Another young adult fantasy book, but this time it's actually good! I read a review where the author was basically saying that readers deserve better than the Hunger Games, and recommended a bunch of young adult oriented science fiction stories that were supposed to be much better quality. So I checked Mortal Engines out of the library and I can tell you that it is, indeed, a great book.
World-Building: Great
Characterization: Great
Plot: Great
This story has a very unique premise. It's set far in the future, in a time where cities and towns move around and devour each other. It's called Minicipal Darwinism. The unique setting is revealed bit by bit throughout the story in a way that flows perfectly. The story starts off in London where a young apprentice historian is eager to see London catch it's latest prey. Events unfold quickly, plunging the reader right into a gripping plot.
It's hard to say what I liked most about this story, because the characterization and plot were just as good as the world-building. It's a fast read and it's full of unique ideas and believable characters. One of the coolest things about it is that the author pays attention to the details and to keeping it realistic without long sections of infodump - in fact it seems as if there is no description at all. Just little bits here and there interspersed within the action.
I started off by calling it a young adult fic, but that doesn't mean it's childish or that it gives us an unrealistic happy ending. The author doesn't hesitate to kill off characters that we've grown to love or to allow bad things to happen to the characters - again and again.
Overall, a great read. It's fast paced, but doesn't lack meaning and social commentary. Great world building, characterization and plot! Go check it out!
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