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Mortal Engines Quartet
The Teacher's Tales of Terror / Traction City
"The Teacher's Tales of Terror" (Bloomsbury Children's Books) - Chris Priestley has readers on the edge of their seats in this trio of terrifying stories as a teacher and his pupils share three spine-chilling tales. But, of course, with a very surprising ending that resounds like a slamming door on a quiet night! "Traction City" (Scholastic Children's Books) - In a dangerous future world where gigantic, traction-powered cities attack and devour each other, London hunts where no other predator dares. Hidden in its vast superstructure is a murderous creature that severs the right hands of its victims. A rebellious young aviatrix and a secretive scavenger boy are about to come face to face with a robotic Stalker that is terrifyingly out of control.
Paperback
First published March 7, 2011
7 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Chris Priestley
51 books392 followersHis father was in the army and so he moved around a lot as a child and lived in Wales. He was an avid reader of American comics as a child, and when he was eight or nine, and living in Gibraltar, he won a prize in a newspaper story-writing competition. He decided then “that my ambition was to write and illustrate my own book”.
He spent his teens in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, before moving to Manchester, London and then Norfolk. He now lives in Cambridge with his wife and son where he writes, draws, paints, dreams and doodles (not necessarily in that order). Chris worked as an illustrator and cartoonist for twenty years, working mainly for magazines & newspapers (these include The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Economist and the Wall Street Journal) before becoming a writer. He currently has a weekly strip cartoon called 'Payne's Grey' in the New Statesman.
Chris has been a published author since 2000. He has written several books for children & young-adults, both fiction and non-fiction, and
has been nominated for many awards including the Edgar Awards, the UKLA Children's Book Award and the Carnegie Medal. In recent years he has predominantly been writing horror.
Ever since he was a teenager Chris has loved unsettling and creepy stories, with fond memories of buying comics like 'Strange Tales' and 'House of Mystery', watching classic BBC TV adaptations of M R James ghost stories every Christmas and reading assorted weirdness by everyone from Edgar Allen Poe to Ray Bradbury. He hopes Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror will haunt his readers in the way those writers have haunted him.
He spent his teens in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, before moving to Manchester, London and then Norfolk. He now lives in Cambridge with his wife and son where he writes, draws, paints, dreams and doodles (not necessarily in that order). Chris worked as an illustrator and cartoonist for twenty years, working mainly for magazines & newspapers (these include The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Economist and the Wall Street Journal) before becoming a writer. He currently has a weekly strip cartoon called 'Payne's Grey' in the New Statesman.
Chris has been a published author since 2000. He has written several books for children & young-adults, both fiction and non-fiction, and
has been nominated for many awards including the Edgar Awards, the UKLA Children's Book Award and the Carnegie Medal. In recent years he has predominantly been writing horror.
Ever since he was a teenager Chris has loved unsettling and creepy stories, with fond memories of buying comics like 'Strange Tales' and 'House of Mystery', watching classic BBC TV adaptations of M R James ghost stories every Christmas and reading assorted weirdness by everyone from Edgar Allen Poe to Ray Bradbury. He hopes Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror will haunt his readers in the way those writers have haunted him.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 15, 2021
I feel like I read this entire thing and still had no idea who the characters were by the very end.
May 6, 2024
Philip Reeve's Traction City is a short novella in his Mortal Engines sequence, set on London and introducing street urchin Smiff, policeman Anders and a young Anna Fang. Though slight, this is an enjoyable back story to the whole saga as it stands so far, and concerns Anna's search for Shrike. Though adding little to the canon, it should whet the appetite of those new to this view of future Earth.
Equally engrossing, if not more so, is Priestley's The Teacher's Tales of Terror, a sequence of four chapters (Mr Munro, The Jet Brooch, Simon Magus and Lydia) interlinked by an enigmatic supply teacher. Nothing is as it seems: real towns (Whitby, Sienna) are alternated with unlocated places, European legends (Dracula, the New Testament) are given novel twists. Altogether, a captivating set of stories whose images linger at the edge of consciousness, ideal for tempting both addicted and reluctant young readers, not to mention older fogeys.
