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The Boy Who Flew
Athan Wilde dreams of flight. When his friend, Mr Chen, is murdered, Athan must rescue the flying machine they were building together and stop it falling into the wrong hands. But keeping the machine safe puts his family in terrible danger. What will Athan choose – flight or family?
From the acclaimed author of Murder In Midwinter, Fleur Hitchcock’s The Boy Who Flew is a thrilling murder-mystery set among the steep rooftops and slippery characters of Athan’s intricately imagined world. Perfect for fans of Philip Pullman, Peter Bunzl and Philip Reeve.
From the acclaimed author of Murder In Midwinter, Fleur Hitchcock’s The Boy Who Flew is a thrilling murder-mystery set among the steep rooftops and slippery characters of Athan’s intricately imagined world. Perfect for fans of Philip Pullman, Peter Bunzl and Philip Reeve.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2019
19 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Fleur Hitchcock
24 books81 followersBorn in Chobham, by an airfield, and raised in Winchester on the banks of the River Itchen, Fleur Hitchcock grew up as the youngest child of three. When she was eight, she wrote a story about an alien and a jelly. It was called THE ALIEN AND THE JELLY and filled four exercise books. She grew up a little, went away to school near Farnham, studied English in Wales, and, for the next twenty years, sold Applied Art in the city of Bath. When her younger child was seven, she embarked on the Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa and graduated with a distinction. Now living outside Bath, between parenting and writing, Fleur Hitchcock works with her husband (a toy maker), looks after other people's gardens and grows vegetables.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 30, 2019
A cover like that will grab my attention every time, without fail. Unfortunately, this story didn't grab me in quite the same way as it's beautiful cover art and took me quite a while to get into, especially for such a short book.
Athan is from a poor family who run a dressmaking/tailoring shop in Georgian Bath. He's an adventurous boy with a love of tall stories, dashing over rooftops with his friend Tod, and learning about science and the brilliantly curious inventions of his boss, Mr Chen. Together they've secretly built the Bird, a flying-machine that might well change the world, and Athan's life, if only they can finish it. But when Mr Chen is murdered and Athan and his father must clear out the old inventor's house, Athan knows he must protect the secrets of their flying machine and hide it. Whoever killed Mr Chen is looking for it, and protecting it will put Athan and his family in danger.
I enjoyed the plot and pacing -- this is a fast-paced murder-mystery thriller, with plenty of suspense and danger. Unfortunately, the flying doesn't happen until the last scene of the book, so it could maybe have done with a better title. Athan's family were an interesting dynamic, with his strict mother, cruel and superstitious grandmother, quiet uncle, and two sisters. The youngest, Beatty, is disabled and has a charming personality with a hilarious dose of well-timed humour. I really loved Athan and Beatty's relationship and how they looked after each other. Similarly, Athan and Todd's friendship was lovely and fun, and there were some quietly poignant scenes between them that I really appreciated. Other than a few moments like those, though, this book generally lacked much depth of emotion or time for the characters to reflect or feel anything. Athan experiences several losses/near-losses in this book but at no point did I feel any emotion from him except his intense worry for his sister/family later in the book. When Mr Chen dies in the first chapters, there's so little emotion it seems almost as if Athan cared more about Mr Chen's invention than Mr Chen himself. I expected there to be some quiet moments of remembering the times spent with him and learning from him, but aside from how they met, there was very little. There's one sentence near the end where he cries for someone else, but it's quickly swallowed up in his sense of joy and achievement in the next scene, leaving me feeling quite empty.
This story had all the trappings and curiosities of a book I'd love, and overall I'd say there was great potential here, it just needed another proofread and some editing. I struggled with the number of spelling mistakes (Tod is occasionally spelt Todd, even), jumbled sentences with repeated/extra words, inconsistencies, and general errors that should have been picked up in the proof stage, which made this feel more like a proof/ARC than a book I bought. Varying from simple and clunky to overly pretty descriptions that bordered on purple prose and jarred with the first-person POV of an adventurous, working-class boy, the writing was anything but consistent. Many of the action scenes (especially the fight between Blade and Athan's mother) were listy and bland, without the sense of dynamic movement or fluidity I expect from action sequences. The climax had a lot going on in it, and read somewhat better, but there's only so many pages you can keep a chase going before it just feels repetitive.
I also didn't know until after I'd finished this book and read a few reviews that it was set in Bath. I've lived in Bath, but this book's setting felt vague to me, despite mentions of 'down to Bristol' and Pump Rooms. Larger settings were sparsely described, with the smaller settings like Tod's loft and his father's coffin yard, Athan's house, and Mr Chen's workshop given more descriptive intricacy. Hitchcock's period detail was very well woven into these smaller settings and the characterisation, though, with fine details bringing the period alive in a way the city itself lacked. I do wish more of Bath's character had been evoked, as I think someone who's actually lived in Bath should be able to recognise it without having to read other reviews.
