Book review: Airman by Eoin Colfer

COLFER, EOIN AIRMAN Puffin (Age range: 9+) ISBN: 9780141383354 Conor Broekhart was born to fly. In an age of discovery and invention, many dreamed of flying but for Conor, flight is more than just a dream – it is his destiny. In one dark night on the island of Great Saltee, a cruel and cunning betrayal destroys his life and steals his future. Conor must win the race for flight to save his family, and to right a terrible wrong. This is a rollicking read; a terrific tale of derring-do in which Colfer combines brilliant plotting with his customary humour and strong well-rounded characterisation. There is plenty to enjoy in the understated irony and the excellent descriptions of historical gadgets and inventions, but this book also has a convincing and engaging emotional reality.–Source: The CLIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Book Awards website

This book was shortlisted for the 2009 Carnegie award.

This is an excellent book has the feel of old-world-adventure-novels particularly of the Count of Monte Cristo with conspiracy plots, fencing and dueling action, escape from the impenetrable rock island prison on Saltee Island. My 13-year old son could not put this book down, he was reading the Twilight Saga series and made the switch halfway through Eclipse, infinitely preferring Airman to the Twilight series. I loved it too. Richly descriptive book, exciting plot and action, the coming-of-age romance too. –A.K.