Synopses & Reviews
Fever Crumb is a girl who has been adopted and raised by Dr. Crumb, a member of the order of Engineers, where she serves as apprentice. In a time and place where women are not seen as reasonable creatures, Fever is an anomaly, the only female to serve in the order. Soon though, she must say goodbye to Dr. Crumb — nearly the only person she's ever known — to assist archeologist Kit Solent on a top-secret project. As her work begins, Fever is plagued by memories that are not her own and Kit seems to have a particular interest in finding out what they are. Fever has also been singled out by city-dwellers who declare her part Scriven. The Scriveners, not human, ruled the city some years ago but were hunted down and killed in a victorious uprising by the people. If there are any remaining Scriven, they are to be eliminated. All Fever knows is what she's been told: that she is an orphan. Is Fever a Scriven? Whose memories does she hold? Is the mystery of Fever, adopted daughter of Dr. Crumb, the key to the secret that lies at the heart of London?
Haunting, arresting, and astonishingly original, Fever Crumb will delight and surprise readers at every fast-paced, breathless turn.
Review
"Reeve's captivating flights of imagination play as vital a role in the story as his endearing heroine, his worthy villains, and nifty array of supporting characters.... [A] swiftly paced story. " Booklist
Review
"Fever Crumb has mysterious origins, technological wonders, and sociopolitical complexities all its own. Touches of whimsy balance the high-minded themes,... a sterling example of Reeve's ability to depict the universals of human nature." Horn Book
Review
"[A] finely wrought coming-of-age story starring an unlikely and occasionally unlikable heroine who (like Hester Shaw) becomes a figure of pathos and dignity." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Reeve is not just an excellent writer, but a creator with a wildly imaginative mind. The future London...feels like a place Charles Dickens might have described had he been a science-fiction writer." School Library Journal
Review
"Reeve adeptly balances wry humor, political commentary, and careful fantasy plotting, even while keeping Fever central. " Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Synopsis
Fever Crumb is a girl who has been adopted and raised by Dr. Crumb, a member of the order of Engineers, where she serves as apprentice. In a time and place where women are not seen as reasonable creatures, Fever is an anomaly, the only female to serve in the order.
Synopsis
A stunning, new novel by master storyteller Philip Reeve.
Fever Crumb is a girl who has been adopted and raised by Dr. Crumb, a member of the order of Engineers, where she serves as apprentice. In a time and place where women are not seen as reasonable creatures, Fever is an anomaly, the only female to serve in the order. Soon though, she must say goodbye to Dr. Crumb-nearly the only person she's ever known-to assist archeologist Kit Solent on a top-secret project. As her work begins, Fever is plagued by memories that are not her own and Kit seems to have a particular interest in finding out what they are. Fever has also been (cont'd)
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About the Author
Philip Reeve was born in Brighton, England. He became a cartoonist and, many years later, the illustrator of several highly successful children's book series in the United Kingdom. He has been writing since he was five, but Mortal Engines, the first book in the Hungry City Chronicles, was his first published novel. He has since followed that with Predator's Gold, Infernal Devices, and the Victorian space opera Larklight. Mr. Reeve lives on Dartmoor with his wife, Sarah, and their son, Samuel.