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 316, 321, and 328. Examples of personification can also be found, those on pages 318, and 352. On page 351 you can find imagery. Keep an eye out, and in Airman you will find amazing uses of literary devices.
Conor Broekhart is the protagonist of Airman. Conor is a teenage boy who loves flight. He is fascinated by it, and builds flying machines with his mentor Victor Vigny. Conor’s skills range far beyond flying though. He is an amazing sword fighter, a good engineer, and an excellent marksman. All of this makes him a unique and interesting character. Conor is liked by most people he meets, and is friendly. But his life is turned upside down by the marshal Bonvilain. He is frame for a murder he did not commit, and thrown into prison. All Conor has is his skills, and his determination to set things right. Conor is not afraid to take risks. Conor is intelligent and strong, and will find a way to handle whatever situation he is put in.
Beginning in 1878, Airman starts with Conor Broekhart’s birth. He is born in the air, in a balloon. He lives on the Saltee Islands, where diamonds are mined. Conor is good friends with Isabella, the princess of the Islands. They are the only children in the palace, so they are well likes, even though they cause trouble. When Conor saves Isabella in an accident, he becomes a hero. He also begins to be mentored by Victor Vigny, a friend of the king. Conor and Victor try to build gliders, as well as other heavier than air flying machines. But the marshal Bonvilain, hungry for power, kills the king, and Victor is blamed for the incident, and Conor is accused of being part of it. He is sent to the prison, where he meets a friend. With his new friend’s help, he puts himself together and plans a daring escape.