Reviews

Infernal Devices by Philip Reeve

stephaniekrmr's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

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

2.5

This book is a chaotic mess and not even the author seems to like his characters. 

rotkehlchen's review against another edition

adventurous tense fast-paced

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

3.5

breakfastgrey's review against another edition

4.0

Reading through some of the reviews of this book, I can understand why some of its critics are upset. That does not mean, however, that I agree with their complaints. Personally, one of the biggest draws of this series for me is that it takes narrative risks. Nothing is safe. Nothing is sacred. And the only purely good or purely evil character in the series is Tom. Everyone else lives their lives in shades of grey, managing the emotional damage the best that they can. It doesn't go out of its way to try and be dark or edgy because that's just as dull and predictable as happily ever after, but actions and lives have consequences, many of which are very sad. Watching a character's better self trapped under the emotional wreckage of their experiences is as tragic as it is beautiful. That, to me, is what makes these books sing. My only complaint overall is that the beginning is a little slow due to the new narrator who suffers from a level of "beginning of the story" stupidity not typically seen this deep in a series.

amybraunauthor's review against another edition

5.0

I love series which have a passage of time but still keep to the initial character arcs and stories, and this is a prime example! Set nearly twenty years after Hester's actions as a young woman. This story starts of with Tom and Hester's daughter Wren wanting to expand her adventures, and finding herself in way over her head, which forces Tom and Hester back into action.

This dystopia continues to expand and added some truly dark tones to the series. While I loved it, there were definitely some moments that left me a little uncomfortable. New and old characters returned, and I both dread and enjoy seeing what will happen in the finale! The characters continued to grow, and seeing how they have changed after such a long time was extremely rewarding. I found Tom t be quite strong this time, though Hester took a much darker turn and I think she has a long way to go.

Of all the books so far, this has been my favourite. I really, truly loved everything that happened and am eager to see how it wraps up in the epic ending!

socialamoebaemily's review against another edition

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 Overall entertaining. Worth a quick read. 

jason_pym's review against another edition

3.0

The series gets grimmer, with a relentlessly depressing plot which again features a McGuffin (again, people can use it to destroy things). The characters from the first book have the last of their charisma sucked out of them, and there aren't even any fun steampunk gizmos. And no humour, ever. This was hard to get through, and the really fun and interesting thing about the first book - carnivorous mobile cities - is not used let alone expanded upon, which is a real waste.

So why not one or two stars? Because my 10-year-old son absolutely loved it, wanted to listen to it non-stop, and talk obsessively about it. He's even written stories for school featuring the stalkers and a few of the characters. So Philip Reeve must be doing something right, and obviously I'm not the target audience.

teajunki's review

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

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

3.5

cheyburn92's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

telennify's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

ameserole's review against another edition

3.0

This one.. made me so freaking mad. So mad, that I held off on listening to the last book until this morning.

Infernal Devices is about Hester and Tom's freaking kid. I was so excited and pumped for this book. Just to see all her adventures now.. but no, I was in complete and utter disappointment. First, Wren - their kid - sort of runs away. Then when H and T go to save her from being a complete dumb ass.. she gets kidnapped.

Throughout the story you see them trying to save their little girl. However, this story took some dark twists and turns. It turns out that Hester totally didn't want a kid.. and regrets her and shit. Then Wren goes to think she doesn't have a mother anymore after a heated argument. Like do people not understand that things are said or taken way too far when someone is upset?

So many low blows came out towards the end.. and I have no idea what the hell the next book will bring me. If Tom ends up with anyone other than Hester I will lose my shit. Heads will roll guys. I want them to all be a happy family again.