The Illustrated World of Mortal Engines facts for kids

The Illustrated World of Mortal Engines is a special reference book written by Philip Reeve in 2018. It's like a guide that helps you explore the amazing world of his Mortal Engines stories even more deeply. This book is packed with details, pictures, and facts about the characters, places, and machines from the series.

What is the Mortal Engines World?

The Mortal Engines series takes place in a future world that's very different from ours. After a huge event called the "Sixty Minute War," cities around the world started moving! These cities are built on giant tracks and wheels. They hunt smaller towns and cities for resources in a process called "Municipal Darwinism."

How Do Moving Cities Work?

Imagine a city like London or New York, but it's a massive machine on wheels. These "traction cities" move across the ruined Earth. They have huge engines and often look like fortresses. Smaller towns are "eaten" by bigger cities to get their parts and people. It's a dangerous world where survival means always being on the move.

Who Lives in This World?

The stories follow different characters, often young people, who live in or around these moving cities. They face many challenges, from fighting for survival to uncovering ancient secrets. The books explore themes of adventure, friendship, and what it means to be human in a strange new world.

About the Author: Philip Reeve

Philip Reeve is a British author known for his imaginative stories. He created the entire Mortal Engines universe, which includes several books. He's very good at building detailed worlds and creating exciting adventures.

What is Steampunk?

The Mortal Engines series is often called "steampunk." Steampunk is a type of science fiction that imagines a world where steam power is still the main technology. It often features cool machines, gears, and Victorian-era styles, but with futuristic twists. Think of old-fashioned inventions mixed with amazing new ideas.

What's Inside This Illustrated Book?

The Illustrated World of Mortal Engines is a treasure chest for fans. It gives you a closer look at everything you've read about in the novels. It's filled with beautiful artwork and detailed explanations.

Exploring the Cities and Machines

This book shows you how the traction cities are designed. You can see diagrams of their engines, their different levels, and how they move. It also details other incredible machines, like airships and strange weapons, that exist in this world.

Characters and Their Stories

You'll find more information about your favorite characters and even some new ones. The book might include details about their backgrounds, their roles in the story, and their relationships. It helps you understand their journeys better.

Maps and World History

The book includes maps that show where the cities travel and the different regions of the world. It also dives into the history of the Mortal Engines universe. You can learn about the "Sixty Minute War" and how the world became the way it is. This helps connect all the pieces of the story.

Why is This Book Important?

This reference book is important because it adds so much to the Mortal Engines experience. It lets readers dive deeper into the world Philip Reeve created. It's perfect for anyone who loves the series and wants to know more about its amazing details. It helps bring the imaginative world to life even more vividly.