Philip Reeve is a renowned British author and illustrator, best known for his futuristic, post-apocalyptic novels for young adults. Born on February 28, 1966, in Brighton, England, he spent his early childhood engrossed in drawing and writing. His passion for the arts led him to study illustration at Camberwell College of Arts, which set the stage for his illustrious career as an author and illustrator.
Is Philip Reeve Still Alive?
Yes, Philip Reeve is still alive and continues to inspire readers with his beautifully crafted stories and characters. Despite his fame and success, Reeve remains down-to-earth and accessible to his fans through his social media platforms. His enduring vitality allows him to continue creating, much to the delight of his worldwide readership.
Top 5 Best Books by Philip Reeve
- Mortal Engines (2001): This is the first book in Reeve’s critically acclaimed quartet, set in a post-apocalyptic world where cities move on wheels and consume smaller towns to survive.
- Predator’s Gold (2003): The second book in the Mortal Engines Quartet continues the thrilling saga, introducing new characters and delving deeper into the intriguing world Reeve has created.
- Infernal Devices (2005): In the third installment of the Mortal Engines Quartet, Reeve takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, presenting a story that is both captivating and heartbreaking.
- A Darkling Plain (2006): The final book in the Mortal Engines Quartet offers a satisfying conclusion to the series, filled with unexpected twists and turns.
- Here Lies Arthur (2007): This standalone novel, a retelling of the Arthurian legend, won the prestigious Carnegie Medal for its unique and thought-provoking perspective on the famous tale.
Hidden Gems and Trivia About Philip Reeve
Despite his fame, there are many lesser-known facts about Reeve that fans may find interesting. For instance, before becoming a successful author, he worked in a Brighton bookshop for many years. Reeve is also an accomplished illustrator, having illustrated many of his own books as well as those of other authors.
Philip Reeve’s Love Life and Friendships
Reeve is married to Sarah Reeve, a fellow artist, and together they have a son named Sam. The couple lives in Dartmoor, England. Throughout his life, Reeve has nurtured many friendships, including one with fellow author and illustrator Sarah McIntyre, with whom he has collaborated on several projects.
Is Philip Reeve Rich or Poor?
While it’s inappropriate to delve into someone’s personal finances without their consent, it’s safe to say that Reeve’s successful writing career has likely provided him with financial stability. However, Reeve has often stated that he values the joy of creating over material wealth, a sentiment that resonates with many artists and creators.
The Most Influential Quotes by Philip Reeve
Reeve’s books are full of thought-provoking quotes that resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the last page. Here are three of my favorites:
- “It’s like learning to fall properly. If you can manage not to tighten up you won’t hurt yourself as much. The same thing’s true of life…” – Infernal Devices
- “We do what we do because of who we are. If we did otherwise, we would not be ourselves.†– Mortal Engines
- “The world is full of hazards if you are a book, but one of the greatest hazards is that people will insist on understanding you.†– Here Lies Arthur
Main Settings for Philip Reeve’s Books
The post-apocalyptic world in which the Mortal Engines Quartet is set is one of the most distinctive features of Reeve’s work. This dystopian setting, where cities move on wheels and consume each other for survival, is a vivid backdrop for the adventures of his characters.
Philip Reeve’s First Book and Last Book
Reeve’s first published book was Mortal Engines, released in 2001. His most recent book, Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep, was published in 2021. Both books showcase Reeve’s unique storytelling style and his ability to create complex, compelling characters.
Philip Reeve’s Books in Chronological Order
From his first book, Mortal Engines (2001), to his latest, Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep (2021), Reeve’s body of work spans two decades and includes over twenty books. Some of his notable works in chronological order include the Mortal Engines Quartet (2001-2006), Larklight Trilogy (2006-2008), Goblins Trilogy (2012-2014), and Railhead Trilogy (2015-2018).
The Screen Adaptation of Mortal Engines
Mortal Engines was adapted into a feature film in 2018, directed by Christian Rivers and produced by Peter Jackson. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film was praised for its stunning visuals and faithful adaptation of Reeve’s unique world.
Artists Who Inspired Philip Reeve
Reeve has cited numerous artists and authors as influences, including Mervyn Peake, Charles Dickens, Hayao Miyazaki, and Ridley Scott. These influences can be seen in Reeve’s richly detailed world-building and his complex, multifaceted characters.
Five Other Writers and Books to Explore if You Like Philip Reeve
- Neil Gaiman: Known for his dark fantasy novels, Gaiman’s books like Neverwhere and American Gods are a must-read for fans of Reeve.
- Patrick Ness: Ness’s Chaos Walking Trilogy offers a unique blend of dystopian and science fiction that fans of Reeve will likely enjoy.
- Philip Pullman: Pullman’s His Dark Materials Trilogy offers a rich, complex world and compelling characters that are reminiscent of Reeve’s work.
- Garth Nix: Nix’s Old Kingdom Series is a must-read for fans of Reeve’s intricate world-building and strong character development.
- Terry Pratchett: Pratchett’s Discworld Series offers a unique blend of humor, fantasy, and thought-provoking themes that fans of Reeve will likely appreciate.
Conclusion
Exploring Philip Reeve’s Bio has been a fascinating journey through the life and works of an exceptional talent in the literary world. His influence extends beyond the pages of his books, inspiring readers, fellow authors, and filmmakers alike. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, there’s always something new to discover in Reeve’s richly imagined universes. So, why not pick up one of his books today and embark on a thrilling adventure of your own?
