Mortal Engines

A catastrophic event known as the Sixty Minute War drastically reshapes the landscape of civilization. This devastating conflict leads to the creation of mobile predator cities that hunt smaller counterparts in a survival practice termed 'Municipal Darwinism.'

In the aftermath of the war, the Anti-Traction League emerges, advocating for stable settlements and protection through the Shield Wall in Asia. This organization stands in stark contrast to the predatory nature of mobile cities, representing a different approach to survival.

The city of London, under the leadership of Lord Mayor Magnus Crome, captures and absorbs the mining town of Salzhaken. This ruthless act signifies London's dominance and the relentless pursuit of resources in a world where survival depends on the predation of others.

Hester Shaw, a masked woman from Salzhaken, is determined to assassinate Thaddeus Valentine, the Head of the Guild of Historians. Her quest for vengeance is fueled by the trauma of her mother's murder at Valentine's hands, propelling her into a dangerous conflict.

Tom Natsworthy, a young Apprentice Historian, is tasked with gathering 'Old-Tech' for London's museum. Accompanied by Valentine’s daughter Katherine, this mission thrusts Tom into a web of intrigue and danger that will change his life forever.

Amidst her attempt to carry out her assassination plot, Hester escapes when Tom intervenes. This encounter reveals the dark past of Hester's life, including her mother's tragic fate and the deep scars it has left on her psyche.

Tom shares Hester’s revelation about Valentine with him, only to be betrayed and pushed down the very chute he tried to save Hester from. This pivotal moment sets off a chain of events filled with peril as he navigates betrayal and lies.

Tom and Hester find themselves trapped in the town of Scuttlebug, which initially appears to be a safe haven. The townsfolk's true intentions to sell them into slavery reveals the constant danger that lurks in this brutal new world.

In a dramatic turn, Anna Fang, an Anti-Traction League agent, rescues Tom and Hester during the chaotic slave market in Rustwater. Hester's connection to a reanimated cyborg named Shrike is unveiled, hinting at her troubled past and the ongoing conflict.

As Hester and Tom journey on Anna's airship, they learn about the deadly weapon MEDUSA, which has the potential to obliterate cities. United with the Anti-Traction League, they plot to prevent a catastrophic future driven by relentless ambition.

A climactic battle ensues in Airhaven where Shrike, the cyborg, acknowledges Hester’s love for Tom before succumbing to his injuries. This moment underscores the emotional stakes involved as the characters grapple with love, loss, and sacrifice.

Manipulating public support, Valentine orchestrates a coup against Lord Mayor Crome, promising conquest over the Shield Wall. His ruthless ambition sets the stage for an impending assault on the Anti-Traction League's stronghold and further conflict.

In the story's climax, Hester, Tom, and their allies infiltrate St. Paul's Cathedral to confront Valentine. A fierce duel breaks out where shocking truths are revealed, culminating in a dramatic showdown that alters the fate of the cities involved.

Tom ingeniously dismantles London’s main engine with Katherine’s covert assistance, thwarting Valentine’s malicious plans. This act of rebellion brings about the collapse of London’s oppressive regime, a pivotal moment in the battle for survival.

In the wake of the upheaval, the citizens of London unite with the Anti-Tractionists, signaling a new beginning. As Tom and Hester take flight in the Jenny Haniver, they embark on a journey of exploration, leaving behind the horrors of their past.