A review by z_bookfluencer
Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve

5.0

"It is irrational to build machines whose principles you do not understand and whose actions you cannot predict." -Philip Reeves, Fever Crumb

Fever Crumb is an interesting read set in a futuristic London, where a new job sets events into motion that spirals quickly out of control. Fever Crumb does read on the young side of YA, and it does have some darker themes and events. There is mystery and dread. There is a likable main character and intriguing supporting characters.

Fevered Crumb is told in multiple perspectives and sometimes broken timeline. The writing style has a very pleasant agreeableness that allowed very quick reading.

There is great characterization, and the mannerisms of the characters felt realistic.

I found it incredibly interesting of the ramifications of teaching Fever to withhold her emotions and how her mannerisms affected those around her.

I found Fever endearing and easy to read for.

The first half of Fever Crumb has a mysterious tone because the more events unfolded, questions arise as to who/what Fever is.

There are interesting twists to the story. I feel if you are well read and/or have great foreshadowing skills, said twists are not surprising, but no less interesting.

In some scenes, the sense of dread was heavy and captivating. Unfortunately, the feeling of doom was obviously quite awful for the characters or pertained to.

There are some tragic events.

Despite the fact that the tone of the story read quite young, there are some macabre/horroresque elements to the story. These aspects of the story I am most referring to would be the usage of corpses as tools/soldiers. When the corpses are used, it is in a manner that is near dishonorable and insensitive in the treatment of the corpses.

I can see Fever Crumb translating to the screen well.

The ending was left open-ended.

Overall, Fever Crumb was very well written and an engrossing read. I would recommend Fever Crumb to other readers who enjoy a mysterious coming of age story, featuring darker events, within a futuristic London setting.