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Larklight #3
Mothstorm
Having received a dire plea from the only two inhabitants of the planet Georgium Sidus, Art, Myrtle and their family decide that they must travel to the neighboring planet to help Reverend Cruet and his daughter and end up in the midst of a dangerous quest with the fate of the entire Empire at risk. Reprint.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2008
20 people are currently reading
1281 people want to read
About the author
Philip Reeve
170 books2,712 followersPhilip Reeve was born and raised in Brighton, where he worked in a bookshop for a number of years while also co-writing, producing and directing a number of no-budget theatre projects.
Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.
Railhead, published by Oxford University Press, will be published in the UK in October 2015
Pugs of the Frozen North, written with Sarah McIntyre, is out now.
Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.
Railhead, published by Oxford University Press, will be published in the UK in October 2015
Pugs of the Frozen North, written with Sarah McIntyre, is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
December 9, 2008
Philip Reeve and David Wyatt are back for another incredible book!
I cannot express how much I love these books!
I am utterly impressed with Reeve’s detailed, personable characters that are consistent and yet allowed the room to grow. The characters in this series are so delightful and varied... I am always anxious for Art’s amusing and surprisingly insightful views on events, and Myrtle’s delightfully tedious social commentary and lady-like instructions.
Larklight, the first book in the series, became an instant favorite, and while I loved Starcross (book two) I wasn’t *quite* as attached to it as I was to Larklight. But, Mothstorm is just as good as Larklight, and honestly I can’t think of a way to make either Larklight or Mothstorm more perfect!
In the third installment the Mumby family faces their strongest enemy yet and find their entire universe resting on their shoulders. (I don’t know how Reeve will top that for another – hopefully another - book, but I have great faith that he will!) Mothstorm is not only action packed, busting with wit (in a fun, friendly way… nothing pretentious, only smart and amusing), but many times I found myself engrossed with the ethical and moral dilemmas the characters had to confront and touched by the troubles they had to go through and the strong relationships they have.
I was captivated from the beginning and curious until the end. And while I wasn’t sure which way the story would end, or how it could possibly end in the way I was hoping, it did and it all made perfect sense (no fudging with the plots! Yay!).
Perfect for readers of any age. Reeve writes in a way that should captivate the young and the old. I can’t recommend these books highly enough!
**********
Yay!!!!! I'm so thrilled there is another adventure with the Mumby's!!!:D I'm very much looking forward to reading this!! Huzzah! ;>
I cannot express how much I love these books!
I am utterly impressed with Reeve’s detailed, personable characters that are consistent and yet allowed the room to grow. The characters in this series are so delightful and varied... I am always anxious for Art’s amusing and surprisingly insightful views on events, and Myrtle’s delightfully tedious social commentary and lady-like instructions.
Larklight, the first book in the series, became an instant favorite, and while I loved Starcross (book two) I wasn’t *quite* as attached to it as I was to Larklight. But, Mothstorm is just as good as Larklight, and honestly I can’t think of a way to make either Larklight or Mothstorm more perfect!
In the third installment the Mumby family faces their strongest enemy yet and find their entire universe resting on their shoulders. (I don’t know how Reeve will top that for another – hopefully another - book, but I have great faith that he will!) Mothstorm is not only action packed, busting with wit (in a fun, friendly way… nothing pretentious, only smart and amusing), but many times I found myself engrossed with the ethical and moral dilemmas the characters had to confront and touched by the troubles they had to go through and the strong relationships they have.
I was captivated from the beginning and curious until the end. And while I wasn’t sure which way the story would end, or how it could possibly end in the way I was hoping, it did and it all made perfect sense (no fudging with the plots! Yay!).
Perfect for readers of any age. Reeve writes in a way that should captivate the young and the old. I can’t recommend these books highly enough!
