Content levels
Positive tags
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Winner of the Branford Boase award, Fly By Night is the stunning YA fantasy novel from Frances Hardinge, author of the Costa Award winning The Lie Tree. As the realm struggles to maintain an uneasy peace after years of civil war and tyranny, a twelve-year-old orphan called Mosca Mye and her loyal companion, a cantankerous goose, are about to become the unlikely heroes of a radical revolution. Mosca is on the run, heading for the city of Mandelion. There she finds herself living by her wits among cut-throat highwaymen, spies and smugglers. With peril at every turn, Mosca uncovers a dark plot to terrorize the people of Mandelion, and soon merry mayhem leads to murder . . . Fly By Night has an unforgettable cast of characters and an inspiring message at its heart – sometimes the power of words can change the world. Fly By Night is followed by its thrilling sequel, Twilight Robbery. 'Everyone should read Frances Hardinge. Everyone. Right now' - Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls.
Is Fly by Night appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
This witty middle-grade fantasy features a clever orphan navigating a dangerous world of spies and smugglers. While there's peril and murder, violence is not graphic, and themes emphasize literacy, resilience, and speaking truth to power.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder, violence, and orphan.
Who'll love this
Readers will love following Mosca and her feisty goose companion through daring adventures full of intrigue, wordplay, and clever schemes.