by Philip Reeve
publisher’s synopsis
Emerging from its hiding place in the hills, the great Traction City of London chases one terrified little town across the wastelands. If it cannot overpower smaller, slower prey, the city will come to a standstill and risk being taken over by another. In the attack, Tom Natsworthy, Apprentice Historian to the London Museum, is flung from its speeding superstructure into the barren wasteland of Out-Country.
His only companion is Hester Shaw, a murderous, scar-faced girl who does not particularly want Tom’s company. But if they are to make it back to London, before Stalkers or hungry cities get them first, they will need to help each other, and fast. If Hester is to be believed, London is planning something atrocious, and the future of the world could be at stake. Can they get back to London before it’s too late?
What I Liked:
-The concept of Mortal Engines is incredibly unique, and it balances the dystopian, post-apocalyptic setting well.
-While Tom is perhaps a little flat of a character, he’s an easy character for the reader to enjoy the story through.
What I Struggled With:
-Reeve’s storytelling leans a lot into telling instead of showing. While that might have been more stylistically normal when it was first published, it makes the writing feel a little basic.
Overall:
Honestly, it’s been a while between finishing Mortal Engines and writing this review so my thoughts are a little vague. While the creativity of the premise makes the novel stand out, the prose makes it feel more younger-YA, though the violence might be unsettling for those readers.
Cautions: semi-graphic moderate/heavy violence; light romance; two kisses; a few swear words
Hailey Huntington 
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