Overall, I feel this is another book where I end up writing more negatives than positives but do nonetheless recommend it. Kids would love this fast-paced adventure and Athan's antics on the rooftops, and some of the bad guys have some Poldark-Cornish accents that would be great fun to read aloud. Really, the poor writing and rushed proofreading is what let this book down, but if you look past that, there's still a fun story to be had.
Athan is from a poor family who run a dressmaking/tailoring shop in Georgian Bath. He's an adventurous boy with a love of tall stories, dashing over rooftops with his friend Tod, and learning about science and the brilliantly curious inventions of his boss, Mr Chen. Together they've secretly built the Bird, a flying-machine that might well change the world, and Athan's life, if only they can finish it. But when Mr Chen is murdered and Athan and his father must clear out the old inventor's house, Athan knows he must protect the secrets of their flying machine and hide it. Whoever killed Mr Chen is looking for it, and protecting it will put Athan and his family in danger.
I enjoyed the plot and pacing -- this is a fast-paced murder-mystery thriller, with plenty of suspense and danger. Unfortunately, the flying doesn't happen until the last scene of the book, so it could maybe have done with a better title. Athan's family were an interesting dynamic, with his strict mother, cruel and superstitious grandmother, quiet uncle, and two sisters. The youngest, Beatty, is disabled and has a charming personality with a hilarious dose of well-timed humour. I really loved Athan and Beatty's relationship and how they looked after each other. Similarly, Athan and Todd's friendship was lovely and fun, and there were some quietly poignant scenes between them that I really appreciated. Other than a few moments like those, though, this book generally lacked much depth of emotion or time for the characters to reflect or feel anything. Athan experiences several losses/near-losses in this book but at no point did I feel any emotion from him except his intense worry for his sister/family later in the book. When Mr Chen dies in the first chapters, there's so little emotion it seems almost as if Athan cared more about Mr Chen's invention than Mr Chen himself. I expected there to be some quiet moments of remembering the times spent with him and learning from him, but aside from how they met, there was very little. There's one sentence near the end where he cries for someone else, but it's quickly swallowed up in his sense of joy and achievement in the next scene, leaving me feeling quite empty.
This story had all the trappings and curiosities of a book I'd love, and overall I'd say there was great potential here, it just needed another proofread and some editing. I struggled with the number of spelling mistakes (Tod is occasionally spelt Todd, even), jumbled sentences with repeated/extra words, inconsistencies, and general errors that should have been picked up in the proof stage, which made this feel more like a proof/ARC than a book I bought. Varying from simple and clunky to overly pretty descriptions that bordered on purple prose and jarred with the first-person POV of an adventurous, working-class boy, the writing was anything but consistent. Many of the action scenes (especially the fight between Blade and Athan's mother) were listy and bland, without the sense of dynamic movement or fluidity I expect from action sequences. The climax had a lot going on in it, and read somewhat better, but there's only so many pages you can keep a chase going before it just feels repetitive.
I also didn't know until after I'd finished this book and read a few reviews that it was set in Bath. I've lived in Bath, but this book's setting felt vague to me, despite mentions of 'down to Bristol' and Pump Rooms. Larger settings were sparsely described, with the smaller settings like Tod's loft and his father's coffin yard, Athan's house, and Mr Chen's workshop given more descriptive intricacy. Hitchcock's period detail was very well woven into these smaller settings and the characterisation, though, with fine details bringing the period alive in a way the city itself lacked. I do wish more of Bath's character had been evoked, as I think someone who's actually lived in Bath should be able to recognise it without having to read other reviews.
Overall, I feel this is another book where I end up writing more negatives than positives but do nonetheless recommend it. Kids would love this fast-paced adventure and Athan's antics on the rooftops, and some of the bad guys have some Poldark-Cornish accents that would be great fun to read aloud. Really, the poor writing and rushed proofreading is what let this book down, but if you look past that, there's still a fun story to be had.
December 24, 2018
Quirky, chilling and atmospheric, ‘The Boy Who Flew’ is a brand new offering from Fleur Hitchcock, author of the popular Murder in Midwinter. This is a gem of a story - with its roller-coaster adventure plot that will have readers gripped from start to finish and wide-eyed with curiosity to the very last page.
Athan Wilde befriends an inventor called Mr Chen, who shares with Athan his madcap ideas for flying machines. Athan has always dreamed of being able to fly and now, with a competition to build the first flying machine on the horizon, flight seems to be on everybody’s mind. As a result, there are people lurking around who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the competition prize.
But when Mr Chen is unexpectedly murdered, it falls to Athan to rescue the flying machine blueprints before they fall into the wrong hands. What follows is a fast-unfolding mystery with exciting and unexpected twists, played out with a curious cast of characters (including a very dark villain) and an enjoyably pacey narrative.
This is highly recommendable to KS2 readers who enjoy stories with plenty of intrigue, thrilling plot lines and cleverly imagined worlds.
