What do you think?
Rate this book
Mortal Engines Quartet
Illustrated World Of Mortal Engines
MORTAL ENGINES launched Philip Reeve's brilliantly-imagined creation, the world of the Traction Era, where mobile cities fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic future. Now, in time for the film debut, the critically acclaimed MORTAL ENGINES quartet is brought to life in a comprehensive, full-colour illustrated guide to the world Philip Reeve has created across 15 years and 8 books.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2018
30 people are currently reading
703 people want to read
About the author
Philip Reeve
171 books2,721 followersPhilip Reeve was born and raised in Brighton, where he worked in a bookshop for a number of years while also co-writing, producing and directing a number of no-budget theatre projects.
Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.
Railhead, published by Oxford University Press, will be published in the UK in October 2015
Pugs of the Frozen North, written with Sarah McIntyre, is out now.
Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.
Railhead, published by Oxford University Press, will be published in the UK in October 2015
Pugs of the Frozen North, written with Sarah McIntyre, is out now.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 8, 2018
Now this book too my by surprise.
You see such books like these can all too easily fall in to predictable (and disappointing) formats.
For example the re-hashed artwork - where you have a few excellent images (taken from covers) while the rest are hastily done by a sketch artist clearly working to a time deadline.
Then you have the poor content - either quoting snippets from the books or explanations from someone who read the first chapter and now clearly knows everything
And finally the guide book - which reads either as a York Notes to the novels or clearly has gone the opposite way and does not even want to give away the time of day incase someone feels that its spoiled the surprise of the books.
DO NOT FEAR - this is not the case in this book. Not at all, here you have a wonderful illustrated book which clearly follows the style of the covers but is much more. Also you have someone who either has a lot of research or loves the series as the entries are fascinating - both when you have not got a clue what is happening in the books and equally when you know exactly what they referring to.
This book is a wealth of information that takes no short cuts of cheap tricks to fill its pages.
This is a true guide and to be honest makes you hope there are further stories soon to be told. A wonderful book that even feels quality with this heavy gauge paper pages and is solid build. Some put a lot of time and effort in to this book and shows.
You see such books like these can all too easily fall in to predictable (and disappointing) formats.
For example the re-hashed artwork - where you have a few excellent images (taken from covers) while the rest are hastily done by a sketch artist clearly working to a time deadline.
Then you have the poor content - either quoting snippets from the books or explanations from someone who read the first chapter and now clearly knows everything
And finally the guide book - which reads either as a York Notes to the novels or clearly has gone the opposite way and does not even want to give away the time of day incase someone feels that its spoiled the surprise of the books.
DO NOT FEAR - this is not the case in this book. Not at all, here you have a wonderful illustrated book which clearly follows the style of the covers but is much more. Also you have someone who either has a lot of research or loves the series as the entries are fascinating - both when you have not got a clue what is happening in the books and equally when you know exactly what they referring to.
This book is a wealth of information that takes no short cuts of cheap tricks to fill its pages.
This is a true guide and to be honest makes you hope there are further stories soon to be told. A wonderful book that even feels quality with this heavy gauge paper pages and is solid build. Some put a lot of time and effort in to this book and shows.
November 18, 2018
This has to be one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Every page is a delight. It combines the authors' excellent 'historical' account of the rise of tractionism with gorgeous illustrations, diagrams and maps from a range of illustrators.
I have loved the Mortal Engines (and Fever crumb) books ever since I read them many years ago, and reading this book brought back so many wondeful memories. The many inside jokes made me smile and even laugh out loud sometimes. I also teared up on a few occasions when reading about favourite characters or places.
As I read, I was reminded of the immense amount of work and creativity that has gone in to the world-building for these books. The history of tractionism is well planned out and thoughtfully created and this would be a great achievement on its own. However, it is made even more impressive by the way the authors have managed to link our world and the times we live in now to this far off future.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Mortal Engines series. I think it is best to read all of the Mortal Engines and Fever Crumb books first so that you get the most from all the little details and so you aren't spoiled for anything. It is a fabulous collector's piece that I shall treasure forever.
I have loved the Mortal Engines (and Fever crumb) books ever since I read them many years ago, and reading this book brought back so many wondeful memories. The many inside jokes made me smile and even laugh out loud sometimes. I also teared up on a few occasions when reading about favourite characters or places.
As I read, I was reminded of the immense amount of work and creativity that has gone in to the world-building for these books. The history of tractionism is well planned out and thoughtfully created and this would be a great achievement on its own. However, it is made even more impressive by the way the authors have managed to link our world and the times we live in now to this far off future.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Mortal Engines series. I think it is best to read all of the Mortal Engines and Fever Crumb books first so that you get the most from all the little details and so you aren't spoiled for anything. It is a fabulous collector's piece that I shall treasure forever.