**********
Yay!!!!! I'm so thrilled there is another adventure with the Mumby's!!!:D I'm very much looking forward to reading this!! Huzzah! ;>
December 8, 2008
Huzzah! Another adventure with Art, Myrtle and the Sophronia gang! ;-> I thought this was every bit as good as "Larklight." It brings back many of the same characters, and resolves a few plot threads begun in the earlier books, but mostly it's focused on a new adventure and Art must once again be a brave British boy and help save the Queen and the glorious British empire from a mysterious new force. I'm constantly impressed by the characterization, humor (wit!), adventure, even some romance and philosophy, that Reeve infuses into a very creative and engaging plot. This one also takes place over the Christmas holiday, so it was nice reading it in November-December.
The entire series is heartily recommended! Art and Co. have even helped me fill some of the void left by HP, which is truly remarkable in my book! :-)
The entire series is heartily recommended! Art and Co. have even helped me fill some of the void left by HP, which is truly remarkable in my book! :-)
March 11, 2012
Probably my least favorite of the Larklight books. One slightly annoying thing about the books was more evident in this. This is primarily a series about boys having adventures. This doesn't bother me, except that the corollary seems to be that girls don't have adventures. It's actually a mixed message. Charity does have adventures, but is also a fairly minor character who appears only in the third book (compared to Art, who narrates all three, or Jack who is an infamous and young pirate). There are some women who are very cool, but as far as I can remember they are all alien and adult (one is from Mars, one is an ancient Shaper, etc). Further, there are some very awesome aliens where the women fight and the men stay home and take of the children, etc. This was promising, but it turns out that Myrtle, ever one to emphasize propriety over adventures, convinces them to wear dresses and have men open doors for them. Ack. To be fair, it seems to have been intended for comedic purposes, and yet I think it falls flat.
May 7, 2011
Didn't even know this thing was out, but now I bought it and can't wait to read it. Unfortunately it's been a long time since I read Larklight and Starcross, and until I get the both of them and read them in order this is just gonna have to wait
*****
Meh. It wasn't as good as the previous two. It started out great, and I raced through it. But I read the last few chapters in a span of three days because I lost some interest-I think the story structure just sort of fell apart after awhile. The Mothmaker is not nearly as great a villain as Mr. Webster, Dr.Ptarmigan and the Moobs in the previous volumes. Also I don't like stories that get resolved by the limitless powers of a demi-god (i.e: Mrs. Mumby). It's just too easy. I just don't think this book was as colorful as Starcross or as intricate as Larklight. And I somehow feel that the characters have melted into the background in this adventure - they're not as individualized as they used to be, moving along as one entity. Ssilissa all but disappears after awhile, which is a pain because I don't think she's ever had quite enough attention as she should in any of the books.
I think the only thing that I really liked about this book (besides the first few chapters, which are still up the high standard I associated with the Larklight trilogy) was the character of Charity Cruet, who is like a Luna Lovegood in some way. But even she didn't get enough 'screen-time' (I'm not sure what the appropriate term for this form of media is) as I think she should've, considering she's a new character.
*****
Meh. It wasn't as good as the previous two. It started out great, and I raced through it. But I read the last few chapters in a span of three days because I lost some interest-I think the story structure just sort of fell apart after awhile. The Mothmaker is not nearly as great a villain as Mr. Webster, Dr.Ptarmigan and the Moobs in the previous volumes. Also I don't like stories that get resolved by the limitless powers of a demi-god (i.e: Mrs. Mumby). It's just too easy. I just don't think this book was as colorful as Starcross or as intricate as Larklight. And I somehow feel that the characters have melted into the background in this adventure - they're not as individualized as they used to be, moving along as one entity. Ssilissa all but disappears after awhile, which is a pain because I don't think she's ever had quite enough attention as she should in any of the books.
I think the only thing that I really liked about this book (besides the first few chapters, which are still up the high standard I associated with the Larklight trilogy) was the character of Charity Cruet, who is like a Luna Lovegood in some way. But even she didn't get enough 'screen-time' (I'm not sure what the appropriate term for this form of media is) as I think she should've, considering she's a new character.
August 24, 2010
I love these books, and this one was no exception! The torrid, tragic tale of Jack and Myrtle's love continues, Art meets a girl who plays the harmonium even worse than Myrtle, giant moths attack Uranus-- Pardon me! I mean Georgium Sidus! A cure is found for the Venusian Tree Epidemic, and Sssilissa's origins are revealed!
