A Darkling Plain (The Hungry City Chronicles, #4)

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A Darkling Plain (The Hungry City Chronicles #4)

4.3 of 5 stars 4.30 · rating details · 1,601 ratings · 119 reviews

The once-great traction city of London is now just a radioactive wreck, a ruin haunted by electrical discharges and the dashed hopes of the people who once called it home—people like Tom Natsworthy. Twenty years after he fled, intending never to return, he discovers that something stirs in the remains of the old city.

Tom and his daughter, Wren, aren't the only people i

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Hardcover, 540 pages

Published 2006 by Scholastic Press

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Feb 21, 2008 Seizure Romero rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sf-fantasy, steampunk

WARNING: This diatribe contains potential spoilers and rude language. It is also long. Proceed with caution.

Dear Philip Reeve: I really enjoy the books in your Hungry City Chronicles. They are fine stories with creative and compelling plots, often amusing dialog and interesting characters. You are, however, starting to piss me off. I'm on page 61 of the fourth book and I come to the following passage:

"Lady Naga made a horrible gurgling noise, like the last of the bathwater heading down the plugh...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Wei Cho rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, steampunk, young-adult, post-apocalyptic

dear reader,

I can't believe this story is coming to an end. I will miss it SO much!

The final installment for The Hungry City Chronicles is finally here, and is a triumph. Who wouldn’t consider it a triumph after diligently reading through the previous books, enduring every twist and battle, to not have an appropriate ending for the characters and the story in general? It was a bit hard to get used to the idea that Tom and Hester weren’t together (or that their love had faded in the story), inste...more dear reader,

I can't believe this story is coming to an end. I will miss it SO much!

The final installment for The Hungry City Chronicles is finally here, and is a triumph. Who wouldn’t consider it a triumph after diligently reading through the previous books, enduring every twist and battle, to not have an appropriate ending for the characters and the story in general? It was a bit hard to get used to the idea that Tom and Hester weren’t together (or that their love had faded in the story), instead, Hester’s place was taken by Wren. Both Tom and Wren traveled through the Bird’s Road Tom and Hester had traveled before and knew so well; while Hester was in the deserts with Grike, the Stalker that saved her life when she was a child.

The world finally seems to be entering a state of peace due to the efforts of Dr. Zero in trying to unite the static and moving settlements into one, but there are enemies from both bands who opposes the idea of peace through the perish of one of them. The last book introduces few new important characters, and really emphasizes in the old ones, especially those from London, the moving city thought to be destroyed by Medusa eighteen years ago. In London, lies a secret, which Tom and Wren learned and kept.

The narrative technique and writing style is more serious and mature, emphasizing in emotional and moral elements such as compassion, honesty, filial piety and respect, forgiveness, friendship, loyalty, and love. All of these qualities were expressed in the plot, through the characters, and the one that expresses them the most is Hester, when she shows affection towards Theo, whom she saved in the desert. The story brings full-circle in every aspect, character, and sub-plot introduced in the story, without leaving a single missing loop. The story felt almost complete in every sense.

I feel the end was good, but weak. Anna resurfacing through the Stalker was enough to set off ODIN? It was good, but highly romanticized; I was honestly expecting more action. The way it ended made me cry, not because of how it ended, but what didn’t happened! There wasn’t any redemption between mother and daughter. One last bit was very ironical, the thoughts of the grown-up Fishcake on Tom and Hester. Ultimately, the story ended in the beginning, literally (if you don’t believe me, read it and pay close attention). After I finished reading, I felt empty and dazed, like when the story ended, the characters will soon fade from me. But far from that, it will take time for the story to fade. It was really that good.

RECOMMENDED. READ IT. EXCITEMENT!!!
happy reading.

my fondest valedictory,

CS(less)

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May 08, 2012 Silverwolf rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Utterly fantastic! I don't even know what to say! I loved the ending, and the fact that Shrike (our oldest character) finally remembers Fern and Raun. I do wish he had made more referance to Fever and the first books. I also picked up on the fact that Phillip Reeve also seems to like wolves! He has either a referance, an actual wolf, a wolf-headed gun, a wolf God, or a character with the traits (or name) of a wolf!! Phew!

Ok, characters now. Poor Fishcake! Living his childhood with so much betra...more Utterly fantastic! I don't even know what to say! I loved the ending, and the fact that Shrike (our oldest character) finally remembers Fern and Raun. I do wish he had made more referance to Fever and the first books. I also picked up on the fact that Phillip Reeve also seems to like wolves! He has either a referance, an actual wolf, a wolf-headed gun, a wolf God, or a character with the traits (or name) of a wolf!! Phew!

