Skybreaker

Abstract

Reviewed by: Skybreaker Elizabeth Bush Oppel, Kenneth Skybreaker. Eos/HarperCollins, 2005 [384p] Library ed. ISBN 0-06-053228-9$17.89 Trade ed. ISBN 0-06-053227-0$16.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 7-12 Caught in a powerful updraft, the airship Hyperion, its mysterious owner, and its enigmatic cargo were swept above the reach of all known aircraft, beyond all hope of rescue. Years later, the now-legendary ghost ship is spotted by Cadet Matt Cruse (from Airborn, BCCB 7/04) during a freak aeronautic mishap on a routine training run, and now a host of adventurers and opportunists are on Hyperion's trail. Matt has the ship's coordinates; his romantic interest, Kate DeVries, has the money to fund a mission; Hal Slater has an airship that can climb to previously unknown heights; and pirate's daughter Nadira has a key to disable the Hyperion's detonation system and unlock its treasures. The foursome set an intercept course for the airship, laden with their own mistrusts and jealousies, pursued by a corrupt energy industrialist and his henchmen, but determined to secure wealth and renown at all costs. Oppel ably expands his cleverly constructed vision of an alternative Eurocentric world in which dirigible-styled airships dominate the skies, and his flair for midair life-and-death confrontation remains unimpeached. Matt's growing passion for Kate, his undeniable attraction to Nadira, and the possible rivalry of Slater for Kate's affection threaten at points to ground the adventure with romantic schmaltz, but Oppel's breakneck plotting is just too buoyant to be dragged down. Readers who've been Airborn should be eager to make their next ascent. Copyright © 2006 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois