In the 1890s Conor and his family live on the sovereign Saltee Islands, off the Irish coast. Conor spends his days studying the science of flight w...
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reviews
Feb 25, 2008
Elizabeth
rated it: 
How Not to Review a Book: Do not begin your review by jumping off into some big old rant about how you never liked anything the author wrote before, particularly if you are about to praise their newest novel. Do not use phrases like “how did this happen?” and “why now?” and “are they near death?” You may mention how impressed you were with the author’s speaking engagements, mentioning in passing their brilliant encapsulation of, oh say, The Legend of Spud Murphy. Do not then mention how disa
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7 comments
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(20 people liked it)
Dec 16, 2008
Michael
rated it:
Fact: I was a nerd growing up (still am). Theory: Eoin Colfer was, too. Evidence: His books are a total celebration of nerd-dom. Honestly, between Artemis Fowl and now Airman, he's satisfying every daydreaming-during-trigonometry fantasy of every boy out there who's had to struggle with the fact that he has more brains than biceps.
I'll admit that the main character in this book, Conor Broekhart, is tough and good-looking. But that's entirely secondary to the fact that he's a mec More...
I'll admit that the main character in this book, Conor Broekhart, is tough and good-looking. But that's entirely secondary to the fact that he's a mec More...
4 comments
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Apr 22, 2011
Becky
rated it: 
I picked this book up quite a while ago, but never got around to reading it until I decided to give it away. I'm not sure why I never read it, because everything about this seems like it would be to my taste. I really enjoyed the Artemis Fowl series, and laugh like a loon whenever I read them, so I had a pretty good idea that I would like his other books, but still I put this off.
Well I'm glad that I decided to give it away, because it gave me an excuse to read this sooner than late More...
Well I'm glad that I decided to give it away, because it gave me an excuse to read this sooner than late More...
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Aug 27, 2010
Sara ♥
rated it:
August 27, 2010
Fabulous the second time around, too! :)
November 9, 2008
If I could give it 42 stars, I would.
Ahhhhh!!!! It was SOOO SOOOOOOO SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!! Seriously... listening to it in the car probably wasn't safe, as periodically, I would slam the steering wheel in frustration or anticipation and yell, "HOLY FREAKING CRAP!!!" It was SOOOOOOO EXCITING!!! I loved it. (And of course I did.... it is "recommended to listeners ages 12 to 17... durrrrr...)
It ended so well! More...
Fabulous the second time around, too! :)
November 9, 2008
If I could give it 42 stars, I would.
Ahhhhh!!!! It was SOOO SOOOOOOO SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!! Seriously... listening to it in the car probably wasn't safe, as periodically, I would slam the steering wheel in frustration or anticipation and yell, "HOLY FREAKING CRAP!!!" It was SOOOOOOO EXCITING!!! I loved it. (And of course I did.... it is "recommended to listeners ages 12 to 17... durrrrr...)
It ended so well! More...
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Aug 15, 2008
Snorkle
rated it: 
Conor Broekhart lives on a small island governed by King Nicholas Trudeau. Conor's days are spent with his tudor and playing with princess Isabella. But Conor's real passion is flying. All Conor's life he's dreamed of flying. He spends massive amounts of time and energy pursuing his obsession. That changes when he discovers a plot to overthrow the king and becomes tangled in the mess and branded as a traitor, being sent off to work in the diamond mines on little Saltee.
I decided More...
I decided More...
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(1 person liked it)
May 16, 2011
Christine
rated it:
This is my first Eoin Colfer book and I thought it was a good story. I think it is a book that will really appeal to young readers (6th to 12th grades) and those who already love Colfer's books.
Conor Broekhart lives the fantasy life of many a young boy (and girl), I'm sure. Born in fantastical circumstances (which were a little bit over the top for me personally), he grows to be a smart, witty, talented young man. He is schooled in science and fencing and excels in both. The characters we More...
Conor Broekhart lives the fantasy life of many a young boy (and girl), I'm sure. Born in fantastical circumstances (which were a little bit over the top for me personally), he grows to be a smart, witty, talented young man. He is schooled in science and fencing and excels in both. The characters we More...
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Mar 30, 2011
Jess
rated it:
I just finished Eoin Colfer's Airman and I have been left utterly speechless.
A.
Maz.
Ing.
I have not yet read the Artemis Fowl series, but I will be making a trip to the library to check out every single one. Colfer is an incredible writer with a talent for comedic timing and creating tension.
In Airman, we meet young Conor Broekhart, an intelligent young man with a penchant for all things aeronautic. When he is framed for a crime More...
