Mortal Engines

Set in a future where massive, mobile cities traverse the landscape consuming smaller towns, 'Mortal Engines' follows the journey of a fifteen-year-old apprentice named Tom Natsworthy. After being cast out of London by his mentor, Tom finds himself in the perilous Out-Country, a vast and untamed wilderness. There, he teams up with a brave young woman named Hester Shaw, who harbors a deep-seated grudge against London and its leaders. Together, they embark on a quest for answers and revenge, facing numerous challenges and uncovering dark secrets about the world they live in. The story is a thrilling adventure that explores themes of survival, identity, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The novel is the first in the 'Predator Cities' series and is renowned for its imaginative world-building and steampunk aesthetic. Philip Reeve's detailed descriptions bring the moving cities and their inhabitants to life, creating a vivid and immersive setting that captivates readers. The book also delves into complex moral dilemmas and the ethical implications of a society built on consumption and conquest, making it a thought-provoking read for both young adults and adults alike.