Ok, characters now. Poor Fishcake! Living his childhood with so much betrayal, dishonesty and lack of stability. He was definately a character that we would have loved to reach out to and comfort. Hester and Tom; well it was a very new experience having to imagine young, valiant heros later in life. Often, books leave their character at the same age as they started with them, so that was interesting to have to do that, but that didn't make them seem to be different people; they were still Hester and Tom. Loved the Romeo and Julliet twist at the end... very sweet. Wren; a great addition to the team! Her romance with Theo was very uplifting and happy - you really start to care for them. I especially loved Wren's cunning and brave traits - she was awesome! Pennyroyal; uggghhhh, like a stain that won't come out, although you do get used to him and stop hating him after a while (mainly due to his amusing scene of complete cowardice, whilst trying to come up with a chapter in his book making him look brave - contradiction being King). Oenone; wow, definately my favourite character. Her aura of kindness and respect is beautiful, especially since she seems to have recieved the Holy Spirit from God (hence, she knows he is there and can feel him). She kind of acted as the future Jesus; peacemaking, kind, loving, forgiving etc.: definately worthy of leading the people. Sad that Tom and Hester die, but it does provide their legacy living on: Mag Lev cities in the future where Shrike awakes. Also, I'm glad that we caught up with the old crew (London lives forever!!) Clytie and Pomeroy were great, giving the wonderful name of London to the future of Mag Lev. Wonderful (I also like the fact that they survived by hiding in the Whale!).

Overall: fantastic - sheer brilliance!(less)

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Feb 09, 2009 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I don't know if A Darkling Plain was all that much longer than the previous three books in the Hungry City Chronicles, or if it just felt like it. The book is a direct sequel to Infernal Devices. In many ways this is where it all happens, where it all goes down. All the books leading up to this point, this big showdown between warring powers. More action, less set-up. And action is good, right? But here's the thing, I personally liked the less climatic but funnier books which set this one up. Th...more I don't know if A Darkling Plain was all that much longer than the previous three books in the Hungry City Chronicles, or if it just felt like it. The book is a direct sequel to Infernal Devices. In many ways this is where it all happens, where it all goes down. All the books leading up to this point, this big showdown between warring powers. More action, less set-up. And action is good, right? But here's the thing, I personally liked the less climatic but funnier books which set this one up. That's just me.

There are so many characters--some we've known all along like Stalker Grike, Tom Natsworthy and Hester Shaw; others are newer to us like Wren Natsworthy, Fishcake, and Theo; some have been renamed like Lady Naga; others are completely new. (And let's not forget my personal favorite, Pennyroyal). And the plot is so complex. I'm not even going to try to go there. Needless, to say the "fate" of Earth is to be decided upon in this final book in the Hungry City Chronicles.

I will spend a few minutes, however, trying to convince you that you should read the series for yourself. I liked this series for the most part. The characters were well done. No character was all good or all bad. Most of the 'bad' guys had something about them that made them just a smidgen likable. If not likable, at least understandable. I don't know about you, but one of the things that drives me crazy is when bad guys are bad for no reason. When writers fail to develop these villainous characters, when they expect us to buy into the idea that they're evil incarnate pure and simple and without any humanity at all. The characters are complex. And that's a good thing. No where is that truer than in the case of Hester Shaw, a true love-to-hate, hate-to-love mess of a character. We're conflicted because she's conflicted. The characters are also memorable. Good, bad, or somewhere in between, I don't think I'll be forgetting Pennyroyal or Grike anytime soon. I liked the humor. Yes, this was serious end-of-the-world type drama, but there were enough purely funny moments that it was a delight to read. Mind you, I wouldn't want to live in this world! Bad things can and do happen. The books also had plenty of action and drama. I'm not all-about-action, I'm more character driven than plot driven...but I know plenty of readers who want fast-moving plots--action and adventure and danger and the like. This book had it and then some.

© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews (less)

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Apr 19, 2012 Beaulah Pragg rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have often heard it said that the destination is not the point, it is the journey that matters... I have even read books like that, so thrilling in the telling that the conclusion can be whatever seems appropriate. This is not one of those books. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

My experience of the Mortal Engines series has been one of 'this should be good, but I have trouble picking it up again', yet when I got to the last quarter of the final book, I was hooked through the the thrilling an...more I have often heard it said that the destination is not the point, it is the journey that matters... I have even read books like that, so thrilling in the telling that the conclusion can be whatever seems appropriate. This is not one of those books. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

My experience of the Mortal Engines series has been one of 'this should be good, but I have trouble picking it up again', yet when I got to the last quarter of the final book, I was hooked through the the thrilling and, dare I say, moving conclusion. This is one of those rare examples where the end really justified the journey.