December 28, 2020
A mysterious cloud is approaching the solar system from deep space, and of course only Arthur and Myrtle can solve the mystery and save the British Empire and the nine planets (along with some asteroids and dwarf planets). They are joined by our favorite old characters and a few new ones, as they travel between the planets to fight for Queen and country.
I loved everything about this book! The plot, the characters, the hilarious writing, the world-building, the mystery, the adventure, and every single dramatic chapter all kept me reading for hours on end. This is one of those books where there isn't a good place to stop reading. You just have to keep going through the next chapter and the next.
It's wonderful to see how the entire trilogy is wrapped up beautifully in this last book. The plot comes together really well to solve problems and answer questions that have been hanging since the first book. I love how each thread of the story resolves into this great ending!
I am amazed at how imaginative this fantasy world is. The aliens and their strange cultures are all so intricate and well-formed, right down to the diseases, commerce, and vegetation of each planet. I love that it is set in a steam-punk 1850s British Empire full of space travel that has expanded to Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. It's such an interesting solar system, and each planet has it's own history and people who live there.
The writing style is very humorous with that sort of dry humor that I love. I was delighted at how some of the characters are doing their best to have good manners and polite modesty in the middle of their outlandish adventures. We may be about to be blown to smithereens by space pirates, but let us not forget proper courtesy and decorum. The whole book is hilarious!
The characters are really varied and interesting. They come from all sorts of backgrounds, and I loved the character development for so many of them. They change and grow and learn from one another.
Myrtle has some excellent development as she learns that she is stronger and more resourceful than she thought. She does NOT faint every time something dangerous happens, as a properly-educated young lady should do. Instead she begins to take little steps towards saving herself, instead of waiting for a hero to rescue her as a demure young lady should do. And through those little steps she moves on to bigger steps, until finally she gains enough confidence in her own abilities to have the courage to jump into the fray and save everyone.
I only wish there were more books in this series!
I loved everything about this book! The plot, the characters, the hilarious writing, the world-building, the mystery, the adventure, and every single dramatic chapter all kept me reading for hours on end. This is one of those books where there isn't a good place to stop reading. You just have to keep going through the next chapter and the next.
It's wonderful to see how the entire trilogy is wrapped up beautifully in this last book. The plot comes together really well to solve problems and answer questions that have been hanging since the first book. I love how each thread of the story resolves into this great ending!
I am amazed at how imaginative this fantasy world is. The aliens and their strange cultures are all so intricate and well-formed, right down to the diseases, commerce, and vegetation of each planet. I love that it is set in a steam-punk 1850s British Empire full of space travel that has expanded to Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. It's such an interesting solar system, and each planet has it's own history and people who live there.
The writing style is very humorous with that sort of dry humor that I love. I was delighted at how some of the characters are doing their best to have good manners and polite modesty in the middle of their outlandish adventures. We may be about to be blown to smithereens by space pirates, but let us not forget proper courtesy and decorum. The whole book is hilarious!
The characters are really varied and interesting. They come from all sorts of backgrounds, and I loved the character development for so many of them. They change and grow and learn from one another.
Myrtle has some excellent development as she learns that she is stronger and more resourceful than she thought. She does NOT faint every time something dangerous happens, as a properly-educated young lady should do. Instead she begins to take little steps towards saving herself, instead of waiting for a hero to rescue her as a demure young lady should do. And through those little steps she moves on to bigger steps, until finally she gains enough confidence in her own abilities to have the courage to jump into the fray and save everyone.
I only wish there were more books in this series!
January 31, 2020
I read #1 and skipped #2. This one continues the ludicrous pulp romp of #1, and if you just tell your scientific accuracy filter to go and get a coffee it's quite enjoyable. I like the way most of the characters are reasonably capable, with some being somewhat more creative and VERY lucky. The humour is dialed down a bit in this one, but if you are used to dry British humour you'll see it.
I liked the triple reference to 50s rock-n-roll halfway through. The illustrations are great too.
Thios makes a good palate-cleanser between hard-SF 600-pagers.
I liked the triple reference to 50s rock-n-roll halfway through. The illustrations are great too.
