Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve Review



"Fever Crumb is a girl who has been adopted and raised by Dr. Crumb, a member of the order of Engineers, where she serves as apprentice. In a time and place where women are not seen as reasonable creatures, Fever is an anomaly, the only female to serve in the order.

Soon though, she must say goodbye to Dr. Crumb - nearly the only person she's ever known - to assist archeologist Kit Solent on a top-secret project. As her work begins, Fever is plagued by memories that are not her own and Kit seems to have a particular interest in finding out what they are. Fever has also been singled out by city-dwellers who declare her part Scriven.

The Scriveners, not human, ruled the city some years ago but were hunted down and killed in a victorious uprising by the people. If there are any remaining Scriven, they are to be eliminated.

All Fever knows is what she's been told: that she is an orphan. Is Fever a Scriven? Whose memories does she hold? Is the mystery of Fever, adopted daughter of Dr. Crumb, the key to the secret that lies at the heart of London?"

Another steampunk.

Fever Crumb isn't one of my favorite reading experience. I know it sounds a bit fascinating (I thought so too), but it's actually a bit boring. There's barely any action, and, when there is action, I just want to slap myself, because I'm disappointed in my faith of books.

The plot moves at a snail's pace. I kid you not. Fever Crumb spends a lot of time on background, background, and more background. Don't you hate books like that?

The writing is a whole another story. Unlike of what my fellow readers think, I do like the writing. It's actually quite interesting to see things in a third POV. (But sometimes it can get really confusing. I'll explain later.)

What else should I talk about? Oh, yes. The, um...POVs! The author created a lot of POV. From lunatics to the regular old character. From the 'new mayor of London' to the main character, Fever Crumb. And yes, that's in respect. (I hope you understand what I am talking about. Keep on reading, guys.) 

The ending. The ending is amazing. I like how the author brings in cheeky ending. It's like a totally hint-hint. Hint-hint. 

The characters:

Fever Crumb is an idiot. Let's just get that over with. She is an idiot. Yes, I just called the main character an idiot. And she's supposed to be a engineer, who is one of the smartest people in the entire city of London. Then again, she was told to let her emotions fade and disappear. She was supposed to hide her emotions from the rest of the world. But let's just say that she is a little bit too trusting, when it comes to her family.

Dr. Crumb. This man reminds me of my father. Emotionally-distant. Seemingly cold. Insanely stupid when it comes to his wife. And smart when it comes to science, especially engineering things like robots, planes, and cars. (Well, not exactly Dr. Crumb. Those things didn't exist at that time.)

Kit is perhaps the most emotional guy in the entire book. I mean there's so much facial (written) expressions. More than most of the engineers combined. So much potential! And the author killed him off in the book. (oops, spoiler.) 

Rating: Two out of Five

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