A.
Maz.
Ing.
I have not yet read the Artemis Fowl series, but I will be making a trip to the library to check out every single one. Colfer is an incredible writer with a talent for comedic timing and creating tension.
In Airman, we meet young Conor Broekhart, an intelligent young man with a penchant for all things aeronautic. When he is framed for a crime More...
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Oct 25, 2011
"Al estilo de historias como Los tres mosqueteros, El conde de Montecristo o Viaje al centro de la tierra, Airman es una novela de aventuras a la más pura usanza. </p><p>Eoin Colfer nos sitúa en las Islas Saltee, en la costa irlandesa en torno a 1890, donde nos presenta a Conor, un joven cuyo sueño es surcar el cielo. Desde bien pequeño, y tras demostrar su coraje salvando a la princesa Isabella de una muerte segura, el dicharachero espadachín y científico Victor Vigly le acoge como su pupi
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Feb 17, 2009
Ruhama
rated it:
Conor was born in the air, so it's only natural that wanting to fly is in his blood. His parents were visiting the World's Fair in Paris and decided to take a virgin flight in a hot air balloon. While in the air, a bullet pierces the canvas and the shock of the sudden descent sends Catherine into premature labor. Everyone is fine, and head back home to the Saltee Islands, just off the coast of Ireland, where Declan is the captain of the sharpshooters. The Saltees have a diamond mine, the only th
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Jan 06, 2009
As always, Eoin Colfer has delivered a stunning book full of action, and make it one of my favorite reads. Connor Broekhart is obviously the hero, and has many, many, good attributes. As always, the hero always has someone to fight, and in this case it's Hugo Bonvillian. Villian? Broekhart? It seems like Mr. Colfer seemed to like making names obvious. On the island of the Saltees, Connor Broekhart lives with his family, not knowing much evil. The history of the Saltees is great, it being a rugge
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Dec 23, 2008
Lucy
rated it:
Conor Broekhart was born in the sky—literally. He was born as his parents were shot down in a hot air balloon, and it was an omen of what was to come. Conor always knew that one day, he would fly.
His early years were idyllic—he spent them roaming the halls of the castle on his home of Great Saltee with his best friend, princess Isabella, and learning with his beloved tutor, Victor Vigny, who shared Conor’s dream of the skies. But when Conor discovers a terrible plot against king a More...
His early years were idyllic—he spent them roaming the halls of the castle on his home of Great Saltee with his best friend, princess Isabella, and learning with his beloved tutor, Victor Vigny, who shared Conor’s dream of the skies. But when Conor discovers a terrible plot against king a More...
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Feb 22, 2011
Conner has discovered a plot against the king, but when he tries to stop it he is framed, and everyone blames him for the king’s death. He is so beat up that no one even recognizes him as the king’s good friend, and his own father spits in his face. He is sent to a prison on an island just off the coast of the kingdom. He soon hears of another plot against the king’s daughter, his best friend. Conner has to formulate a plan to escape and save the princess before it’s too late, and if we know Con
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Feb 11, 2011
First of all, let me say that I am a total Eoin Colfer fan. Really. I bought this book without knowing anything about it except that Eoin Colfer wrote it--and I usually don't do that. He is such a skilled writer though. He effortlessly juggles pacing, dialogue, action, internal thought, characterization, description--all of it. He makes it look easy. And in omniscient point of view too.
That said, I had a major problem with this book. One part was totally unbelievable.
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That said, I had a major problem with this book. One part was totally unbelievable.
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Feb 10, 2011
Cassy
rated it:
Set during the late 1800s and on the islands of Great and Little Saltee (just off the coast of Ireland), young Connor Broekhart was born in the sky . . . literally, in the baskett of a falling hot air balloon. He was born into adventure, a friend of the king and playmates with the princess, and apprentice to a scientific frenchman. Connor lived the good life. That is, until he witnessed the vicious murdur of the king and his teacher. The evil doer through Connor into the depths of a Hellish p
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Feb 04, 2011
Yearning To Read
rated it:
Eoin Colfer is the renowned author of several novels for young readers, including the Artemis Fowl series. While I’ve never read any of his other books, his newest novel, Airman, stood out to me when I walked passed it in Barnes and Noble three months ago. The cover, with its daring, winged man, caught my eye. Just reading the back was fascinating, and I was convinced I would read it soon.
Last week I requested Airman at the library and started it the day it came in. Within a few page More...
Last week I requested Airman at the library and started it the day it came in. Within a few page More...
