Flingo
16th February 2007, 03:38 PM
Rescued Thread
katrina 4th September 2006 07:50 PM
A Guardian Children's Longlist novel.
A fantastic adventure story set in an alternative historical world that launches the career of a uniquely talented children's writer. In a fractured Realm, struggling to maintain an uneasy peace after years of civil war and religious tyrrany, a 12- year- old orphan and a homicidal goose become the accidental heroes of a revolution. Mosca has spent her life in a miserable hamlet, where her father was banished for writing inflammatory books about tolerance and freedom. Now he is dead, and Mosca is on the run after unintentionally setting fire to a mill. With a delightful swindler named Eponymous Clent, she heads for the city of Mandelion. A born liar, Mosca lives by her wits in a world of highwaymen and smugglers, dangerously insane rulers in ludicrous wigs, secret agents and radical plotters. She is recruited as a spy by the fanatical Mabwick Toke, leader of the Guild of Stationers, who fears losing his control over the publication of every book in the state. Mosca's activities reveal a plot to force a rule of terror on the Realm, and merry mayhem soon leads to murder... FLY BY NIGHT is set in a re-imagined early-eighteenth century England, where kite-powered coffeehouses take to the river, and citizens lay offerings at the shrine of Goodman Blackwhistle of the Favourable Wind. Funny and surprising, stuffed with wonderful characters, at its heart it contains an inspiring truth - that the power of books can change the world.
A really good read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the fantasy world that this novel was set in. The character Mosca is fantastic to follow through the plot. Many laughs along the way as well, plus the story twists in ways that you don't expect.
Another parentless child leading us through a fantasy land of crime, death and adventure but a fairly original plot.
The only problem I found with this book is the opening chapter, the new world is introduced by a flashback where Mosca's father is writing about the political and religious situation of their world. So many idea, facts and names are mentioned that I struggled to connect all the information we are given, let alone a child. My only other problem would be that this novel is recommended for 11yrs+ readers, I always find that this is the age where they are fast wanting to move onto more grown up books, this book has a plot and fantasy world which a 9yr old may enjoy, but the writing is definately more for the more able 11+ age group.
Still well worth the read
Flingo 11th September 2006 11:53 PM
This is one of the books that arrived in my Amazon order for next weeks conference - I'll let you know if Frances Hardinge has anything interesting to say.
In addition to the Guardian Longlist - I believe this did win the Branford Boase award this year - awarded to an outstanding debut CYA novel.
katrina 4th September 2006 07:50 PM
A Guardian Children's Longlist novel.
A fantastic adventure story set in an alternative historical world that launches the career of a uniquely talented children's writer. In a fractured Realm, struggling to maintain an uneasy peace after years of civil war and religious tyrrany, a 12- year- old orphan and a homicidal goose become the accidental heroes of a revolution. Mosca has spent her life in a miserable hamlet, where her father was banished for writing inflammatory books about tolerance and freedom. Now he is dead, and Mosca is on the run after unintentionally setting fire to a mill. With a delightful swindler named Eponymous Clent, she heads for the city of Mandelion. A born liar, Mosca lives by her wits in a world of highwaymen and smugglers, dangerously insane rulers in ludicrous wigs, secret agents and radical plotters. She is recruited as a spy by the fanatical Mabwick Toke, leader of the Guild of Stationers, who fears losing his control over the publication of every book in the state. Mosca's activities reveal a plot to force a rule of terror on the Realm, and merry mayhem soon leads to murder... FLY BY NIGHT is set in a re-imagined early-eighteenth century England, where kite-powered coffeehouses take to the river, and citizens lay offerings at the shrine of Goodman Blackwhistle of the Favourable Wind. Funny and surprising, stuffed with wonderful characters, at its heart it contains an inspiring truth - that the power of books can change the world.
A really good read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the fantasy world that this novel was set in. The character Mosca is fantastic to follow through the plot. Many laughs along the way as well, plus the story twists in ways that you don't expect.
Another parentless child leading us through a fantasy land of crime, death and adventure but a fairly original plot.
The only problem I found with this book is the opening chapter, the new world is introduced by a flashback where Mosca's father is writing about the political and religious situation of their world. So many idea, facts and names are mentioned that I struggled to connect all the information we are given, let alone a child. My only other problem would be that this novel is recommended for 11yrs+ readers, I always find that this is the age where they are fast wanting to move onto more grown up books, this book has a plot and fantasy world which a 9yr old may enjoy, but the writing is definately more for the more able 11+ age group.
Still well worth the read
Flingo 11th September 2006 11:53 PM
This is one of the books that arrived in my Amazon order for next weeks conference - I'll let you know if Frances Hardinge has anything interesting to say.
In addition to the Guardian Longlist - I believe this did win the Branford Boase award this year - awarded to an outstanding debut CYA novel.