2008-09-04 Fast Paced, Exciting Adventure

I bought this to read to assess its suitability for my nine year old daughter. I loved it. I think she might struggle a little, not because of the story, which fairly whips you along and which is fast paced and really exciting with loads of wonderful twists and turns, but because of the language. The language is quite mature and rather old fashioned. It fits the story beautifully and Hardinge writes like a dream, but for anyone under about twelve or thirteen I feel it would be rather hard going.

The story revolves around the orphan girl, Mosca Mye who deserts her horrible aunt and uncle in favour of roaming the country with a balladeer who turns out to be a con man and a spy. She tags along with him to the city of Mandelion and becomes involved in conspiracy theories and a fight for the rule of the city. Mosca is a great character, fiery and independent and funny. I loved this book.