Airborn

*Caveat: Depending on the age and sensitivity of your child(ren), Airborn may not be appropriate. There is a murder in the story. This story is classified as Young Adult.

Airborn was my first "performance" audiobook and I was highly dubious about the entire idea.

I was well rewarded for my courage. The story was performed well and was highly engaging. We are looking forward to the second book being translated to audio (if we don't just buy the physical copy first)!

My youngest was uncomfortable about some of the material in the story, but my eldest enjoyed it so much that I had to loan him my mp3 player so he could finish it with her listening.

I hope you enjoy this neo-Victorian adventure as much as we did.

Airborn is about a cabin boy on an passenger air ship. It takes place in an alternate history of our world - so it may be classified as fantasy, but it is not really a fantasy story - it's an adventure story. Has an 1800's or maybe Edwardian feel. It might appear to be more of a "boy book", but there is a main character who is a girl, so there's someone girls can relate to, and a bit of wholesome romance. I wouldn't assume girls wouldn't like this one.

There's also a bit of a mystery. The protagonist, 15 year old Matt, is likable, responsible, honest and the story is well written.

For parents - There wasn't anything in it to give parents pause - except for a few deaths in the battles with the pirates - a couple good guys, a few bad guys, but although there were sad deaths (the good guys) nothing was too graphic. No bad language, a couple chaste kisses. I think this would be a great book to read to kids that were not old enough to read it themselves. Pretty G rated. I'd only hesitate with very young children because of the deaths, and the pirates may be scary for them.

First off this audio book, is not read with one person, but a cast of characters. It is not an audio theater production as there are no sound effects (other than music that transitions from part 1 to part 2, etc). It is very well read and the multiple actors add much to the story. I highly enjoyed the multiple voices!!! I hope to find other books done in this fashion.
As to the story - strong characters and supporting roles. Very good devolpment of both plot and character personality. Great adventure. Clean and enjoyable!

This was our first introduction to Kenneth Oppel. Not the type of book elementary kids would happen to pick up and read - but Full Cast Audio made it accessible to our whole family. Good, clean entertainment for those long commutes and vacations.

My boys ages 8, 12, and 13 thoroughly enjoyed this book and its colorful characters and neverending adventures. Just when you are sure there can't be any more adventure another mishap happens and more pirate adventure happens. I found the relationship between dead father and son unrealistic but the boys ate it up.

Wonderful story and I love anything from the Full Cast Audio group. My wife listened to this story with me and wants to get the next story. I will get the next story.

Sometimes we stayed in the car in the garage listening to this - we (myself and sons 8 and 11) were sorry when it was over, and I'm glad to see a sequel. Great story and performances! I agree with caution about sensitive listeners.