PREDATOR'S GOLD (Mortal Engines Quartet #2) by Phillip Reeve ⭐⭐

(Original review written March 30, 2019)

I just don’t know about this series. Part of me wants to give it the benefit of the doubt as a youth action series, knowing that it’s target audience would find it enjoyable. But the other part thinks who IS this written for exactly? It jumps from simple giddy naive characters and kissing to describing slaves on leashes and straight-up overtly descriptive murder. The age of reader I’m picturing that would actually gain something from reading this would be far too young for some of the extreme violence that shows up so abruptly. Or maybe I’m out of touch with what being a young teen is anymore and should just let the book exist for those that want it.

Because honestly, I get it. There’s a plot that moves you forward, and at some level there’s entertainment. And this world has so many possibilities. I'm still running off the interest I had when I first heard the idea, and there are parts of the world that have kept me reading on. I may not feel like I’m growing as a reader from the material, but as I’m reading I realize someone out there must be, and they shouldn’t feel the lesser for it. There’s without a doubt much better YA series out there to recommend, but there’s probably worse ones as well.

As for it being the 2nd book in the series, definitely disappointed it didn’t take off in quality like I had hoped. It stayed predictable most of the way, and even when it feels like a twist might happen, it’s exactly the twist you’d expect. The ending wrapped up rather quickly, but I think it sets up the opportunity to recharge the series and regain some quality. At least I’m praying it does because I’m trying to get through the next two books with my sanity.