Airborn

By: Kenneth Oppel

Narrated by: David Kelly

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

Matt Cruse is a cabin boy on the Aurora, a huge airship that sails hundreds of feet above the ocean, ferrying wealthy passengers from city to city. It is the life Matt's always wanted; convinced he's lighter than air, he imagines himself as buoyant as the hydrium gas that powers his ship. One night he meets a dying balloonist who speaks of beautiful creatures drifting through the skies. It is only after Matt meets the balloonist's granddaughter that he realizes that the man's ravings may, in fact, have been true, and that the creatures are completely real and utterly mysterious.

In a swashbuckling adventure reminiscent of Jules Verne and Robert Louis Stevenson, Kenneth Oppel, author of the best-selling Silverwing trilogy, creates an imagined world in which the air is populated by transcontinental voyagers, pirates, and beings never before dreamed of by the humans who sail the skies.

Listen to the next book: Skybreaker.

©2003 Kenneth Oppelale (P)2007 Full Cast Audio

Critic Reviews

"Captivating." ( Booklist)
"Pure fun....Kelly's voice is irresistibly likable and engaging. The original music is excellent." ( AudioFile)

Fantastic!

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!

4 people found this helpful

A rollicking adventure the family* can enjoy

*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.

4 people found this helpful

One of my favorite audio "reads"

Any additional comments?

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.

2 people found this helpful

Loved It

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.

2 people found this helpful

Great Performance

The multi-actor performance really made the story. They all did a great job, although if I had any advice to offer the actor playing Matt Cruse, it would be "turn it down a notch." Not every sentence needs to be imbued with great drama.

1 person found this helpful

Awesome

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.

1 person found this helpful

I love this book!

I loved how the descriptions made me feel like I was right there with them. The narrator was a perfect fit for the voice of Matt Cruise (the main character). This book was relatable and realistic. It's one of my new favorites! Thanks!

A must read for all ages.

This book should be in schools. It is a great adventure that even youngsters who dislike reading (me when I first read it) will enjoy if they give it a chance.

It has several decently complex characters that book reports could be written about. It introduces the concept of a patriarchal society and paints feminism in a positive light. It also shows how the consequences of one's actions can be mild, severe, or have unexpected outcomes.

It would be a great book for properly shaping a young mind.

Pure Clean Adventure

A steampunk universe where airships cruise the skies, and unique creatures are yet to be discovered. An imaginative adventure for young or old.

It is refreshing to enjoy a tale without sex, sexual innuendo, and the seven dirty words you can't say on television.

A fantastic journey featuring one of my fav Leads!

I remember reading this book as a child but never having the chance to finish it. I'm slightly glad I didn't because listening to the awesome performances given by the narrator in this audio book immersed me greater then I could have ever done alone. Off to book two!