Thank you to the publisher for kindly sending me an advanced copy of the book.
Athan Wilde befriends an inventor called Mr Chen, who shares with Athan his madcap ideas for flying machines. Athan has always dreamed of being able to fly and now, with a competition to build the first flying machine on the horizon, flight seems to be on everybody’s mind. As a result, there are people lurking around who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the competition prize.
But when Mr Chen is unexpectedly murdered, it falls to Athan to rescue the flying machine blueprints before they fall into the wrong hands. What follows is a fast-unfolding mystery with exciting and unexpected twists, played out with a curious cast of characters (including a very dark villain) and an enjoyably pacey narrative.
This is highly recommendable to KS2 readers who enjoy stories with plenty of intrigue, thrilling plot lines and cleverly imagined worlds.
Thank you to the publisher for kindly sending me an advanced copy of the book.
July 1, 2023
2.75 nie wiem, z jednej strony naturalistyczna, pełna brudu, zepsucia, przemocy, a z drugiej relacje między bohaterami i sami bohaterowie wykreowani tak płasko i prosto jak dla dzieci, więc bardzo dziwny zabieg
April 19, 2021
I didn’t get into this story. I didn’t connect with any of the characters. I thought there was too much death and murder for a kid’s book. I didn’t ever understand why the bad men were so bent on getting the flying machine and what sinister thing they planned on doing with it when they got their hands on it. The chase scene on the rooftops went on far too long. I found myself skipping a lot just to learn how the story went and finally ended.
September 20, 2018
I really, really enjoyed this story. There was something slightly magical about it (even though it's absolutely nothing to do with magic). Very atmospheric. It should appeal to boys and girls. 4.5 stars :)
May 7, 2023
Uwaga:zalecam nie czytać całego opisu książki bo pojawił się tam mały spoiler! :)
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⭐⭐⭐⭐
Więc przeczytalam ksiazke,dobrze sie ja czytalo jednak dam o nedna gwiazdke mniej bo jest śmierć (dwa razy oczywiście), więzienie DZIECKA (powtorzylo sie to dwa razy)
Przyjemma książka w wielu momentach odczuwalam bardzo duzo emocji i bylam ciekawa co dalej sie wydarzy
No troche mnie to frustruje ze jest podpisane jako ksiazka 9+ kompletnie sie z tym nie zgadzam predzej dalabym 12+ bo nie wiem czy śmierć,strzelanie, więzienie nie jest za drastycznym tematem + niektore moemnty mogly by byc przerażające dla młodszych
W trakcie czytania:
¹okej wiec jestem w tracie czytania ok 50 str. i tak szczerze nie spodziewalam sie ze to bedzie takie interesujace,niespodziewany zwrot akcji i ciekawosc co sie wydarzylo z panem chenem,naukowcem i mozna powiedziec ze przyjacielem u ktorego zarabial głowny bohater
²Wow jestem w szoku! Nie spodziewalam sie ze ta ksiazka może byc tak dobra,jest sie ciekawym kto kim jest choć na początku dużo nie zmieniali tej fabuły a teraz sa wielka zagadka...
³ O boze tu sie dzieje tyle rzeczy ze to az nie mozliwe! Odczuwam bardzo duzo emocji,to dobrze jestem bardzo wciagnieta w fsbule ale także przerażona,mam nadzieje ze skonczy sie dobrze🙏🙏
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⭐⭐⭐⭐
Więc przeczytalam ksiazke,dobrze sie ja czytalo jednak dam o nedna gwiazdke mniej bo jest śmierć (dwa razy oczywiście), więzienie DZIECKA (powtorzylo sie to dwa razy)
Przyjemma książka w wielu momentach odczuwalam bardzo duzo emocji i bylam ciekawa co dalej sie wydarzy
No troche mnie to frustruje ze jest podpisane jako ksiazka 9+ kompletnie sie z tym nie zgadzam predzej dalabym 12+ bo nie wiem czy śmierć,strzelanie, więzienie nie jest za drastycznym tematem + niektore moemnty mogly by byc przerażające dla młodszych
W trakcie czytania:
¹okej wiec jestem w tracie czytania ok 50 str. i tak szczerze nie spodziewalam sie ze to bedzie takie interesujace,niespodziewany zwrot akcji i ciekawosc co sie wydarzylo z panem chenem,naukowcem i mozna powiedziec ze przyjacielem u ktorego zarabial głowny bohater
²Wow jestem w szoku! Nie spodziewalam sie ze ta ksiazka może byc tak dobra,jest sie ciekawym kto kim jest choć na początku dużo nie zmieniali tej fabuły a teraz sa wielka zagadka...
³ O boze tu sie dzieje tyle rzeczy ze to az nie mozliwe! Odczuwam bardzo duzo emocji,to dobrze jestem bardzo wciagnieta w fsbule ale także przerażona,mam nadzieje ze skonczy sie dobrze🙏🙏
May 8, 2020
Athan's mum and grandma are awful and just so stupid! It's so hard to have any sympathy for them and that made it difficult to really enjoy the book.
