Themes of Thunder City from Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

Philip Reeve's "Thunder City," as a prequel to the celebrated Mortal Engines series, offers a rich tapestry of themes that both align with and expand upon the universe's established motifs. The synopsis hints at an intricate narrative interwoven with themes of survival, identity, rebellion, and the quest for power, all set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world where cities move on wheels and society is reconstructed amidst the ruins of technology.

At its core, "Thunder City" explores the primal theme of survival in a world where humanity clings to existence in mobile cities. Tamzin Pook, a fighter who specializes in killing Revenants, embodies this struggle. Her life in the Amusement Arcade, a place where survival is contingent upon combat prowess, reflects the harsh realities of living in a world ravaged by past calamities. This theme of survival is a thread that runs through the Mortal Engines series, emphasizing the lengths to which individuals and communities will go to preserve their existence in a hostile environment.

Tamzin's character arc, from a child survivor to a formidable fighter, also delves into themes of identity and memory. By pushing away her memories, hopes, and fears, Tamzin represents the idea that in a world constantly threatened by destruction, the past can be a burden, and forgetting can be a means of survival. The journey drives towards self-discovery and confronting one's past, hinting at the importance of memory and history in understanding one's identity and finding strength in adversity.

The takeover of Motoropolis by a rebel faction introduces the theme of rebellion and the quest for power, central to the Mortal Engines universe. The conflict between the usurpers and the rightful leaders of Motoropolis reflects the larger struggles within this post-apocalyptic society, where power vacuums often lead to chaos and the rise of opportunistic factions. Miss Torpenhow's mission to restore order by reinstating the mayor's son underscores the belief in legitimate governance and the complexities of leadership in a fractured world.

The formation of an "unlikely crew of fighters-turned friends" points to a theme of unity in diversity and the strength of camaraderie. The diverse backgrounds and skills of Tamzin, Hilly Torpenhow, Max Angmering, and Oddington Doom exemplify how, even in a fragmented world, individuals can come together for a common cause. Their joint effort to outwit assassins and reclaim Motoropolis symbolizes hope and the potential for renewal through collective action, a recurring motif in Reeve's work.

The Mortal Engines series often grapples with themes of technological advancement and its environmental impact, suggesting that "Thunder City" may also explore these issues. The concept of cities on wheels, the Revenants, and the post-apocalyptic setting all serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of unchecked technological progress and environmental degradation, urging readers to contemplate the balance between innovation and sustainability.

"Thunder City" promises to be a compelling addition to the Mortal Engines universe, weaving together themes of survival, identity, rebellion, and the power of unity. Through its exploration of these themes, the novel not only continues the tradition of the series but also offers new insights into the challenges and opportunities of living in a post-apocalyptic world. As readers follow the adventures of Tamzin Pook and her companions, they are invited to reflect on the enduring human spirit and the possibility of redemption and renewal in the face of overwhelming odds.

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Review: A Web of Air by Phillip Reeve

"A Web of Air" is the second book in the Fever Crumb series by Philip Reeve, and it follows the adventures of the young engineer Fever as she travels across a post-apocalyptic world in search of answers to the mysteries of her past. The novel is a thrilling adventure that explores themes of science, technology, and the power of human connection. The trilogy itself serves as a prequel to the Mortal Engines Quartet.

Set in a world where technology is both revered and feared, "A Web of Air" follows Fever as she sets out on a mission to find the source of a mysterious radio signal that has been broadcast across the city of London. Along the way, she encounters a variety of characters, from eccentric inventors to dangerous criminals, and must use her wit and engineering skills to navigate the challenges that come her way.

One of the central themes of "A Web of Air" is the power of science and technology to connect people across distances. Fever’s journey takes her from the crowded streets of London to the remote reaches of the sky, and she encounters people who have harnessed technology to create new forms of communication and community. At the same time, she confronts those who seek to control and exploit technology for their own gain. 

Like its predecessor Fever Crumb, "A Web of Air" is a well-written and engaging novel that combines elements of science fiction, steampunk, and adventure. It is a worthy follow-up to "Fever Crumb" and continues to explore the world and characters that Reeve has created. Critics have praised the novel for its strong character development, vivid descriptions of the world, and thrilling plot.

"A Web of Air" won the 2011 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, one of the most prestigious awards for children's literature in the UK. In accepting the award, Reeve noted that he was inspired by the idea of "a girl engineer in a world of boys" and the challenges that she faces as she tries to make her way in a society that is often hostile to her.

In conclusion, "A Web of Air" is a thrilling and engaging novel that continues the story of Fever Crumb in a post-apocalyptic world that is both fascinating and terrifying. With its exploration of themes of science, technology, and human connection, it is a thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of science fiction and adventure. Critics and readers alike have praised the novel for its strong characters, vivid descriptions of the world, and thrilling plot, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoyed "Fever Crumb" and wants to know more about the world that Philip Reeve has created.

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Review: Infernal Devices by Philip Reeve

Infernal Devices, the third book in Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines Quartet, is a gripping and thrilling novel set in a dystopian world where mobile cities roam the earth, preying on smaller towns for resources. 

