The third (and final?) Fever Crumb story reminds readers of the serious themes beneath Reeve’s often madcap, always entertaining tales.
Following the events of A Web of Air (2011), a subdued Fever has returned to London. It’s not long before she heads north with her mother, following rumors that a mysterious structure that may hold the key to Stalker brains has been breached. Meanwhile, London nears the mobility it will enjoy years into the future (Mortal Engines, 2003, etc.), but the northern nomads are ready to challenge London based on a young girl’s prophetic dreams. Whew! Beneath the plot run three narratives: of Fever, discovering the truth about the Scriven and her own humanity; of Cluny Morvish, reluctant prophet and, it turns out, another of Godshawk’s experiments; and of Charley Shallow, who once tried to kill Fever and is now an upstanding young sociopath who pulls a lot of strings. There are few truly happy moments here, and lots of violence, but the rich worldbuilding continues to hold surprises, and the writing never falters. Most hopeful—although perhaps unexpected—is a possible romance for Fever; the not-fully-resolved ending leaves hope that the feelings might be reciprocated. The implication that only away from London and science can Fever find happiness echoes the themes and tensions between technology and nature Reeve has explored throughout this and the Hungry Cities quartet.
Quiet and somber, but still deeply satisfying. (Steampunk. 13 & up)