Title: Twilight Robbery
Author: Frances Hardinge
First published January 1, 2010
523 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781405055390 (ISBN10: 1405055391)
Rating: 4.3
Overview
Once again, Mosca Mye and Eponymous Clent find themselves in a precarious situation. Barely escaping danger, they stumble upon Toll, a peculiar town where entry and exit come at a cost.
By day, Toll is a civilized place, but when the sun goes down, the streets are taken over by crooks and criminals. In this city of schemes and deception, trouble lurks around every corner, and where there’s trouble, you’ll find Clent, Mosca, and their unusual companion, Saracen.
However, their luck may have run out as past misdeeds resurface and familiar foes resurface. With no clear escape, will they manage to find a way out of this mess?
About the Author
During her childhood, Frances Hardinge resided in a large, secluded ancient house situated in a peculiar, little town. These two factors served as the inspiration for her to begin crafting bizarre, enchanting tales from a young age.
Later on, she pursued English studies at Oxford University and currently calls Oxford, England her home.
Editoral Review
Frances Hardinge’s Twilight Robbery is a thrilling and imaginative novel filled with mystery, adventure, and fantastical elements. Hardinge is a gifted storyteller and has a unique voice that captivates readers.
She has written many other books, including A Skinful of Shadows, which won the 2017 Costa Book of the Year Award. Twilight Robbery is a follow-up to Fly By Night, but it can be read as a standalone novel.
The story takes place in a world similar to 18th century England but with dragons, talking animals, and other magical creatures. The protagonist, Mosca Mye, is a clever and resourceful young girl who loves books and has a gift for words.
She is accompanied by Eponymous Clent, a charming and enigmatic con artist, and Saracen, a fiercely loyal goose. The plot of Twilight Robbery revolves around a valuable object that has been stolen from the city of Toll, and Mosca and her friends become involved in the investigation.
As they follow the trail of clues, they encounter new dangers and challenges, including a ruthless gang leader, a power-hungry mayor, and a sinister plot that threatens the entire region. Along the way, they also discover secrets about their own past and their place in the world.
Hardinge’s writing is vivid, poetic, and evocative. She creates a rich and detailed world filled with vivid characters and memorable landscapes.
Her prose is clever and witty, full of humor and wordplay. She also tackles important themes such as justice, freedom, identity, and power.
Her use of language is masterful, and she captures the essence of her characters with precision and depth. The pacing of the novel is excellent, with moments of tension and suspense interwoven with moments of humor and contemplation.
The plot is intricate and unpredictable, with many twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing depth and resonance to the events in the story.
One minor flaw of Twilight Robbery is that some of the plotlines are resolved too quickly or conveniently. There are also moments when the dialogue seems a bit forced or contrived.
However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent novel. Overall, Twilight Robbery is a highly recommended read for fans of fantasy, adventure, and clever storytelling.
It is suitable for both young adult and adult audiences and offers much to enjoy and reflect upon. Hardinge is an author to watch, and this novel is one of her finest works.
I give it a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.
