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Moonflight
Can a timid rat ever become a hero?
Tilbury is about to find out on the adventure of a lifetime, journeying across the sea to the realm of the dreaded White Death, to return a priceless diamond to its rightful owners.
A marvellous adventure begins and a truly intrepid hero is born . . .
Tilbury is about to find out on the adventure of a lifetime, journeying across the sea to the realm of the dreaded White Death, to return a priceless diamond to its rightful owners.
A marvellous adventure begins and a truly intrepid hero is born . . .
306 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
6 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Gill Lewis
76 books100 followersBefore she could walk, Gill Lewis was discovered force-feeding bread to a sick hedgehog under the rose bushes. Now her stories reflect her passion for wild animals in wild places. She draws inspiration from many of the people she has had the fortune to meet during her work as a vet, both at home and abroad. Gill Lewis has a masters degree in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University and won the 2009 course prize for most promising writer. Her first novel was snapped up for publication within hours of being offered to publishers. She lives in Somerset with her young family and a motley crew of pets. She writes from a shed in the garden, in the company of spiders.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 7, 2024
Perfect story for younger readers. Loved it.
February 25, 2024
I would give this book to every kid to read, because it's truly beautifully written. The plot, the characters and the illustrations around the story are just AMAZING.
March 9, 2023
It was fun & silly, but did jump around a little bit. Some little lessons for kiddos towards the end too & the illustrations were amazing.
December 31, 2023
Books for children can often be enjoyed by all ages, but Gill Lewis’ Moonflight seems mostly aimed at younger kids. Characters tend to announce plot points - and conveniently as well as tiresomely, prophecies about chosen ones - rather than teasing information out through their actions. You’re rarely just in the moment experiencing the story, more just having it unspooled at you.
The basic story is a good one: a cursed jewel is housed in a cage and a prophecy (groan) tells of one rat who will unlock the cage and take it to its rightful owners. When timid Tilbury turns out to be that rat, off he must go on his quest. But the quest largely consists of meeting other, openly or secretly, unpleasant rats who probably shouldn’t have the jewel either. I didn’t like most of the characters (including Tilbury who seems a bit too ineffectual and oblivious) and found some of the story’s ideas worthwhile, but not dealt with in any great depth. For example, a city that appears to be perfect but where female rats are looked down upon.
It’s functional stuff, but there’s not much life to it.
2.5
The basic story is a good one: a cursed jewel is housed in a cage and a prophecy (groan) tells of one rat who will unlock the cage and take it to its rightful owners. When timid Tilbury turns out to be that rat, off he must go on his quest. But the quest largely consists of meeting other, openly or secretly, unpleasant rats who probably shouldn’t have the jewel either. I didn’t like most of the characters (including Tilbury who seems a bit too ineffectual and oblivious) and found some of the story’s ideas worthwhile, but not dealt with in any great depth. For example, a city that appears to be perfect but where female rats are looked down upon.
It’s functional stuff, but there’s not much life to it.
2.5
July 2, 2023
It's kinda 'Lord of the rings' for kids. Fun story, great life lesson.
April 19, 2025
4.5⭐️
Un roman d’aventure EPIQUE !!
J’ai vu du seigneur des anneaux, un peu de Game of Thrones, et forcement un peu de Brisby.
Les dialogues sont très naturels, les personnages ont de l’épaisseur, et meme si l’histoire suit une trame classique de quête à accomplir, le souffle romanesque du récit nous emporte complètement aux côtés de ce jeune héros très touchant. 9/11 ans.
Un roman d’aventure EPIQUE !!
J’ai vu du seigneur des anneaux, un peu de Game of Thrones, et forcement un peu de Brisby.
Les dialogues sont très naturels, les personnages ont de l’épaisseur, et meme si l’histoire suit une trame classique de quête à accomplir, le souffle romanesque du récit nous emporte complètement aux côtés de ce jeune héros très touchant. 9/11 ans.
March 4, 2024
Very nice and fun book. Its such a cool plot twist at the end with the diamond. I give it 5💫
(Rip marfaire)
(Rip marfaire)
December 29, 2023
Oh my goodness! What an amazing story that’s made me smile, cry happy tears and has made me want to hug this book too! Tilbury Twitch-Whiskers is a young ratling living with his family in the Docklands in modern-day London. He is the seventh-born son of the seventh litter in his family, which, legends say, usually means he would live to have great adventures but also not live very long, but when he is born he is so small and weak that his ma decides to lie about him being a seventh-born, and through his ma’s fussing and worries, he grows up afraid of the world outside of his home in the Chandlery where he and his family live. But one day when the eldest litter in his family is ready to leave home, Tilbury and his sister Nimble-Quick end up sneaking in to see the ceremony where his brothers and sisters go right after leaving home, setting off a chain of events that will see Tilbury venturing far beyond the home he loves to fulfil an old prophecy.
Oh, how I have loved this book so much from the first pages, it’s such an imaginative and amazing story and I just couldn’t put it down! Unlike his sister, Nimble-Quick, who is always looking out for adventure, Tilbury is happiest staying inside the Chandlery where he spends his time interested in contraptions and learning. I loved Tilbury’s character from the very start. He’s not a typical hero, in fact he’s quite shy and scared of the outside world and I love how different he and his sister are and how Nimble-Quick is even bigger than him even though the two come from the same litter. The story begins in an interesting way, I love the way the beginning is narrated, reminding me of classic tales passed down through generations, and it isn’t long before we learn more about Tilbury, the Dockland rats and the curse that exists on them.
Although there is a lot to understand about the curse and everything else, this is explained well and I love how this story wasn’t difficult to follow at all, even though there is so much going on. The curse on the Dockland rats, the diamond that they posses and the legend that one day a hero will deliver it back to its rightful place was interesting and I like how this was explained through the ceremony especially. The story has a good pace and I like what happens both in London and later when Tilbury ends up making a journey to far off lands to deliver the Cursed Night back to its rightful place. The book is split into three parts and before each of these parts (at least in the proof copy I have), is some lovely double page illustrations of the rats in different scenes, such as the rats in the Chandlery attic, or the rats on board of a boat, etc. Each of these illustrations is in black, white and grey and there are some more illustrations at the start of the book showing some of the important characters in the story. There’s something so lovely about the pictures, it instantly makes you see the characters in your mind even more clearly and I love some of the details you can see in each picture too.
The story is amazing, so inventive, with such an amazing journey to different lands. I love how we see Tilbury slowly growing as a character and what is later revealed about certain other characters and things in the story too. The build up to the ending is so exciting. I had no idea what would happen and every moment was so interesting and exciting to read. The final ending of the story is so good, it’s the perfect and most satisfying ending with an epilogue which melted my heart as I continued to read it. This epilogue especially was the perfect ending to this story and I can’t believe how much I have enjoyed reading this. The deeper messages within the story, especially at the end, are good too, and I love how the epilogue echoes parts of the prologue in the way it’s written at the start!
Overall this is an amazing book and story and I doubt anyone would dislike this story once you start reading it. I’ve read some of Gill Lewis’ books before and would recommend them, but with this one being so creative, inventive and so different and yet is so brilliant, I would recommend this one so much more! We’ve only just started 2023, and yet I believe this might be my favourite book of the whole year. With such amazing characters and such a wonderful and immersive journey, it’s just the perfect read and will make you smile and cry happy tears at the end! 🙂
-Thanks to the publisher for a free copy.
Oh, how I have loved this book so much from the first pages, it’s such an imaginative and amazing story and I just couldn’t put it down! Unlike his sister, Nimble-Quick, who is always looking out for adventure, Tilbury is happiest staying inside the Chandlery where he spends his time interested in contraptions and learning. I loved Tilbury’s character from the very start. He’s not a typical hero, in fact he’s quite shy and scared of the outside world and I love how different he and his sister are and how Nimble-Quick is even bigger than him even though the two come from the same litter. The story begins in an interesting way, I love the way the beginning is narrated, reminding me of classic tales passed down through generations, and it isn’t long before we learn more about Tilbury, the Dockland rats and the curse that exists on them.
Although there is a lot to understand about the curse and everything else, this is explained well and I love how this story wasn’t difficult to follow at all, even though there is so much going on. The curse on the Dockland rats, the diamond that they posses and the legend that one day a hero will deliver it back to its rightful place was interesting and I like how this was explained through the ceremony especially. The story has a good pace and I like what happens both in London and later when Tilbury ends up making a journey to far off lands to deliver the Cursed Night back to its rightful place. The book is split into three parts and before each of these parts (at least in the proof copy I have), is some lovely double page illustrations of the rats in different scenes, such as the rats in the Chandlery attic, or the rats on board of a boat, etc. Each of these illustrations is in black, white and grey and there are some more illustrations at the start of the book showing some of the important characters in the story. There’s something so lovely about the pictures, it instantly makes you see the characters in your mind even more clearly and I love some of the details you can see in each picture too.
The story is amazing, so inventive, with such an amazing journey to different lands. I love how we see Tilbury slowly growing as a character and what is later revealed about certain other characters and things in the story too. The build up to the ending is so exciting. I had no idea what would happen and every moment was so interesting and exciting to read. The final ending of the story is so good, it’s the perfect and most satisfying ending with an epilogue which melted my heart as I continued to read it. This epilogue especially was the perfect ending to this story and I can’t believe how much I have enjoyed reading this. The deeper messages within the story, especially at the end, are good too, and I love how the epilogue echoes parts of the prologue in the way it’s written at the start!
Overall this is an amazing book and story and I doubt anyone would dislike this story once you start reading it. I’ve read some of Gill Lewis’ books before and would recommend them, but with this one being so creative, inventive and so different and yet is so brilliant, I would recommend this one so much more! We’ve only just started 2023, and yet I believe this might be my favourite book of the whole year. With such amazing characters and such a wonderful and immersive journey, it’s just the perfect read and will make you smile and cry happy tears at the end! 🙂
-Thanks to the publisher for a free copy.
April 4, 2023
3.6
This is an adventure story that tries to convey the value of family and community and personal growth over riches. I found the beginning a little slow, but the second half is a page turner.
The book creates appetite for getting to know other cultures, though they were pictured in very broad strokes.
There were a few things I didn't love: there's a Game of Thrones style scene toward the end of the first act that I'm not sure is what an eight or ten-year-old needs to read. Some big 'revelations' (e.g. on p. 164) were long known facts and I found Act 1 overall quite repetitive. Later on, some feminist ideas were sprung upon us very suddenly and unsubtly, but the term 'she-rat' is used without reflection (where are the 'he-rats'?) and all the female characters are support cast.
I think Obsidian would have been a stronger character and his actions later in the book more impactful if he hadn't been a shadow trailing the group without much personality for most of the story. And I would have preferred a scene reuniting the kids with their ma instead of this sudden shift to Tilbury being much older and married to Rose (who is now again relegated to the mother role).
This is an adventure story that tries to convey the value of family and community and personal growth over riches. I found the beginning a little slow, but the second half is a page turner.
The book creates appetite for getting to know other cultures, though they were pictured in very broad strokes.
There were a few things I didn't love: there's a Game of Thrones style scene toward the end of the first act that I'm not sure is what an eight or ten-year-old needs to read. Some big 'revelations' (e.g. on p. 164) were long known facts and I found Act 1 overall quite repetitive. Later on, some feminist ideas were sprung upon us very suddenly and unsubtly, but the term 'she-rat' is used without reflection (where are the 'he-rats'?) and all the female characters are support cast.
I think Obsidian would have been a stronger character and his actions later in the book more impactful if he hadn't been a shadow trailing the group without much personality for most of the story. And I would have preferred a scene reuniting the kids with their ma instead of this sudden shift to Tilbury being much older and married to Rose (who is now again relegated to the mother role).
March 20, 2023
'Warriors come in all shapes and sizes.'
With witty prose and rats in clothes, I knew I'd enjoy this book from the first page. It's a story involving danger and diamonds and a small but very clever rat, Tilbury. I adore the illustration of the family of rats in outfits.
I really like the character of Marfaire, Keeper of the diamond because she believes in Tilbury and the plot twist involving her was one of my favourite moments!
I love Tilbury's friendly relationship with Marmalade the cat - and how this helps when he meets the tiger later on in the adventure. There are varying dynamics between rats and cats throughout the book (including baddies) but the image of a tiger carrying little rats is delightful and reminiscent of Aesop.
This is an epic, colourful, well-told adventure story with so many different kinds of rats and lots of danger but it keeps you guessing and Tilbury is a very loveable hero. Very much enjoyed!
With witty prose and rats in clothes, I knew I'd enjoy this book from the first page. It's a story involving danger and diamonds and a small but very clever rat, Tilbury. I adore the illustration of the family of rats in outfits.
I really like the character of Marfaire, Keeper of the diamond because she believes in Tilbury and the plot twist involving her was one of my favourite moments!
I love Tilbury's friendly relationship with Marmalade the cat - and how this helps when he meets the tiger later on in the adventure. There are varying dynamics between rats and cats throughout the book (including baddies) but the image of a tiger carrying little rats is delightful and reminiscent of Aesop.
This is an epic, colourful, well-told adventure story with so many different kinds of rats and lots of danger but it keeps you guessing and Tilbury is a very loveable hero. Very much enjoyed!
February 9, 2024
I realise, as I've just read the last chapter, that Noah is fast asleep. I think he would happily give this book 4 stars. Full of adventure, bravery, and rats...what's not to love from an 8 years old's perspective?
This is a long chapter book and has taken us a while, but he has really enjoyed it, asking plenty of questions along the way. Exciting, challenging, new vocabulary that he has soaked up like a sponge. Great for 7-9 year olds. Not just for boys, there's a fierce little sister, called Nimblequick, that stands up for the females in this tale.
The moral of this tale, in my opinion, is about writing your own story in life through the decisions you make and not believing that you can only be what others tell you you are. Tilbury was told he was weak and vulnerable and must be sheltered from the world as he was too fragile, but, in the end, he proves he is strong, courageous, and brave!
This is a long chapter book and has taken us a while, but he has really enjoyed it, asking plenty of questions along the way. Exciting, challenging, new vocabulary that he has soaked up like a sponge. Great for 7-9 year olds. Not just for boys, there's a fierce little sister, called Nimblequick, that stands up for the females in this tale.
The moral of this tale, in my opinion, is about writing your own story in life through the decisions you make and not believing that you can only be what others tell you you are. Tilbury was told he was weak and vulnerable and must be sheltered from the world as he was too fragile, but, in the end, he proves he is strong, courageous, and brave!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
This wonderful tale of adventurous rats is full of mystical places, nefarious villains and enough twists to keep you hooked 'til the end.
At times reminded me of LOTR mixed with The Secret of Nimh and I was often surprised with the bleakness and violence of the story, something I don't see a lot of in modern children's books anymore. This is a good thing for this age range when written well - as Gill Lewis proves here.
Overall, a fun adventure story that's not afraid to get darker with it's themes when it needs to!
At times reminded me of LOTR mixed with The Secret of Nimh and I was often surprised with the bleakness and violence of the story, something I don't see a lot of in modern children's books anymore. This is a good thing for this age range when written well - as Gill Lewis proves here.
Overall, a fun adventure story that's not afraid to get darker with it's themes when it needs to!
March 20, 2023
A glorious, old-fashioned adventure story, perfect for 8-12 years. Tilbury is the seventh rat of a seventh rat, destined for adventure, but his small stature and ill health means that his mother coddles him and keeps him at home, trying to outwit the fate that awaits the adventurous rat. But Tilbury cannot dodge his destiny and over a quest that involves cursed diamonds, flying machines and tigers, Tilbury proves that not all heroes are muscle bound lumps of derring do. Sometimes brains and kindness are what is actually required.
July 9, 2023
Clearly an inspiration from Redwall but not as well written, the main story and characters are good, I feel the story is a bit rushed in a bid to get it in a book of reasonable length for younger readers, I feel it's really let down at the end as it abruptly ends and jumps to the lazy narrative of it being told as a story the the main characters children, the stary spends so long at the beginning focused on the family and yet doesn't go back to that
February 15, 2023
4.5 but rounded up for Goodreads.
What an incredible adventure. I could see Disney or Studio Ghibli snatching up this story for an adaptation! This story has heart, exhilaration, plot twists and a strong message, throughout, of doing the right thing and correcting the wrongs of your ancestors.
Marfaire was my favourite character because I love the wise old woman trope!
What an incredible adventure. I could see Disney or Studio Ghibli snatching up this story for an adaptation! This story has heart, exhilaration, plot twists and a strong message, throughout, of doing the right thing and correcting the wrongs of your ancestors.
Marfaire was my favourite character because I love the wise old woman trope!
February 17, 2023
A charming adventure with vivid characters, heart-warming moments, and important ideas. Delightful for young readers who love animals. 🐀 🐈
February 25, 2023
Such a wonderful read. A great tale of adventure, easy to follow, and very hard to put down!
March 1, 2023
Sweet and charming adventure. Reminds you of a charm of old stories. The plot structuring was a bit unbalanced but still a lovely read.
March 28, 2023
Loved it and the twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
A little slow at the start but built up to a fast moving adventure. Enjoyable story with a moral.
July 15, 2023
Great adventure story
November 24, 2023
A good kids book, the characters are a little one dimensional and simplistic, and they definitely borrowed a lot of ideas. Dragged towards the end, and it all became a little bit 'plot-by-numbers'. That being said, I'm not the target audience.
February 18, 2024
Really loved this book and Tilbury is a fantastic character. The storyline was well written and I found it hard putting the book down at night, I just wanted to keep reading!!
May 25, 2024
Full of fantastic adventures my all time favourite book
May 5, 2025
Alicia
March 14, 2023
A very sweet adventure tale that definitely keeps you reading until the end!
I felt like the last act was slightly disjointed from the rest of the book but it was still really enjoyable and made for a great read. Bonus points for the Pride and Prejudice references.
I felt like the last act was slightly disjointed from the rest of the book but it was still really enjoyable and made for a great read. Bonus points for the Pride and Prejudice references.
April 4, 2023
Gill Lewis’s latest novel is a splendid animal fantasy written in brisk prose, ideal for younger readers.
Starting with a reference to Jane Austen's oft paraphrased quote about the truth and how its can be misinterpreted or twisted, Lewis soon plunges her young rat heroes into a dangerous adventure, taking in piratical voyages, sudden betrayals, and daring flights but, above all, looking at the power of truth over prophecy, legend and story. Particular attention is paid to the nature of orally recounted history and the tendency for exaggeration, omission and even stolen valour.
Experienced readers will recognise familiar narrative points such as when the young ratlings, brainbox Tillbury and his bold sister Nimble-Quick, join forces with the sage-like Marfaire and the warrior Obsidian, whose loyalties are ever uncertain. Together, they embark on a long voyage to rid their home of a dangerous, evil magic object, the diamond, The Cursed Night. Along the way, Tillbury must examine what he wants from life and his responsibility to those around him, especially as the legends begin to pile up.
(Proof supplied by the publisher in return for an honest review.)
Starting with a reference to Jane Austen's oft paraphrased quote about the truth and how its can be misinterpreted or twisted, Lewis soon plunges her young rat heroes into a dangerous adventure, taking in piratical voyages, sudden betrayals, and daring flights but, above all, looking at the power of truth over prophecy, legend and story. Particular attention is paid to the nature of orally recounted history and the tendency for exaggeration, omission and even stolen valour.
Experienced readers will recognise familiar narrative points such as when the young ratlings, brainbox Tillbury and his bold sister Nimble-Quick, join forces with the sage-like Marfaire and the warrior Obsidian, whose loyalties are ever uncertain. Together, they embark on a long voyage to rid their home of a dangerous, evil magic object, the diamond, The Cursed Night. Along the way, Tillbury must examine what he wants from life and his responsibility to those around him, especially as the legends begin to pile up.
(Proof supplied by the publisher in return for an honest review.)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews