Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
HarperCollins Canada (2008), Edition: 1St Edition, Hardcover
Description
As members of the first crew of astralnauts, Matt Cruse and Kate De Vries journey into outer space on the Starclimber and face a series of catastrophes that threaten the survival of all on board.
User reviews
LibraryThing member xicanti
The Canadian government approaches Matt Cruise and Kate DeVries about an exciting new mission: the very first flight into space.
You know what? When I first heard of this book, I thought it sounded pretty durned stupid. I wondered what Kenneth Oppel was thinking, sending Matt and Kate into space.
You know what else? I was dead wrong. This book is about as far from stupid as you can get. Yes, it's kind of far fetched, (kind of? Ha!), but it's so awesome that the questionable science really doesn't matter.
I must admit, I wasn't quite so thrilled with SKYBREAKER as I was with AIRBORN. Oppel shifted his focus from adventure to interpersonal stuff, and I thought the book suffered for it. It was still good, but it wasn't as much fun. With STARCLIMBER, he's got the balance just right. There's tons going on between Matt and Kate, and it's good, meaty stuff that delves into and plays off of their relationship in all the right ways. And at the same time, the pair are on the adventure of a lifetime.
With STARCLIMBER, Oppel explores both the ways in Matt and Kate fit together and the ways in which they clash, and he does so beautifully. Their relationship takes on a new dimension this time around; they're seventeen now, and Kate's parents want her to marry a suitable (read: rich) boy and take her place in society. Of course, Matt has some problems with this scenario, and he's none too thrilled with the way Kate deals with it. Their relationship moves in some really interesting directions as the situation plays out. I was always rabid to read on, and Oppel ripped my heart out of my chest more than once before the story wound to a close.
The adventure is just as compelling as the romance. The action is a lot more science-centric this time around, what with the intense astralnaut training and the flight into space. (And I'll tell you, I love that Canada won the space race in Oppel's alternate universe. Seriously. Love it). I strongly suspect that it's mostly bunk, but it's incredibly fun bunk. It serves as the backdrop for a really exciting adventure that blends perfectly with all the heady emotional stuff I mentioned above. Each new discovery catapults the reader along and leaves her eager to see what'll happen next. By the end, the story had built up so much momentum that I was speed reading. It's a wild ride. I was always desperate to read on so I could see both the state of Matt and Kate's relationship and their progress towards the stars.
It's a great read from start to finish, and I highly recommend it. You'd probably do best to read the first two before you tackle this one, though; so much of what I loved about this book centered around the relationship between Matt and Kate, which is very much an ongoing thing.
(A slightly different version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina).
You know what? When I first heard of this book, I thought it sounded pretty durned stupid. I wondered what Kenneth Oppel was thinking, sending Matt and Kate into space.
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Victorian/Edwardianesque science, sending people to space! Pff!You know what else? I was dead wrong. This book is about as far from stupid as you can get. Yes, it's kind of far fetched, (kind of? Ha!), but it's so awesome that the questionable science really doesn't matter.
I must admit, I wasn't quite so thrilled with SKYBREAKER as I was with AIRBORN. Oppel shifted his focus from adventure to interpersonal stuff, and I thought the book suffered for it. It was still good, but it wasn't as much fun. With STARCLIMBER, he's got the balance just right. There's tons going on between Matt and Kate, and it's good, meaty stuff that delves into and plays off of their relationship in all the right ways. And at the same time, the pair are on the adventure of a lifetime.
With STARCLIMBER, Oppel explores both the ways in Matt and Kate fit together and the ways in which they clash, and he does so beautifully. Their relationship takes on a new dimension this time around; they're seventeen now, and Kate's parents want her to marry a suitable (read: rich) boy and take her place in society. Of course, Matt has some problems with this scenario, and he's none too thrilled with the way Kate deals with it. Their relationship moves in some really interesting directions as the situation plays out. I was always rabid to read on, and Oppel ripped my heart out of my chest more than once before the story wound to a close.
