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55 pages 1 hour read

Philip Reeve

Mortal Engines

Philip ReeveFiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2001

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Book Brief

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Philip Reeve

Mortal Engines

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

326

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, Great Hunting Ground • Distant Future

Publication Year

2001

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines, 15-year-old Tom Natsworthy, an apprentice historian in the traction city of London, is thrust into an adventure after a chance encounter with Hester Shaw, a scarred girl seeking revenge. As they uncover dark secrets about London's leaders and their plans to use a deadly weapon, Tom and Hester must navigate a treacherous dystopian Europe to prevent a catastrophic war.

Adventurous

Fantastical

Suspenseful

Dark

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.0

75,212 ratings

65%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Reviews for Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines highlight its imaginative world-building and fast-paced narrative as major strengths. Readers appreciate the unique concept of mobile cities, vivid descriptions, and engaging characters. However, some criticize predictable plot elements and a reliance on familiar genre tropes. Overall, it’s noted as an inventive and thrilling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mortal Engines?

Fans of dystopian and steampunk genres will enjoy Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines. Readers who appreciate the adventurous spirit of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials or the imaginative world-building of Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games will find themselves captivated by the novel's intricate landscapes and dynamic characters.

4.0

75,212 ratings

65%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

326

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, Great Hunting Ground • Distant Future

Publication Year

2001

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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