December 30, 2019
This was a wonderful. When flying machines were still just a thought in the minds of inventors, is there a chance for a poor apprentice? Then when a reward is offered for flying in a machine, things get dangerous. Someone is doing whatever they can to get the plans or find the parts, even if it means eliminating Mr Chen, the inventor and anyone close to him.
Athan finds that what he knows puts his family and friends at risk. The enemies will try everything in the book...kidnapping, betrayal, turning family against him, killing his chickens and trying to kill Athan himself.
But even though he and Tod race against the clock to put the kite together, the danger continues to grow. Is it worth the life of his little sister?
Because while Athan is trying to get through the troubles mentioned, he also has to look out for his little sister, worry about his Ma, and find a job that is *not* gathering refuse with the night crew! I didn’t quite get the strange grandmother who on her own was a risk to her family. She is is just weird.
Athan finds that what he knows puts his family and friends at risk. The enemies will try everything in the book...kidnapping, betrayal, turning family against him, killing his chickens and trying to kill Athan himself.
But even though he and Tod race against the clock to put the kite together, the danger continues to grow. Is it worth the life of his little sister?
Because while Athan is trying to get through the troubles mentioned, he also has to look out for his little sister, worry about his Ma, and find a job that is *not* gathering refuse with the night crew! I didn’t quite get the strange grandmother who on her own was a risk to her family. She is is just weird.
May 16, 2019
This is a new type of review as it is not of the physical book but of the audio book. Joe Jameson is the perfect reader for Fleur Hitchcock’s wonderful book all about the adventures of its lead character, Athan Wilde. Actually his reading was so compelling that I found myself walking probably an extra couple of miles to hear what happened next! I always think the key ingredient for a brilliant middle grade novel is that it simply doesn’t stop! Not one empty word or quiet moment, just a constant roller coaster of action and emotions. Fleur has written the kind of book that I am sure youngsters will be reading in the dark by phone light.
So what is it all about. Mr Chen lives across the street from Athan and his family and as Athan says, ‘Nothing about Mr Chen is ordinary!’ An inventor and man of ‘magic’ for want of another word, he and Athan are trying to build a flying machine and they are making good progress when overnight Mr Chen is murdered! What happens next is a phenomenal story of deceit, deception and love. As Athan tries to solve the murder and complete the flying machine, he begins to realise that he is putting his own family and friends in danger. His younger sister Beatty is perceptive and clever and sees right through people and despite her disabilities, she is vital to Athan’s success. There are such moments of cruelty with Beatty too. When her Grandmother and a friend cover her damaged legs with some kind of burning poultice, I was cringing as I listened, like Athan and his older sister Polly, all you want to do is stop Beatty’s pain.
Of course, a story like this needs a delicious villain! And in the form of Colonel Blake we have the perfect villain. Prepared to stop at nothing, he doesn’t care who he kills in order to get what he wants and he’s not averse to blackmail and kidnapping to get what he wants either. But don’t be fooled, there’s more than one nasty villain in this story and they are not always hidden where you think they might be lurking! In fact there are so many obstacles in Athan’s way that at times you think he is going to fail and end up dead himself. But Athan is not alone in his quest to save his family from evil Colonal Blake. His best friend Todd, who he spends most of his time running around on the rooftops with, his sister Polly, and Mary (who seems to have captured his heart) a girl who works for another inventor, all help him on his quest. Hmm, no more just in case I give anything away.
The vivid descriptions of the characters and settings are perfect for audiobook and I had some very realistic images flashing in front of my eyes as listened. Grandma is perfectly encapsulated as the wicked grandma and she constantly seems on the verge of death and delights in taunting Athen, but the smell of her: ‘urine’ and death! I did laugh out loud! Fleur has created a fully formed world that feels almost Dickensian and certainly with the odd flash of violence and blood it doesn’t pull any punches. So, if you don’t have time to read it, I think listening to it is perfect. Particularly as Joe Jameson seems to have the most incredible range of voices!
So what is it all about. Mr Chen lives across the street from Athan and his family and as Athan says, ‘Nothing about Mr Chen is ordinary!’ An inventor and man of ‘magic’ for want of another word, he and Athan are trying to build a flying machine and they are making good progress when overnight Mr Chen is murdered! What happens next is a phenomenal story of deceit, deception and love. As Athan tries to solve the murder and complete the flying machine, he begins to realise that he is putting his own family and friends in danger. His younger sister Beatty is perceptive and clever and sees right through people and despite her disabilities, she is vital to Athan’s success. There are such moments of cruelty with Beatty too. When her Grandmother and a friend cover her damaged legs with some kind of burning poultice, I was cringing as I listened, like Athan and his older sister Polly, all you want to do is stop Beatty’s pain.
