Conor Broekhart was born to fly. In fact, legend has it that he was born flying, in a hot air balloon at the Paris World’s Fair. 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 with his tutor and exploring the castle with the king’s daughter, Princess Isabella. But the boy’s idyllic life changes forever the day he discovers a deadly conspiracy against the king. When Conor tries to intervene, he is branded a traitor and thrown into jail on the prison island of Little Saltee. There, he has to fight for his life, as he and the other prisoners are forced to mine for diamonds in inhumane conditions. There is only one way to escape Little Saltee, and that is to fly. So Conor passes the solitary months by scratching drawings of flying machines on the prison walls. The months turn into years; but eventually the day comes when Conor must find the courage to trust his revolutionary designs and take to the skies.
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"Another enthralling novel by Eoin Colfer which casts the reader into the life of a young, resourceful man trying to avenge his mentor. He is cast into a wild world where he is forced to use his fighting abilities and inventive mind to its limits in order to survive and complete his overall objective. The story has a happy ending as he was able to reunite with his parents and childhood sweetheart, while being able to avenge his mentor and continue his education. This book is a fantastic read."
— Yuhan (5 out of 5 stars)
" This is the nex historic Batman flick type movie. Action packed from start to finish. "
— Lynn, 2/8/2014" Good book with a very interesting plot, in the late 1800's, on the Saltee islands, with a Frenchman, prison, giant explosive balloons, gliders, and a blind musician who wrote an entire symphony on a mud encrusted wall with bio-luminescent coral. Also may include a fair bit of comedic gold, stunning twists, and page-wrenching moments of despair. "
— Jeremiah, 2/4/2014" I couldn't get through Artemis Fowl. I liked Half-Moon Investigations ok. THIS story I really enjoyed. Political intrigue and adventure. I cared about the characters. Over all a great read. "
— Janis, 12/24/2013" A fun read from the author of the excellent Artemis Fowl books. It's around the level of the Harry Potter books so if you want something with more depth, this isn't it! It's an enjoyable adventure story, not quite as good as any of the Artemis Fowl books but still enjoyable. "
— Greg, 12/24/2013" This is one of my favorite historical fiction books, if you'd call it that. "
— Aegine, 12/17/2013" I really enjoyed this book. It was an exciting story that I think boys/guys would enjoy as much if not more than I did. "
— Heidi, 12/15/2013" great novel about love, deception, and rethinking who you really are "
— Bv, 12/7/2013" One of the best books ive ever read, eoin colfer is amazing "
— Aeson, 11/11/2013" I liked this WAY better than the Artemis Fowl books. "
— Lani, 11/11/2013" This is a great story. I'm surprised at how much I liked and enjoyed it. I loved Artemis Fowl and Eoin Colfer is working his way up my list of favorite authors. "
— Inspired, 11/5/2013" i wonder if I pushed myself it would get better but since i already got bored of the prologue, i don't ever feel like picking it up again. Maybe in the future I would pick it up again and somehow think of to read it, but maybe not now. "
— Delaney, 10/13/2013" This was a fun read. There were heroes and villains doing truly heroic and villainous things in an imaginary setting. The story engaged me from beginning to end. It is listed as teen fiction, but I enjoyed it. "
— Theresa, 10/11/2013" Imagine if the Count of Monte Cristo were less vengeful, aimed at children, and more like a fairy tale. Sweet story with Colfer's trademark humour here and there. "
— Tati, 10/4/2013" This was a truly wonderful book. It had a little bit of every genre. Historical fic, romance, acion, adventure, Scifi, just about everyone can find something they will like. Books like this don't get written enough these days. "
— Sarah, 9/29/2013" Good bloody tragedy and high-adventure fun in the Harry Potter vein. "
— Jolivernz, 4/16/2013" I loved this - of course, I've liked all Colfer's books. I think I've only missed reading one of them. This one was quite different from the others. I found it much deeper than, say, Artemis Fowl (which I did thoroughly enjoy). I'd love a sequel. "
— Rebecca, 12/30/2012" Steampunk goodness, highly recommended. "
— Jeremiah, 12/11/2012" its about a person that tries to escape from prison "
— Michael, 9/18/2012" I had to do a book report, and I chose this one, and I really liked it, and I'm not just saying it because I like the author. "
— Savita, 5/19/2012" AMAZING book!!!! recommended to all, you just have to pay attention to the small details that you think are nothing! "
— Andrew, 11/20/2011" I started this book tonight. It was highly recommended by a couple of friends. I struggled through to about page 50, disiking the book. By page 93, I really did not want to continue reading another moment. Sorry to my freinds. "
— Patricia, 11/14/2011" Eoin Colfer knows how to write an adventure. This book is the best evidence of that:) The flying scenes, the places were all well described. This is his best book(I love Artemis Series, but this is something else). Period. "
— Aditya, 6/27/2011" I think it not that interesting. Well its Interesting how he was BORN TO FLY. Well i didnt get it Finished sooo i didnt knw what happend at the End of the Story sooo yea....i might finish it but maybe not. "
— Proud2BePINOY, 5/24/2011" Leaves me dazzled. <3 "
— Polly, 5/19/2011" I really enjoyed this but felt like it was probably a little brutal in spots for kids. Great story though! Kind of man-in-the-iron-mask-ish. "
— Joanna, 5/11/2011" Surprisingly good. A little quick on the wrap-up, but otherwise very engaging. We listened to this on the way to Utah. I think we'll try some of his other books on the next trip. "
— Adrienne, 4/28/2011" Airman is an awesome book that includes historical fiction and early aviation. It was VERY good. "
— Sophie, 4/25/2011" AMAZING book!!!! recommended to all, you just have to pay attention to the small details that you think are nothing! "
— Andrew, 4/24/2011" i really, really liked this book...right up until the denouement. oh and ps this is not, contrary to popular belief, a steampunk book. but it's a good'un nonetheless.<br/> "
— J, 3/30/2011" A salways Eoin has done it again. I think after Artemis Fowl, this book is the best of what he has to offer. Connor is an awesome character, love the blurb, gets you reallt intrigued. Good book. "
— Amina, 3/23/2011" I really enjoyed this read. I only wished it was longer. "
— Nep, 3/6/2011" Brilliant. Proof that one-shot books can still be fantastic. "
— Chase, 3/5/2011Eoin Colfer is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous books, including the Artemis Fowl series and several stand-alone novels. He was born and raised in Ireland, where he was appointed Children’s Laureate.
John Keating is an actor, voice talent, and AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. His numerous acting credits include Roundabout Theatre’s production of Juno and the Paycock and La Mama ETC’s production of Cat and the Moon, as well as various parts with the Irish Repertory Theater and the Irish Arts Center. He can also be seen in the HBO miniseries John Adams, starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney.