world.
- How do the Traction Cities of Mortal Engines operate? Outlines the mechanics behind moving cities, from crawler tracks to hull plating.
- The role of the Anti-traction League in Mortal Engines Explores the resistance movement that fights against predator cities to preserve static settlements.
- Profile of author Philip Reeve Provides a biography of Philip Reeve and his creative inspiration for the series.
- What is the role of General Naga? Examines the character General Naga and his influence in “A Darkling Plain.”
- The themes of Mortal Engines novel Analyzes major themes such as survival, ethics, and the consequences of war.
- The character arc of Hester Shaw Traces Hester Shaw’s development from vengeance to reluctant hero.
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.
- Differences between the Mortal Engines book and film adaptation - Contrasts the narrative and character changes made in the film version.
- How Mortal Engines copied plot ideas from Star Wars - Critiques similarities between Mortal Engines’ plot elements and the Star Wars saga.
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