From School Library Journal
Grade 6–10—Matt Cruse, the hero of Kenneth Oppel's Airborn (Eos, 2004), returns in this marvelous action-packed sequel (Eos, 2005). Matt lives in Paris and is attending the Airship Academy. In this alternate world, luxury airships fill the skies. Matt is on duty in the crow's nest of an academy vessel and sees the Hyperion, a renowned ghost ship rumored to be filled with treasure. His captain attempts to capture her with disastrous consequences. Back on the ground, wealthy Kate de Vries, Matt's love interest, talks him into another attempt at capturing the Hyperion. They are joined by Nadira, a mysterious Indian girl, and brash Hal Slater who provides the Skybreaker, a vessel that can safely climb into the atmosphere. The hunt, capture, and boarding of the ghost ship is pure fun with enough intrigue to keep listeners on their toes. The full-cast narration is splendid. The major characters are wonderfully portrayed and minor characters are memorable. This is one of those rare instances where the sequel is even better than the original. An essential purchase.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK
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Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
In this sequel to Airborn (2003), officer trainee Matt Cruse is off on another airborne adventure. Joining him in the high-flying endeavor are heiress Kate de Vries, wealthy Hal Slater, and mysterious Nadira, who holds the key to the successful mission. Kelly is a good match for the earnestly youthful Matt. The other readers portray a kaleidoscope of colorful characters. Lauren Synger’s mincing whinny represents Miss Simpkins in her struggles to maintain proper decorum at 20,000 feet, and Victor Lazarow reflects the haughty tones of Captain Tritus. Kate is voiced by Claire McAuliffe, who alternates between brittle sophistication and petulant childishness. Even incidental characters sparkle: Chef Vlad is suitably outrageous in Daniel Bostick’s rendition, and first-mate Dorje is recognizably from the Himalayan region as read by Ashish Maskey. Music introduces and concludes each CD, and occasionally punctuates dramatic passages. Infrequent but well-chosen sound effects round out this thrilling above-the-clouds escapade in a deftly realized alternate world. Grades 6-8. --Kristi Elle Jemtegaard
