This continues the story of Hester Shaw and Tom Natsworthy, and shows us a bit more of the world of Mortal Engines. It also uncovers a bit more of Earth's wayward history. I was almost afraid to read this book because it seemed it would share Mortal Engines' depressing ending, but to my surprise, there is a ray of hope at the end. ( )

This series is great. A unique dystopian novel. Roving cities on wheels. A ruined America. Giant flying ships and submarine crews run by a cast of Dickens rejects. YA at its best. ( )

"I just make it up as I go along" Hester says, which I guess is kind of what this one feels like.

There doesn't seem to be as strong a structure or clear goals for the characters to follow in this one compared to the first book and while it probably visits less locations, it felt like it bounced around more than the first.

Will still read the next one and see where it goes though. ( )

The first book was filled with so much adventure and action, this one just didn’t compete. I get that a lot of the storyline involved a relationship and its effects on the main characters, so there’s a lot more internal action and drama, but I really just wanted more of the chase and tension of the first book. There were good parts - lots of unknowns that didn’t have obvious outcomes, two lovers going thru a difficult time and deciding that their love is worth fighting for, and new characters and challenges that might be hard to imagine given the world that’s been created to this point.
I was reading for myself, but also for my 11yo, who isn’t into romance, and I think I was also disappointed for her, thinking that she might not be ready or very interested in a good chunk of the book because it’s so filled with the relationship. ( )

The continuation of the Mortal Engines series continues a very interesting premise without interesting characters or storyline. If you enjoyed the first book, you will likely still enjoy this one though. ( )