The first thing that strikes you about Philip Reeve's Larklight is just how simply beautiful the book itself is. Illustrated throughout with line art by David Wyatt, even the faux leather cover and "adverts" inside the front and back cover all contribute to the conceit that this really is a Victorian boy's memoirs of his adventures in space.Told primarily from the perspective of young Art Mumby - with occasional chapters 'stolen' from his teenage sister Myrtle's diary - Larklight is a tale of pirates, space monsters and friendly aliens in a Victorian steampunk universe not unlike that found in Frank Chadwick's Space 1889 roleplaying game.
Although written for a teen audience, there is plenty for us older readers to enjoy - from the simple rip-roaring adventure and humour to the 'in-jokes' and sly science-fiction references that range from Star Trek to War of The Worlds.
If you're already a fan of Reeve's Mortal Engines quartet then you'll be familiar with the breathless pacing, beautiful worldbuilding and deft prose, but if you are drawn to this by the idea of Victorian steampunk then you will not be disappointed and will, hopefully, then be tempted to check out the Mortal Engines books.
A sequel to Larklight, Starcross, is due out in October this year.
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