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Philip Reeve was born and raised in Brighton, where he worked in a bookshop for years while also producing and directing a number of no-budget theatre projects. Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons and jokes for around forty books, including the best-selling Scholastic series Horrible Histories, as well as Murderous Maths and Dead Famous. He's been writing stories since he was five, but Mortal Engines was the first to be published.
Mortal Engines defies easy categorisation. It is a gripping adventure story set in an inspired fantasy world, where moving cities trawl the globe. A magical and unique read, it immediately caught the attention of readers and reviewers and won several major awards. Three more Predator Cities novels followed, and Philip's latest project are the Fever Crumb books, prequels set centuries before the events of Mortal Engines. Philip has also written Buster Bayliss, a series for younger readers, and stand alone novels including Here Lies Arthur, which won the Carnegie Medal. Philip lives in Devon with his wife and son and his interests are walking, drawing, writing and reading.
Click here to see a Philip talking about his new adventure book, Oliver and the Seawigs, a collaboration with Sarah McIntyre.
Philip Reeve's fiction publisher, Marion Lloyd, describes his Predator Cities series:
“..inspiring adventure stories, in whose futuristic, post-apocalyptic setting, moving cities trawl the Earth. They attack and consume each other in wastelands where natural resources are scarce, and Ancient technology is fought for. Fast-paced, sometimes violent, always surprising and original, Reeve’s epic sequence of love, war and adventure are richly rewarding for both adults and children.”
Praise for Philip Reeve:
‘Conveys big truths while being witty and playful...clever and moving’ - The Sunday Times on Fever Crumb
‘Intelligent, funny and wise’ - Literary Review on Fever Crumb
‘I felt as if the pages themselves were charged with electricity... Fever Crumb is a terrific read, a sci-fi Dickens, full of orphans, villains, chases and mysteries’ - Frank Cottrell Boyce in The Guardian on Fever Crumb
‘Reeve drives his juggernaut of a talent through the streets of a mob-crazed futuristic London with Cecil B DeMille grandeur. Resent being suckered into sequels? Fever Crumb is a complete story – but it may prove addictive’ - Geraldine McCaughrean, Daily Telegraph on Fever Crumb
‘A bold, brightly honed narrative that grabs and holds the attention from the start’ -
Interzone on Fever Crumb
‘A masterpiece’ - Sunday Telegraph
‘Big, brave, brilliant’ - Guardian
‘A majestic achievement’ - Sunday Times
‘Mind bogglingly well-imagined’ - Independent
‘Marvellous… utterly captivating in its imaginative scope and energy’ - Daily Telegraph
‘Brilliant… an absorbing and emotionally engaging work’ - Amanda Craig, The Times
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month September 2021 | September 2021 Book of the Month | Award-winning author Philip Reeve is gifted at creating alternative worlds which feel both comfortingly familiar and thrillingly new and original. The watery landscape of the Autumn Isles does just that providing the backdrop for a gutsy and gusty story of powerful old magic, new-fangled science and the perennial battle for the critical balance of power between land and the sea. It is the setting for a roller coaster of a story with the survival of orphaned Utterly Dark, one of the most charming and feisty young heroines, at its heart. Washed up on the shore of the Autumn Isles, Utterly is rescued and adopted by Andrew Dark, the Watcher of Wildsea, whose job it is to keep the islands safe from the many dangers forces that threaten the land, in particular, the terrifying Gorm, a fearful sea dwelling creature who threatens the life of the Islanders. When her guardian drowns in curious circumstances, Utterly must maintain the watch until a new Watcher arrives. But the new Watcher is sceptical of the old magic until his rash actions reveal the full power of the Gorm with almost fatal results. Can Utterly set the watery world of her home to rights?
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | Shortlisted for the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2020 | A deliciously dotty fantasy in which almost anything becomes believable. Max longs for a pet but even in his wildest dreams he had never thought that the pet might be a flying pony. But, one stormy night and with a loud Doof!, Kevin turns up on Max’s balcony. Kevin is a flying horse who can also talk. He has few demands except that he needs a constant supply of biscuits – especially custard creams. Soon Max and Kevin are an unstoppable duo putting right all the things that are going wrong in a town surrounded by storm water and besieged by naughty sea-monkeys. It’s all pell-mell action and madcap fun.
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011 | Philip Reeve’s epic Mortal Engines series has set the imagination of many a child completely wild since it first began. This is the 6th novel to be set in the awesome world of Mortal Engines and the sequel to Fever Crumb. Every one of his Mortal Engines titles stands out as a truly special read. With Web of Air you will be taken on an emotional journey as well as an enthralling one that’s full of surprises. Above all it will make you think about life as you know it and what could happen to it if it were ruined.
A fabulous new adventure to add to his best-selling Mortal Engines fantasy sequence. Fever Crumb, heroine of previous adventures, comes back to London and finds much has changed. Casting off its old image, London has been rebuilt ready to fight the mammoth-riders who are set to attack. The battle will be bloody; to prevent the worst, Fever Crumb must move quickly on her mission to find an ancient technology hidden in the wastelands of the Scriven mutants.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2010 | Reeves' post-apocalyptic world where mobile cities fight for survival has brought many a child into the world of reading for fun. Now Fever Crumb, the stand-alone prequel to the quartet and set many generations before the events of Mortal Engines comes alive for an expectant audience. A dazzling world where a terrifying new enemy is on the attack and buried in London's past is a secret that may save it from destruction. And the key to unlock it is an orphan called Fever Crumb. It's a secret so explosive that you struggle to breathe as you read this utterly compelling adventure thriller.
Short Stories set in the post apocalyptic world of the Mortal Engines world - setting the scene for a whole new reading experience. Wonderful greyscale illustrations.
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | September 2018 Book of the Month | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month September 2018 | | A deliciously dotty fantasy in which almost anything becomes believable. Max longs for a pet but even in his wildest dreams he had never thought that the pet might be a flying pony. But, one stormy night and with a loud Doof!, Kevin turns up on Max’s balcony. Kevin is a flying horse who can also talk. He has few demands except that he needs a constant supply of biscuits – especially custard creams. Soon Max and Kevin are an unstoppable duo putting right all the things that are going wrong in a town surrounded by storm water and besieged by naughty sea-monkeys. It’s all pell-mell action and madcap fun.
