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Books › Fly by Night (Fly by Night #1)

Cover of Fly by Night (Fly by Night #1)

Fly by Night (Fly by Night #1)

487 pages

A quirky, rebellious fantasy where words are dangerous weapons and a biting goose is your best friend.

What it feels like

This lively, imaginative fantasy reads with a brisk, subversive energy, perfect for anyone who believes in the dangerous power of a good book. The atmosphere balances the grim reality of a confined, oppressive upbringing with the chaotic thrill of rebellion, swindlers, and secret guilds. It feels like stepping into a world where language is a weapon and cleverness is the only currency that matters. The emotional journey follows a fierce, underdog heroine as she breaks free from her cruel circumstances, armed with nothing but the rare ability to read and a fiercely protective, biting pet goose. It will delight readers who crave quirky adventures, sharp-witted protagonists, and stories that celebrate the revolutionary magic of words.

Mood
  • imaginative
  • rebellious
  • chaotic
Tone
  • quirky
  • subversive
  • adventurous
  • wry
Pace
brisk
Themes
the power of words · finding freedom · unlikely friendships · rebellion against authority
The writing
Clever and lively, celebrating the dangerous magic of language and the sharp wit of its underdog heroine.
The arc
From a confined, oppressive existence to a dangerous, wide-open world of rebellion and self-discovery.
Who it's for
Readers who love clever underdogs, chaotic animal companions, and stories where books and words are the ultimate weapons.
Content notes
  • child confinement
  • animal aggression

About the book

Twelve-year-old Mosca Mye hasn't got much. Her cruel uncle keeps her locked up in his mill, and her only friend is her pet goose, Saracen, who'll bite anything that crosses his path. But she does have one small, rare thing: the ability to read. She doesn't know it yet, but in a world where books are dangerous things, this gift will change her life.

Description from Open Library.

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