54 pages • 1 hour read
Airborn
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Book Brief
501
Novel • Fiction
Airship • 1910s
2004
Middle grade
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
Airborn by Kenneth Oppel is a Young Adult steampunk adventure novel set in an alternate history world, following Matt Cruse, a cabin boy on the airship Aurora. Along with passenger Kate de Vries, Matt discovers a mysterious creature on a Pacific island while dealing with air pirates, class conflicts, and personal loss. The story delves into themes of exploration, adventure, and resilience. This story contains instances of violence, death, and themes of grief, sexism, and classism.
Adventurous
Exciting
Romantic
Fantastical
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
26,793 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kenneth Oppel's Airborn captivates readers with its imaginative, high-flying adventure and well-crafted characters. Praised for its vivid world-building and fast-paced narrative, the book appeals to both young adults and older readers alike. Some critics note, however, that certain plot elements may feel predictable. Overall, it is a delightful blend of adventure and fantasy.
Who Should Read Airborn?
Readers who enjoy adventure-filled, steampunk-style narratives like Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series or Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days will be captivated by Kenneth Oppel's Airborn. Ideal for young adult fans of imaginative world-building and fast-paced plotlines.
26,793 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
501
Novel • Fiction
Airship • 1910s
2004
Middle grade
10-14 years
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