This novel has it all. It starts with a bang and doesn’t let up until the last sentence. It is a tale of piracy and treasure hunting in the high airs (not seas). Sequel to Airborn, this novel still stands alone as a swashbuckling “good read”. 

Matt Cruse, a trainee navigator is aboard a worn out, tumbledown cargo airship piloted by a reckless captain. Flying through a typhoon at dangerously high altitudes, they see a ghost ship, the Hyperion, that was presumed wrecked 40 years ago. On board are exceptional treasures and Matt is the only living soul who knows the coordinates for the ship’s location.  

How can these treasures be retrieved? Does he even want to do it? Who can he trust?

Eventually he joins with Kate, his sweetheart, and Hal, the conceited pilot of a new airship capable of pushing to the limits of high altitude flying, to hunt for the Hyperion and its treasure. But hot on their trail are ruthless air pirates as well as dangerous sky monsters. Adventure parallels with the climbing of Mount Everest, literary parallels with 20,000 leagues under the sea and the myths of Icarus and Prometheus will fascinate any eclectic reader.

The emotional tension and suspense is heightened by Matt’s simultaneous attraction to his high class girlfriend Kate, and the mysterious gypsy girl Nadira, who holds the key to unlock the booby trapped treasure.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy a tale full of drama and action. See the book trailer on Kenneth Oppel’s website.

Review by Glenda

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