Mortal Engines facts for kids
Mortal Engines is an exciting science fiction adventure book written by Philip Reeve. It was first published in 2001 and is the first book in a series called the Mortal Engines Quartet. The story takes place in a strange future world where entire cities move around on giant wheels, hunting each other!
Contents
What is Mortal Engines About?
Mortal Engines tells the story of a future Earth, thousands of years after a terrible war called the "Sixty Minute War." This war changed the world forever. Now, most cities are built on huge tracks and wheels. They move across the land, chasing and "eating" smaller towns for their resources. This way of life is called "Municipal Darwinism."
Life in a Traction City
Imagine living in a city that's always moving! These giant cities are called "traction cities." They are like huge machines, with different levels and districts. The biggest and most powerful city is London. It's a massive, moving fortress that dominates the landscape. Life inside these cities is busy and often dangerous.
Who are the Main Characters?
The story follows two main characters:
- Tom Natsworthy: He is a young apprentice historian from London. Tom is quiet and loves learning about old technology.
- Hester Shaw: She is a mysterious and scarred girl who tries to attack a powerful historian. Hester is tough and determined, seeking revenge for her past.
Their paths cross in a dramatic way. They are both thrown out of London and must survive in the dangerous "Out-Country." This is the vast, wild land between the moving cities.
The Story's Big Adventure
Tom and Hester face many challenges together. They meet other interesting characters, both friends and enemies. They uncover secrets about the past and learn about a dangerous weapon. This weapon could destroy the moving cities and change the world again. Their journey is full of chases, escapes, and surprising discoveries.
What is the Goal of the Characters?
Tom and Hester's main goal is to survive. But they also get caught up in a much bigger conflict. They learn about a plan that could threaten all life, both in the traction cities and the static settlements. They must decide who to trust and what is truly right. Their adventure is about finding their place in a broken world.
Who Wrote Mortal Engines?
The author of Mortal Engines is Philip Reeve. He is a British writer known for his imaginative stories. Reeve created the unique world of traction cities. He also designed the interesting characters who live in it. His writing style makes the world feel real and exciting.
Philip Reeve's Inspiration
Philip Reeve has said he was inspired by many things. These include old science fiction stories and historical events. He thought about what would happen if cities became living, moving things. This idea led to the creation of the "Predator Cities" concept. He also explores themes like history, technology, and survival.
Themes in the Book
Mortal Engines explores several important ideas:
- Survival: How do people live in a world where cities hunt each other?
- History: The characters often look back at the "Ancients" (us!). They try to understand what happened to the old world.
- Technology: The book shows how technology can be used for both good and bad.
- Conflict: It looks at the clashes between different ways of life. This includes moving cities versus static settlements.
The book makes readers think about the future and the choices people make.
The Mortal Engines Quartet
Mortal Engines is just the first book. It is followed by three more books in the series:
Each book continues the story of Tom and Hester. They explore more of this strange world. The series is known for its exciting plots and unique setting.
Images for kids
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A robot, similar to the advanced technology found in the world of Mortal Engines.
See also
- In Spanish: Máquinas mortales para niños
