Book reviews

Mortal Engines
Philip Reeve Book Review

Read a book review online (click here to search reviews)
Books Movies  
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Mystery/Thriller Literature Romance Biography History
Philip Reeve Books
New book search
Philip Reeve Message Board
Get more information about this book
Plot Summary of Mortal Engines
"

Eos, Oct 2003, 16.99, 320 pp.
ISBN: 0060082070

The Sixty Minute War ended western civilization leading to a new world order. The great cities do not reside in one place, but instead are mobile like Roman legions assaulting smaller locations. London has been reduced to one of these prowling giants, but recently concern has surfaced that with a lessening of prey among the midgets, other mega-metropolises will try to devour the big city.

As London chases after Salthook, fifteen years old apprentice historian Tom toils at what all rookies do. He cleans in his case the exhibits of the London Museum of Natural History. However, Tom's world changes when he rescues his hero, scavenger turned renowned archeologist Thaddeus Valentine from an assassination attempt. He and the avenging assassin Hester Shaw are tossed out of the city into the vast wilderness. He learns from her why as she explains her connection to Valentine and the mayor. They team up to survive as Hester and Tom begin a series of adventures to stay alive.

Though classified as a children's fantasy, this complex tale can be enjoyed as a straightforward tale that young readers will appreciate or as a satire that adults will treasure. The characters are complex as Philip Reeve paints a picture that what is acceptable under certain conditions seems cruel under others as values are not quite as universal as we westerners would like to believe. MORTAL ENGINES is a winner for children and adults of all ages.

Harriet Klausner
"

Harriet Klausner, Resident Scholar

Most similar books to Mortal Engines
Wolf and Iron by Gordon R. Dickson
Domain by James Herbert
Ashes, ashes by René Barjavel
Dr. Bloodmoney by Philip K. Dick
Warrior by Donald E. McQuinn


Click here for more information about this book




Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
Three ways to search for Science Fiction books!

1) One-click plot searches! Simply click on a plot or subplot below!

Animal Story

Clones

Coming of age

Cultural problems, alien culture

Explore/1st contact/ enviro story

Family relations

GIANT monster(s)

Horror story?

Inner Struggle

Lifeform altered?

Mental/magical powers focus

Parody

Political power play

Religious overtones?

Repressive society story

Robots, Computers, VR

Romance

Spying & Investigations

Tech./$$$/Info hunt

Time Travel story?

Training/Apprent.

War or Invasion



or 2) Simple lookup
(title or author)

or
3) Even more search options available with a Detailed Booksearch (click here)

Use our site!
Feedback
About us
Bribe your congressman!
Rudy Giuliani



Most recent discussions:

General Book Talk
Book writing discussion
Off-topic message board
.
Chris Crowe 9:18:03 PM
Teri Woods 7:50:31 PM
Suzanne Weyn 6:04:59 PM
George W. Bush 5:52:39 PM
Tamora Pierce 5:07:56 PM
David Pelzer 3:51:59 PM
Sue Grafton 1:25:52 PM
S. Morgenstern 6:55:01 AM
Caroline B. Cooney 12:18:20 AM
Suzanne Collins 11:33:40 PM
Jeff Shaara 9:10:50 PM
Sister Souljah 8:34:52 PM
Wendelin Van Draanen 8:16:28 PM
Angie Sage 7:26:30 PM
James Clavell 5:30:19 PM
Patricia McCormick 4:17:19 PM
Edward Albee 4:14:20 PM
V.C. Andrews 4:14:12 PM
Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer 2:10:25 PM
Christina Crawford 9:31:53 AM

More message boards