The first book in the award-winning Mortal Engines quartet. | A stunning blend of past and future technologies, Mortal Engines sets the scene for a stunning quartet of action-packed novels set in a richly inventive world in which wheeled cities hunt each other across the dried up sea bed. Big cities gobble up smaller ones and London rules above them all. Tom Natsworthy, a third class apprentice in the Guild of Historians, has the adventure of his life after he sets out to try to find out what has happened to his parents. With a cast of inventive characters including Shrike, Anna Fang and Stalker, a deadly robot killer with a human brain, and cities whose imaginary and multi-layered architecture dazzles, this is a creation on a vast and imaginary scale.
Longlisted for the UKLA 2018 Book Award In a nutshell: dazzling journeys into other worlds | Philip Reeve continues to turn us all into railheads in his glorious new sci-fi adventure. The follow up to Railhead, this is set in a gleaming future world where trains, great, beautiful sentient machines, travel from one world to the next. It’s a thrilling adventure and political thriller too, with a cast of young exiles, outsiders and rebels – petty thief Zen Starling, his friend the android Nova, ousted empress Threnody and the tough, disillusioned Chandni. Romance is never far away either, not least the romance of travelling on beyond the sunset. Full of scenes and images that bring you up short, and driven by an unstoppable plotline, this is epic, dazzling stuff. You could point readers who enjoy this towards H G Wells or Ray Bradbury. ~ Andrea Reece
Bestselling Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre have created a fabulous feisty new heroine in Emily who is determined to be as helpful as she possibly can be to Jinks and O’Hare the unusual duo who look after all the repairs and technical needs at the amazing Funfair Moon. But can Emily really help Jinks and O’Hare with Violent Fudgesplosion and a Marauding Candyfloss Creature? Or are these problems just too big for Funfair Moon? Verbal and visual jokes about in this fantastical adventure. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Prize-winning author Philip Reeve gives a brilliant new take on the legend of King Arthur. Myrddin rides with Arthur spinning tales for and about him but what is the truth and can Gwyna discover it? Bridging the past and present Here Lies Arthur is the story of how heroes and the legends about them are made. Winner of the prestigious 2008 CILIP Carnegie Medal. On winning the CILIP Carnegie Medal he said “I didn’t believe it at first, but as I got over the shock and it began to sink in, I felt totally honoured. It is very special to win the CILIP Carnegie Medal. It has such a history and I admire so many past winners’ work it is quite humbling to be ranked alongside them.”‘Here Lies Arthur is an outstanding book, and deserving winner,’ said Tricia Adams, Chair of the 12 strong librarian judging panel. ‘Reeve’s is a consistent story-telling voice that brings us a subtle and credible retelling of the King Arthur myth. It is both a page turning adventure story and a clever historical novel. It also has clear political resonance for our times, demonstrating humanity’s need to sustain hope and optimism, and our tendency to favour myth over reality to achieve that end.’
New Edition. Winner of the prestigious 2008 Carnegie. Prize-winning author Philip Reeve gives a brilliant new take on the legend of King Arthur. Myrddin rides with Arthur spinning tales for and about him but what is the truth and can Gwyna discover it? Bridging the past and present Here Lies Arthur is the story of how heroes and the legends about them are made.
November 2016 Book of the Month In a nutshell: dazzling journeys into other worlds | Philip Reeve continues to turn us all into railheads in his glorious new sci-fi adventure. The follow up to Railhead, this is set in a gleaming future world where trains, great, beautiful sentient machines, travel from one world to the next. It’s a thrilling adventure and political thriller too, with a cast of young exiles, outsiders and rebels – petty thief Zen Starling, his friend the android Nova, ousted empress Threnody and the tough, disillusioned Chandni. Romance is never far away either, not least the romance of travelling on beyond the sunset. Full of scenes and images that bring you up short, and driven by an unstoppable plotline, this is epic, dazzling stuff. You could point readers who enjoy this towards H G Wells or Ray Bradbury. ~ Andrea Reece
Shortlisted for the UKLA 2017 Book Award | Award winning author partners Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre head north for their latest adventure. Shen the cabin boy is abandoned by his shipmates when their ship is stranded in the ice. He’s completely alone, except for 64 little pugs, part of the ship’s cargo! He soon teams up with Shika, a girl desperately seeking dogs to pull her grandpa’s sled in the Race to the Top of the World, a once in a lifetime contest to win your heart’s desire. The eccentric competitors mean there’s something of the Wacky Races about all of this, but amongst the crazy – and very entertaining -scenes there are surprising notes of poignancy, as well as some lovely descriptions of the True Winter, fifty types of snow and all.
Julia Eccleshare's Book of the Month September 2016 Bestselling Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre have created a fabulous feisty new heroine in Emily who is determined to be as helpful as she possibly can be to Jinks and O’Hare the unusual duo who look after all the repairs and technical needs at the amazing Funfair Moon. But can Emily really help Jinks and O’Hare with Violent Fudgesplosion and a Marauding Candyfloss Creature? Or are these problems just too big for Funfair Moon? Verbal and visual jokes about in this fantastical adventure. ~ Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for September 2016 A Poem for Every Night of the Year compliled by Allie Esiri Gruffalo Crumble and Other Recipes by Julia Donaldson A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston Beck by Mal Peet and Meg Rosoff Tom's Midnight Garden Graphic Novel by Philippa Pearce and Edith Jinks and O'Hare Funfair Repair by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntryre
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 | Shortlisted for the UKLA 2017 Book Award | August 2016 Book of the Month | Set in a shining future world, where trains rumble not just through towns and countryside but across whole galaxies, Philip Reeve’s new novel drenches its readers with extraordinary scenes, images and ideas. Zen Starling is a petty thief; offered the chance of a brand new life in return for carrying out one small job of course he accepts, and is immediately caught up in a war that could destroy his entire world. Beautifully written, brilliantly inventive, this gripping adventure, a combination of sci-fi utopia, conspiracy thriller and romance, will set hearts racing. Thoughtful readers prepared to take their time will find echoes of many other great works of fiction, all of which add to Railhead’s richness. And who could resist the trains – ‘the old, wise trains of the Network, barracuda-beautiful, dreaming their dreams of speed and distance as they raced from world to world’? It will turn us all into railheads.
