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kairosdreaming's review
2.0
Ok, so there's a lot of Young Adult Dystopian themed books out there. But I heard this one was pretty good, so I decided to give it a try. I was not so impressed and there's a few things I wish I would have known before reading the book that I know now.
Fever Crumb is the first book in a trilogy. But it's not actually the first book set in this future world. Apparently, there's a whole other series that people recommend you read first in order to understand Fever Crumb's world. But nowhere on the cover or description does it say that, so if you're like me, and start here, you probably won't care much for the series either.
Fever Crumb is a young girl who's been raised by Engineers. This means that she was taught absolute logic and no emotions and to help them with their scientific endeavors. So when she is chosen to go outside their house to help another Engineer do archaeological studies, she is apprehensive, even though that isn't logical. But everything outside is irrational, and because of her unique looks, the local population believes she is a dreaded Scriven (evolved human that was decimated by regular humans), and they would like nothing better than to eliminate her. Add to that memories surfacing that make no sense, Fever is not sure how to adjust in her new world.
Fever is hard to like. Because of all the cold logic she applies she doesn't exactly give you the warm fuzzies or even make you want to care about her. That's ok, she's supposed to be that way, but it makes for an odd protagonist. The man who raised her is also quite cold but I did like the Engineer that took her in to help with research. He may have had selfish motives but he was kind to her. And the Scriven, well we never really know their motives so I don't think they were developed all that well. Sure we understand what they did, just not the why of it.
This book is hurried, with random description and facts thrown in. It was hard to keep track of things. Different technology was thrown in and the author acted like you already understood it and proceed to plow ahead with his story. This might be ok if you had read his other series (and why at the beginning of this review I mentioned that little tidbit) but for anyone just entering in, it does not endear us to Fever's world. Additionally, things happen to fast to be believable and I think the entire book happens over the course of only a few days. As Fever would put it, it just isn't logical. And the whole history of Fever's parents, well that was kind of unbelievable too. The only thing I did like about the writing was the references to popular culture now. Sure it was a little cutsie, but it was amusing.
I can't say I have any desire to continue reading this series or the original one that inspired it. Which is unusual for me, usually I like to finish what I start. But I just couldn't get into this book at all and was relieved when it was over.
Fever Crumb
Copyright 2009
325 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
Fever Crumb is the first book in a trilogy. But it's not actually the first book set in this future world. Apparently, there's a whole other series that people recommend you read first in order to understand Fever Crumb's world. But nowhere on the cover or description does it say that, so if you're like me, and start here, you probably won't care much for the series either.
Fever Crumb is a young girl who's been raised by Engineers. This means that she was taught absolute logic and no emotions and to help them with their scientific endeavors. So when she is chosen to go outside their house to help another Engineer do archaeological studies, she is apprehensive, even though that isn't logical. But everything outside is irrational, and because of her unique looks, the local population believes she is a dreaded Scriven (evolved human that was decimated by regular humans), and they would like nothing better than to eliminate her. Add to that memories surfacing that make no sense, Fever is not sure how to adjust in her new world.
Fever is hard to like. Because of all the cold logic she applies she doesn't exactly give you the warm fuzzies or even make you want to care about her. That's ok, she's supposed to be that way, but it makes for an odd protagonist. The man who raised her is also quite cold but I did like the Engineer that took her in to help with research. He may have had selfish motives but he was kind to her. And the Scriven, well we never really know their motives so I don't think they were developed all that well. Sure we understand what they did, just not the why of it.
This book is hurried, with random description and facts thrown in. It was hard to keep track of things. Different technology was thrown in and the author acted like you already understood it and proceed to plow ahead with his story. This might be ok if you had read his other series (and why at the beginning of this review I mentioned that little tidbit) but for anyone just entering in, it does not endear us to Fever's world. Additionally, things happen to fast to be believable and I think the entire book happens over the course of only a few days. As Fever would put it, it just isn't logical. And the whole history of Fever's parents, well that was kind of unbelievable too. The only thing I did like about the writing was the references to popular culture now. Sure it was a little cutsie, but it was amusing.
I can't say I have any desire to continue reading this series or the original one that inspired it. Which is unusual for me, usually I like to finish what I start. But I just couldn't get into this book at all and was relieved when it was over.
