Reviews

Fly by Night by Frances Hardinge

Only show reviews with written explanations

amy_1's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.0

Didn't really connect with the story or characters

stineym's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

lizlbarrett's review

Go to review page

5.0

Always a good read, incredibly inventive universe

Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. I liked a lot of the elements of this book but it just failed to draw me in as evident by the fact that it took me 4 years (or like 6 months) to finish it. I would just pick it up and have a really hard time focusing, every time. I’m willing to give Frances Hardinge’s books another try though.

ilonahauhau's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

isabellarobinson7's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I couldn't scroll past this book without singing Fly by Night by Rush, so I thought I might as well read it

Rating: 4 stars

I really enjoyed this book! I read the description, and thought I could potentially have a good time reading it, and though I did doubt this in the middle, I was, overall, right. There was a chance that it could fall flat as it was listed as YA, but I didn't think it felt too YA-y at all. Well, even Google can't decide what age group this book fits into: "Fly by Night is a children's or young adults' fantasy novel by Frances Hardinge" so if Google is confused it's not just me I guess.

One of the things that really made this book for me was the authorial voice of Hardinge. She had this way of writing that I can only describe as if a mischievous smirk was words. There were so many brilliantly cheeky lines, that I just had to mention here.

“In Mosca’s experience, a ‘long story’ was always a short story someone did not want to tell.”

“If wits were pins, the man would be a veritable hedgehog.”

“ 'My dear fellow,' he continued more soberly, 'If you have managed to complicate things by forming a sentimental attachment in less than a week, then I doubt there is anything I can do for you. You, sir, are a romantic, and I'm afraid the condition is incurable.' "

“So this was a nest of radicals. She thought a hotbed of sedition would involve more gunpowder and secret handshakes, and less shuffling of feet and passing the sugar.”

I just love the vibe of this book. Will most likely be continuing with the series, and probably the author too.