One of our Books of the Year 2015 - Julia Eccleshare's Pick of the Year 2015 - October 2015 Book of the Month Set in a shining future world, where trains rumble not just through towns and countryside but across whole galaxies, Philip Reeve’s new novel drenches its readers with extraordinary scenes, images and ideas. Zen Starling is a petty thief; offered the chance of a brand new life in return for carrying out one small job of course he accepts, and is immediately caught up in a war that could destroy his entire world. Beautifully written, brilliantly inventive, this gripping adventure, a combination of sci-fi utopia, conspiracy thriller and romance, will set hearts racing. Thoughtful readers prepared to take their time will find echoes of many other great works of fiction, all of which add to Railhead’s richness. And who could resist the trains – ‘the old, wise trains of the Network, barracuda-beautiful, dreaming their dreams of speed and distance as they raced from world to world’? It will turn us all into railheads. ~ Andrea Reece A message from Philip Reeve: “There have been a lot of dystopian and post-apocalyptic stories published for children and young adults over the past decade (some of them written by me), so I thought it would make a nice change to write about a more hi-tech future where technology has answered many of our present-day problems. I’ve always wanted to have a go at an old-fashioned space opera set in a society that sprawls across dozens of different planets. But I found spaceships strangely hard to write about; flights of fancy always work best when they have a toehold in reality, and I had no store of real-world imagery to which spaceships could be anchored. While I was mulling over this problem, I was travelling all round the country doing book events, and since I don’t drive, I generally travelled by train. Watching the rails and stations go by, I started to realise that trains are far stranger and more romantic than any spaceship . . .So I scrapped my space story and rebuilt it in a new setting, the Network Empire, a future human civilisation which is built around a network of railway lines that criss-crosses the galaxy, passing from world to world through mysterious hyperspace portals called K-gates. And into this mostly peaceful, mostly prosperous empire I threw a young thief called Zen, and set about seeing what adventures he could stumble into." A Piece of Passion from Liz Cross, Head of Publishing, Children’s Books, OUP: ‘It’s always exciting to read a book which takes you into a whole new world, sending you on a journey alongside characters who become as real to you as your own friends. Railhead does that in the most extraordinary way – somehow creating a futuristic, high-tech world which utterly convinces us at the same time that it dazzles us with its originality. It’s an epic, unforgettable, hugely pleasurable read."
One of our Books of the Year 2015 -September 2015 Book of the Month Award winning author partners Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre head north for their latest adventure. Shen the cabin boy is abandoned by his shipmates when their ship is stranded in the ice. He’s completely alone, except for 64 little pugs, part of the ship’s cargo! He soon teams up with Shika, a girl desperately seeking dogs to pull her grandpa’s sled in the Race to the Top of the World, a once in a lifetime contest to win your heart’s desire. The eccentric competitors mean there’s something of the Wacky Races about all of this, but amongst the crazy – and very entertaining -scenes there are surprising notes of poignancy, as well as some lovely descriptions of the True Winter, fifty types of snow and all. ~ Andrea Reece A photo of authors Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre on their tour of the UK, holding interactive events with songs, costumes, ukulele playing and cartoon capers ... and lots of pugs to celebrate the launch of their new book!
One of our Books of the Year 2014 Best-selling Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre’s space adventure with a difference sees Astra, a young girl travelling to a new life in Nova Mundi, setting in motion a gigantic cake catastrophe. Astra is ‘definitely peckish’ at the start of her family’s 199 year space trip. With the help of the little Robot Pilbeam, Astra asks the Norm-O-Tron computer in the dining hall to create something ‘So delicious, it’s scary’. The result is an army of cake monsters and some very terrifying adventures! Some of our readers were lucky enough to review the first collaboration between Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, the brilliant Oliver and the Seawigs. Here's what 2 young reviewers thought..'I like this book because it is exciting and full of adventure. The illustrations are also very good...I give it 100 stars!' and 'A really funny book, full of amazing characters and brilliant pictures...I really hope Oliver has more adventures because I'd love to read them.' . Find more reviews here! And Glenn Cosby, Contestant from the 2013 Great British Bake-Off comments: “Cakes in Space is a right laugh, but I know that I will never see cakes again in the same way. Cakes in Space is an exciting and hilarious story that I read in one sitting and one I am sure mums and dads will enjoy as much as the kids.”
One of our Books of the Year 2014 Best-selling Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre’s space adventure with a difference sees Astra, a young girl travelling to a new life in Nova Mundi, setting in motion a gigantic cake catastrophe. Astra is ‘definitely peckish’ at the start of her family’s 199 year space trip. With the help of the little Robot Pilbeam, Astra asks the Norm-O-Tron computer in the dining hall to create something ‘So delicious, it’s scary’. The result is an army of cake monsters and some very terrifying adventures! ~ Julia Eccleshare Some of our readers were lucky enough to review the first collaboration between Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, the brilliant Oliver and the Seawigs. Here's what 2 young reviewers thought..'I like this book because it is exciting and full of adventure. The illustrations are also very good...I give it 100 stars!' and 'A really funny book, full of amazing characters and brilliant pictures...I really hope Oliver has more adventures because I'd love to read them.' . Find more reviews here! And Glenn Cosby, Contestant from the 2013 Great British Bake-Off comments: “Cakes in Space is a right laugh, but I know that I will never see cakes again in the same way. Cakes in Space is an exciting and hilarious story that I read in one sitting and one I am sure mums and dads will enjoy as much as the kids.”
One of our Books of the Year 2014 Best-selling Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre’s space adventure with a difference sees Astra, a young girl travelling to a new life in Nova Mundi, setting in motion a gigantic cake catastrophe. Astra is ‘definitely peckish’ at the start of her family’s 199 year space trip. With the help of the little Robot Pilbeam, Astra asks the Norm-O-Tron computer in the dining hall to create something ‘So delicious, it’s scary’. The result is an army of cake monsters and some very terrifying adventures! Some of our readers were lucky enough to review the first collaboration between Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, the brilliant Oliver and the Seawigs. Here's what 2 young reviewers thought..'I like this book because it is exciting and full of adventure. The illustrations are also very good...I give it 100 stars!' and 'A really funny book, full of amazing characters and brilliant pictures...I really hope Oliver has more adventures because I'd love to read them.' . Find more reviews here! And Glenn Cosby, Contestant from the 2013 Great British Bake-Off comments: “Cakes in Space is a right laugh, but I know that I will never see cakes again in the same way. Cakes in Space is an exciting and hilarious story that I read in one sitting and one I am sure mums and dads will enjoy as much as the kids.”
One of our Books of the Year 2014 Best-selling Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre’s space adventure with a difference sees Astra, a young girl travelling to a new life in Nova Mundi, setting in motion a gigantic cake catastrophe. Astra is ‘definitely peckish’ at the start of her family’s 199 year space trip. With the help of the little Robot Pilbeam, Astra asks the Norm-O-Tron computer in the dining hall to create something ‘So delicious, it’s scary’. The result is an army of cake monsters and some very terrifying adventures! ~ Julia Eccleshare Some of our readers were lucky enough to review the first collaboration between Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, the brilliant Oliver and the Seawigs. Here's what 2 young reviewers thought..'I like this book because it is exciting and full of adventure. The illustrations are also very good...I give it 100 stars!' and 'A really funny book, full of amazing characters and brilliant pictures...I really hope Oliver has more adventures because I'd love to read them.' . Find more reviews here! And Glenn Cosby, Contestant from the 2013 Great British Bake-Off comments: “Cakes in Space is a right laugh, but I know that I will never see cakes again in the same way. Cakes in Space is an exciting and hilarious story that I read in one sitting and one I am sure mums and dads will enjoy as much as the kids.”
Winner of the UKLA Award 2015 in the 7 - 11 years category. Award-winning Philip Reeve spins a hugely original yarn encompassing moving islands, a short sighted mermaid, a stuck-up boy by the name of Stacey de Lacey and his private army of cheeky, smelly green sea monkeys and a charming hero Oliver whose search for his parents brings him into contact with all of the above. Sarah McIntyre’s ebullient illustrations capture the quirky nature of this adventure perfectly. A Piece of Passion from Clare Whitston, Editor, Oxford University Press I love this book! Created by two inspirational voices in the Children’s book world, Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre (pictured right), it is simply a joy to read. Full of humour and eccentricity – ‘Oliver and the Seawigs’ is beautifully written – read it out loud to revel in the language which flows off the page. The illustrations are stunning too – you could happily get lost for hours in one Sarah’s pictures – of underwater worlds and amazing creatures. The book is a great adventure story about a boy called Oliver who is searching for his missing parents. An adventure story, with AWESOME seawigs. ‘But what’s a seawig?’ I hear you cry. Well, it’s a wig made up of things found in the sea. Rambling Isles collect old shipwrecks and the odd Narwhal to construct their wigs and then have a competition to judge whose is best – naturally. There’s also a slightly overweight, short-sighted mermaid with a terrible singing voice. Her name is Iris and she’s the best friend you could wish for. Then there’s a little island called Cliff with self-esteem issues. What he needs is a really good seawig to cheer him up but also friends like Iris and Oliver. Oh, and there’s also a grumpy Albatross called Mr. Culpeper (what good is an adventure without a grumpy old albatross along for the ride?) And that’s not even all. I still haven’t told you about the Sea Monkeys. They are my favourite characters in a children’s book, possibly ever. But not everyone finds them as easy to love as I do, illustrated by the following conversation that Jo (the designer on the book) and I have had on many occasions: Me: ‘EEP! I really, really want a Sea Monkey!’ Jo: ‘Are you insane? Sea Monkeys are pesky, greasy little critters. And you can’t have just one Sea Monkey anyway. You’ll have an army before you know it and then they’ll destroy you.’ Me: ‘Ooooh, an army of Sea Monkeys . . .’ Not only will this book be a favourite of mine for many years to come, it has also changed the way I look at flotsam and jetsam washed up on the beach (great seawig potential) and seaweed fronds, ripe for popping (my chance for a Sea Monkey army of my very own). Please let me know what you think about this book by contacting me on twitter (@CWhitston) or you can send your comments direct to our Children’s Books team (@oupchildrens). In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Oliver And The Seawigs a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'An absolutely brilliant adventure.The myriad of weird and wonderful creatures were really funny and the illustrations fitted them perfectly. I tore through this in one sitting. Fantastic!.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
June 2014 Book of the Month The award-winning Goblins are back for a third adventure and this time they venture forth from Clovenstone Castle. Having seen off the thieving dwarves the goblins are now on a bold quest to solve the mysteries that seem to surround them. As ever, Skarper and Henwyn are to the fore as they lead the goblins against the unknown enemy.
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book of the Year 2014 - Best Story September 2013 Book of the Month Award-winning Philip Reeve spins a hugely original yarn encompassing moving islands, a short sighted mermaid, a stuck-up boy by the name of Stacey de Lacey and his private army of cheeky, smelly green sea monkeys and a charming hero Oliver whose search for his parents brings him into contact with all of the above. Sarah McIntyre’s ebullient illustrations capture the quirky nature of this adventure perfectly. A Piece of Passion from Clare Whitston, Editor, Oxford University Press I love this book! Created by two inspirational voices in the Children’s book world, Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre (pictured right), it is simply a joy to read. Full of humour and eccentricity – ‘Oliver and the Seawigs’ is beautifully written – read it out loud to revel in the language which flows off the page. The illustrations are stunning too – you could happily get lost for hours in one Sarah’s pictures – of underwater worlds and amazing creatures. The book is a great adventure story about a boy called Oliver who is searching for his missing parents. An adventure story, with AWESOME seawigs. ‘But what’s a seawig?’ I hear you cry. Well, it’s a wig made up of things found in the sea. Rambling Isles collect old shipwrecks and the odd Narwhal to construct their wigs and then have a competition to judge whose is best – naturally. There’s also a slightly overweight, short-sighted mermaid with a terrible singing voice. Her name is Iris and she’s the best friend you could wish for. Then there’s a little island called Cliff with self-esteem issues. What he needs is a really good seawig to cheer him up but also friends like Iris and Oliver. Oh, and there’s also a grumpy Albatross called Mr. Culpeper (what good is an adventure without a grumpy old albatross along for the ride?) And that’s not even all. I still haven’t told you about the Sea Monkeys. They are my favourite characters in a children’s book, possibly ever. But not everyone finds them as easy to love as I do, illustrated by the following conversation that Jo (the designer on the book) and I have had on many occasions: Me: ‘EEP! I really, really want a Sea Monkey!’ Jo: ‘Are you insane? Sea Monkeys are pesky, greasy little critters. And you can’t have just one Sea Monkey anyway. You’ll have an army before you know it and then they’ll destroy you.’ Me: ‘Ooooh, an army of Sea Monkeys . . .’ Not only will this book be a favourite of mine for many years to come, it has also changed the way I look at flotsam and jetsam washed up on the beach (great seawig potential) and seaweed fronds, ripe for popping (my chance for a Sea Monkey army of my very own). Please let me know what you think about this book by contacting me on twitter (@CWhitston) or you can send your comments direct to our Children’s Books team (@oupchildrens). In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Oliver And The Seawigs a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'An absolutely brilliant adventure.The myriad of weird and wonderful creatures were really funny and the illustrations fitted them perfectly. I tore through this in one sitting. Fantastic!.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
A brilliant and equally witty follow-up to Goblins which won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Now the goblins are under direct attack by the dwarves who are desperate to steal all the treasure from the goblins’ stronghold, Clovenstone Castle. Led by Skarper and Henwyn, the goblins love a fight but they know that they are no match for their enemy. Luckily, they’ve got friends they can call on!
Fleeing from an Anti-Tractionist sect, the Green Storm, Tom and Hester are left drifting in the frozen Ice Wastes, slowly dying of cold after the Jenny Haniver's engines have failed. They are saved at the last minute, finding Anchorage, a once-beautiful ice city that has fallen on hard times. Crippled by plague, there are barely fifty souls on Anchorage now, and the teenage margravine has made a desperate choice. They are heading for America, the Dead Continent...
New Edition. Tom and Hester's adventure continues in the amazing world he created in Mortal Engines. They flee from the 'fire' of London into the 'frying pan' of the once beautiful ice city of Anchorage. If you love Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee.
Tom and Hester's adventure continues in the amazing world Reeve created in the Predator Cities quartet. They flee from the 'fire' of London into the 'frying pan' of the once beautiful ice city of Anchorage. The quartet is a stunning blend of past and future technologies where the world of the traction era and mobile cities fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic future. Truly action-packed and set in a richly inventive world with a cast of inventive characters. It is a creation on a vast and imaginary scale. Click here for FAQs, audio clips and loads more on Philip Reeve's website. A comment from the author's publisher and Editor, Marion Lloyd Philip Reeve's Predator Cities quartet defies easy categorisation, but its brilliantly inventive fantasy world immediately grabbed the attention of readers, reviewers and literary prize-givers as soon as the first book appeared. ..In the futuristic, post-apocalyptic setting, moving cities trawl the Earth. They attack and consume each other in wastelands where natural resources are scarce, and Ancient technology is fought for. Fast-paced, sometimes violent, always surprising and original, Reeve's epic sequence of love, war and adventure are richly rewarding for both adults and children. Charlie Higson, April 2012 Guest Editor on Lovereading4kids says: "Reeve is my favourite living children’s author. His book, Here Lies Arthur, is a really clever and exciting reworking of the King Arthur legends that looks at the power of story telling, and his Predator Cities quartet was one of the series I looked at when I was starting to write for kids. I wanted to take the temperature, get some tips and pointers – how complex could you make the stories? How much violence was permitted? Could you kill off swathes of favourite characters? The answer was you can do what you like if you write well and draw your readers in, two things that Reeve does masterfully. The concept of this series – that in the future the oceans will dry up and our cities will be placed on giant caterpillar tracks so that they can trundle around fighting each other, is irresistible. Even if you think you don’t like sci-fi, you’ll love these adventures. The second brilliant and breathtaking instalment in Philip Reeve's award-winning quartet. To read the Predator Cities series in order: 1) Mortal Engines 2) Predator's Gold 3) Infernal Devices 4) Darkling Plain Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. If you love Philip Reeve's Predator Cities sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee.
A stunning blend of past and future technologies, Mortal Engines sets the scene for a stunning quartet of action-packed novels set in a richly inventive world in which wheeled cities hunt each other across the dried up sea bed. Big cities gobble up smaller ones and London rules above them all. Tom Natsworthy, a third class apprentice in the Guild of Historians, has the adventure of his life after he sets out to try to find out what has happened to his parents. With a cast of inventive characters including Shrike, Anna Fang and Stalker, a deadly robot killer with a human brain, and cities whose imaginary and multi-layered architecture dazzles, this is a creation on a vast and imaginary scale. Chosen by our Guest Editor June 2020, Martin Brown; The first in the series about a bleak future where monstrous mobile cities roam the wasteland. This is ripping yarn and wild imagination at it’s best.
Charlie Higson, April 2012 Guest Editor: "Reeve is my favourite living children’s author. His book, Here Lies Arthur, is a really clever and exciting reworking of the King Arthur legends that looks at the power of story telling, and his Mortal Engines was one of the series I looked at when I was starting to write for kids. I wanted to take the temperature, get some tips and pointers – how complex could you make the stories? How much violence was permitted? Could you kill off swathes of favourite characters? The answer was you can do what you like if you write well and draw your readers in, two things that Reeve does masterfully. The concept of this series – that in the future the oceans will dry up and our cities will be placed on giant caterpillar tracks so that they can trundle around fighting each other, is irresistible. Even if you think you don’t like sci-fi, you’ll love these adventures. Julia Eccleshare's comment: New edition. A stunning blend of past and future technologies, Mortal Engines sets the scene for a stunning quartet of action-packed novels set in a richly inventive world in which wheeled cities hunt each other across the dried up sea bed. Big cities gobble up smaller ones and London rules above them all. Tom Natsworthy, a third class apprentice in the Guild of Historians, has the adventure of his life after he sets out to try to find out what has happened to his parents. With a cast of inventive characters including Shrike, Anna Fang and Stalker, a deadly robot killer with a human brain, and cities whose imaginary and multi-layered architecture dazzles, this is a creation on a vast and imaginary scale. To read the Mortal Engines Quartet in order: 1) Mortal Engines 2) Predator's Gold 3) Infernal Devices 4) Darkling Plain Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. If you love Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee.
The Predator Cities quartet is a stunning blend of past and future technologies where the world of the traction era and mobile cities fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic future. The publication of Mortal Engines, the first in the quartet launched Philip Reeve's brilliantly-imagined creation, sets the scene for a stunning quartet of action-packed novels set in a richly inventive world. Big cities gobble up smaller ones and London rules above them all. Tom Natsworthy, a third class apprentice in the Guild of Historians, has the adventure of his life after he sets out to try to find out what has happened to his parents. With a cast of inventive characters including Shrike, Anna Fang and Stalker, a deadly robot killer with a human brain, and cities whose imaginary and multi-layered architecture dazzles, this is a creation on a vast and imaginary scale.
Anchorage has become a static settlement on the shores of the Dead Continent. The Lost Boys are back, and they'll do anything to get what they want. Tom and Hester's daughter Wren is their dupe, and desperate for adventure. When the theft of the mysterious Tin Book of Anchorage goes wrong, Wren is snatched away in the limpet, who knows where.
New Edition. Time has moved on and Tom and Hester might have a daughter, Wren, but they are far from out of trouble as the 'Lost Boys' are back. This will be a classic series that will be read by children for many years to come. If you love Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee.