Feb 03, 2011
Caden
rated it: 
Airman is an excellent book by Eoin Colfer. It is interesting, being set in the past. It falls under the genre of steam punk, as there are many machines and inventions that are beyond the story’s time. Airman takes place around 1890, and is set in the Saltee Islands. It is a very good story and worth reading.
In Airman, certain writing techniques are employed for effect. Alliterations are common, such as the name Victor Vigny. On multiple pages you will find similes, such as pages 3 More...
In Airman, certain writing techniques are employed for effect. Alliterations are common, such as the name Victor Vigny. On multiple pages you will find similes, such as pages 3 More...
Jan 31, 2011
Ian
rated it:
(This review is for the audio version narrated by John Keating.)
I was first introduced to Colfer's writing via the fantastic Artemis Fowl books, and have since taken in anything written by him that I could get my hands on. Airman is a book that not only delivers on my expectations of Colfer's skills as a writer, but also just my desire to enjoy a great story.
In Airman, Conor Broekhart is thoroughly beat up and disheartened again and again. Even Conor's birth occurs during More...
I was first introduced to Colfer's writing via the fantastic Artemis Fowl books, and have since taken in anything written by him that I could get my hands on. Airman is a book that not only delivers on my expectations of Colfer's skills as a writer, but also just my desire to enjoy a great story.
In Airman, Conor Broekhart is thoroughly beat up and disheartened again and again. Even Conor's birth occurs during More...
Jan 06, 2011
Jan
rated it:
Conor Broekhart was born to fly- or more accurately he was born flying...
When baby Conor is born on a hot air balloon and almost dies because someone is trying to shoot the balloon down, it is an absolute miracle. From that day on he becomes infatuated with flying and kinds of flying devices. With the help of his tutor, the frenchman, Victor Vigny, Conor enjoys creating small devices which can propell in the air.
Born an brought up in the island of the Great Saltee, Conor' More...
When baby Conor is born on a hot air balloon and almost dies because someone is trying to shoot the balloon down, it is an absolute miracle. From that day on he becomes infatuated with flying and kinds of flying devices. With the help of his tutor, the frenchman, Victor Vigny, Conor enjoys creating small devices which can propell in the air.
Born an brought up in the island of the Great Saltee, Conor' More...
Nov 10, 2010
Demetri J
rated it:
Airman is novel written by Eoin Colfer, an author best known for the Artemis Fowl series. In Airman, Colfer creates a dark world structured in the late nineteenth century.
The story centers around Conor Broekhart, a young boy who was knighted after an incident at the king’s tower. Conor’s greatest dream is to fly. He was born in a hot air balloon, and since then he has been working with a French scientist, creating designs and models for flying machines, hoping to perfect th More...
The story centers around Conor Broekhart, a young boy who was knighted after an incident at the king’s tower. Conor’s greatest dream is to fly. He was born in a hot air balloon, and since then he has been working with a French scientist, creating designs and models for flying machines, hoping to perfect th More...
Sep 11, 2010
F.H.
rated it:
Conor Broekhart was born to fly, actually, he was born flying in a basket of a parachute over Paris. When he saves the princess (his best friend) from a burning building with an instant parachute, the ever-modernizing King hires a tutor, the great scholar Victor Vigny, to teach young Conor. Conor grows up happily - learning fencing, fighting, and studying flight.
When Marshall Bonvilian heads a conspiracy that gets Conor's tutor and the king killed, Conor gets partially blamed for More...
When Marshall Bonvilian heads a conspiracy that gets Conor's tutor and the king killed, Conor gets partially blamed for More...
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Apr 16, 2010
Philippe
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Mar 02, 2010
Fiona
rated it:
I love Eoin Colfer. I don't know what he looks like, or whether he makes a good cup of tea, but I love him. The Artemis Fowl books are a geeky joy, full of tearaway excitement, fear, dazzling fairy technology and villains so bad they have earned the proud title of 'dastardly'.
I was hoping for the same, I have to confess from Airman. It's certainly exciting. It has a touch of something epic, and lovely, and a little more grown up and soulful than the Artemis books. The relationships the pr More...
I was hoping for the same, I have to confess from Airman. It's certainly exciting. It has a touch of something epic, and lovely, and a little more grown up and soulful than the Artemis books. The relationships the pr More...
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Feb 06, 2010
Amy
rated it:
I'll come straight out and say: I don't like historical type books, books set in the olden days. So from the very start, I wasn't expecting to love Airman. I only read it because I love Eoin Colfer's humour, espicially in his Artemis Fowl series. Sadly for me, there is none of that same humour in Airman, but that's a good thing, because this is not a bum-flaps and fart jokes kind of book.
