Thunder City set to roll into the Mortal Engines universe.

In completely unexpected news, Philip Reeves has announced a new Mortal Engines novel, Thunder City.

It will be set prior to the events of the original novel, making it a 4th prequel novel in the series. 

Here's the synopsis that has been released for Thunder City:

"Tamzin Pook is a fighter in the Amusement Arcade. And what she does best is killing Revenants.

All she knows is survival, having arrived in the Arcade as a small child. She pushes away her memories, her hopes, and her fears, and she emerges into the arena to battle the Revenants--dead brains nestled in armored engine bodies. She doesn't dare to hope or wish for anything more than to survive another day.

Meanwhile, the wheeled city of Motoropolis has been taken over by a rebel faction who killed its leaders and commandeered the city. Its only hope is a teacher named Miss Torpenhow who's determined to find the Mayor's good-for-nothing son and force him to take back what's rightfully his. But to get to him, she'll need to find someone who's skilled at fighting Revenants.

With a daring abduction, Miss Torpenhow and Tamzin Pook's destinies are entwined, and so begin their adventures together...

This stand-alone Mortal Engines novel follows an unlikely crew of fighters-turned friends: Tamzin Pook, Hilly Torpenhow, mayor-to-be Max Angmering, and washed-up mercenary Oddington Doom. Together, they must find a way to outwit the assassins that are determined to drag Tamzin back to the arcade, and try to take back Motoropolis."

Motoropolis - heh, great to Reeve is still doing great puns. 

Here's the book cover, done by Ian McQue who re-did all the covers for the series a few years back:



Reeve has said of his new work:

"The rule I set for myself when I was writing this one was that it shouldn’t feature any of the people or places from previous Mortal Engines books. So Thunder City takes place just over a century before the original book, when the town-eat-town world of Traction Cities is slightly less ruthless than it will become later, and none of the characters from the original quartet has even been born yet. (I suppose Mr Shrike must be bimbling about somewhere, but he’s still just yer basic implacable killing machine at this point so there’s not much point in paying him a visit). So hopefully this new take will be accessible to people who’ve never read Mortal Engines, and hopefully people who have read it will enjoy an adventure set in the same world."

Look for a September release date. Pre-orders are available on Amazon. 

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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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