This was even better than its predecessor. The characters remain engaging, but the plot relied on far fewer coincidences. [Audiobook note: This is a multi-reader cast recording, instead of the usual single reader. The cast do a great job.] ( )

4.5 - Really didn't care for the relationship drama, now that I'm rereading this years later. In fact, I'm not even sure Kate and Matt belong together, though their individual personalities stuck with me so strongly that it was why I returned to the series in the first place. At times, I was actually surprised to remember they were still minors - for the most part, they behaved more sensibly than 16-year-olds today (including myself when I was 16 lol). And thankfully, the steampunk-esque universe and lore were still just as captivating as in the first book! ( )

Fun continuation of Matt Cruse's adventures. A nice mix of adventure and steampunk-ish exploits. ( )

Know this: I really like steampunk novels. Matt Cruse is on an internship on the Flotsam, when things go awry and he has to save the airship from disaster as it finds a 40-year old ghost ship, the Hyperion. Hyperion contained the riches of a famous inventor and was lost with all hands on board. Back in Paris at the Airship Academy, Matt and Kate are quickly engaged in a race against pirates and a fuel consortium to find the ship. Joined by a dashing young entrepreneur with a high altitude skyship (skybreaker), a young gypsy girl Nadira, with a shadowy background, and a crew of sherpas, they head off in search of treasure. The treasure is not gold, but a technological breakthrough by the inventor. Like its predecessor book, there are imaginative creatures, lots of action, and a budding romance. 4.5 stars. ( )

I must say I did like the first book more, but isn't that always the case in series?
I also found it quite funny that the were a handful of small mistakes in thw book, like the lack of a ". found that quite funny. all in all though, I did enjoy reading this book and will be soon reading the next installment in the series. B-) ( )