Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve

FYI: This is not the cover from the ARC that I read - this is the UK cover.


Reeve, Philip Fever Crumb, 336 p. Scholastic, April 2010. $17.99. Violence: PG (looting, shooting, rioting – all mild); Language: G. Fever Crumb has been raised by a group of scientists who eschew frivolity since she was rescued as a foundling baby. Now a teenager, her scientific skills have been called to use by an archaeologist who had left the order. Fever’s presence in the post-apocalypse London creates a fervor, as people on the streets believe that she is one of their previous overlords, returned to re-enslave them. Her work with Kit, the archaeologist, meanwhile, disturbs odd recollections in Fever’s mind – memories that don’t seem to be Fever’s own. The disquiet in Fever’s mind echoes the disquiet around the city and both seem to be destined for a violent conclusion.

Reeve’s look at future Earth is not quite as attention-getting as his Hungry Cities quartet and may only find an audience with those who have already read Reeve’s other books.

SPOILER ALERT:


Silly me – I had no clue that this story was a prequel to the Hungry City books until almost the last page! Then my brain started working and I finally got it! I still didn’t find this book as interesting as Mortal Engines. It’s not for lack of writing skill. MS, HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.