Thios makes a good palate-cleanser between hard-SF 600-pagers.
August 2, 2013
Today’s post is on “Mothstorm” by Philip Reeve, it is decorated throughout by David Wyatt and is the third in the Larklight series. It is 387 pages long and is published by Bloomsbury Publishing. The cover has Art Mumby, his sister Myrtle, the sky pirate Jack, and Charity Cruet looking ready for fun and adventure with a sky ship behind them and the planet Uranus… I mean Georgium Sidus. The intended reader is older children and tweens but anyone with a love of the classic pulp novel will love this series. There is nothing in this book or series to make it unsuitable to read, there is no sex, no language, and all the action is fun. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the dust jacket- Say it isn’t so! A sinister cloud has appeared on the edge of the Known Universe, and it seems to be moving closer. The nearest planet, Georgium Sidus, has but two human inhabitants: the missionary reverend Cruet and his daughter, Charity. Their last communication? ‘Great danger- imperative that-‘ And then nothing. To determine the nature of the threat and rescue that Cruets, Art, Myrtle and family decide to bravely to bravely go where only one man and his daughter have gone before.
But the mothy evils they discover within the monstrous cloud are far beyond anything their imaginations could concoct (and that’s saying quite a lot). Lucky, then, that Jack Havock is hot on their heels to help in the battle to save the Universe… again.
Review- The Larklight series is so much fun. Reeve is writing in the style of the adventure pulps from the 1800’s. Everything is dramatic, fun, and just full of adventures in the unknown. The characters are not the central point of the story, just like in the pulp novels, but they are interesting and important. The main thing to remember when reading this series is to have fun with it. Reeve is clearly having fun writing it, so do not take anything too serious about the story because he is not. The illustrations are fun and help the reader get a better idea about the strange and wondrous things that Art and company come into contact with. Some of the old plot points like what Ssilissa is and where she came from and how to save Jack’s parents from being trees on Venus are answered. All in all I found this one a very satisfying read and I am still looking forward to the next book. With this series I am always looking forward to the next book. Reeve is an excellent writer and if you are looking for something with Steampunk or humorous over the top adventures then he is the guy to go to.
I give this book Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.
From the dust jacket- Say it isn’t so! A sinister cloud has appeared on the edge of the Known Universe, and it seems to be moving closer. The nearest planet, Georgium Sidus, has but two human inhabitants: the missionary reverend Cruet and his daughter, Charity. Their last communication? ‘Great danger- imperative that-‘ And then nothing. To determine the nature of the threat and rescue that Cruets, Art, Myrtle and family decide to bravely to bravely go where only one man and his daughter have gone before.
But the mothy evils they discover within the monstrous cloud are far beyond anything their imaginations could concoct (and that’s saying quite a lot). Lucky, then, that Jack Havock is hot on their heels to help in the battle to save the Universe… again.
Review- The Larklight series is so much fun. Reeve is writing in the style of the adventure pulps from the 1800’s. Everything is dramatic, fun, and just full of adventures in the unknown. The characters are not the central point of the story, just like in the pulp novels, but they are interesting and important. The main thing to remember when reading this series is to have fun with it. Reeve is clearly having fun writing it, so do not take anything too serious about the story because he is not. The illustrations are fun and help the reader get a better idea about the strange and wondrous things that Art and company come into contact with. Some of the old plot points like what Ssilissa is and where she came from and how to save Jack’s parents from being trees on Venus are answered. All in all I found this one a very satisfying read and I am still looking forward to the next book. With this series I am always looking forward to the next book. Reeve is an excellent writer and if you are looking for something with Steampunk or humorous over the top adventures then he is the guy to go to.
I give this book Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.
March 11, 2009
Reeve, Philip. 2008. Mothstorm: The Horror from Beyond Uranus Georgium Sidus. Or A Tale of Two Shapers. A Rattling Yarn of Danger, Dastardy and Derring-Do upon the Far Frontiers of British Space. With illustrations by David Wyatt. Bloomsbury.
First paragraph:
'Dunderhead!'
'Clodpole!'
'Ninnyhammer!'
'Booby!'
'Nitwit!'
