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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Just wasn’t connecting with the characters; and I didn’t really see where the story was going, or what was even happening.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Really fun book with strongly written prose, engaging characters, and a smart central theme. This is exactly the type of book I would love read to my kid someday if I decide to have one.
Words have an undeniable power. Fly By Night by Frances Hardinge depicts a world in which books are dangerous and seeing the printed word fosters a panic among society.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Mosca Mye is a 12 year old, orphaned girl who can read and is intrigued by the information that books contain, which is abnormal in the Fractured Realm where there is much censorship of printed materials. Looking for a way to escape living with her aunt and uncle, Mosca aims to leave her home for greater adventures. In freeing wordsmith and con-man Eponymous Clent, Mosca gains her opportunity to escape. Navigating the world with Clent and her goose, Sacaren, Mosca begins to learn more about the Realm, its history that has determined the current actions of those running and living in it, and the unbelievable power that words wield.
The concept was intriguing and the language was well-crafted and incredibly descriptive, but the narrative jumped around a bit too much, particularly with which characters could be trusted as their motivations were revealed layer by layer as a means to move the plot forward. While the story's main ideas weren't particularly groundbreaking, as the presentation of individual, critical ideas and the power of words reminded me of Fahrenheit 451, this narrative was written in a style more reminiscent of Dickens, which offered a different take the ideas presented. I found Mosca's speech patterns to be a little odd given her bookish upbringing - she seemed to use slang and "was" in place of "is" in a seemingly uneducated manner that doesn't fit with the knowledge she possesses and what her father would have instilled in her during her formative years.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Mosca Mye is a 12 year old, orphaned girl who can read and is intrigued by the information that books contain, which is abnormal in the Fractured Realm where there is much censorship of printed materials. Looking for a way to escape living with her aunt and uncle, Mosca aims to leave her home for greater adventures. In freeing wordsmith and con-man Eponymous Clent, Mosca gains her opportunity to escape. Navigating the world with Clent and her goose, Sacaren, Mosca begins to learn more about the Realm, its history that has determined the current actions of those running and living in it, and the unbelievable power that words wield.
The concept was intriguing and the language was well-crafted and incredibly descriptive, but the narrative jumped around a bit too much, particularly with which characters could be trusted as their motivations were revealed layer by layer as a means to move the plot forward. While the story's main ideas weren't particularly groundbreaking, as the presentation of individual, critical ideas and the power of words reminded me of Fahrenheit 451, this narrative was written in a style more reminiscent of Dickens, which offered a different take the ideas presented. I found Mosca's speech patterns to be a little odd given her bookish upbringing - she seemed to use slang and "was" in place of "is" in a seemingly uneducated manner that doesn't fit with the knowledge she possesses and what her father would have instilled in her during her formative years.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Words were dangerous when loosened. They were more powerful than cannon and more unpredictable than storms. They could turn men’s heads inside out and warp their desires. They could pick up kingdoms and shake them until they rattled.”
This book, like all of Hardinge’s others (or at least the three I’ve read) was absolutely a joy to read. It has the classic sense of immersion that all her books do- the world of this one, in particular- is free flowing and captivating and oh so real. It was such a pleasure learning about the world and how exactly it functioned.
Religion is the central (?) conflict of this book, and the exploration of belief was also handled excellently in my eyes- especially for a middle grade book. Hardinge tackles every character, plot point, and theme with a deep sense of responsibility and care for each element of the story she crafts. This book was utterly believable, and dare I say made me feel all the feels.
The only true downside, I fear (and not a nitpick) was that you could tell this was a debut. Now, this is mostly my fault (having worked through Hardinge’s books backward) but the pacing in this one was awful compared to the others. Yes, I was immersed, but I also felt as if I knew none of what was going on for maybe the first 50%, and the plot really only started moving at maybe 75%. It made for a somewhat boring reading experience in the grand scheme of things (and having had the hindsight now of finishing the novel) lead to an awkwardness that I just can’t shake.
Despite the pacing issues, Fly by Night was an absolute joy to read. I enjoyed the experience and all that it had to say, and think that this could possibly be one of the best middle grade/YA (I think it could tilt either way, honestly) books I’ve read thus far.
4 ⭐️
This book, like all of Hardinge’s others (or at least the three I’ve read) was absolutely a joy to read. It has the classic sense of immersion that all her books do- the world of this one, in particular- is free flowing and captivating and oh so real. It was such a pleasure learning about the world and how exactly it functioned.
Religion is the central (?) conflict of this book, and the exploration of belief was also handled excellently in my eyes- especially for a middle grade book. Hardinge tackles every character, plot point, and theme with a deep sense of responsibility and care for each element of the story she crafts. This book was utterly believable, and dare I say made me feel all the feels.
The only true downside, I fear (and not a nitpick) was that you could tell this was a debut. Now, this is mostly my fault (having worked through Hardinge’s books backward) but the pacing in this one was awful compared to the others. Yes, I was immersed, but I also felt as if I knew none of what was going on for maybe the first 50%, and the plot really only started moving at maybe 75%. It made for a somewhat boring reading experience in the grand scheme of things (and having had the hindsight now of finishing the novel) lead to an awkwardness that I just can’t shake.
Despite the pacing issues, Fly by Night was an absolute joy to read. I enjoyed the experience and all that it had to say, and think that this could possibly be one of the best middle grade/YA (I think it could tilt either way, honestly) books I’ve read thus far.
4 ⭐️
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Растягивала как могла, но книжка закончилась. Славное милое фэнтези, такой сюжет мог бы придумать Пратчетт. Очень понравилось, хочу ещё.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
My second Frances Hardinge novel, and I think she's become a must-read author for me. Mosca Mye escapes from her uncle, takes her pet goose Saracen and heads off with Eponymous Clent, an eloquent con artist into all sorts of adventures involving mad kings, guilds and a particular printing press. Hardinge is the most fantastic writer - I would really love to read a book for adults written by her, but for now I'll settle for her YA novels.