Of course, a story like this needs a delicious villain! And in the form of Colonel Blake we have the perfect villain. Prepared to stop at nothing, he doesn’t care who he kills in order to get what he wants and he’s not averse to blackmail and kidnapping to get what he wants either. But don’t be fooled, there’s more than one nasty villain in this story and they are not always hidden where you think they might be lurking! In fact there are so many obstacles in Athan’s way that at times you think he is going to fail and end up dead himself. But Athan is not alone in his quest to save his family from evil Colonal Blake. His best friend Todd, who he spends most of his time running around on the rooftops with, his sister Polly, and Mary (who seems to have captured his heart) a girl who works for another inventor, all help him on his quest. Hmm, no more just in case I give anything away.
The vivid descriptions of the characters and settings are perfect for audiobook and I had some very realistic images flashing in front of my eyes as listened. Grandma is perfectly encapsulated as the wicked grandma and she constantly seems on the verge of death and delights in taunting Athen, but the smell of her: ‘urine’ and death! I did laugh out loud! Fleur has created a fully formed world that feels almost Dickensian and certainly with the odd flash of violence and blood it doesn’t pull any punches. So, if you don’t have time to read it, I think listening to it is perfect. Particularly as Joe Jameson seems to have the most incredible range of voices!
August 5, 2019
Athan Wilde enjoys his work with Mr Chen, his neighbour and employer. Mr Chen is an inventor, using the new concept of science to build things – his ultimate project, a flying machine. Athan leaves work every day, thrilled with ideas and future projects, and their daily experiments. But one terrible night, Mr Chen is murdered.
The vultures circle quickly, the auctioneers soon clearing the house of its Eastern treasures. Athan is distraught at the loss of his mentor, then desperate to save the chemicals, tools and especially the pieces and parts of the flying machine they were working on, from meddling merchants. He asks his best friend Tod to help.
Athan isn’t the only one keen to get his hands on the flying machine plans and pieces. There is a 10,000 guinea prize advertised in the newspapers for anyone who can build just that. Suddenly his Ma is courting with a scar faced stranger who claims to be a Colonel. Ma is enraptured by this man, but Athan is suspicious.
If only he knew just what lengths this impostor will go to, to discover Mr Chen’s blueprints, his motors and silk wings. All of Athan’s family is in dire jeopardy, and there is only Athan and his friends in the Colonel’s way.
A gripping, historical tale for tweens, set in an atmospheric Victorian England. With villains afoot, terrible danger and money in the mix, this story has a rollicking plot with an intense finale. Another great story from this talented UK author.
Author – Fleur Hitchcock
Illustrator – Ben Mantle
Age – 8+
(Historical, Victorian England, Family, Sisters, Siblings, Crime, Murder, Flying Machine, Courage, Bravery, Roof runners, Flight, Fight, Mystery, Impostor, Action)
The vultures circle quickly, the auctioneers soon clearing the house of its Eastern treasures. Athan is distraught at the loss of his mentor, then desperate to save the chemicals, tools and especially the pieces and parts of the flying machine they were working on, from meddling merchants. He asks his best friend Tod to help.
Athan isn’t the only one keen to get his hands on the flying machine plans and pieces. There is a 10,000 guinea prize advertised in the newspapers for anyone who can build just that. Suddenly his Ma is courting with a scar faced stranger who claims to be a Colonel. Ma is enraptured by this man, but Athan is suspicious.
If only he knew just what lengths this impostor will go to, to discover Mr Chen’s blueprints, his motors and silk wings. All of Athan’s family is in dire jeopardy, and there is only Athan and his friends in the Colonel’s way.
A gripping, historical tale for tweens, set in an atmospheric Victorian England. With villains afoot, terrible danger and money in the mix, this story has a rollicking plot with an intense finale. Another great story from this talented UK author.