These two titles were included in a World Book Day flip book for 2011, and were really excellent value for the princely sum of £1.00.
Equally engrossing, if not more so, is Priestley's The Teacher's Tales of Terror, a sequence of four chapters (Mr Munro, The Jet Brooch, Simon Magus and Lydia) interlinked by an enigmatic supply teacher. Nothing is as it seems: real towns (Whitby, Sienna) are alternated with unlocated places, European legends (Dracula, the New Testament) are given novel twists. Altogether, a captivating set of stories whose images linger at the edge of consciousness, ideal for tempting both addicted and reluctant young readers, not to mention older fogeys.
These two titles were included in a World Book Day flip book for 2011, and were really excellent value for the princely sum of £1.00.
August 20, 2011
This is a two part books - each story printed back to back - they are based in the established worlds of tales of terror and the mortal engines series. Both are standalone stories but a built upon the ideas in the rest of the series- on one had they are tasters to encourage people to read and try before you by and on the other hand they are an easy way in to a much larger and expansive world (and body of work)
these world book day titles are just as exciting and appealing as the main books just smaller- if you can find them they are worth it.
these world book day titles are just as exciting and appealing as the main books just smaller- if you can find them they are worth it.
December 31, 2018
Sé que es una historia corta, pero me pareció que se resolvió todo de forma muy simple. Igualmente, qué alegría reencontrarme con Anna Fang, esta vez en su época de "adolescente". Los demás personajes también me gustaron mucho.
October 15, 2019
If you adored Ana Fang and can't get over her then this is just the perfect cure as Traction City takes us back to the young Ana aboard London as she pursues a stalker.
February 4, 2020
PSA: Are you here for Traction City because you want more Mortal Engines? It can found as the minutely changed Traction City Blues in Night Flights.
March 5, 2020
This is a short book.
Action
Packed
And
You will be shock
Of the person you
Will encounter here
Action
Packed
And
You will be shock
Of the person you
Will encounter here
April 4, 2017
Traction City is a short story set in a time shortly before the first author's Predator Cities Quartet. London is on the move and a young boy, Smiff, is creeping through the city’s bowels searching for dropped or discarded items that may be saleable. Instead he finds a dead body. Smiff then witnesses a violent attack on the outlaw men who roam this abandoned area. A tall, human like figure with glowing green eyes allows the boy to escape. Despite his aversion to the police, a terrified Smiff reports what he has seen. He finds a sympathetic ear in Sergeant Anders.
Anders rarely has much to do during his shifts at the lower level police station where he was assigned when his home town was eaten by London. This evening, however, he has a prisoner to process. A young girl has flown in and been apprehended carrying a small amount of explosive. Her shabby airship is named the Jenny Haniver.
There follows a chase, the discovery of body parts, and a run-in with the Guild of Engineers. As ever in this series, where a potential weapon exists, all sides vie to harness its power for their cause, whatever the cost to the wider population.
This was an interesting add-on but was not as compelling as the excellent Quartet.
The Teacher’s Tales of Terror is appropriately set in a school on World Book Day. A supply teacher has been called in to cover for an ill colleague. The head teacher is pleased to note that Mr Munro, the rather austere looking gentleman who presents himself for this role, has got into the spirit of things and dressed for the chosen theme, celebrating a Victorian heritage.
Mr Munro soon takes control of his rather unruly class and informs them that his lesson will be to read them some stories. What follows are a series of deliciously creepy tales. These are short and spine tingling but not too scary.
The denouement was unexpected and added an extra dimension to the overall story arc. This was an engaging, nicely constructed, and satisfying read.
Anders rarely has much to do during his shifts at the lower level police station where he was assigned when his home town was eaten by London. This evening, however, he has a prisoner to process. A young girl has flown in and been apprehended carrying a small amount of explosive. Her shabby airship is named the Jenny Haniver.
There follows a chase, the discovery of body parts, and a run-in with the Guild of Engineers. As ever in this series, where a potential weapon exists, all sides vie to harness its power for their cause, whatever the cost to the wider population.
This was an interesting add-on but was not as compelling as the excellent Quartet.