All through Reeve's Mortal Engines series, he has been dealing with big questions - 'What would the world be like many millenia after a nuclear war?', 'What is right and wrong?' and most interestingly, 'How does one end war and make the world green again?'

His characters are all intentionally flawed and his themes resonate both with young adults (the target audience) and with adult readers alike. There are no characters that one purely dislikes, they all have their redeeming factors, but equally, there are things about all of the 'heroes' that make them in some way annoying.

I have been trying to work out why I have found reading this book so difficult when I know, intellectually, that is it well written and the story excellently crafted. I kept falling for minor characters throughout the books - characters like Theo, Shrike, Dr Zero, Fishcake etc and quickly coming to dislike the ones who were supposed to be carrying the story. Perhaps if they had been flawed in less annoying ways? Then again, I get the impression that their flaws were the point. They were never designed to be heroes in the traditional sense, but rather people you would never expect to end up being the ones to save the world. The ones who mean well are usually too scared to act and the ones who act don't give a damn - only together do they manage to 'save' anything.

For all that it was a slower read than I am used to, being immersed in Reeve's world is an experience I will not quickly forget. I am glad I pushed through to the end, because the destination really was worth it.(less)

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May 05, 2011 Chris added it · review of another edition

The final instalment of the Mortal Engines quartet is a triumph. While the first volume introduced us to the chief characters and the magnificent concepts of Traction Cities and Municipal Darwinism, the second was rather less urgent, content to deepen characterisations and to present new figures such as Nimrod Pennyroyal. The third volume was like the beginning of Act II, moving us on nearly two decades and giving us new protagonists such as Wren whilst also recapturing the excitement that disti...more The final instalment of the Mortal Engines quartet is a triumph. While the first volume introduced us to the chief characters and the magnificent concepts of Traction Cities and Municipal Darwinism, the second was rather less urgent, content to deepen characterisations and to present new figures such as Nimrod Pennyroyal. The third volume was like the beginning of Act II, moving us on nearly two decades and giving us new protagonists such as Wren whilst also recapturing the excitement that distinguished Mortal Engines.

A Darkling Plain, tying all the loose threads together, addresses deep human concerns as well. Here we touch on the nature of human frailty and forgiveness, the relationship of parents with their adolescent offspring, questions on what it is to be human and whether life is ultimately fair. All this is perfectly aimed at the thoughtful young adult reader, despite some critics' concern at the gorefest that to me is more apparent than real.

There is also much to engage a maturer adult reader, not least the in-jokes and word-play that litter the debris-fields that are the plots of the whole quartet. In-jokes such as the use of proprietary names (for instance Windolene and Nabisco), literary references (such as "Uncle Knows Best" for "Big Brother is Watching You"), and puns (for example the use of bird-names for characters such as Wren, Shrike and maybe even Tom who is frequently miscalled Tom Nitsworthy, echoing Tom Tit). Incidentally, I also share the confusion of those readers who can't understand why Shrike is re-named Grike in North American versions, as the European birds called shrikes catch small birds and animals, impaling them on thorns to butcher them in a manner that recalls the function of the Stalker.

Finally, the ending is both elegiac and deeply satisfying, offering hope that common humanity will eventually soften the sharp edges of impersonal technologies, even if at present unlikely. And concluding at it does with Shrike, the most obvious direction for the quartet's prequels to explore in is the origin of the Stalker, which is of course where Fever Crumb plunges in.(less)

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Jun 25, 2010 Lady Knight rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, steampunk, teen, favorites, on-my-shelf-book, 2009-tbr-pile-read, dystopian-post-apocalyptic

No review in the world could do this book justice. It is amazing, noteworthy, brilliant, fantastic, and every other positive adjective you could think of! Philip Reeve is a genius! I love his writing style, and the ability to crack a joke during the middle of a tense battle scene and still have it come off wonderfully!

This time around, the whole world seems harsher, grittier, and darker. The action picks up six months after the events of "Infernal Devices", with Tom and Wren on the bird roads, T...more No review in the world could do this book justice. It is amazing, noteworthy, brilliant, fantastic, and every other positive adjective you could think of! Philip Reeve is a genius! I love his writing style, and the ability to crack a joke during the middle of a tense battle scene and still have it come off wonderfully!