Author – Fleur Hitchcock
Illustrator – Ben Mantle
Age – 8+
(Historical, Victorian England, Family, Sisters, Siblings, Crime, Murder, Flying Machine, Courage, Bravery, Roof runners, Flight, Fight, Mystery, Impostor, Action)
February 9, 2019
In her first foray into the fantasy genre, Fleur Hitchcock tells the story of a boy named Athan Wilde, who must protect the revolutionary flying machine that he and his mentor Mr Chen built together when the latter is murdered by people who will stop at nothing to get it. I must admit I had quite a tricky time getting into the story, but as I got further in it really started to pique my interest, and by the end I was absolutely gripped- and this was especially true when I reached the thrilling climax, which was tense and twisty and wonderful, and is followed by a beautiful yet very bittersweet ending. Other than this section, my favourite thing about this book was the characters. Athan is definitely a character that you`ll root for, and I defy anyone not to adore Beatty. I also really warmed to his mum and Polly over the course of the book, but my dislike of his grandmother remained steadfast. Another phenomenal character outwith Athan`s family was the primary villain, who was absolutely ruthless, and as such created some pretty scary moments throughout. Overall, I thought this was an interesting hybrid of fantasy and thriller, and reading it has reminded me once again that I need to read more of the author`s back catalogue. 4/5
June 5, 2019
Rippling with drama and suspense, this is a fast-paced murder-mystery that will hold the reader in its' grip right through to the very end. The characters are sublime. Athans' drive and cleverness shines through the action. His dedication to his friends and family are palpable, particularly his best-friend Tod and his disabled little sister Beatty. With a mother struggling to keep a roof over their heads, an over-worked and reliable older sister, Polly and a grandmother who is filled with superstitious notions and wicked intent added to the cast of villains outside the family, the reader never knows which direction the ensuing mayhem will come from. As the mystery deepens, descriptions of Athans' world paint a vivid picture of the gritty, sooty side of Georgian life. And while it is historical fiction, there is a strong sense of the contemporary in this books pages. Lighter moments, such as Athan and Tod scuttling along the rooftops, irritating the neighbours give a moments respite to the weightier, darker action. But the pace never stops; the sense of danger permeates the entire story. I found myself holding my breath as I neared the end of this remarkable, thoroughly enjoyable tale. Hitchcocks' best book yet! Breathtaking, theatrical and really thrilling.
May 9, 2019
A well written murder mystery for middle grade 9-12yrs. Young Athan helps Mr Chen with his inventions.
When Mr Chen is found murdered Athan uses all his wiles & friends to ensure the flying machine does not fall into the hands of those who are killing anyone who stands in their way
I liked Athan's youngest sister Beatty who has no use of her legs, her Grandma calling her a changing & trying to get her back to the fairies is another danger Athan needs to keep an eye on.
A great adventure that was a bit sad at the end but always full of hope in doing what is right.
When Mr Chen is found murdered Athan uses all his wiles & friends to ensure the flying machine does not fall into the hands of those who are killing anyone who stands in their way
I liked Athan's youngest sister Beatty who has no use of her legs, her Grandma calling her a changing & trying to get her back to the fairies is another danger Athan needs to keep an eye on.
A great adventure that was a bit sad at the end but always full of hope in doing what is right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2019
I must have read something completely different to everyone else. There was a brutal child abuse scene is this book that was unnecessary and to make matters worse this book is for children! If this was going to be used as a plot point there should have been some resolution and punishment. To me all this did was teach children it's ok to be abused by family members. Now for anyone who uses the time the book is set as an excuse, i really don't care, this is not something that furthered the story or was even remotely appropriate. I gave this book 2 stars and believe that is being generous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2019
A very enjoyable read for junior aged/middle grade children. A young boy has to make tough choices when his mentor Mr Chen is murdered. Athan steels his nerves and pits his wits against foes who would try to cheat him out of plans to complete the build of an early flying machine – much money is at stake which could turn Athan’s family fortunes around. Tense moments and gorgeous characters, twists and turns make this such a great read. Easy to pick up and go. I would have loved even more detail in the ultimate finale but always good to be left wanting more! 7+
April 5, 2019
The Boy who Flew is a fast-paced, gritty adventure with science, murder and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed following the intrepid protagonist, Athan, and his sisters and friends as they try to escape horrible villains and protect the flying machine. The setting in Bath is Dickensian and so well described I felt like I was on the rooftops myself, experiencing every twist and turn of the thrilling climax with the characters.
May 18, 2019
This is the first book by this author that I have read and I was attracted by the steampunk sound of the summary. The story rattles along at a terrific pace which builds tension and there are some genuinely scary and dark moments. Unfortunately, the quick pace also meant that it took me a while to get into the story and felt a bit emotionally disconnected from some events that probably should have been more affecting.
Recommended for 9+readers who enjoy an adventure!
3.5 stars
Recommended for 9+readers who enjoy an adventure!
3.5 stars
April 19, 2019
This darkly plotted mystery has a s many twists and turns as the Georgian alleys of Bath and presents a grimy, squalid view of a city that many of us only see in its tourist-attracting glory.
My full review can be viewed here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
My full review can be viewed here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
April 21, 2019
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this quick paced historical adventure. MC Athan has to protect the memory of someone he trusted against someone really terrible, but in doing that he ends up putting his family at risk. Some great characters (I’m particularly fond of Beatty) and some lovely atmospheric writing.
I really enjoyed this quick paced historical adventure. MC Athan has to protect the memory of someone he trusted against someone really terrible, but in doing that he ends up putting his family at risk. Some great characters (I’m particularly fond of Beatty) and some lovely atmospheric writing.
June 4, 2019
I wasn't sure at the start but from about 1/3 of the way through it totally gripped me and I have just stayed up late to get to the end! Fabulous crime story for younger readers. A bit gritty in places so be careful with suggesting it to more sensitive souls. This was my first Fleur Hitchcock story and I am now looking forward to investigating her others!