November 9, 2018
Has a wealth of new information and excellent illustrations.
April 21, 2020
Чи можна було скласти кращий путівник по всесвіту Філіпа Ріва? Не думаю. Не буду казати, що це витвір мистецтва, але деякі ілюстрації просто дивовижні. Та почну спочатку. Філіп Рів написав «Смертні машини» і ще 7 книг та кілька оповідань про міста на колесах у постапокаліптичному світі. Екранізація першого роману погубила себе своєю голівудськістю, але незадовго до неї вийшов ілюстрований путівник по всесвіту «Смертних машин». Очевидно, що його створили не для того, щоб просто зрубити бабла, тому що він не має ознак байдужого ставлення до себе з боку авторів та ілюстраторів. Загалом тут майже 200 сторінок. Тут немає уривків із романів або скороченого змісту. Більша частина написаного лише доповнює те, що є в книгах. Також чимало розказано на теми, які в книгах ледь зачепили. Мета путівника – якомога ширше висвітлити той світ, в якому жили Том Нетсворті та Естер Шоу. Міста, звичаї, персоналії, трохи історії. Але окраса видання – це безумовно ілюстрації. Тут є мапи, портрети, схематичний вигляд десятків міст. І, звісно, епічні види на міста на всю сторінку або на цілу розгортку. Отже, це чудове доповнення до книг.
February 29, 2024
Much wow, such epic
December 3, 2018
OF COURSE I bought this day one.
OF COURSE it is excellent.
The original traction codex this was born from was small and nearly impossible to find. This is a gorgeous, full color, lovely, wonderful book full of GREAT PUNS and FUN IDEAS and COOL CONCEPTS. And it is very good.
If you like mortal engines you gotta get this book. Or even if you just like the idea of mortal engines and want to read great worldbuilding based on the idea and look at art.
When I first got this book, I was surprised- it is full of art! Pretty much every page has drawings, in various styles, all top notch, colorful, and imaginative. Heck yes.
OF COURSE it is excellent.
The original traction codex this was born from was small and nearly impossible to find. This is a gorgeous, full color, lovely, wonderful book full of GREAT PUNS and FUN IDEAS and COOL CONCEPTS. And it is very good.
If you like mortal engines you gotta get this book. Or even if you just like the idea of mortal engines and want to read great worldbuilding based on the idea and look at art.
When I first got this book, I was surprised- it is full of art! Pretty much every page has drawings, in various styles, all top notch, colorful, and imaginative. Heck yes.
December 25, 2018
I love the Mortal Engines series - it's an absolute triumph of world-building, and tells a bunch of thrilling and interesting stories over many years. So this book was a delight. Little snippets of description, rounding out the world, expanding on the cities of Municipal Darwinism and extending the world into areas we never got to see.
The artwork is phenomenal. I'm a sucker for cutaway-style architectual drawings, from a childhood (mis?)spent with Usborne books, so the little pseudo-technical drawings of cities of various types were a delight.
The artwork is phenomenal. I'm a sucker for cutaway-style architectual drawings, from a childhood (mis?)spent with Usborne books, so the little pseudo-technical drawings of cities of various types were a delight.
June 21, 2022
Whist I’ve only read the first mortal engines, I had to buy this book. The art styles are beautiful and the works building is extraordinary. A great read if you’re like and are looking for work with design.
May 4, 2020
This is a fabulous book describing the history and the wider world of the Mortal Engines Quartet. Packed with beautiful illustrations and filled to the brim about the lore of the books, this is a must-read even if you have never even read Mortal Engines or Fever Crumb. This book takes you with illustrations to the icy, windy wastes of the far north, to the colossal moving ziggurat cities of Neuvo-Maya as they chomp through what remains of the Amazon(South America) , then to the traction cities of the Great Hunting Ground or Europa (Europe) facing the static strongholds nestled in Asia before finally taking you through the desert cities of Africa as they finish the last of the static settlements through to the unique predator towns of Australia. All in all, an amazing book and a wondrous read.
September 6, 2020
Really great book if you want more detail about the world of Mortal Engines. Not only is it a nice art book, but theres also tons of fun new content to read.
This book is written from the perspective of an unknown writer sometime after the first book and before the second book. A lot of the setting from the 3 following books is included, but nothing about the the events. Which is fine.
The only disappointing part is the abundant information about so many more places in this setting and knowing we won’t be able to explore them in future stories (because they’re done), however this is a great companion book for those who wish to develop their own stories thought fanfic, or for me as an RPG.
