Reviews

Infernal Devices by Philip Reeve

Only show reviews with written explanations

vortimer's review against another edition

2.0

Dark for a young adult novel. I've always struggled with novels where I don't like the protagonist, and most of the main characters are thoroughly unlikeable.

marsusdm's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

evie5120's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

dembury's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I really wish this had been better. "Mortal Engines" is one of my favorite sci-fi books, and even the sequel was pretty dang good! But this one just...lacks. In a lot of places.
Reeve's writing itself is still super readable and interesting, a lovely blend of storytelling-like narration and vivid descriptions. I love the cities and towns he creates! The world of Mortal Engines is easy to get lost in, and he has managed to keep things feeling fresh throughout three books.
I also really enjoyed the time jump and getting to know Wren. I was a bit hesitant when I saw that this book was 17 years after the events of "Predator's Gold" but Reeve transitioned to this story almost seamlessly. Wren, while a tad underdeveloped, is an interesting character and I liked the generational leap.

Unfortunately, the plot itself wasn't very good. It felt a bit rehashed, like the first book with a bunch of bits and pieces rearranged and a new setting. I also have to admit that I'm 100% DONE with Pennyroyal's reoccurring appearance. He's predictable. He's blustering. He was fine originally, but I wish we could have gotten much less of him. I don't usually mind reoccurring characters, like Shrike, but because Pennyroyal is so predictable it makes the book that way, too.

One of the biggest problems with this book is Hester's characterization. The whole book she is angry, violent, childish, and lacked any sort of development. She seems almost jealous of Wren, and says several times that she wishes Wren would have never been born or that she is glad Wren got kidnapped. I would have thought that all those years in Anchorage would have given Tom and Hester time to get to know each other even more and communicate with each other, but apparently Hester hated it there the whole time and just never said anything to Tom even after all they've been through together. :/ Everything with Hester was just disappointing in this novel.

All in all, "Infernal Devices" was fine. I liked bits of it, disliked other bits. I'm still going to read the final book because I really am invested in the series, but I'm realllllyyy hoping the last book has more of the dynamic, action-packed wonders and fun of the first couple books, with way less murderous Hester.

benjclyde's review

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

maddy707's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

EDIT: FUCK IT 4 STARS. I LIKE WHAT HAPPENED.

I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FEEL. I'M SO CONFLICTED BETWEEN 3 AND 4 STARS. 3.5 FOR NOW

Props to Phillip Reeves for going there with Hestor.