Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

[Vertigo]

This is a bit difficult for me to review fairly; I do sometimes like YA but mostly not, so I figured I’d give this one a go as I’ve heard so much about it over the years along with the rather more recent film, albeit a rather unsuccessful one I believe. However, I sadly found it far too juvenile for my tastes, in particular I found the main teenage characters far more juvenile than I would expect for their age. But I’m honest enough to acknowledge that the writing was very good, and Reeve has an admirably realistic attitude to the survival of his characters! There actually was quite a lot to like; the action was well written, and each character had, well, their own character, and the vivid depiction of the colourful and hugely imaginative world was exceptional, but I just found it pitched a little too young for me and a little too fantastical.

And that was my other major problem with Mortal Engines. It is a post-apocalyptic story and the danger with such stories, for me, is whether they are really science fiction or fantasy. The former I will very often love but the latter I tend to actively dislike and I’m afraid the was closer to the fantasy end of my scale, a sort of steampunk fantasy. The basic premise of mobile cities and the ‘Municipal Darwinism’ along with the zombie cyborg Stalkers just seemed so utterly implausible that I could only see it as fantasy.

So, for me it is a weak three out of five stars, but I would stress that is largely down to my personal reading preferences; for the right reader this could easily be a five-star read. I think it is unlikely I will continue with the series.

3/5 stars

 

[Stephen Palmer]

I think it's an entertaining novel for YA (younger end, perhaps) readers. I enjoyed it. I seem to be alone in enjoying the film, which I saw a few months ago.

 

[Vertigo]

I think it's an entertaining novel for YA (younger end, perhaps) readers. I enjoyed it. I seem to be alone in enjoying the film, which I saw a few months ago.

Yes, absolutely, it was too young feeling for me but I can certainly recognise that it is was a well written adventure story that would probably be excellent for its target audience!

 

[Toby Frost]

I enjoyed the book, but it's definitely YA and not my usual kind of thing. I thought the film had problems - not least some strange editing - but it looked great and the first ten minutes were excellent.

I once met Philip Reeve. Really nice guy.

 

[BAYLOR]

II finished book 1, 2 and 3 and im about halfway though book 4 . It's very good series.

Ive not seen the film.

 

[Rodders]

I haven't read the book (i always get put of by the YA moniker). I did see the TV series and found it entertaining enough,although i doubt i'd want to watch it again.