The adventure is just as compelling as the romance. The action is a lot more science-centric this time around, what with the intense astralnaut training and the flight into space. (And I'll tell you, I love that Canada won the space race in Oppel's alternate universe. Seriously. Love it). I strongly suspect that it's mostly bunk, but it's incredibly fun bunk. It serves as the backdrop for a really exciting adventure that blends perfectly with all the heady emotional stuff I mentioned above. Each new discovery catapults the reader along and leaves her eager to see what'll happen next. By the end, the story had built up so much momentum that I was speed reading. It's a wild ride. I was always desperate to read on so I could see both the state of Matt and Kate's relationship and their progress towards the stars.
It's a great read from start to finish, and I highly recommend it. You'd probably do best to read the first two before you tackle this one, though; so much of what I loved about this book centered around the relationship between Matt and Kate, which is very much an ongoing thing.
(A slightly different version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina).
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LibraryThing member jiangyi
Matt Cruse and Kate de Vries, our 2 promising heroes, had been offered an extraordinary opportunity: To represent Canada in becoming the first astralnauts that will reach space! However, the path to earning the golden ticket onto the spaceship is not an easy one, as Matt must pass through gruelling
In my Opinion, this is a great book in a series that could easily rival the Harry Potter Series! The book's sci-fi element seems to be out-of-this-world as the technology seems to be impossible to replicate in the real world in millions of years! Although, that would be a personal taste thing as I like it to be as wacky and out-of-this-world as possible for I think that we wouldn't have what we have today if it wasn't for those wacky people in history that had an incredible amount of imagination!
It is certainly a book that, along with a lot of the other science-fiction books out there, sparks my interest and makes me think of all the possibilities out there in the world, just waiting to be discovered and utilized for the greater good!
This book is recommended for anyone around 12 yrs. old, but it would still be a good read for anyone beyond that age, for everyone can use a little fantasy-like science-fiction in their lives!
Kenneth Oppel (born August 31, 1967) is a Canadian author. Born in Port Alberni, British Columbia, he spent his childhood in Victoria, British Columbia and Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has also lived in Newfoundland and Labrador, England and Ireland, and is the winner of several literary awards including the 2004 Governor General's Literary Award for English language children's literature.
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tests and dealing with the fact that his love, Kate, may leave him forever as her parents want her to marry a suitable man and "fit into society". Fortunately, Matt overcame these problems, and secured his spot on the ship, but somehow, adventure and danger always follows him as there were even more problems that could possibly make this journey the last that anyone onboard will ever have, for good!In my Opinion, this is a great book in a series that could easily rival the Harry Potter Series! The book's sci-fi element seems to be out-of-this-world as the technology seems to be impossible to replicate in the real world in millions of years! Although, that would be a personal taste thing as I like it to be as wacky and out-of-this-world as possible for I think that we wouldn't have what we have today if it wasn't for those wacky people in history that had an incredible amount of imagination!
It is certainly a book that, along with a lot of the other science-fiction books out there, sparks my interest and makes me think of all the possibilities out there in the world, just waiting to be discovered and utilized for the greater good!
This book is recommended for anyone around 12 yrs. old, but it would still be a good read for anyone beyond that age, for everyone can use a little fantasy-like science-fiction in their lives!
Kenneth Oppel (born August 31, 1967) is a Canadian author. Born in Port Alberni, British Columbia, he spent his childhood in Victoria, British Columbia and Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has also lived in Newfoundland and Labrador, England and Ireland, and is the winner of several literary awards including the 2004 Governor General's Literary Award for English language children's literature.
