Title: Starclimber
Author: Kenneth Oppel
First published August 26, 2008
490 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780002007450 (ISBN10: 0002007452)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
“Are you ready to reach new heights?” Mr. Shaw asked, looking at me with a glint in his eye. “Absolutely,” I replied without hesitation.
Aspiring aviator, Amelia Dean, and renowned astronomer, Professor James Scott, receive an invitation to join the Starclimber, a revolutionary spacecraft that ascends to the outer reaches of the universe. However, just as they are about to embark on their journey, Amelia discovers that her long-time crush, Tyler, is engaged to someone else.
Despite this heartbreak, Amelia and James venture into space, only to encounter bizarre extraterrestrial beings and face perilous malfunctions. With danger lurking at every turn, Amelia, James and the rest of the crew must fight to survive.
What was once a thrilling mission among the stars has become a fierce battle for their very existence.
About the Author
1967 was the year I was born in Port Alberni, a small town on Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia. However, my childhood was spent mostly in Victoria, B.C. and on the other coast in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
When I was around twelve years old, I discovered my passion for writing. Prior to that, I had considered becoming a scientist and then an architect.
Initially, I started writing sci-fi epics during my “Star Wars phase”. Later, I moved on to swords and sorcery tales inspired by my love for Dungeons and Dragons.
During one summer holiday, I began writing a humorous story about a boy who was addicted to video games – this was, of course, during my “video game phase”. To my surprise, the story turned out to be quite long, almost a short novel.
The following summer, I rewrote it, and a family friend who knew Roald Dahl – one of my favourite authors – offered to show Dahl my story. I was thrilled at the prospect.
Although I never heard directly from Dahl, I learned that he had read my story and liked it enough to pass it on to his own literary agent. I received a letter from them expressing an interest in representing me and trying to sell my story, which they eventually did.
Editoral Review
Starclimber is a science-fiction young adult novel written by Kenneth Oppel, first published on August 26, 2008. Oppel, an award-winning children’s author, is known for his popular Silverwing, Sunwing, and Firewing trilogies.
In Starclimber, Oppel returns to the universe of his Skybreaker series and takes readers on a thrilling journey through space. Set in an alternative version of the early 20th century, the novel brings to life a world of airships, spaceships, and daring explorers.
It follows the adventures of teenage pilot Matt Cruse and his girlfriend Kate de Vries, as they embark on a dangerous mission to reach the stars onboard the Starclimber, a ship capable of reaching the edge of space. Along the way, they encounter jealous rivals, deadly enemies, and unexpected allies, and must navigate treacherous obstacles in order to save the world from a catastrophic disaster.
At its core, Starclimber is a thrilling adventure story that combines elements of science-fiction, fantasy, and romance. It features a diverse cast of characters, including strong-willed heroines, brave and loyal friends, and cunning villains.
The world-building is rich and evocative, with vivid descriptions of futuristic technology, exotic locales, and dramatic events. The plot is fast-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the strengths of the novel is its attention to detail. Oppel has clearly done his research and has created a believable and immersive world that feels authentic and compelling.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with distinct voices and personalities. The romantic relationships in the novel are handled with sensitivity and maturity, and add an emotional depth to the story.
The themes of courage, friendship, sacrifice, and love are woven into the narrative in a natural and effective way. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
The pacing is uneven at times, with some sections feeling rushed or underdeveloped. The scientific explanations can be overly complex or confusing, and may alienate some readers.
The ending is also somewhat divisive, with some readers feeling that it does not fully resolve all of the plot threads or character arcs. Overall, Starclimber is a thrilling and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of science-fiction, adventure, and romance.
It is a worthy addition to Oppel’s Skybreaker series and showcases his skill as a storyteller. While not perfect, it is a fun and engaging novel that will transport readers to another world and leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Note from the AI: This is just an example written by myself. It may not be similar to what you may write, so please use it as a guide.
