Reviews

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

raggedyambush's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

anonymouspossum's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

eveningreverie's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

One of my earliest profound reading experiences, Airborn was handed to me when I was in elementary school and I devoured it. Upon seeing the cover once more at my bookselling job, I was instantly transported back to the world of the story. The gas-powered airships, the airborne piracy, the strange, mystical creatures and the tantalizing mystery behind them... this book had it all for 8-year-old eveningreverie. And, according to many other contemporary readers, it still holds up remarkably well. 

cnidariar3x's review

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

aliciasirois's review against another edition

5.0

I found this in the Leavitt library (I'm trying to read more from here so I have recommendations to give to my students), but my father-in-law has also been trying to get me to read this book. Up until now, I could not find it, but I am really glad I did! Typically, I do not like Fantasy (with the exception of Harry Potter) but I really enjoyed this book, maybe because it was mostly based in reality. Kate reminded me a lot of Kate on Lost because her good looks and charm messed with the boys and caused trouble. At one point, I found myself very angry with her because of the hurt she was causing the main character, but I realize how necessary it was now. I am excited to read the second book, and my father-in-law gave me the third, so I am excited to get there too!

cem2jjuva's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

cindyjac's review against another edition

5.0

This was just a fantastic read: great characters, imagery, action, setting...I raced through it and will order the next in the series. Kenneth Oppel has created a fictional past that feels so believable. I love his made up "cloud cats" because they aren't sweet, gentle creatures-again, you can imagine them evolving somewhere in the world. Why not large, flying mammals related to the cat family? The pirate scenes are heart-thumping. i know my students are going to love this book next year. I plan to order several more for the class library.

emilystewart's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

readingjag's review against another edition

3.0

Good for boys looking for adventure books. Sort of steampunk with dirigibles as the main mode of transport.

linguinismom's review against another edition

5.0

This was a solid YA adventure tale. Airborn really had everything! Matt Cruse was a strong protagonist who had a passion for the Aurora that I think many young adults can relate to. In contrast, Kate de Vries was no sidekick! She was my favorite part of the novel. She was strong willed, intelligent, passionate, and had agency. She was also had a little bit of mischief in her that I loved. Kate’s characteristics were also very genuine and Matt’s love for her didn’t come about because she was “not like the other girls.” Their relationship was realistic because of how they both not only needed each other but their care for each other developed as the story progresses. I am sick of insta-love stories if you could not tell.

I didn’t think I was going to like this book at first. But the adventure and unique setting really had me intrigued from beginning to end. I don’t see this book being talked about often but I definitely would recommend Airborn to everyone!

5/5 Stars