The mood of this book is quite dark and the humour is black. A lot of parts are skipped but More...
The mood of this book is quite dark and the humour is black. A lot of parts are skipped but More...
Sep 09, 2009
Matt
rated it:
I've recently enjoyed reading several books by oddball YA author Eion Colfer, creator of the Artemis Fowl series. While the adventures of the young criminal mastermind named after a goddess and a chicken have garnered a lot of press, his novel Airman has not. This is too bad, as it is a genuinely engaging, funny, and heart-ripping story. Chronicling the adventures of one Conor Broekhart, the fictitious first teenager to achieve powered flight from the fictitious Saltee Islands, it is a swashbuck
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Aug 14, 2009
khcpl teen
rated it:
WOW! This was an action packed thrill ride from start to finish. Conner Broekhart was born to fly, or born flying to be more precise. Conner has always been interested in balloons, gliders, and heavier than air craft that would be able to take him into the skies. King Nicholas of the Saltee Islands has encouraged Conner’s interest and even had a tutor, Victor Vigny, teach Conner what he needs to know to be an airman. Until the unthinkable happens. The King and Victor are brutally murdered and C
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Aug 05, 2009
Katherine
rated it:
I read this to my step-daughter. We had read Colfer’s previous books all of which we enjoyed, so we were looking forward to this one. It was a disappointment.
None of Eoin Colfer’s books are exactly realistic, in the Artemis Fowl series for instance, fairies, centaurs and wild, impossible schemes abound, but there’s a sense of fun, a playfulness that keeps the reader entertained and engaged. The Airman is serious, bleak even, so that there is nothing to balance the pure comic book ev More...
None of Eoin Colfer’s books are exactly realistic, in the Artemis Fowl series for instance, fairies, centaurs and wild, impossible schemes abound, but there’s a sense of fun, a playfulness that keeps the reader entertained and engaged. The Airman is serious, bleak even, so that there is nothing to balance the pure comic book ev More...
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Apr 23, 2009
Kent
rated it:
Colfer is one of my favorite authors. And he has a winner here. I even hope he decides to make this a series because he has indicated he would be taking a few years off from writing the Artemis Fowl series.
Meanwhile, the former sixth-grade teacher from Ireland has written a cross between the Three Musketeers, Escape from Alcatraz, Princess Bride and Airborn. The premise of the book is that Conor Broekhart dreams of flying. He is born in a balloon and studies flight under the careful More...
Meanwhile, the former sixth-grade teacher from Ireland has written a cross between the Three Musketeers, Escape from Alcatraz, Princess Bride and Airborn. The premise of the book is that Conor Broekhart dreams of flying. He is born in a balloon and studies flight under the careful More...
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Apr 15, 2009
Belann
rated it:
Terrific book. Really kept me on the edge. Conor Broekhart is a boy who is seems destined to fly. He is tutored by a Frenchman in all the arts of the time fencing, fighting, and the beginnings of creations for human flight. Things change when is is accused by the evil Bonvilain (notice the villain word in his name), of murdering the King and and his tutor. He is sent to an island of prisoners who mine diamonds, under the control of Bonvilain. Bonvilain convinces Conor that his family thin...more
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Jul 24, 2011
Hayley
rated it:
Airman is an exciting alternate history adventure set in the late 1800s amid advances in aviation.
Conor is the son of Captain Declan Broekhart, a close friend of the king of the Saltee Islands. When Conor witnesses the king's murder by Marshall Hugo Bonvilain, Bonvilain sends Conor to prison and concocts a story about Conor's death for his family.
The prison on Little Saltee is also a diamond mine where the inmates work in dangerous conditions under the watch of cruel guards More...
Conor is the son of Captain Declan Broekhart, a close friend of the king of the Saltee Islands. When Conor witnesses the king's murder by Marshall Hugo Bonvilain, Bonvilain sends Conor to prison and concocts a story about Conor's death for his family.
The prison on Little Saltee is also a diamond mine where the inmates work in dangerous conditions under the watch of cruel guards More...
Sep 30, 2011
Airman. Conor Broekhart calls the Saltee Islands home. He lives a privileged life, good friends with the king, a close relationship with his daughter (Isabella), and taught by a master of flight, Conor's own love. However, when he unearths a plot against the royal family, Conor gets a little too deep. He is soon branded a traitor and thrown into Little Saltee, an infamous prison. He has to escape the jail's torturous lifestyle and help Isabella uncover the truth. But first, he must fly. Sorry, n
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