4.5 StarsPredator’s Gold is another solid book in Philip Reeve’s Hungry City Chronicles. The story of Tom and Hester continues two years after the events of Mortal Engines.If you haven’t had a chance to read these books, you are definitely missing out on a truly fantastic read. Mr. Reeve creates an inventive world full of hungry cities that roam their “hunting grounds” eating up smaller cities, towns, and settlements. The author calls this process Municipal Darwinism.Part of the allure of this series is its appeal to both adult and young adult readers. The book is intelligently written, the descriptions are vivid and colorful, and the author has a great sense of humor. There are airships, pirates, eight-legged limpet ships, submersibles, and all sorts of gadgets. In this installment, Tom and Hester’s relationship has matured. They have been companions for two years. Hester is a little insecure in her relationship because of her disfigurement. Because of this insecurity, Hester jumps to conclusions and unleashes a whole chain of events that causes turmoil in her life and the traction city of Anchorage.Predator’s Gold shows the lengths people will take to get more resources for their dwindling supplies. Predator’s Gold is the bounty that the city of Arkangel was prepared to pay for information leading to the capture of a city. Politics is also beginning to play a role in this book. There is a whole group of people who are unhappy with Municipal Darwinism. This group is referred to as the anti-tractionists. There are hints that a war may be coming. Predator’s Gold is a great read and is suitable for both adults and children. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
