55 pages • 1 hour read
Philip ReeveMortal Engines
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2001A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsBook Details
Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction
Fantasy
Action / Adventure
Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Emotions/Behavior: Conflict
Technology
Class