Reeve's world-building skills are superb, and he has created a vivid and convincing world, populated by fascinating characters who are constantly surprising the reader with their actions. The descriptions of the mobile cities and the wasteland they roam are vivid and immersive, transporting the reader to this post-apocalyptic world. The story's plot is well-paced and engaging, and Reeve has a talent for creating tension and suspense that keeps the reader hooked until the very end.

At the core of Infernal Devices is a story about the consequences of revenge and the power of forgiveness. The main characters, Tom and Hester, are forced to confront their past and reconcile with their mistakes. 

Through their journey, readers witness their growth and development as individuals. Tom's character arc is particularly noteworthy, as he begins the story as a naive and idealistic young man out for revenge against his father's killer. However, as the story progresses, he realizes that revenge is not the answer and that forgiveness is the only way to move on. This realization is a powerful moment in the story and highlights Reeve's skill in creating complex and relatable characters.

Note the lonely, Gollemsqe, Shrike

Similarly, Hester's character development is also well-executed. She is haunted by her past and her actions in Predator's Gold. Her journey in Infernal Devices is one of redemption, as she comes to terms with her past and seeks to make amends for her mistakes. Through Hester's journey, Reeve explores the themes of guilt and forgiveness, showcasing how forgiveness can be a powerful tool for healing.

Infernal Devices explores several other themes, including the dangers of technology and the consequences of war. 

Reeve's skillful world-building allows him to create a world where technology has become a force of destruction, with the mobile cities representing the ultimate weapon of war. Through this portrayal, Reeve highlights the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and the importance of responsibility in its use. Additionally, the novel's exploration of the consequences of war is a powerful commentary on the futility of violence and the human cost of conflict.

Throughout the novel, the Shrike is a constant presence, lurking in the shadows and appearing at unexpected moments. Its (his?) continued pursuit of Tom and Hester creates a sense of tension and danger, adding to the novel's overall atmosphere of suspense. However, as the story progresses, the Shrike's motivations become clearer, and its role in the larger narrative is revealed.

The novel's success is a testament to Reeve's skill as an author. The Guardian praised his ability to create complex and convincing characters, stating that "Reeve's characters are real people with flaws and complexities that make them feel authentic and relatable." Similarly, The Independent praised Reeve's ability to create a thrilling and engaging story, stating that "Infernal Devices is a fantastic adventure story with thrilling action sequences and vivid descriptions."

Infernal Devices has been shortlisted for several awards, including the Whitbread Children's Book Award in 2003, and it won the Nestle Children's Book Prize Gold Award in the same year. The novel's critical and commercial success cemented Reeve's reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative authors in the YA fantasy genre.

In interviews, Reeve has spoken about his inspiration for the Mortal Engines Quartet. He cites his love of science fiction and his interest in history as major influences on his writing. He has also discussed his desire to create a complex and morally ambiguous world, where characters are not simply good or evil. Reeve's commitment to crafting a nuanced and multi-layered world is evident in Infernal Devices, where the characters and themes are rich and multifaceted.

Overall, Infernal Devices is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that showcases Reeve's talent as an author. The novel's exploration of complex themes and its well-developed characters make it a must-read for fans of the YA fantasy genre. The Mortal Engines Quartet as a whole is a masterpiece of world-building and storytelling, and Infernal Devices is a standout addition to the series. 

Reeve's ability to craft a post-apocalyptic world where technology has gone awry and humanity has turned on itself is impressive, and his exploration of themes like revenge, forgiveness, and the dangers of technology adds depth and complexity to the story.

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The Municipal Darwinism concept from Mortal Engines explained

Have you ever heard of Municipal Darwinism? 

This is the concept that drives the world of Mortal Engines, both in the book and movie. The idea is essentially a riff on Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, but with a twist - it's a zero-sum game, which means that there can be only one winner, much like in The Highlander.

The world of Mortal Engines is one where traction cities, massive mobile communities that follow their own laws and customs, roam the earth consuming smaller cities and using their resources for fuel or repurposing. People who lived in captured cities can be enslaved or even eaten as a source of protein. 

It's a brutal, cutthroat world where might makes right, and the stronger cities prey upon the weaker ones.

The theory behind Municipal Darwinism is that it's a predator-prey cycle.

 If the bigger city is faster than the smaller one, it will catch and consume it. But if the smaller city is faster, it can evade the larger city and even attack it. This cycle has been going on for thousands of years since the "Sixty Minute War" and is a reminder that this kind of Darwinism is not a sustainable way of living in the long term.

However, there are some who do not subscribe to this way of life. 

Living in hills and islands, they seek to form self-sustaining cultures that don't rely on the predatory traction cities. 

The Anti-Traction League, also known as the Green Storm, hates these mobile cities and seeks to sabotage and destroy them in order to protect their own territories.

The title of Mortal Engines refers to the fact that all cities' engines are indeed mortal, as eventually, they will consume everything and fail. 

This is also true for the humans who live on them. In fact, the title "Mortal Engines" is a direct reference to a quote from William Shakespeare's Othello.

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