July 6, 2019
A cracking adventure story with added themes of family and friendship. When Athan's friend and mentor is murdered, he sets out to achieve his last ambition - to fly. He doesn't realise how dangerous his rivals for flight will be.
April 20, 2019
More a murder mystery and a story about a boy that flies. Slighly disappointing in that respect, but a good story.
April 21, 2019
A brilliant story and as alway an air of mystery. Fleur hitchcock has a way of drawing you in until you finish every last page. She is one of the best writers for young people, I feel.
May 30, 2019
4,5/5
I am a bit devastated to be honest. What a fine, gripping story.
I am a bit devastated to be honest. What a fine, gripping story.
May 30, 2019
Oh, this is middle grade adventure at its very best! It’s fast paced, beautifully written and full of heart. I adored it.
July 2, 2019
Rap tempo, heerlijke sfeer en écht spannend, helemaal voor jonge lezers. Niet geschikt voor heel jonge of gevoelige lezers, want er zit echt wel wat dood en spanning in.
April 16, 2020
Having previously read Fleur Hitchcock’s award winning Murder in Midwinter I had high expectations for another fast-paced thriller full of drama. I am pleased to say that she has delivered again. The Boy Who Flew is a cracking suspense-filled read full of mystery, murder and a flying machine that will leave you on tenterhooks right until the last word.
This is a cracking underdog story that explores the determination and risk-taking necessary in not giving up on one’s dreams. The story teaches us that everyone is able to do something incredible if they are willing to never give up. Whilst the risk-taking in the story is taken to the extreme, asking whether it is worth putting your loved ones in danger to accomplish your dream, it is not that far fetched. No-one achieves anything without risking something. There is a real feel-good sibling bond in the story and it reminds the reader that having a sibling is a wonderful gift. So often siblings are portrayed as argumentative and have a love-hate relationship with one another. The siblings in this story show love, compassion, encouragement and belief towards each other. The story also highlights the issue of disability and particularly how those with disabilities were viewed in a different period of time. We would like to think these views are outdated and are no longer part of society but I’m well aware that this is not the case. The words that Hitchcock uses to describe the disabled girl, particularly through the Grandma’s speech, really made me cringe - it is horrible to think that such words were used to talk about disabled individuals, it is even worse to think that such words still exist in society today.
Athan Wilde lives above the family-run haberdashery with his Ma, Grandma and two sisters, one of which can not walk. At a time before flight has been achieved, he has big dreams of soaring into the skies and with his friend and mentor, Mr. Chen, he is close to building a flying machine. Athan’s world comes crashing down one morning when he awakens to the news that Mr. Chen has been murdered and what he decides to do next will have far reaching repercussions. With his employer now dead and his Ma and Grandma determined to set him to work as a nightman cleaning the sewerage off the streets, Athan must act fast to salvage his flying dream. He desperately wants to fly, but other people want the plans to the flying machine and they are willing to do anything, including kidnapping and murder. As the stakes become higher and the lives of Athan and those he loves become increasingly under threat he must decide whether the flying machine is worth risking everything for.
The story is set amongst the gritty and dark streets of Bath in wintry weather which adds an extra layer of suspense and danger to proceedings. The action flits seamlessly between the foreboding streets and the wintry rooftops. The action on the rooftops definitely has a vibe that is similar to that of Katherine Rundell’s marvellous Rooftoppers. There is something very special about children navigating a city via the rooftops and Fleur Hitchcock captures this perfectly.
Hitchcock has created some really interesting and frightening characters. Grandma is outspoken and is full of tales of folklore and superstition, her attitudes towards her granddaughter’s disability are quite frankly shocking. In Colonel Blade we have one of the meanest villains I can recall reading about in a long time. Everything about him screams run, he is truly terrifying.
This read is not for the faint-hearted, it does some have scary moments and much of Fleur Hitchcock’s skill as a writer is around building tension and suspense and making the reader feel uncomfortable. Probably best read by 9+.
This is a cracking underdog story that explores the determination and risk-taking necessary in not giving up on one’s dreams. The story teaches us that everyone is able to do something incredible if they are willing to never give up. Whilst the risk-taking in the story is taken to the extreme, asking whether it is worth putting your loved ones in danger to accomplish your dream, it is not that far fetched. No-one achieves anything without risking something. There is a real feel-good sibling bond in the story and it reminds the reader that having a sibling is a wonderful gift. So often siblings are portrayed as argumentative and have a love-hate relationship with one another. The siblings in this story show love, compassion, encouragement and belief towards each other. The story also highlights the issue of disability and particularly how those with disabilities were viewed in a different period of time. We would like to think these views are outdated and are no longer part of society but I’m well aware that this is not the case. The words that Hitchcock uses to describe the disabled girl, particularly through the Grandma’s speech, really made me cringe - it is horrible to think that such words were used to talk about disabled individuals, it is even worse to think that such words still exist in society today.