Yes, 'twas the season of Peace and Goodwill at Larklight, and my sister Myrtle and I, snug in our fleece-lined, winter-weight spacesuits, were out upon the front porch, decorating our Christmas Tree. Christmas Trees are a German notion and quite the latest thing, but I doubt whether Prince Albert, who is responsible for introducing this charming festive fad, has ever tried to erect such a tree outside a house like Larklight, which floats about in an eccentric orbit far beyond the Moon.
I admit the above might come off as rather strange unless you're familiar with the world of Larklight. Mothstorm is the third in the series. The first is Larklight: Or the Revenge of the White Spiders!: Or To Saturn’s Rings and Back!: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Furthest Reaches of Space. The second is Starcross: A Stirring Adventure of Spies, Time Travel, and Curious Hats.
Philip Reeve has created a fantastical world set during Queen Victoria's reign, but most of the action takes place in space. (Yes, space) In fact a good many of our heroes are space pirates. Art Mumby is our young narrator. Myrtle Mumby, his sister, also takes a few turns narrating the action. Where will this third adventure take the Mumby family? Are they destined for Uranus? I mean, Georgium Sidus? Off to rescue a British missionary and his daughter that have gone missing? Will Myrtle get her man, the leader of the space pirates, Jack Havock? Will Jack forget his dislike for the British government long enough to save the world from its biggest danger yet?
I love these books because they're so outrageously over-the-top fantastical. Quirky through and through. Funny. You never know quite what to expect. And that's a good thing. Because my imagination can never match Philip Reeve's that's for sure!!! I love how zany these books are. Just read the first chapter about when their Pudding goes rogue!
The adventures are fun. No doubt. But what keeps me a fan is Philip Reeve. I just love his sense of humor. I love his style. He has a way with words. He's just a great storyteller.
First paragraph:
'Dunderhead!'
'Clodpole!'
'Ninnyhammer!'
'Booby!'
'Nitwit!'
Yes, 'twas the season of Peace and Goodwill at Larklight, and my sister Myrtle and I, snug in our fleece-lined, winter-weight spacesuits, were out upon the front porch, decorating our Christmas Tree. Christmas Trees are a German notion and quite the latest thing, but I doubt whether Prince Albert, who is responsible for introducing this charming festive fad, has ever tried to erect such a tree outside a house like Larklight, which floats about in an eccentric orbit far beyond the Moon.
I admit the above might come off as rather strange unless you're familiar with the world of Larklight. Mothstorm is the third in the series. The first is Larklight: Or the Revenge of the White Spiders!: Or To Saturn’s Rings and Back!: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Furthest Reaches of Space. The second is Starcross: A Stirring Adventure of Spies, Time Travel, and Curious Hats.
Philip Reeve has created a fantastical world set during Queen Victoria's reign, but most of the action takes place in space. (Yes, space) In fact a good many of our heroes are space pirates. Art Mumby is our young narrator. Myrtle Mumby, his sister, also takes a few turns narrating the action. Where will this third adventure take the Mumby family? Are they destined for Uranus? I mean, Georgium Sidus? Off to rescue a British missionary and his daughter that have gone missing? Will Myrtle get her man, the leader of the space pirates, Jack Havock? Will Jack forget his dislike for the British government long enough to save the world from its biggest danger yet?
I love these books because they're so outrageously over-the-top fantastical. Quirky through and through. Funny. You never know quite what to expect. And that's a good thing. Because my imagination can never match Philip Reeve's that's for sure!!! I love how zany these books are. Just read the first chapter about when their Pudding goes rogue!
The adventures are fun. No doubt. But what keeps me a fan is Philip Reeve. I just love his sense of humor. I love his style. He has a way with words. He's just a great storyteller.
November 5, 2013
I've been waiting for this book for awhile - first waiting for it to be published, and then waiting for it in paperback. Finally I got tired of waiting, and nabbed it from the library so I could read it.
I've enjoyed the series a lot, and this book continues to boy's-own adventure tale with the touches of Victoriana Imperialism in the far reaches of space. This time, however, we are threatened by an external foe - the Mothstorm.