This is the third of what is already considered to be a classic in the Predator Cities quartet that will be read by children for many years to come. Time has moved on and Tom and Hester might have a daughter, Wren, but they are far from out of trouble as the 'Lost Boys' are back. The quartet is a stunning blend of past and future technologies where the world of the traction era and mobile cities fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic future. Truly action-packed and set in a richly inventive world with a cast of inventive characters. It is a creation on a vast and imaginary scale. Click here for FAQs, audio clips and loads more on Philip Reeve's website. A comment from the author's publisher and Editor, Marion Lloyd Philip Reeve's Predator Cities quartet defies easy categorisation, but its brilliantly inventive fantasy world immediately grabbed the attention of readers, reviewers and literary prize-givers as soon as the first book appeared. ..In the futuristic, post-apocalyptic setting, moving cities trawl the Earth. They attack and consume each other in wastelands where natural resources are scarce, and Ancient technology is fought for. Fast-paced, sometimes violent, always surprising and original, Reeve's epic sequence of love, war and adventure are richly rewarding for both adults and children. Charlie Higson, April 2012 Guest Editor on Lovereading4kids says: "Reeve is my favourite living children’s author. His book, Here Lies Arthur, is a really clever and exciting reworking of the King Arthur legends that looks at the power of story telling, and his Predator Cities quartet was one of the series I looked at when I was starting to write for kids. I wanted to take the temperature, get some tips and pointers – how complex could you make the stories? How much violence was permitted? Could you kill off swathes of favourite characters? The answer was you can do what you like if you write well and draw your readers in, two things that Reeve does masterfully. The concept of this series – that in the future the oceans will dry up and our cities will be placed on giant caterpillar tracks so that they can trundle around fighting each other, is irresistible. Even if you think you don’t like sci-fi, you’ll love these adventures. The third brilliant and breathtaking instalment in Philip Reeve's award-winning quartet. To read the Predator Cities series in order: 1) Mortal Engines 2) Predator's Gold 3) Infernal Devices 4) Darkling Plain Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. If you love Philip Reeve's Predator Cities sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee.
Winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2006. All the interweaving stories of the first three titles in the Predator Cities quartet are brought together in this breathtaking climax. The quartet is a stunning blend of past and future technologies where the world of the traction era and mobile cities fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic future. Truly action-packed and set in a richly inventive world with a cast of inventive characters. It is a creation on a vast and imaginary scale. Click here for FAQs, audio clips and loads more on Philip Reeve's website. A comment from the author's publisher and Editor, Marion Lloyd Philip Reeve's Predator Cities quartet defies easy categorisation, but its brilliantly inventive fantasy world immediately grabbed the attention of readers, reviewers and literary prize-givers as soon as the first book appeared. In the futuristic, post-apocalyptic setting, moving cities trawl the Earth. They attack and consume each other in wastelands where natural resources are scarce, and Ancient technology is fought for. Fast-paced, sometimes violent, always surprising and original, Reeve's epic sequence of love, war and adventure are richly rewarding for both adults and children. A reader review from Hugh: "It is a brilliant mix of action, suspense and emotion. I love how you can really understand the character's feelings. Hester isn't just Hester, but a sad woman who lives with a robot. She has a kind heart but pretends not to show it. I have now read the full series and I will be sad because there won't be another!" Charlie Higson, April 2012 Guest Editor on Lovereading4kids says: "Reeve is my favourite living children’s author. His book, Here Lies Arthur, is a really clever and exciting reworking of the King Arthur legends that looks at the power of story telling, and his Predator Cities quartet was one of the series I looked at when I was starting to write for kids. I wanted to take the temperature, get some tips and pointers – how complex could you make the stories? How much violence was permitted? Could you kill off swathes of favourite characters? The answer was you can do what you like if you write well and draw your readers in, two things that Reeve does masterfully. The concept of this series – that in the future the oceans will dry up and our cities will be placed on giant caterpillar tracks so that they can trundle around fighting each other, is irresistible. Even if you think you don’t like sci-fi, you’ll love these adventures. The fourth and final brilliant and breathtaking instalment in Philip Reeve's award-winning quartet. To read the Predator Cities series in order: 1) Mortal Engines 2) Predator's Gold 3) Infernal Devices 4) Darkling Plain Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. If you love Philip Reeve's Predator Cities sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee.
Shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2012. | Fans of Mortal Engines will devour Philip Reeves’s richly detailed goblin extravaganza. The dank and dark towers and stairways of Clovenstone Keep are packed full of dirty, smelly, squabbling goblins. As a breed, they all love fighting; none more so than King Knobbler, their ferocious leader who takes a secret delight in soft pink pants. But one day Skarper hatches out of an eggstone. Skarper is different and his differences are bound to lead him into trouble. Sent to the Bumwipe Heaps to keep him out of mischief, Skarper looks beyond the decaying residue and begins to makes sense of the ‘lettuce’ and the ‘worms’. Learning to read is a dangerous business and soon Scarper finds himself bratapulted off the battlements and falling headlong into an incredible adventure. It’s worth keeping track of the cloud maidens, trolls, softlings and the rest as they all hurtle through the headlong action as this glorious adventure is full of hidden jokes and meanings.
The next awe-inspiring adventure in the Mortal Engines series by a superb, award-winning writer at the height of his powers. A fabulous new adventure to add to his best-selling Mortal Engines fantasy sequence. Fever Crumb, heroine of previous adventures, comes back to London and finds much has changed. Casting off its old image, London has been rebuilt ready to fight the mammoth-riders who are set to attack. The battle will be bloody; to prevent the worst, Fever Crumb must move quickly on her mission to find an ancient technology hidden in the wastelands of the Scriven mutants.
This is the author’s first stand alone novel since the spectacular Here Lies Arthur, winner of the 2008 Carnegie Medal. Reeve’s brilliant imagination has conjured up a dragon story in the grand tradition of children’s fantasy fiction, but one that is spectacularly different – one that has a very contemporary perspective. Ansel serves Brock, the famous dragon slayer who makes his living by slaying creatures whose very existence he doubts. But is his doubt misguided? Ansel and Brock climb the perilous ice face to find out the truth once and for all. How myths become reality and the impact they have on people’s lives fuels this witty and original story from the master craftsman of Mortal Engines. It’s a classic novel for children from a monster talent.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2010.Reeves' post-apocalyptic world where mobile cities fight for survival has brought many a child into the world of reading for fun. Now Fever Crumb, the stand-alone prequel to the quartet and set many generations before the events of Mortal Engines comes alive for an expectant audience. A dazzling world where a terrifying new enemy is on the attack and buried in London's past is a secret that may save it from destruction. And the key to unlock it is an orphan called Fever Crumb. It's a secret so explosive that you struggle to breathe as you read this utterly compelling adventure thriller. To read the Mortal Engines Quartet in order: 1) Mortal Engines 2) Predator's Gold 3) Infernal Devices 4) Darkling Plain If you love Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee.