Athan Wilde lives above the family-run haberdashery with his Ma, Grandma and two sisters, one of which can not walk. At a time before flight has been achieved, he has big dreams of soaring into the skies and with his friend and mentor, Mr. Chen, he is close to building a flying machine. Athan’s world comes crashing down one morning when he awakens to the news that Mr. Chen has been murdered and what he decides to do next will have far reaching repercussions. With his employer now dead and his Ma and Grandma determined to set him to work as a nightman cleaning the sewerage off the streets, Athan must act fast to salvage his flying dream. He desperately wants to fly, but other people want the plans to the flying machine and they are willing to do anything, including kidnapping and murder. As the stakes become higher and the lives of Athan and those he loves become increasingly under threat he must decide whether the flying machine is worth risking everything for.
The story is set amongst the gritty and dark streets of Bath in wintry weather which adds an extra layer of suspense and danger to proceedings. The action flits seamlessly between the foreboding streets and the wintry rooftops. The action on the rooftops definitely has a vibe that is similar to that of Katherine Rundell’s marvellous Rooftoppers. There is something very special about children navigating a city via the rooftops and Fleur Hitchcock captures this perfectly.
Hitchcock has created some really interesting and frightening characters. Grandma is outspoken and is full of tales of folklore and superstition, her attitudes towards her granddaughter’s disability are quite frankly shocking. In Colonel Blade we have one of the meanest villains I can recall reading about in a long time. Everything about him screams run, he is truly terrifying.
This read is not for the faint-hearted, it does some have scary moments and much of Fleur Hitchcock’s skill as a writer is around building tension and suspense and making the reader feel uncomfortable. Probably best read by 9+.
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January 1, 2022Bland and predictable.
The characters keep making stupid decisions without providing backgrounds to understand why they did what they stupidly do to the certain point it was so exasperating. One time the main character knows full well his best friend (not really, since he relies on his friend mere his skill in craftmanship) lives under the effing castigating and cruel guardians and pays little attention to it since all he needs is to build a flying machine and runs to save his sister. The scene goes like: "oh Tod's place was so, so cold." and another page is a new scene. IT HAPPENED LIKE A BLIP AND NAH-UH NOT MENTIONED ABOUT IT THE ENTIRE BOOK. And don't get me started how racial prejudice (Mr. Chen is a reclusive cast-out scientist and oh the Germans, don't trust them...) and the disabled people exacerbated for the subject of pity and waiting to be rescued. It's so hard to even get started how messed up the whole things are since the book's tries to achieve something big only delivers so little.
The characters keep making stupid decisions without providing backgrounds to understand why they did what they stupidly do to the certain point it was so exasperating. One time the main character knows full well his best friend (not really, since he relies on his friend mere his skill in craftmanship) lives under the effing castigating and cruel guardians and pays little attention to it since all he needs is to build a flying machine and runs to save his sister. The scene goes like: "oh Tod's place was so, so cold." and another page is a new scene. IT HAPPENED LIKE A BLIP AND NAH-UH NOT MENTIONED ABOUT IT THE ENTIRE BOOK. And don't get me started how racial prejudice (Mr. Chen is a reclusive cast-out scientist and oh the Germans, don't trust them...) and the disabled people exacerbated for the subject of pity and waiting to be rescued. It's so hard to even get started how messed up the whole things are since the book's tries to achieve something big only delivers so little.
July 8, 2024
'The Boy who Flew' is a departure from Fleur Hitchcock's usual murder mysteries set in the present day. Instead, this is a historical thriller adventure set in 19th Century Bath.
Athan Wilde enjoys spending time with his neighbour, Mr Chen, and is fascinated by the scientific skills that he learns from the old man. Together they are secretly building a flying machine, but when Mr Chen is brutally murdered, Athan has to rescue their work and keep it hidden from some very dubious, and dangerous characters who wish to acquire it for themselves.
There is definitely a Dickensian vibe to the story, not only for the setting, the invalided sibling and the back story of a poor working class family trying to make ends meet, but also for its quirky mix of characters, and the devious and deadly villans.
The writing style and subject matter is darker and more grittier than Fleur's modern mysteries, but suits the theme. It is very atmospheric, and although I enjoyed it, I, perhaps, prefer Fleur's fast-paced 'present day' thrillers a little more.
Athan Wilde enjoys spending time with his neighbour, Mr Chen, and is fascinated by the scientific skills that he learns from the old man. Together they are secretly building a flying machine, but when Mr Chen is brutally murdered, Athan has to rescue their work and keep it hidden from some very dubious, and dangerous characters who wish to acquire it for themselves.
There is definitely a Dickensian vibe to the story, not only for the setting, the invalided sibling and the back story of a poor working class family trying to make ends meet, but also for its quirky mix of characters, and the devious and deadly villans.
The writing style and subject matter is darker and more grittier than Fleur's modern mysteries, but suits the theme. It is very atmospheric, and although I enjoyed it, I, perhaps, prefer Fleur's fast-paced 'present day' thrillers a little more.
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