In this entry, I enjoyed the bits that Myrtle narrated more than Art's. Myrtle is still annoyingly prim, though there are times when he adventurer spirit shines through. Moreso, though, her bits were more personal. Art's bits seemed a bit, I dunno - distant.
Also, all the references to the post-story time sort of killed a lot of potential suspense, because you knew that everything would turn out. I mean, you pretty much know that going into these stories, anyway, but, in this you really knew. It's almost like reading a history, in a way, and, I dunno, between the narration style and the lack of suspense, some of his parts were a bit ho-hum - so it's kinda a shame that his parts are the majority.
But, anyway - I said in my last review that this is a fun, adventure series with some indefinable quality holding it back from being a solid 4. The same is sadly true in this last installment - but, still, I'll take what I can get. :)
I've enjoyed the series a lot, and this book continues to boy's-own adventure tale with the touches of Victoriana Imperialism in the far reaches of space. This time, however, we are threatened by an external foe - the Mothstorm.
In this entry, I enjoyed the bits that Myrtle narrated more than Art's. Myrtle is still annoyingly prim, though there are times when he adventurer spirit shines through. Moreso, though, her bits were more personal. Art's bits seemed a bit, I dunno - distant.
Also, all the references to the post-story time sort of killed a lot of potential suspense, because you knew that everything would turn out. I mean, you pretty much know that going into these stories, anyway, but, in this you really knew. It's almost like reading a history, in a way, and, I dunno, between the narration style and the lack of suspense, some of his parts were a bit ho-hum - so it's kinda a shame that his parts are the majority.
But, anyway - I said in my last review that this is a fun, adventure series with some indefinable quality holding it back from being a solid 4. The same is sadly true in this last installment - but, still, I'll take what I can get. :)
December 23, 2021
Loved this book and it was so much better than Starcross. This had the non-stop adventure of Larklight and yet there was more because of David Wyatt's brilliant illustrations. He really helped make the characters come alive. This time the Mumby family is interrupted during their Christmas preparations by an SOS message from an old school chum of Mr. Mumby's. It is coming from Uranus, whose proper name is Georgium Sidus (but of course). When the Mumby's and later the Sophronia's crew goes to investigate, they find a world overrun by giant moths led by another Shaper, whose intentions are pretty nefarious. So they must save the universe and the British Empire again, this time directly rescuing Queen Victoria and the royal family. Highly recommended for ages 9-12, 5 stars.
Listened to the audiobook version with my son (Nov 23 - Dec 24, 2021): My son wanted to get started on this right away, so I know he likes the series as a whole. I was probably getting more laughs from the book versus my son, but he enjoyed it as well.
Listened to the audiobook version with my son (Nov 23 - Dec 24, 2021): My son wanted to get started on this right away, so I know he likes the series as a whole. I was probably getting more laughs from the book versus my son, but he enjoyed it as well.
Read
October 22, 2010Even though I pride myself on having more fun than most other people, I believe Messrs. Reeve and Wyatt are having even more fun than me! All three of the "Larklight" adventures are fantastically inventive, briskly plotted, and a blast.
July 16, 2017
I can't help but adore this trilogy - it's just so insanely creative and visually stunning. Love it!
Full review - and a lot of fangirling - over here
Full review - and a lot of fangirling - over here
December 30, 2012
I very much enjoyed this one, and it is possibly my favorite of the three Larklight books I've read. As always, I loved the humor and action and the entire Victorian/sci-fi setting--and the illustrations were perfect!
May 14, 2022
#3 in Larklight series, full of outer space adventures, gigantic horrible moths and their terrible riders, and an evil shaper intent on taking over the solar system
December 2, 2017
I'm super torn on this one since I really liked the main plot (even if some elements were somewhat predictable) and I really liked a lot of the character development. Charity was awesome, it was great to see Ssil come into her own, and Mother was the best as always. It was also nice to see Father show up a little more, being an overall sweet but brave guy. The Sophronias were hilarious as always.
On the other hand:
The humor in this one felt a little more subdued than the last two. Without the laugh-out-loud humor that was especially prevalent in Starcross, even with the plot keeping me interested, it just felt like something was missing.