This is basically the 9th book in the series so if you’ve read the others you should certainly read this one too!
This book is written from the perspective of an unknown writer sometime after the first book and before the second book. A lot of the setting from the 3 following books is included, but nothing about the the events. Which is fine.
The only disappointing part is the abundant information about so many more places in this setting and knowing we won’t be able to explore them in future stories (because they’re done), however this is a great companion book for those who wish to develop their own stories thought fanfic, or for me as an RPG.
This is basically the 9th book in the series so if you’ve read the others you should certainly read this one too!
November 26, 2021
It's brilliant! I got it expecting pretty pictures, but there's plenty story and new information. I like how it's set in universe, although I'm not entirely sure about the time period, I'd guess either a London historian who was travelling on Medusa day, writing between books 2 and 3, or that it's not meant to be read as an in universe book.
The art is beautiful and while I don't think it would stand alone or be interesting to someone who hasn't read the series, it compliments it perfectly and is a brilliant addition.
Really hope a sequel, maybe written significantly post book 4, comes along.
The art is beautiful and while I don't think it would stand alone or be interesting to someone who hasn't read the series, it compliments it perfectly and is a brilliant addition.
Really hope a sequel, maybe written significantly post book 4, comes along.
December 27, 2018
Having loved the world created in the mortal Engines quartet I just had to have this book and I am so glad I picked it up. The narration has the same wit that is present in the books and you can see that Reeve knew exactly what he envisioned the world as being. Add in the beautiful illustrations and it’s a sure fire win - I recommend it to anyone who loved the books and would like to know more.
July 16, 2020
A fantastic quality book, with an in-depth description of the Mortal Engine’s world. Each detailed section is backed up nicely by beautiful illustrations too.
This is a great read for anyone interested in building their own fantasy worlds or just anyone interested in the Mortal Engines universe, be it the original book or the movie.
This is a great read for anyone interested in building their own fantasy worlds or just anyone interested in the Mortal Engines universe, be it the original book or the movie.
February 28, 2019
Lovely artwork. Interesting background to the quartet of books. I don't think you would have to have read the books to enjoy this but it helped. Not really useful to read in a sitting or even sequentially. Nice for dipping in and out of. Keep it on that coffee table.
January 25, 2020
Amazing! I definitely would recommend this book to you. It is amazing and I would definitely give it a 10\10 rating!😊
Amazing. It perfectly illustrated the Traction Era and is the backbone of the series.😊 It's amazing. AMAZING. Ian Mcque did a great job.👍
Amazing. It perfectly illustrated the Traction Era and is the backbone of the series.😊 It's amazing. AMAZING. Ian Mcque did a great job.👍
October 31, 2018
Beautiful illustrations
April 7, 2019
An enjoyable visual guide to the world of Mortal Engines.
July 18, 2019
A great companion to the mortal engines series beautifully illustrated and packed with great information definitely glad i got this
January 23, 2021
Obligatory read
Nice pictures
Nice pictures
March 11, 2024
THIS IS HOW YOU DO AN ART/WORLD-BUILDING BOOK, HOT DAMN!
October 23, 2024
One of my most prized possessions
February 13, 2025
Truly and utterly entertained with the many insights and connections to the Mortal Engines series.
December 21, 2025
Beautiful illustrations. Great back stories/history. I've enjoyed reading this and viewing the Mortal Engines world from other people's perspectives.
June 8, 2019
Nota: 6.5
Es como el libro traction codex pero con ilustraciones y un orden más coherente que no le da tanto aspecto de glosario, tiene alguna información adicional pero en general es lo mismo que el codice, una versión mejorada.
The traction codex - Nota: 6
Primero explica un poco el contexto de los libros, seguido de una timeline con los eventos más importantes de la historia y por último tiene un glosario de los personajes, ciudades, eventos, naves más importantes de la historia.
Está interesante para ampliar información, además da algunos detalles de los libros de la precuela.
Es como el libro traction codex pero con ilustraciones y un orden más coherente que no le da tanto aspecto de glosario, tiene alguna información adicional pero en general es lo mismo que el codice, una versión mejorada.
The traction codex - Nota: 6
Primero explica un poco el contexto de los libros, seguido de una timeline con los eventos más importantes de la historia y por último tiene un glosario de los personajes, ciudades, eventos, naves más importantes de la historia.
Está interesante para ampliar información, además da algunos detalles de los libros de la precuela.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2022
Րիվի ստեղծած աշխարհի շքեղությունն ա ցույց տալիս, իլլյուստրացիաները՝ ընտիր, գրքերի հետ զուգահեռ թերթում ու ա՜հհհ․․․
June 14, 2024
The worldbuilding in the series is super cool.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews