The first book in a series by debut author Jacob Moore, Fly is a coming-of-age fantasy built on real-life values and experiences.
The adventure story mixes a strange alternate fantasy world with the difficult reality of simply getting through life as a teenager.
Aimed at children aged 12-plus, Fly features ideas and techniques for teenagers to use in their everyday lives – from philosophy to mindfulness.
The book centres on Will, a 12-year-old boy who dislikes school, doesn’t get good grades, thinks about girls, and dreams of escaping his ordinary life by flying away.
There’s nothing remarkable about him – until he discovers he has special powers he can’t control and doesn’t yet understand.
With the guidance of his principal, who recognises Will’s gift, he joins three other ‘special’ classmates on a magical journey. They travel to a place where reality and time can change at any moment, and they begin to learn how to control their powers for good.
When confronted with an evil more powerful than they can imagine, the three classmates can’t escape – and Will and his powers alone can save them.
Our verdict on the book
Like Will, my son Ewan is 12 years old, but unlike the book’s protagonist, he doesn’t possess magical powers (at least none we know of).
Since starting his first year of high school, Ewan has been broadening his reading and now enjoys a variety of books.
After finishing Fly, he gave me his verdict…
Ewan said: “The book is about a group of children who are chosen for a programme that involves a series of tests.
“I’d describe where it’s set as being ‘Earth’ but there are some things that wouldn’t happen on our planet. Some of it is fantasy but most of it is real. It’s very similar to Earth, apart from the magic.
“I found some of the book a bit confusing, and sometimes I had to carry on reading to make sense of things. Some parts didn’t make sense until the end.
“Fly is an interesting book. The beginning was good but as it continued it became harder to follow. I enjoyed the first two thirds of the story the most.
“The length of the book was about right for my age but perhaps the story is more suitable for children older than me.”
How much is the book and where can you buy it?
The paperback is £9.85 and the eBook is £4.54. It’s available from bookshops and online retailers. To buy, click here (but please check Amazon for updated prices because they might change).
About the book
Title: Fly
Author: Jacob Moore
Publisher: Independently published (9 January 2022)
ISBN: 979-8798011681
Pages: 279
About the Author
Jacob Moore is a former English teacher with a masters’ degree in adolescent development from the University of Virginia in the U.S. He has studied, worked with, and taught, hundreds of young adults over the years. Jacob writes fantasy and literary fiction for all ages, with a focus on reaching young adults.
Review by Colette Warbrook
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*We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
19 comments
What I like about this book is that it promotes a sense of sticking to a story until you see it all tie together. I actually really like that kids have to read on in order to get a full understanding of the story.
Absolutely, as kids love to read books halfway so great way to make them read the whole book
The kids are also starting to become more adventurous and try to read a variety of books. This will be a great addition to their list. Thanks for the honest review.
Kids keep changing what they enjoy reading and this is fabulous for those who love a bit of fiction and adventure
It definitely would, you are welcome
My boys just got kindle readers, and my older son is looking for new books. At first I was thinking it would be good for him but if your 12-year-old was confused at parts, it might be too much for him yet at 9. But I really like the premise so will have to jot it down for him to pick up in the future.
Absolutely! Good book to add to your list for when they are older
Agree, it is a better book for older kids
Sounds like an interesting story probably a bit too old for my daughter at nine but sounds like it would be a good read for older kids.
You could always read the book to her if she likes the story
Yes definitely as mine is around 12 years of age
My son is an avid reader, he goes through a book every couple of weeks. I will send him this one, thanks a lot.
So glad to hear, good habit to have in kids
This book looks very interesting. I’m sure my nieces and nephews will like it. I will get a copy for them.
Hope you do and let us know what they think of it
I love anything that has the kids wanting to read. My son has to be pushed, prodded and pulled to pick up a book. Not really, but you know what I mean.
So important to get them books which they will enjoy reading
My daughters are avid readers, especially during the summer months by the pool. I do prefer it over social media trolling, lol. They read about 6 books during the summer month. I will add this to the mix,
Wow, that is a good amount to great and such a great habit as well