Twilight Robbery

Mosca Mye returns in this sequel, arriving with her companion Eponymous Clent at the town of Toll - a peculiar place divided into two separate societies. The town operates on a strict system where citizens live either in daytime or nighttime based on their birth names, with the populations switching places at dawn and dusk. In Toll, entry and exit fees are steep, and visitors who cannot pay to leave become permanent residents assigned to either day or night. The town maintains its stability through an intricate system of moving walls, changing street patterns, and guards called Jinglers who enforce the daily transition between the two populations. Mosca and Clent must navigate this complex environment while dealing with dangerous adversaries and uncovering the truth behind Toll's unusual social structure. The town's prosperity and survival are linked to its unique position as holder of the only bridge across a deep gorge, and to a mysterious charm called the Luck. The novel explores themes of identity, social division, and the power structures that maintain inequality. Through its dual-society setting, it examines how artificial boundaries can shape people's lives and opportunities.

Readers describe Twilight Robbery (also published as Flyaway) as darker and more complex than its predecessor, Fly By Night. Positive reviews highlight: - The protagonist Mosca's sharp wit and fierce independence - Rich world-building with detailed political intrigue - Complex moral themes without obvious villains - Clever wordplay and inventive vocabulary "The dialogue crackles" notes one Goodreads reviewer. Multiple readers praise the author's refusal to simplify difficult concepts for younger audiences. Common criticisms: - Slower pacing in the middle sections - Plot complexity that some found hard to follow - Length (some felt it could be shorter) Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.6/5 (90+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.5/5 (40+ ratings) Several reviewers note that while the book demands attention from readers, the payoff in the final third makes up for any early confusion. Parents often mention the book appeals to both adults and children.

The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge A Victorian girl uncovers a tree that feeds on lies and reveals truths, leading her into dangerous political and social intrigues.

The Book of Dead Days by Marcus Sedgwick An orphan and a magician's assistant search through a gothic city to uncover dark secrets before time runs out.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner A prison-breaking thief navigates politics and deception in a quest to steal an ancient treasure with consequences for three kingdoms.

The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann A changeling child investigates disappearances in a steampunk version of Victorian England where faeries and humans coexist.

Fly By Night by Frances Hardinge A girl and her homicidal goose become entangled in a world of smugglers and revolutionaries while escaping accusations of murder.

🌟 Toll's bridge was inspired by medieval London Bridge, which was lined with buildings and shops, creating a bustling "city within a city." 🌟 The concept of name-destiny in the book draws from various cultures' beliefs about the power of names, including ancient Egyptian practices where a person's name was considered a crucial part of their soul. 🌟 Frances Hardinge wrote her first novel, "Fly By Night" (the predecessor to "Twilight Robbery"), at age 13, though it wasn't published until she was an adult. 🌟 The author is known for wearing distinctive black hats at all public appearances, making them her trademark accessory in the literary world. 🌟 Despite being marketed as children's literature, Hardinge's novels consistently tackle complex philosophical themes, leading to her winning the Costa Book of the Year in 2015 - only the second children's book to win this prestigious award in its history.