Airborn (2004)

Airships: the magical, interesting, mechanical realm. The book did a great job of bringing them to life, and I hesitate to go with 4 stars only because of the main female character. She's spunky and adventuresome, and singlehandedly responsible for every bad decision in the book. This became irritating after a while, especially given her consistent need to be rescued despite her spunky and adventuresome character.

The airship Aurora, though, is a complex an beautiful character in her own right, and that is extremely satisfying. ( )

Good for boys looking for adventure books. Sort of steampunk with dirigibles as the main mode of transport. ( )

A second-generation airshipman, cabin boy Matt Cruse catches a glimpse of a sinking balloon ship, and helps engineer the daring rescue of its sole occupant. While dying, the balloonist tells Matt about magnificent winged creatures. On a later cruise, the dead man's granddaughter Kate arrives to find whatever her grandfather saw. A little bit of piracy and some stormy weather adds some spice to the story. Personally, I thought Leviathan by Scott Westerfield was a better story and more steampunk. 3.75 stars.
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Teen fiction; sci-fi/fantasy swashbuckling adventure. Great story and character development, some violence (pirates!) and one kissing scene. ( )

this book has been simply amazing!!!!! for one, the whole concept of the magnificent and extraordinary airships was truly one that made my heart ache for the beautifulness that we do not have now.
the story was amzing, and I can't wait to read the next book in this epic trilogy!
:-o ( )