3.76 AVERAGE


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.
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

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.
adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Fun little adventure story.

3.5*
adventurous challenging funny mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-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: Yes
adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious
adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense slow-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: Yes