I also felt like the characters often got a little lost in the crowd. Despite liking Charity, I felt like this book almost had too many characters and Charity only had a bit part after the initial storyline on GS. We barely get a sense of Father's character beyond liking icthyomorphs, and I felt like there was a lot less characterization of the Sophronias now that we're expected to already know them. Similarly, a lot of old characters show up or make cameos, which was cool up until it started to feel a little crammed.
Myrtle was still awful but I got the sneaking suspicion she was supposed to be more likable in this one, but her "development" felt out of nowhere and I still really dislike her romance with Jack. The long-hinted love triangle was brought up for a hot second and then completely dumped--it almost felt like this was originally not supposed to be the end of the series? Keep in mind, I also didn't really like the love triangle, and honestly felt like it would have been better without any of the romantic subplots, but the completely abrupt manner it's handled is just kind of weird.
On that topic, I also found the storyline with Myrtle kind of cringy. I'm certainly open to books that showcase people having different views in a time period when that would make sense, but it got a little uncomfortable (more than usual, at least) with the glamorization of Myrtle's devotion to being a proper lady. Despite having some badass heroines, and even having Ulla and Mother hint at there being more to life than Myrtle's BS, it still ends up feeling like being a proper lady is actually kind of nice. I could kind of see it as being a satire, but I felt like if so, it wasn't framed as well as it could have been.
On the other hand:
The humor in this one felt a little more subdued than the last two. Without the laugh-out-loud humor that was especially prevalent in Starcross, even with the plot keeping me interested, it just felt like something was missing.
I also felt like the characters often got a little lost in the crowd. Despite liking Charity, I felt like this book almost had too many characters and Charity only had a bit part after the initial storyline on GS. We barely get a sense of Father's character beyond liking icthyomorphs, and I felt like there was a lot less characterization of the Sophronias now that we're expected to already know them. Similarly, a lot of old characters show up or make cameos, which was cool up until it started to feel a little crammed.
Myrtle was still awful but I got the sneaking suspicion she was supposed to be more likable in this one, but her "development" felt out of nowhere and I still really dislike her romance with Jack. The long-hinted love triangle was brought up for a hot second and then completely dumped--it almost felt like this was originally not supposed to be the end of the series? Keep in mind, I also didn't really like the love triangle, and honestly felt like it would have been better without any of the romantic subplots, but the completely abrupt manner it's handled is just kind of weird.
On that topic, I also found the storyline with Myrtle kind of cringy. I'm certainly open to books that showcase people having different views in a time period when that would make sense, but it got a little uncomfortable (more than usual, at least) with the glamorization of Myrtle's devotion to being a proper lady. Despite having some badass heroines, and even having Ulla and Mother hint at there being more to life than Myrtle's BS, it still ends up feeling like being a proper lady is actually kind of nice. I could kind of see it as being a satire, but I felt like if so, it wasn't framed as well as it could have been.
December 22, 2022
This series is so goofy lol
Honestly, I can't take this book/series seriously lol
Its so over the top, but it's unique (with it's "Victorian era" futuristic world) and it's FUNNY. The posh way they talk, how silly the characters are....
I mean, one minute Myrtle wants to run to her dad after a long desperation, then the next she decides not so as not to ruin her dress lol
Girl is fighting a "god" and worried about her dress, manners, and the right words to use lol
Her relationship with her brother is funny too. The story is told in both their povs and they take pleasure in assuring us the other is telling it wrong 😂
Good for laugh, with illustrations and if you get the audiobook....golden! The English accents make it all so much more "Victorian", loved it 😂
Honestly, I can't take this book/series seriously lol
Its so over the top, but it's unique (with it's "Victorian era" futuristic world) and it's FUNNY. The posh way they talk, how silly the characters are....
I mean, one minute Myrtle wants to run to her dad after a long desperation, then the next she decides not so as not to ruin her dress lol
Girl is fighting a "god" and worried about her dress, manners, and the right words to use lol
Her relationship with her brother is funny too. The story is told in both their povs and they take pleasure in assuring us the other is telling it wrong 😂
Good for laugh, with illustrations and if you get the audiobook....golden! The English accents make it all so much more "Victorian", loved it 😂
August 16, 2025
Another ripping yarn, where our young heroes (Art and Myrtle Mumby) plum the uncharted depths of the Victorian aether, face dastardly perils and show the dauntless pluck of the well-bred British youth!
