Airman is a high-flying, swashbuckling adventure that blends steampunk vibes with historical fiction and a healthy dose of inventive spirit. Conor Broekhart's story of betrayal, survival, and ingenious engineering, set against the backdrop of castles, sinister villains, and daring escapes, is tailor-made for fans of action-packed tales with a hint of romance. If you love clever heroes, dastardly plots, atmospheric settings, or stories reminiscent of The Count of Monte Cristo and classic adventures, you'll be hooked. Great for readers from middle grade to adult, especially those who appreciate a mix of science, history, and pure imagination.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers may find Airman a bit predictable or slower-paced, especially during sections where the main character is alone. If you prefer fast, constantly-moving plots or complex, morally grey characters, the fairly straightforward good-vs-evil dynamic might not entirely satisfy. Also, fans expecting the quirky humor and fantasy vibe of Artemis Fowl may feel let down by this book’s more somber tone and focus on realism. The ending is occasionally described as abrupt, and secondary characters like Princess Isabella could have used more development.

A captivating and imaginative adventure packed with heart, science, and heroic daring. Airman is a thrilling escape for anyone craving a classic underdog tale - with flying machines!

About:

Airman by Eoin Colfer is a historical fiction novel set in the fin de siècle era on the Saltee Islands off the coast of Ireland. The story follows Conor Broekhart, a young boy with a passion for flight, who is framed for the murder of the king and sent to a prison mining colony. Despite facing betrayal and adversity, Conor uses his knowledge of flying machines to plan an escape and save the kingdom. The plot is filled with action, palace intrigue, treachery, and memorable characters, creating an engaging and adventurous narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.

The writing style of Airman is described as well-written, with vivid imagery that brings the story to life. The narrative blends elements of fantasy, adventure, survival, and historical fiction, creating a feel-good vibe despite the dire circumstances faced by the characters. Eoin Colfer's storytelling is praised for its ability to draw readers into a serious tale of invention, redemption, and self-discovery, while also incorporating flashes of humor and imaginative fiction that make the book an enjoyable and entertaining read.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, showcasing clear distinctions between the heroic and villainous traits, contributing to the story's conflict.

Writing/Prose:

Colfer's writing style balances humor and gravity, creating an engaging narrative that resonates with readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Conor Broekhart, a boy framed for murder and imprisoned, who fights to clear his name and save those he loves.

Setting:

The setting combines historical elements with fantasy, creating a vivid world that enhances the adventure.

Pacing:

The pacing effectively balances tension with character development, though the climax may feel swift to some.

Conor Broekhart was a remarkable boy, a fact that became evident very early in his idyllic childhood. Nature is usually grudging with her gifts, dispensing them sparingly, but she favoured Conor with ...

Notes:

The story is set in the late 19th century on the fictional Saltee Islands off the Irish coast.

Conor Broekhart, the protagonist, was born while his mother was in a hot air balloon during the Paris World's Fair in 1878.

Conor is framed for the murder of the king and sent to a brutal prison where he must mine diamonds.

He uses his love of flying and ingenuity to plan his escape from the prison.

The novel combines elements of steampunk with traditional adventure and romance tropes, featuring castles and a beautiful princess.

Colfer noted that he always wanted to write about the misty islands he saw from his window as a child, inspiring the setting of the book.

Conor's struggle for freedom is reminiscent of classic literature, drawing comparisons to 'The Count of Monte Cristo.'

The book was designed for readers aged nine to ninety, appealing to a broad audience.

Characters have surnames that reflect their personalities or roles, like Conor Broekhart (broken heart) and Hugo Bonvilain (evil villain).

The story includes scientific and engineering references related to flight, making it engaging for readers interested in those subjects.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The content warnings for Airman include themes of violence, imprisonment, and injustice, particularly concerning the harsh experiences of characters in prison as well as the overall darker themes present in the survival scenario.

Has Romance?

The romantic subplot between Conor and Princess Isabella is present but not the primary focus of the story, contributing to the narrative without overwhelming it.

From The Publisher:

Conor Broekhart was born to fly. In fact, legend has it that he was born flying, in a hot air balloon at the Paris World's Fair.

In the 1890s Conor and his family live on the sovereign Saltee Islands, off the Irish coast. Conor spends his days studying the science of flight with his tutor and exploring the castle with the king's daughter, Princess Isabella. But the boy's idyllic life changes forever the day he discovers a deadly conspiracy against the king. When Conor tries to intervene, he is branded a traitor and thrown into jail on the prison island of Little Saltee. There, he has to fight for his life, as he and the other prisoners are forced to mine for diamonds in inhumane conditions.

There is only one way to escape Little Saltee, and that is to fly. So Conor passes the solitary months by scratching drawings of flying machines on the prison walls. The months turn into years; but eventually the day comes when Conor must find the courage to trust his revolutionary designs and take to the skies.

December 2007

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442 pages

Ratings (10)

Incredible (5)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (19):

Read It (14)
Want To Read (3)
Not Interested (2)

1 comment(s)

Euicho

1 year

As usual Colfer has written an utterly delightful novel that I couldn't put down.

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About the Author:

Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) is a former elementary school teacher whose Artemis Fowl series has become an international bestseller. He is also the author of The Wish List and the New York Times bestseller The Supernaturalist. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two…

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Airman

Eoin Colfer

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