Philip Reeve’s epic Mortal Engines series has set the imagination of many a child completely wild since it first began. This is the 6th novel to be set in the awesome world of Mortal Engines and the sequel to Fever Crumb. Every one of his Mortal Engines titles stands out as a truly special read. With Web of Air you will be taken on an emotional journey as well as an enthralling one that’s full of surprises. Above all it will make you think about life as you know it and what could happen to it if it were ruined. If you love Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee. Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Favourite Story. Here is a list of all the shortlisted books: Best Book with Facts: Do Igloos Have Loos? - Mitchell Symons How the World Works - Christiane Dorion What You Need To Know Now: The World in Facts, Stats, and Graphics - Joe Fullman, Ian Graham, Sally Regan and Isabel Thomas Most Fun Story with Pictures: Alienography - Chris Riddell Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree - Andy Stanton Lunatics and Luck (The Raven Mysteries) - Marcus Sedgwick Favourite Stories: Dead Man's Cove (A Laura Marlin Mystery) - Lauren St John A Web of Air (Mortal Engines) - Philip Reeve Tall Story - Candy Gourlay
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Favourite Story* Philip Reeve’s epic Mortal Engines series has set the imagination of many a child completely wild since it first began. This is the 6th novel to be set in the awesome world of Mortal Engines and the sequel to Fever Crumb. Every one of his Mortal Engines titles stands out as a truly special read. With Web of Air you will be taken on an emotional journey as well as an enthralling one that’s full of surprises. Above all it will make you think about life as you know it and what could happen to it if it were ruined. If you love Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee. Here is a list of all the Blue Peter Book Award 2011 shortlisted books: Best Book with Facts: Do Igloos Have Loos? - Mitchell Symons How the World Works - Christiane Dorion What You Need To Know Now: The World in Facts, Stats, and Graphics - Joe Fullman, Ian Graham, Sally Regan and Isabel Thomas Most Fun Story with Pictures: Alienography - Chris Riddell Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree - Andy Stanton Lunatics and Luck (The Raven Mysteries) - Marcus Sedgwick Favourite Stories: Dead Man's Cove (A Laura Marlin Mystery) - Lauren St John A Web of Air (Mortal Engines) - Philip Reeve Tall Story - Candy Gourlay
With comic genius and storytelling brilliance the author has woven an ingenious and inventive space travel fantasy adventure, featuring a wild and wacky family that will enthral every reader and get both children and adults turning the pages faster than the speed of light. Mothstorm is the second in an utterly original series that began with Larklight and continued in Starcross. Philip Reeve is also the author of Mortal Engines among others.
This is one of the most eagerly anticipated novels of 2009 from the critically acclaimed and internationally bestselling author of the Mortal Engines Quartet. Reeves' post-apocalyptic world where mobile cities fight for survival has brought many a child into the world of reading for fun. Now Fever Crumb, the stand-alone prequel to the quartet and set many generations before the events of Mortal Engines comes alive for an expectant audience. A dazzling world where a terrifying new enemy is on the attack and buried in London's past is a secret that may save it from destruction. And the key to unlock it is an orphan called Fever Crumb. It's a secret so explosive that you struggle to breathe as you read this utterly compelling adventure thriller. To view other titles by Philip Reeve click here. A word from the author's publisher and Editor Marion Lloyd Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines series defies easy categorisation, but its brilliantly inventive fantasy world immediately grabbed the attention of readers, reviewers and literary prize-givers as soon as the first book appeared. There are now five inspiring adventure stories, in whose futuristic, post-apocalyptic setting, moving cities trawl the Earth. They attack and consume each other in wastelands where natural resources are scarce, and Ancient technology is fought for. Fast-paced, sometimes violent, always surprising and original, Reeve's epic sequence of love, war and adventure are richly rewarding for both adults and children. To read the Mortal Engines Quartet in order: 1) Mortal Engines 2) Predator's Gold 3) Infernal Devices 4) Darkling Plain If you love Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee.
Prize-winning author Philip Reeve gives a brilliant new take on the legend of King Arthur. Myrddin rides with Arthur spinning tales for and about him but what is the truth and can Gwyna discover it? Bridging the past and present Here Lies Arthur is the story of how heroes and the legends about them are made. Winner of the prestigious 2008 CILIP Carnegie Medal. On winning the CILIP Carnegie Medal he said “I didn’t believe it at first, but as I got over the shock and it began to sink in, I felt totally honoured. It is very special to win the CILIP Carnegie Medal. It has such a history and I admire so many past winners’ work it is quite humbling to be ranked alongside them.”‘Here Lies Arthur is an outstanding book, and deserving winner,’ said Tricia Adams, Chair of the 12 strong librarian judging panel. ‘Reeve’s is a consistent story-telling voice that brings us a subtle and credible retelling of the King Arthur myth. It is both a page turning adventure story and a clever historical novel. It also has clear political resonance for our times, demonstrating humanity’s need to sustain hope and optimism, and our tendency to favour myth over reality to achieve that end.’
New Edition. Winner of the prestigious 2008 Carnegie. Prize-winning author Philip Reeve gives a brilliant new take on the legend of King Arthur. Myrddin rides with Arthur spinning tales for and about him but what is the truth and can Gwyna discover it? Bridging the past and present Here Lies Arthur is the story of how heroes and the legends about them are made.
With comic genius and storytelling brilliance the author has woven an ingenious and inventive space travel fantasy adventure, featuring a wild and wacky family that will enthral every reader and get both children and adults turning the pages faster than the speed of light. Mothstorm is the second in an utterly original series that began with Larklight and continued in Starcross. Philip Reeve is also the author of Mortal Engines among others.
Definitely a series that is not of this world but the world that Philip Reeve has so cleverly created is one that children can’t fail to get hooked on. The first in the series Larklight, was received with rapturous applause and this one is every bit as good. Brave characters full of cunning must save not only their own lives but the very life of their universe. Great stuff. Philip Reeve is one of the most acclaimed and original children’s authors writing today. The third, in this series, Mothstorm, is out in paperback in July.
Definitely a series that is not of this world but the world that Philip Reeve has so cleverly created is one that children can’t fail to get hooked on. The first in the series Larklight, was received with rapturous applause and this one is every bit as good. Brave characters full of cunning must save not only their own lives but the very life of their universe. Great stuff.
A glorious romp of a story, Larklight is a Victorian space adventure combining some entertaining period jokes with a fantastical trip into unknown worlds. Funny and inventive as Arthur and his sister Myrtle set off on their adventure, this is a delight to read. If you liked this try the next book in the series Starcross.
Winner of the 9-11 Nestle Bronze Award 2007. Shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2007.Prize-winning author Philip Reeve gives a brilliant new take on the legend of King Arthur. Myrddin rides with Arthur spinning tales for and about him but what is the truth and can Gwyna discover it? Bridging the past and present Here Lies Arthur is the story of how heroes and the legends about them are made.
Buster is every boy’s favourite character for he’s a boy after most boy’s hearts - he’s out to save the world. Hilarious and action-packed kids will love it and it’s written by one of our best known writers and author of Mortal Engines Philip Reeve.
Winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2006. By Hugh (10) - It is a brilliant mix of action, suspense and emotion. I love how you can really understand the character's feelings. Hester isn't just Hester, but a sad woman who lives with a robot. She has a kind heart but pretends not to show it. I have now read the full series and I will be sad because there won't be another! To read the full series in order then start with Mortal Engines, then Predator's Gold, Infernal Devices and end with A Darkling Plain
New Edition. All the stories are brought together in a breathtaking climax. Winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2006. By Hugh - It is a brilliant mix of action, suspense and emotion. I love how you can really understand the character's feelings. Hester isn't just Hester, but a sad woman who lives with a robot. She has a kind heart but pretends not to show it. I have now read the full series and I will be sad because there won't be another! To read the full series in order then start with Mortal Engines, then Predator's Gold, Infernal Devices and end with A Darkling Plain. If you love Philip Reeve's Mortal Engines sequence you should also read Haywired by Alex Keller. Also, click here to read Alex Keller's interview with Philip Reeve in The Solitary Bee.
A glorious romp of a story, Larklight is a Victorian space adventure combining some entertaining period jokes with a fantastical trip into unknown worlds. Funny and inventive as Arthur and his sister Myrtle set off on their adventure, this is a delight to read. If you liked this try the next book in the series Starcross.
Winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2006. By Hugh (10) - It is a brilliant mix of action, suspense and emotion. I love how you can really understand the character's feelings. Hester isn't just Hester, but a sad woman who lives with a robot. She has a kind heart but pretends not to show it. I have now read the full series and I will be sad because there won't be another! To read the full series in order then start with Mortal Engines, then Predator's Gold, Infernal Devices and end with A Darkling Plain
Max and his best friend Kevin, the only roly-poly flying pony in Bumbleford, decide to enter the Magical Pony Club Steeplechase. Kevin is not particularly keen, as the other participants are all unicorns, and everybody knows that unicorns are quite snobby. But biscuits are promised, and Kevin wants to make Max proud. As the competition heats up, our inseparable duo uncovers a conspiracy to steal the precious Periwinkle Cup. Max and Kevin will have to intervene to stop the thieves and retrieve the stolen trophy.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month September 2021 | September 2021 Book of the Month | Award-winning author Philip Reeve is gifted at creating alternative worlds which feel both comfortingly familiar and thrillingly new and original. The watery landscape of the Autumn Isles does just that providing the backdrop for a gutsy and gusty story of powerful old magic, new-fangled science and the perennial battle for the critical balance of power between land and the sea. It is the setting for a roller coaster of a story with the survival of orphaned Utterly Dark, one of the most charming and feisty young heroines, at its heart. Washed up on the shore of the Autumn Isles, Utterly is rescued and adopted by Andrew Dark, the Watcher of Wildsea, whose job it is to keep the islands safe from the many dangers forces that threaten the land, in particular, the terrifying Gorm, a fearful sea dwelling creature who threatens the life of the Islanders. When her guardian drowns in curious circumstances, Utterly must maintain the watch until a new Watcher arrives. But the new Watcher is sceptical of the old magic until his rash actions reveal the full power of the Gorm with almost fatal results. Can Utterly set the watery world of her home to rights?
Welcome to another brilliantly quirky adventure story from creative powerhouse Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre. Bumbleford has been hit by a series of biscuit thefts. All the clues lead straight to the only roly-poly flying pony in town, and Max's best friend, KEVIN! Max and Kevin are forced to go on the run. Will they find the real culprit before Kevin ends up in pony prison?
Welcome to another brilliantly quirky adventure story from creative powerhouse Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre. Bumbleford has been hit by a series of biscuit thefts. All the clues lead straight to the only roly-poly flying pony in town, and Max's best friend, KEVIN! Max and Kevin are forced to go on the run. Will they find the real culprit before Kevin ends up in pony prison?
When famous pop star Misty Twiglet moves to Bumbleford she wants to meet roly-poly flying pony, Kevin - it's so exciting - she promised him biscuits! But when Kevin is captured in Misty's back garden, things become serious and there isn't a biscuit in sight. Kevin's best friend Max and his sister Daisy must come to the rescue, and there's no way they're giving up on him without a fight.
Kevin is a roly-poly flying pony. He has everything he needs - a constant supply of biscuits and his best friend, Max. Misty Twiglet is a famous pop star. She has everything she needs except for a perfectly quirky, one-of-a-kind pet. The roly-poly flying pony kind . . . When Kevin is kidnapped, Max and his sister daisy come to Kevin's rescue, and there's no way they're giving up on him without a fight.
Gwyna is just a small girl, a mouse, when she is bound in service to Myrddin the bard - a traveller and spinner of tales. But Myrddin transfroms her - into a lady goddess, a boy warrior, and a spy. Without Gwyna, Myrddin will not be able to work the most glorious transformation of all - and turn the leader of a raggle-taggle war-band into King Arthur, the greatest hero of all time.
A dragon story with a brilliant twist from multi award-winning writer, PHILIP REEVE. Ansel's new master slays dragons for a living. He says he's hunted the monstrous worms all over Christendom and has the scars to prove it. But is Brock just a clever trickster in shining armour? Ansel is sure there are no such things as dragons. So what is the man-eating creature that makes its lair in the crags of Dragon Mountain? Ansel and Brock must climb the ice face to discover the terrifying truth.
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