The Teacher’s Tales of Terror is appropriately set in a school on World Book Day. A supply teacher has been called in to cover for an ill colleague. The head teacher is pleased to note that Mr Munro, the rather austere looking gentleman who presents himself for this role, has got into the spirit of things and dressed for the chosen theme, celebrating a Victorian heritage.
Mr Munro soon takes control of his rather unruly class and informs them that his lesson will be to read them some stories. What follows are a series of deliciously creepy tales. These are short and spine tingling but not too scary.
The denouement was unexpected and added an extra dimension to the overall story arc. This was an engaging, nicely constructed, and satisfying read.
April 20, 2011
I got this to help donate towards world book day and i was not dissapointed.
I have not read either series before getting this book and i thought as a tester for both series it would be a good start.
"The Teacher's Tales of Terror" by Chris Priestly was a great book with three sub stories worked into the main story and told from the pov of the teacher. They are based on stories by Edgar Allan Poe and are very riviting. The main story was also very good and well planned out with an unsual twist at the end. I will possibly look into getting more of this series.
"Traction City" by Philip Reeve, one of The World Of Mortal Engines series, was exceptional. Its set in the future when cities are on ships and ships can eat other ships. It sounds complicated but its actually very well set out. This small story from the series was a brilliant introduction with lots of excitement and guessing worked in. I will definately be looking into getting the rest of this series as i was very impressed.
I have not read either series before getting this book and i thought as a tester for both series it would be a good start.
"The Teacher's Tales of Terror" by Chris Priestly was a great book with three sub stories worked into the main story and told from the pov of the teacher. They are based on stories by Edgar Allan Poe and are very riviting. The main story was also very good and well planned out with an unsual twist at the end. I will possibly look into getting more of this series.
"Traction City" by Philip Reeve, one of The World Of Mortal Engines series, was exceptional. Its set in the future when cities are on ships and ships can eat other ships. It sounds complicated but its actually very well set out. This small story from the series was a brilliant introduction with lots of excitement and guessing worked in. I will definately be looking into getting the rest of this series as i was very impressed.
November 9, 2013
I've not read too many short works, though they seem to be on the increase. I happened to stumble across this novella, released for World Book Day in 2011, and obviously snapped it up (being a fan of the series and, frankly, because it was a bargain).
It follows the officers of a police station on the bottom tier of London through a night where they try to kill a stalker, a cyborg warrior, as it preys on people. It's set before the events of the other Mortal Engines books, with a young Anna Fang making an appearance.
It may be short, but it's action-packed and the characters are developed quickly, with enough to humanise them away from cookie-cutter stereotypes. While it's a great advert for the rest of the series, it's certainly not just a promotional gimmick. Having said that, it's a cheap, quick way to get into the series if you've not come across it before.
I really enjoyed it, and while I could have read more, it finishes neatly and is a completely self-contained story. A perfect little read.
It follows the officers of a police station on the bottom tier of London through a night where they try to kill a stalker, a cyborg warrior, as it preys on people. It's set before the events of the other Mortal Engines books, with a young Anna Fang making an appearance.
It may be short, but it's action-packed and the characters are developed quickly, with enough to humanise them away from cookie-cutter stereotypes. While it's a great advert for the rest of the series, it's certainly not just a promotional gimmick. Having said that, it's a cheap, quick way to get into the series if you've not come across it before.
I really enjoyed it, and while I could have read more, it finishes neatly and is a completely self-contained story. A perfect little read.
April 28, 2011
Philip Reeve's Traction City is a short novella in his Mortal Engines sequence, set on London and introducing street urchin Smiff, policeman Anders and a young Anna Fang. Though slight, this is an enjoyable back story to the whole saga as it stands so far, and concerns Anna's search for Shrike. Though adding little to the canon, it should whet the appetite of those new to this view of future Earth.
Equally engrossing, if not more so, is Priestley's The Teacher's Tales of Terror, a sequence of four chapters (Mr Munro, The Jet Brooch, Simon Magus and Lydia) interlinked by an enigmatic supply teacher. Nothing is as it seems: real towns (Whitby, Sienna) are alternated with unlocated places, European legends (Dracula, the New Testament) are given novel twists. Altogether, a captivating set of stories whose images linger at the edge of consciousness, ideal for tempting both addicted and reluctant young readers, not to mention older fogies.
Equally engrossing, if not more so, is Priestley's The Teacher's Tales of Terror, a sequence of four chapters (Mr Munro, The Jet Brooch, Simon Magus and Lydia) interlinked by an enigmatic supply teacher. Nothing is as it seems: real towns (Whitby, Sienna) are alternated with unlocated places, European legends (Dracula, the New Testament) are given novel twists. Altogether, a captivating set of stories whose images linger at the edge of consciousness, ideal for tempting both addicted and reluctant young readers, not to mention older fogies.
May 28, 2017
Leseeindruck
Geschichte von C. Priestley
Eine typische Geschichte wie aus seiner Reihe Schauergeschichten, aber deutlich weniger gruslig
bis zum Twist, der sehr genial war. Vorher hat es ein bisschen an Fahrt verloren, aber das hat die Änderung komplett rausgehauen. Diese Lehrer Schülergruppe Geschichte ist sehr gelungen.
Geschichte von P. Reeve
Leider hat mein Englisch an einige Stellen nicht ausgereicht, um alles zu verstehen. Das erste Kapitel verstehe ich bis heute nicht. Allerdings ist das Setting und die große ganze Geschichte sehr rund. Wir befinden uns in einem Stempunk-setting mit Mystery. Außerdem ist es eine Art Kriminalgeschichte. Die Zeichnungen sind wunderbar passend und der Plot ist zügig.
Die beiden Enden der Geschichten sind höchst unterschiedlich.
Geschichte von C. Priestley
Eine typische Geschichte wie aus seiner Reihe Schauergeschichten, aber deutlich weniger gruslig
bis zum Twist, der sehr genial war. Vorher hat es ein bisschen an Fahrt verloren, aber das hat die Änderung komplett rausgehauen. Diese Lehrer Schülergruppe Geschichte ist sehr gelungen.
Geschichte von P. Reeve
Leider hat mein Englisch an einige Stellen nicht ausgereicht, um alles zu verstehen. Das erste Kapitel verstehe ich bis heute nicht. Allerdings ist das Setting und die große ganze Geschichte sehr rund. Wir befinden uns in einem Stempunk-setting mit Mystery. Außerdem ist es eine Art Kriminalgeschichte. Die Zeichnungen sind wunderbar passend und der Plot ist zügig.
Die beiden Enden der Geschichten sind höchst unterschiedlich.
July 17, 2016
I thought this could've been more gripping, given that it was about tracking down a murderous Stalker, but I enjoyed the human elements -- Nutter saving Fang's life without thinking, Sergeant Anders' inate goodness, Smiff nicking the biscuit tin (ingenuity or greed? WHO KNOWS).
March 5, 2017
I find these stories to be a fun read, but nothing spectacular. I personally love the mortal engines books, and I liked the suspense in the Traction city story. But to be honest the teacher's tales of terror tale had a stronger staying power in my mind.
November 1, 2022
This was truly a terrible tale from beneath a Traction city!
I did like how Stalker Shrike was linked to this novella, it really added a connection to the rest of the Mortal Engines series.
This was a good story but, not for me.
I did like how Stalker Shrike was linked to this novella, it really added a connection to the rest of the Mortal Engines series.
This was a good story but, not for me.
May 7, 2011
Anna Fang rules. More please :)
May 10, 2011
Read the traction city bit only.
July 14, 2011
Please note I read this for the Mortal Engines short story, not the kid's horror story...
April 29, 2012
My rating for both The Teacher's Tales of Terror & Traction City - 3.5 of 5 - which means I liked them a lot! - Read on January 15th & re-read them on April 29th, 2012!
April 23, 2013
My rating: 3.5 of 5
February 6, 2014
A nice short story addition to the novels.
March 28, 2016
Honestly, I was expecting more. I love the other Mortal Engines books, and this was sort of a disappointment. I feel that if I hadn't read the others, I wouldn't pick them up based off this. :(
November 9, 2022
My only complaint is that it's too short!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews