I first read this series almost 20 years ago. Mortal Engines was an impulse pick from my school's library. Contrary to popular opinion, the steampunk post-apocalyptic setting of London on wheels isn't what grabbed me about these books. I ended up being incredibly moved by the main characters, especially Hester. What a unique and complex female character to discover as a child. She's the star of the show for me. Anna Fang was also very influential on me, being a ridiculously cool yet flawed heroine. 

Obviously the writing isn't as amazing as it was when I was 12. This first book is rapidly paced, with not enough time to fully process the dramatic events that befall Tom and Hester. But I enjoyed it again nonetheless. Plus I've found a new appreciation for the setting. I have always loved dystopias (maybe this is what started it?), but now I see how cool the traction cities and other factions are. The cast of side characters hail from various places around the ruined wasteland of Earth, giving us a truly grounded approach to this future. There's plenty of death and darkness here, which I remember finding shocking the first time around. Plus the Stalker encounters are still terribly chilling. 

This remains one of the best YA series I loved as a child. I know it grows up a bit in the following instalments, so I'm looking forward to rereading those too.