This time around, the whole world seems harsher, grittier, and darker. The action picks up six months after the events of "Infernal Devices", with Tom and Wren on the bird roads, Theo back home, and Hester and Grike surfing the deserts. Tom's heart is weakening at an alarming rate and he refuses to tell his daughter. He quietly swallows his little green pills and hopes that they'll keep him alive longer than the three months the doctor gave him. Wren meanwhile doesn't think her father is dying and is keen on having a grand adventure and maybe going to see Theo (She can't stop thinking about the kiss they shared just before he left -- he can't stop thinking about it either). The one thing they both agree on is forgetting Hester. Or at least trying to.

Wolf Kobald is a mayor's son who is charge of a hunter suburb. He strongly believes that parts of London survived the MEDUSA explosion, and that they're building something spectacular. He convinces Tom and Wren to fly him to the ruins of London. When they arrive they discover something bigger than they ever expected waiting for them...

Meanwhile Theo has been living an idealic life in Zagwa with his family. He still doesn't seem to fit in, but at least he's alive. When Lady Naga comes on a peace mission, he's bound and determined to stay out of sight. But when he sees (what he thinks are) traction city bombers, he does everything in his power to stop them. At the end of the day he's a hometown hero and Lady Naga convinces him to act as a sort-of bodyguard for her as she attempts to cross through hostile territory and return to her home behind the Green Storm’s static settlement line. Along the way she’s betrayed, kidnapped, and ransomed with Theo in tow. It’s only thanks to Hester and Grike that she doesn’t end up executed by followers of Municipal Darwinism.

Hester is drawn to Theo but is afraid to care for him. She grudgingly agrees to help him, Lady Naga, and Pennyroyal (who keeps turning up like a bad penny – pun totally intended). Grike has become more and more like a brother/father figure to Hester since she left Tom, and he’s instrumental in helping make moral decisions.

Remember Fishcake? Well he and his re-resurrected Stalker Fang / Anna have slowly crept across the great Hunting Grounds and are determined to activate ODIN. Or at least that’s what Stalker Fang wants. Fishcake just likes to be around someone who takes care of him and tells him what to do. Anna’s personality and memories are starting to surface and she and Stalker Fang are starting to fight for control of their single body.

When all the threads come together it makes for an amazing clash of epic proportions! Philip Reeve has done an amazing job weaving all the storylines into a single plot and he beautifully ties up every loose end he created throughout the entire series. My only regrets is that Freya and Caul don’t make a reappearance. However, it does make perfect sense why none of the Anchorage-in-Vineland characters make a reappearance.

My only other comment/concern about this book is that it really is for older teens. I have heard of some mature twelve year olds loving (and understanding) this book, but between the body count and darker nature of this book, I don’t recommend it to those under 13. Even then, you have to read the other three to understand this one. While I’m always sad to see the end of a good book (or series), this one ends perfectly! There is no need for any sort of sequel and one doesn’t seem to want one. Every time I read this book I end up crying (even some of the males I’ve asked about this book will admit to getting misty-eyed). It is sad and perfect. One of the best book I’ve ever read.(less)

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Apr 17, 2010 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-scifi-pics, ya

For me, this last book in the Hungry City Chronicles is also the best. Reeve rewards his readers' patience (because c'mon, it took some serious patience to wade through the huge volume of characters and tricky battle plot, not to mention the painful realization in book 3 that Tom and Hester aren't as loveable as their younger selves) with a final volume that brings it all to the table -- steady action, surprise twists, and a resolution to just about every character still left standing (and some...more For me, this last book in the Hungry City Chronicles is also the best. Reeve rewards his readers' patience (because c'mon, it took some serious patience to wade through the huge volume of characters and tricky battle plot, not to mention the painful realization in book 3 that Tom and Hester aren't as loveable as their younger selves) with a final volume that brings it all to the table -- steady action, surprise twists, and a resolution to just about every character still left standing (and some that aren't -- beware, not everyone gets the happy ending you might hope for them).

Here, too, to interrupt the heavy action, is the lightness that I loved so much in Reeve's Fever Crumb, as his future world citizens unknowingly poke fun at modern-day references: siblings Lego and Duplo and a newspaper called The Speculum, to name a few. And a fleeting reference to Wren's "spots" hearkens back to the series' prequel, Fever Crumb, where Stalkers and skin spots are a much, much bigger issue.

Given that the series was pretty ruthless about killing off characters, and showing people largely as static personalities that don't or can't change significantly, the tender ending will come as a happy surprise. True, the books are full of thieves, cons and scammers making all kinds of money at others' expense, but Reeve steers this away from becoming too oppressive by showing us that those who achieve some measure of a happy ending must first make painful or difficult choices to connect with each other in family and community settings, despite lies and betrayal.

