Fly by Night by Frances Hardinge
Macmillan Children's Books, London, 2006
Paperback, 448 pages
ISBN: 978-0-3304-1826-3
Suggested reading age: 14+
Reviewed by: Indrani Perera
Rating: *****
This book is a rare treat, filled with jewel like prose and a cracking tale. I was torn between savouring every word and racing ahead see what happened next. Fly By Night is the tale of young Mosca Mye, an orphan who burns down her uncle's mill and runs away with a mysterious stranger who has a way with words. She lives in a world where every day belongs to a Beloved. If you are lucky enough to be born on the day of Goodman Boniface you are a child of the sun and can be called Auroa or Solina. If, however, you are born on the day sacred to Goodman Palpitattle, He Who Keeps Flies out of Jams and Butterchurns you are named after an insect. And that is how Mosca was named.
Ms Hardinge has created a rich, believable and fresh world. Her imagination is incredible and the plot kept me guessing to the very end. I didn't want the story to end but had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen to Mosca next. I only hope that Frances Hardinge has written more books for me to devour and savour.