MMGM: Philip Reeve: Master of Historical Fantasy and Steampunk

It's so refreshing when I encounter a historical book that is true to the time and accessible for kids. Bonus points if it’s also humorous.

Recently, my younger son, who still loves middle grade fiction, discovered Phillip Reeve. First, we read the Larklight series, a Victorian steampunk/alternative history set in space. Next, we tackled a stand alone novel by Reeve, No Such Thing as Dragons. Although these books are completely different, they both remain authentic to their time periods with interesting characters that kids will relate to. In the case of Larklight, especially, they are also laugh out loud funny.

 

Larklight

Arthur (Art) Mumby and his irritating sister Myrtle live with their father in the huge and rambling house, Larklight, travelling through space on a remote orbit far beyond the Moon. One ordinary sort of morning they receive a correspondence informing them that a gentleman is on his way to visit, a Mr Webster. Visitors to Larklight are rare if not unique, and a frenzy of preparation ensues. But it is entirely the wrong sort of preparation, as they discover when their guest arrives, and a Dreadful and Terrifying (and Marvellous) adventure begins. It takes them to the furthest reaches of Known Space, where they must battle the evil First Ones in a desperate attempt to save each other - and the Universe.

Recounted through the eyes of Art himself, Larklight is sumptuously designed and illustrated throughout.

(from Amazon)

 

Starcross (the sequel)

There is an old saying: if something is too good to be true, it probably is. Take the holiday that Art Mumby, his irritating younger sister Myrtle, and their mother take to Starcross, the finest sea-bathing resort in the entire Asteroid Belt. The fact that there are no seas anywhere should give you a clue. Sure enough, Art and family quickly find themselves grappling with French spies, Yankee rebels, and man-eating starfish. With stops to the future and prehistoric Mars, it's all Art can do to keep his head about him - which is essential, since everyone else is losing theirs!

(from Amazon)

My take:

Reeve's voice is spot with the tongue-in-cheek Victorian humor. Most of the chapters are from Art's point of view, but we get chapters from Myrtle’s diaries as well. While some people (like Art) find Myrtle annoying, I thought she was a hoot, always trying to be a proper Victorian lady. You don’t want to miss the part in Starcross where her extravagant Victorian bathing costume comes in handy or her "attachment" with pirate Jack, who has his own interesting back story. The Author/Illustrator bio at the end about “Two Gentlemen of Devonshire" is as entertaining as the rest of the book. The best part, of course, is the incredibly intricate and imaginative world with Britain is leading the space race in the Victorian times. I enjoyed traveling to Venus and Jupiter and all the incredible creatures and technology Reeve created. Whether you are encountering enormous spiders or sentient hats that control people's mind, this whole series is a lot of fun.

*There is a third book, Mothstorm, but I haven't read it yet. 

If you love steampunk or alternate fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously, you will love this. The world building reminded me of a kid's version of Jasper Fforde's work. (The Eyre Affair)

No Such Thing As Dragons

 

A thrilling new adventure from award-winning master storyteller Philip Reeve!

Ansel is a mute boy whose master is a dragon-slayer. Brock has shining armor, and scars that prove his heroic stories. Ansel suspects there are no such things as dragons. So what is the man-eating monster that haunts the crags of Dragon Mountain? (from Amazon)

My Take:

This book was much different from the Larklight series. There is still some humor, but this read more like a straight historical in the setting and details. What I loved about it is how authentic and grounded the world was. Although the setting is never explicitly stated,  it felt like somewhere in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.  The beliefs of the villagers about dragons felt authentic and true to the time period. Although this is a short book, it has very realistic violence in parts, so it’s not for the more sensitive reader. Reeve includes a lot of perspectives on dragons but doesn’t force the reader to come to a certain conclusion. I also enjoyed the bit of humor, especially at the end, with Brock, the dragon slayer.

If you enjoy realistic historical fiction with a dose of fantasy, you will enjoy this.

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

The Larklight Series:

🦴Giant spiders and hats that take over your brain! This was funny, but you know I don't like bugs.

The Kid Who Ran for President:

🦴 A really cool dragon, but he was scary. Big claws and teeth. And he eats cows! You really need to choose books with nice animals.

 If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

Your Turn:

Have you read anything by Philip Reeve? Do you like alternate history, steampunk, or historical fantasy? What are your favorites?