Fever Crumb
Copyright 2009
325 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
lindacbugg's review
4.0
This was great with lots of cleverness. Loved that the names of the pubs(Mott and Hoople and Scary monster and supercreep) were 70's rock references and all the place references also. Don't know that american teen readers are going to get this but still loved it. Highly recommend this! Will be looking for more titles by Phillip Reeve for sure!!
theteamsreader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
shauniesbookshelves's review against another edition
4.0
Being trained as an Engineer myself, I LOVE the idea of all the mechanics! And it’s so amazing to understand how things came about in the Mortal Engines series!
wildflowerz76's review
2.0
I could NOT get into this book. I just didn't care about the Vulcan/Borg personality Fever Crumb. The slang was odd and not explained. Sure "blog" being a curse is funny, but why is it that way? A few more pages and I found myself not really caring. This book is so not for me.
kmc3050's review
5.0
5. Adventurous and lots of fun. I read Mortal Engines years ago and was surprised I could connect some of the dots!
Philip Reeve is an excellent narrator. I wish he did the whole series.
Philip Reeve is an excellent narrator. I wish he did the whole series.
buj's review
4.0
I did not know how attached I was to this world and Philip Reeve's insane imagination until I revisited it with this book. I don't think I've met another writer who holds my interest the way Reeve does.
The technology of Fever Crumb's world is as odd and fascinating as that from Reeve's earlier Hungry City Chronicles, and the characterization of the people in this world is colorful and purposeful in a way that not only develops the setting and time but furthers the plot in a riveting way. And as always, I appreciate Reeve's ability to point out problematic societal norms like the misogynistic concept that women are too emotional for occupations in fields like the sciences.
The technology of Fever Crumb's world is as odd and fascinating as that from Reeve's earlier Hungry City Chronicles, and the characterization of the people in this world is colorful and purposeful in a way that not only develops the setting and time but furthers the plot in a riveting way. And as always, I appreciate Reeve's ability to point out problematic societal norms like the misogynistic concept that women are too emotional for occupations in fields like the sciences.
ashen_burn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I listened to the audiobook, and it took me a long time and it was a difficult journey to complete. I don't think this is the sort of book that should be experienced via audiobook.
The world building is very heavy, the pace is very slow and there's not much momentum from start to finish.
I like the steampunk/dystopian setting. The concept is interesting as well. But it was definitely something you need to focus on and give your full attention to at all times or you will be completely lost.
I also think some of the comedic parts were lost on hearing it and not seeing the words, because you don't get the double meaning/pun.
I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more as a traditional read, but I just felt it was hard to keep my attention and there wasn't enough to going on to keep me invested.
The world building is very heavy, the pace is very slow and there's not much momentum from start to finish.
I like the steampunk/dystopian setting. The concept is interesting as well. But it was definitely something you need to focus on and give your full attention to at all times or you will be completely lost.
I also think some of the comedic parts were lost on hearing it and not seeing the words, because you don't get the double meaning/pun.
I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more as a traditional read, but I just felt it was hard to keep my attention and there wasn't enough to going on to keep me invested.
stenaros's review
3.0
Read for Mock Printz.
Set in a steampunk-inspired future London this follows the journey of Fever Crumb, an orphan found and raised by the order of Engineers. They have raised her in their rational ways, so she is not your ordinary fourteen year old.
The writing was great in that I could see future London quite clearly and follow along as Fever makes her way from the orderly world of the Engineers into the household of an "archeologist." Her rational responses to the children in the household were amusing and I was quite delighted to see that in this future the word "blog" has emerged as a swear word.
Overall, a well done "finding ones identity" sort of novel with a lot of fun details thrown in.
ps. Fever Crumb, as pictured on the cover looks remarkably like Natalie Portman.
Set in a steampunk-inspired future London this follows the journey of Fever Crumb, an orphan found and raised by the order of Engineers. They have raised her in their rational ways, so she is not your ordinary fourteen year old.
The writing was great in that I could see future London quite clearly and follow along as Fever makes her way from the orderly world of the Engineers into the household of an "archeologist." Her rational responses to the children in the household were amusing and I was quite delighted to see that in this future the word "blog" has emerged as a swear word.
Overall, a well done "finding ones identity" sort of novel with a lot of fun details thrown in.
ps. Fever Crumb, as pictured on the cover looks remarkably like Natalie Portman.