At one point in the story, Oenone Zero (yes, really) tells Hester about her belief in the ancient God (a sort of Protestant faith) that compels her faith in heaven, as opposed to the Sunless Country most of her peers believe in. Dying and going to heaven, Oenone says, is like being a child again; your happiness and your faith are simple, and complete. It's no coincidence, then, that the character sharing their memories at the end of the story does so with a child on their lap, after being summoned by children. It's startlingly beautiful, and a nice nod to Reeve that his literary skills can shock us, not just with violence, but with those rare, tender moments.(less)

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Jan 29, 2011 Sandst rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

The characters are incredibly fickle and inconsistent, which makes the story widely discrepant. While the plot is fast-paced and filled with a lot of action packed sequences, I did not really like some of the interlinking subplots (such as Wolf and his one dimensional need to steal another city's technology). It is also annoying how Wren flits from one boy to another when she is in one or the other's presence, and making a seemingly heroic act to save London only to have second thoughts right af...more

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Dec 08, 2012 Patrick rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, dystopian-fiction

Wow. This book was 200 pages longer than any of the first three and felt like it, dramatic, depressing, creative, and ultimately moving for me.

This series features amazingly creative and interesting plotting and amazing characters, which is all credit to the author, but teh author also cannot quite write an the same skill level that he can plot. I know that's vague, but there's just a little something missing from the narration and characterization in the series, even though I really enjoyed it...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Lucy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: People flagging through the third book

Shelves: own-the-book

Wren and Tom Natsworthy have taken to the skies, heading loosely for Anchorage-in-Vineland, their home. Meanwhile in the desert, a young boy named Fishcake is rebuilding the Stalker Fang, who is ready to unleash an Ancient weapon in the quest to make the World Green Again. And finally, Hester and the Stalker Shrike are flying, the famous assassin and Stalker who cannot Kill.

I enjoyed this MUCH more than Infernal Devices. Wren became much more of a character rather than just "the Natsworthy child...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Eli rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thought this was a good end to a good series. The whole series had a way of making you think about time, and our place in the big picture. Throughout the entire series the reader is a given a sense of how small each person is in the grand scheme of life's events. Even histories bigger figures who have made great changes and advances are only one person in a vast ocean of time. Once you reach the end of this final book in the series it really hits you. You see what happens to all these characte...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Lydia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-apocalyptic-dystopia

Preparing my opinion on the entire Hungry Cities series is much easier than trying to comment on each book individually. While the first book can be read as a stand-alone, it is important to read the entire series. Reeves provides little review in the subsequent books, and actually this is not missed.

This series is not only interesting but will provoke some interesting thoughts to the reader. Reeves series is a heavy commentary on not only past, present and possibly future politics, but also wor...more

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Sep 28, 2011 Jonathan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourite-series, science-fiction, re-read, favourites

I love this series and in particular I love the end to this series. Although...
No, I'm not going to put in a major spoiler and ruin it for everyone even though it's tempting.
But to be brief as I always am when writing reviews. After all what is a review for but to inform the reader that they want to read the book and to give a little detail about the book.
But basically all any science fiction aficionado needs to know is that there are reanimated men as stalkers, there are orbiting death weapons...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Lydia M rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alternate-history, science-fiction, steampunk

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 27, 2011 Julie S. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, sci-fi-dystopian-fantasy, series-i-like

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Jan 27, 2011 Saoirse rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, dystopian, 2011, ahreet, dirigible-experience

The ending to this book was beautifully bittersweet, and it was a fantastic ending to a really good series of books that was handled and written well considering it was a such a dystopian theme. At times, perhaps more so in the previous books than this, but it felt as if the book was being a bit rushed: as if what was happening could have been more thoroughly explained, though this would possibly have taken the fast-paced nature away from this book, which is what makes them such good and fun rea...more

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Feb 09, 2011 Basicallyrun rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

How much do I love this series? A lot, a lot, a lot. A fantastic end to the series, and I'm pleased to see that Reeve knows when to stop - he's writing prequels now, which are also awesome - because the story really doesn't need to be dragged out any further and has a pleasing cyclical quality left as-is. Quotes I love: 'The searchlights stretched out colourless fingers towards them' because his way with description occasionally short-circuits my brain with happiness, and Wren's elegy for Tom an...more

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Jan 08, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, multicultural-titles, young-adult-books-i-would-recommend

The first two books were Tom's and Hester's story, and the third book was Wren's story, but this book is just about everyone's story. We've got storylines for Wren, Theo, Hester, Tom, Oenone, Grike, the Stalker Fang, Nimrod Pennyroyal, a handful of minor characters from previous books and a handful of new characters! And all of them seem to be well-done. I'm very impressed. Occasionally the pacing wasn't thoroughly awesome, but the story was still brilliant. I was glad that Hester was remarkably...more

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Nov 13, 2010 Cialina (Muggle-Born) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, owned, favorites

Traction cities, airships, battles, Stalkers, and a sprinkle of romance. The Mortal Engines Quartet comes to an end in A DARKLING PLAIN and readers of the series will not be disappointed. Everything we know and love about the series are found all in the massive 500+ page novel. A DARKLING PLAIN is not really something one could read in one sitting because of its length. But once it’s been finished, you’ll be craving for more!

There were so many story lines to keep track of in A DARKLING PLAIN. I...more Traction cities, airships, battles, Stalkers, and a sprinkle of romance. The Mortal Engines Quartet comes to an end in A DARKLING PLAIN and readers of the series will not be disappointed. Everything we know and love about the series are found all in the massive 500+ page novel. A DARKLING PLAIN is not really something one could read in one sitting because of its length. But once it’s been finished, you’ll be craving for more!

There were so many story lines to keep track of in A DARKLING PLAIN. I have to admit that it was overwhelming at times, but for the most part, the different stories pushed me to keep reading forward. One moment I would be enthralled with Fishcake’s story line and the chapter would leave off at a cliffhanger. It keeps me waiting for the next chapter with Fishcake, but then I find myself completely immersed into the next chapter that I almost forget about my anticipation for the next Fishcake story.

I loved how the different story lines intersected, diverged, and intersected once more throughout the whole story. It was fascinating to see how all the characters are connected in some way or another despite the differences in their origin, class, job, or political views.

One thing I love most about Reeve’s books are the strong, courageous female characters that he creates like Wren.I found Wren irritating in the previous book so I was very happy with how she progressed as a character. I definitely feel that she matured throughout the book and I came to love her.

Shrike continues to be my favorite character out of the whole series. I loved how he has changed as a character from Mortal Engines to A DARKLING PLAIN. His story line was the one I looked out for the most.

I think one of the strongest points of the book is the ending. I don’t want to give anything away, but I have to say that I absolutely loved it. Endings are very important to me, and I don’t think that the series could have ended any better!

This book is strongly recommended for those who have read Reeve’s other books, of course including the first three in the Mortal Engines Quartet. Readers will not be disappointed with the series finale. If you have not read the series, and this review has captured your interest, I strongly recommend reading from the beginning.(less)

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Jan 15, 2010 Ian Mcenaney rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 25-book-list-thingy

this book was about a group of people one of them named Brittlestar. One of the major external conflicts he faced was that he was unsure about wether or not to trust his government. The reason he was unsure was because they decived him before and he was afraid they would do it again. Another conflict he faced was when the government did lie to him he was scared he would lose his love and he didn't no to go save her or save his family who was many miles away.
THis book connects to a book called a...more

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Sep 18, 2012 Chris Tice rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: loved

This conclusion to the Hungry Cities tales was awesome. I guess you can see I gave it five stars, so reiterating that is stupid but I just really liked this series, and the ending was so final I don't even want to read more about these characters. Yes, the ending was that satisfying!

The head hopping was the only thing I found quirky throughout the whole series because you never get to wonder what the next person is thinking or planning. Its all laid out for you. The action, characters, and plot...more

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Nov 11, 2011 ♥ Caitlin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action, adventure, humor, romance, young-adult, adult, science-fiction, futuristic

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Mar 27, 2011 Jon Bales rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

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Apr 06, 2013 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An amazing series of books! The mortal engines series are a must read for any lover of fantasy; set in the future, the Traction Cities really make you think about the potential future of the world we live in, as well as enlightening us to potential problems that could arise. The characters are brilliantly adapted and the reader soon grows to love them all, no matter whether they're good or bad. Philip Reeve is a wonderful writer, seemingly effortlessly painting fantastical, enthralling and frigh...more

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Jan 12, 2012 Tony rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A Darkling Plain, by Phillip Reeve, is the final book and the conclusion to the epic Mortal Engines quartet. I think this book was the best of the whole series. This book picks up off from where the last one started, so you need to read the series to know what is going on. Reeve always gives every character a backstory and this enables you to see their personality, even if they are only in one book. London, which was destroyed in the first book, is secretly rebuilding and is planning to move aga...more

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Jul 26, 2011 John Bullock rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is an excellent end to the story of Tom and Hester. It would not stand up well by itself, however. It is the fourth (and final) instalment in the "Mortal Engines" series, and the last two books seem almost to be one story split into two. To that end, there is a lot happening here that would not make sense to someone picking up the Mortal Engines series for the first time here.

The style, quality and feel of the novel is much the same the previous books in the series, so, if you are read...more This book is an excellent end to the story of Tom and Hester. It would not stand up well by itself, however. It is the fourth (and final) instalment in the "Mortal Engines" series, and the last two books seem almost to be one story split into two. To that end, there is a lot happening here that would not make sense to someone picking up the Mortal Engines series for the first time here.

The style, quality and feel of the novel is much the same the previous books in the series, so, if you are reading this, you should know what to expect on that front. If not, go read the others first!

Seriously. Go.

A Darkling Plain picks up shortly after where we left off at the end of Infernal Devices. The story aims, and succeeds in giving closure to all the characters we've followed to this point, with the exception of the Anchorage folk, whose stories ended in the previous book.

The plight of Tom and Wren, Hester and Shrike, Fishcake and the Stalker Fang, Theo and Pennyroyal are all settled before the final page. There are some tense moments and some tender moments.

I hesitate to name my main gripe, because I fear the root of the problem began in the previous book, saddling this one with the resolving it, but it does feel at times as though the writer wants the reader to be more invested in young couple of Theo and Wren, rather than the older Tom and Hester. Scenes with Tom and Hester in this book sometimes feel reluctant. This may be my own prejudice, however. Having read the all the books to this point, I am more interested in Tom and Hester, who have been in the series from the beginning, than I am in Theo and Wren, who joined us in book three.

Reading this story requires you to ignore some of the niggling "well that's impossible" feelings that certain events spark, but, if you can accept a fictional world in which cities roam the Earth on giant wheels, then there is nothing in this book that should be beyond your acceptance.

The ending, after all the individual story arcs have reached their climax, is one that I felt particularly poignant, especially when you consider the world that the books are set in.

To sum up, if you haven't read the previous books in the series, this book would not be a good read for you. Start with Mortal Engines, and I have a feeling you'll be here soon enough. If you have read the other books, you were probably going to read this one anyway. I'm here to tell you; it doesn't disappoint.(less)

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Mar 22, 2011 Suna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, young-adult

Let me get out of the way what made me dock one star first, so I can then go on to unrestrainedly lauding the rest; the pacing is erratic, lags completely at times and not always in a relevant way, which frustrated me.

Right then: This is effing brilliant. Aside from the often hilarious snarks at post-modern culture, reading this story is an incredibly immediate and intimate experience. Not always the best option for for last thing at night.
And he achieves the same level of depth and feeling whet...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Rhys rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review was originally posted on ThirstforFiction.com

It’s been six months since the events on Brighton and Cloud 9. Wren and Tom are traveling the Bird Roads, making a living by buying and selling goods. All is quiet- a truce has been formed between the Green Storm and the Traction Cities. It’s a fragile truce, but a truce none the less. Although it doesn’t look to be holding for much longer, partcicularly with the goings on in destroyed Lindon and a new Old-Tech weapon even more powerful th...more

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Nov 28, 2009 Alex rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone and anyone

It began with Mortal Engines. It continued with Predator's Gold. It continued again with Infernal Devices. Now, after all the adventures, it shall end with a Darkling Plain.

For one last time we are plunged into Philip Reeves epic creation, for what could be the very last time.

Six months have past since the battle of Brighton, and much has changed: the Tractionits and the Green Storm have settled a peace treaty by the Green Storm's new leader General Naga; Theo has gone back to see his family in...more It began with Mortal Engines. It continued with Predator's Gold. It continued again with Infernal Devices. Now, after all the adventures, it shall end with a Darkling Plain.

For one last time we are plunged into Philip Reeves epic creation, for what could be the very last time.

Six months have past since the battle of Brighton, and much has changed: the Tractionits and the Green Storm have settled a peace treaty by the Green Storm's new leader General Naga; Theo has gone back to see his family in Zagwa after being a soldier in the Green Storm and a slave in Brighton; Hester roams about on desert towns in the Sahara desert with her adoptive father Shrike, who due to Omenone's rendering cannot kill humans (by the way Theddious Valentine, Mr Shaw, Shrike, how many fathers does Hester need?); Omenome Zero has married General Naga, and is now Lady Naga (remind you of someone?); Tom and Hester have retaken to the bird roads and due to a heart problem that was caused when he was shot near the heart all those years ago during the events of Predators Gold, he only has a few more years to live; Pennyroyal, the man who shot Tom, is aboard a city endulgings in the high class delights as he has tricked the world into thinking that it was he who defeated the Stalker Fang all those years ago; and speaking of Fang...well she's obviously gone for good. Shrike slashed her up pretty badly and her remains were tossed off a floating platform. Not even Edward Cullen could survive that. However it seems that the Stalker Fang is made of stronger stuff, and as we know young Fishcake found her still alive remains at the end of Infernal Devices. Now, he has almost completely rebuilt her. However she seems to be suffering multiple people personalities (is that a real thing? They used it in MAD magazine so I assume so) and is switching from her kalious stalker personality to her old kind self from wehn she was a once born (but it is not Anna back from the dead as the stalker brain is just reading the memories from old cells). She tells Fishcake to take her back to her old home. Is she just homesick, or does she have a plan up her sleaves?

Meanwhile, the wreak of London has been rusting away for eighteen years after the devastating Medusa blast. It is now dead and rotting on the Great Hunting Grounds. However, people have heard stories of scavenger towns which had snuck towards London for a cheap snack and had never been seen again. People who had survived their encounters with the city tell chilling tales of lightning, strange noises and shifting walls. But that can't be true. London's completely dead right? That's what just about everyone thinks, includng Tom. That is, until Tom runs into someone who looks oddly familiar. Is it one of his ex-historian apprentacises? Out of curiousity, Tom, Wren, Theo and some German guy named Wolf Kolold head towards London. To their surprise, not only do they find something there, but they find that something that would change the world is being brewed inside it's belly...

In the meantime, the truce between the tractionists and the Green Storm is wearing thin. War could break out anyday. Hundreds of Tractionist settlemenst, including the mighty Manchester, have gathered outside the Green Storm settlement just incase the 'mossies' want to attack. Which, unfortunately, is the impression given when a Green Storm soldier, a stalker from the Nomad Wars, a writer who is lossing his popularity and an ugly woman break General Naga's wife free from slave traders. However it is the rest of the gang who actually intend to return Omenome with the General so that the truce can be strenghtened again and peace restored. Unfortuanetly, this is seen by an open act of war by the Tractionists and General Naga isn't so happy to see his wife. The truce crumbles. The result? ALL OUT WAR! Now we can see the Green Storms true strength. They managed to fight off a dozen cities and won the battle of Brighton in a landslide. Because we all know it is fierce and shows how tough you are if you attack a city of fat, stuck up rich people who have never worked a day in their lives (that's the raft city Brighton, not Brighton as we know today) makes you a formidable foe. However, when the Tractionists truely attack the Green Storn, I think we can easily sum up that thee Green Storms not as strong as it was said to be. The Green Storm never stood a chance. Even their high tech old tech and stalkers are no chance for an army massive cities that move. The battle is pretty one sided until...

ZBLAM!

Looks like the Green Storm have one last weapon. But try telling that to the Green Storm. They would say something along the lines of "those barbarian Tractionists have an old tech weapon on their side." But if neither of the two parties have the old tech weapon, and if it hit both sides, then who does own it? Remember the Stalker Fang?

Cities will fall. Stalkers will slice. Heads will roll. Things will be eaten. Airships and streets will be given funny names.

So how good was A Darkling Plain? Let's just sum it up as simply as possilbe: 521pages, one day. Not starting one day and finishing it the next, but reading the whole thing in between midnights. Philip Reeve concludes the Mortal Engines Quartet in this stunning chapter. I don't know why a great story such as this one doesn't get the fame it deserves.

The Mortal Engines quartet may be over, but the Hungry City Chronicles will continue. The prequel Fever Crumb was released, and the sequel A Web of Air will be released in 2010. A new series is born...(less)

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About Philip Reeve

Philip Reeve was born and raised in Brighton, where he worked in a bookshop for a number of years while also co-writing, producing and directing a number of no-budget theatre projects.

Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.

Philip has been writing stories...more

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Books by Philip Reeve

Mortal Engines (The Hungry City Chronicles, #1)

Predator's Gold (The Hungry City Chronicles, #2)

Infernal Devices (The Hungry City Chronicles, #3)

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Quotes from A Darkling Plain

“It will be all right, Tom. Wherever we go now, whatever becomes of us, we'll be together, and it will all be all right.” — 4 people liked it

“That's what History teaches us, I think, that life goes on, even though individuals die and whole civilizations crumble away: The simple things last; they are repeated over and over by each generation.” — 1 person liked it

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A Darkling Plain (The Hungry City Chronicles #4)

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