Starclimber (Airborn) - Softcover

Oppel, Kenneth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1554685206 ISBN 13: 9781554685202

Publisher: HarperTrophy, 2009

Synopsis

At long last, Matt Cruse is at the helm. Though it’s only a summer job piloting a humble aerocrane, he’s thrilled to be a small part of something big. With every load, he’s helping to build the Celestial Tower, Paris’s extraordinary gateway to outer space. But Matt’s idyllic summer is short-lived. He narrowly survives a deadly attack by the fanatical Babelites, who are opposed to humans reaching the heavens. Worse still, his nights spent stargazing with Kate de vries must end when she’s summoned back to Lionsgate City by her parents. It’s time she began to think about getting married.

But then a chance of a lifetime boosts Matt’s hopes of being airborne once more. Canada wants to be the first nation to reach space, and the Minister of Air has asked Kate to join the initial expedition as an expert on aerial zoology. There’s a place for Matt, too―if he can pass the gruelling tests to become an astralnaut on board the incredible ship Starclimber.

It’s a race to the very top, and Matt is determined to be a part of the adventure. But can he outlast his competition? And if he is chosen to join the crew, will they ever return to earth?

About this title

About the Author

KENNETH OPPEL wrote his first novel at age fourteen and hasn’t looked back. His books include the Silverwing series, which has sold over a million copies around the world; Airborn, winner of a Governor General’s Award and the Michael L. Printz Award; and his latest, Inkling, which the New York Times called “astonishing.” Ken Oppel lives with his family in Toronto. You can find him online at kennethoppel.ca and on Twitter at @kennethoppel.

 

From AudioFile

The action never stops in this hair-raising adventure. This time Matt and Kate are on a trip to outer space. Even those who haven't listened to the first two books, AIRBORN and SKYBREAKER, will become entranced by the likable and quirky characters. David Kelly creates a sympathetic portrayal as student pilot Matt struggles to prove his mettle and hold on to his girlfriend Kate's affection. There's never a dull moment as he describes his daredevil maneuvers and the strange sights of the upper atmosphere. Voices for phlegmatic scientist Dr. Turgenev, buffoon Sir Hugh, and the other space voyagers add depth to the performance. The combination of a great story and distinctive narrations makes this selection a "don't miss." C.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperTrophy
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1554685206
• ISBN 13: 9781554685202
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368