With tongue firmly in cheek, Philip Reeve's third (and I believe final) outing in the Larklight series once again delivers an enjoyable page turner, poking fun at the silliness of Victorian England, a place where manners and etiquette must be maintained even in the face of the subjugation of the entire solar system. Reeve draws inspiration from the old "Boys Own Adventures" and series like "Dan Dare" and "Biggles", and that is just fine. The degree of creativity is admirable. The illustrations, which occur about every 20 pages, fit the style of writing perfectly.
With tongue firmly in cheek, Philip Reeve's third (and I believe final) outing in the Larklight series once again delivers an enjoyable page turner, poking fun at the silliness of Victorian England, a place where manners and etiquette must be maintained even in the face of the subjugation of the entire solar system. Reeve draws inspiration from the old "Boys Own Adventures" and series like "Dan Dare" and "Biggles", and that is just fine. The degree of creativity is admirable. The illustrations, which occur about every 20 pages, fit the style of writing perfectly.
June 8, 2022
Despite the Christmas season being upon Larklight, Art and Myrtle find their holidays interrupted by an ominous cloud that threatens a missing reverend - one controlled by a being as powerful as their own mother, whose plans for universal domination could bring about an all out war! Reeve brings his exciting trilogy to a heart-pounding close with all the humour and exhilarating space adventure fans expect, and then some. Where has this phenomenal presence come from, and how will the galaxy fare against its sheer scope?
May 16, 2021
Impressive concept, great end to an interesting and enjoyable series. All world building was imaginative and impressive as usual. The perils were greater in this book than in the others. However, somehow I enjoyed this less than the second. It lacked the whimsy of the Moobs. The concepts were excellent though and I loved the ways in which some characters were utilised for their strengths.
4.3* for excellent execution of a well designed narrative.
4.3* for excellent execution of a well designed narrative.
April 7, 2018
Another book that took me through time and space...just like Larklight and Starcross, the story is unique. Victorian England has never been portrayed so beautifully in a steam punk setting. I love how the loose ends from the previous two books were solved here and I especially love the thrilling prologue. I finished this book in one sitting because I just can’t put it down once I started.
October 20, 2020
I thought this book would be a good choice for children but instead it proved me wrong. This book does take me along the journey of the story which made me feel and view those characters and sceneries with the best detailed descriptions. Never ever do I felt bored when I was reading this book and it's always full of surprises! Just recently finished reading it and it does deserve those 5 stars ;)
October 30, 2017
If you're not personally loathe the Victorian era it based on like me, you probably find not too hard to like this series. It's enjoyable, also contains with Philip Reeve's humor and some perspectives that I think are interesting as a sci-fi. And I guess it's a good execution on the character's basis according to what they live in. But yeah, because I hate the era, I couldn't like them either.
Kaoru Mori still remains the only person on this planet that can make me not bother with Victorian-esque elements. I still prefer her other works that weren't Victorian.
Kaoru Mori still remains the only person on this planet that can make me not bother with Victorian-esque elements. I still prefer her other works that weren't Victorian.
December 22, 2017
Reeve never disappoints. A swashbuckling adventure full of delightful inventions and silly notions.
October 25, 2018
Another excellent book in the series. Fun, witty and the language and writing roll off the tongue and around the brain like desert.
January 11, 2019
Again, throw your disbelief out the window and just enjoy. I did.
August 6, 2019
This was a delightful series, and I'm sad there are no more books left in it! He's a talented writer!
August 11, 2019
Another one!!!!😂😂
Honestly Philip Reeve has done it again.He gave us another furteristic but not furtureistic book.I would recommend it to everyone
Honestly Philip Reeve has done it again.He gave us another furteristic but not furtureistic book.I would recommend it to everyone
February 11, 2021
It was very creative, I just think it got predictable by the end.
May 14, 2021
It was my favorite adventures that they had and as they try to save the world again, they run into some unexpected situations.
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