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LibraryThing member abbylibrarian
In Airborn and Skybreaker, Matt Cruse was content with sailing through the sky on airships, but in Starclimber he's reaching for the heavens. The Canadian government is hatching a top-secret space exploration program and Matt is invited to the qualifying trials to become one of the first
I felt that I had to suspend my disbelief a little more than in the first two books, but I was happy to do so because I so love the characters of Matt Cruse and Kate deVries. I'm not generally a series person, so the fact that they've kept my interest for three books speaks volumes about them. :)
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astralnauts. I felt that I had to suspend my disbelief a little more than in the first two books, but I was happy to do so because I so love the characters of Matt Cruse and Kate deVries. I'm not generally a series person, so the fact that they've kept my interest for three books speaks volumes about them. :)
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LibraryThing member readinggeek451
Space fever has gripped Europa. The French are building a space tower in Paris. And in North Americus, a Canadian consortium has even more ambitious plans. But not everyone is pleased. The Babelites find the whole idea blasphemous and are trying to stop the Tower. Airship officer-in-training Matt
A fun read, sequel to Airborn and Skybreaker.
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Cruse is recruited as one of the first astralnauts. Babelite plots, the rigors of training, and the dangers of space can't stop this plucky youth. But does budding scientist Kate De Vries share his vision of their future?A fun read, sequel to Airborn and Skybreaker.
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LibraryThing member twonickels
Matt Cruse is out of his element, in more ways than one. Whether he's trying to gain traction in the grueling astralnaut training program that will determine who will pilot the first vehicle into outer space, or attending posh garden parties to meet his sweetheart Kate's parents and society
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friends, Matt can't quite seem to fit in. And then comes the part of the story where he is very literally out of his element, as Matt goes on another of his wild adventures. But the ship in this one is a little bit different - it's an elevator to the stars.Airborn and Skybreaker, the first two books in Oppel's series, have at their heart Matt's passion for flying, and his skill and heroism when he is in the air. Removing Matt from the airships he loves so much and knows so well takes something away from the final book in the series. I missed the intense joy that Matt feels when he is flying - it is such a defining part of his character that he doesn't seem quite whole when he is out of the air. Matt is still a wonderful character, and his determination, resourcefulness, and desire to be good are still here in full force, but I couldn't help feeling there was something missing.By bringing Matt and Kate back to their home town, Oppel injects some unease into their usually sweet relationship. Some tensions that have been simmering underneath the surface during the first two books make their way to the surface, especially in regards to Matt's concerns about the class and economic differences that separate them. Kate is still vivacious and charming - and self-involved to an extreme. It is easy to see why Matt loves her, and also why he sometimes becomes so frustrated with her in this book. But the many twists and turns of their relationship make the end of the series that much more emotionally satisfying.Did this book reach the heights of Airborn and Skybreaker? I felt that it did not quite get there - but those were exceptional books. Starclimber still kept me awake until two in the morning on a work night - and I was more than willing to concede those hours of sleep to for conclusion of this exciting series. Show Less
LibraryThing member rarararassberry
This book talks about a boy named Matt being an astronaut and going into outer space, but there was just one problem. The starclimber travels on a thin chord. The scientest thought the chord had all ready reached the other planet, but it still needed 5 more seconds until the chord reached it! Will
In my opinion, this book is really good and should be reccomened for teens like 13 -15 because the book isn't really that hard and it's really interresting! I love to read Kenneth Oppel books because i love adventure book with problems.
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they survive? Who will die?In my opinion, this book is really good and should be reccomened for teens like 13 -15 because the book isn't really that hard and it's really interresting! I love to read Kenneth Oppel books because i love adventure book with problems.
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LibraryThing member armysandy
When Matt Cruse is invited the take the elevator to outer space, he is thrilled, for it is back at his home town, Lionsgate City. While they were there, Matt, and his girlfriend Kate de Vries, had finally met their challenges. Matt is a average, not really rich person, while Kate was born from a
In my opinion, STARCLIMBER is so far the most awesome book I've read. This sort of reminds me of the time when I learned about the first astronaut to outer space, Neil Armstrong, for he was also the first man in outer space.
I would recommend this book for people ages 12-25, for it may be for teens to adults, in my opinion that is.
I think that this book is mainly about space, and love, for most of the story they are in outer space, and Matt and Kate face some problems, but they still got through, which I'm very happy for them.
Info About the Author
Kenneth Oppel is born August 31st, 1967, in British Colombia. He is also the author of the very famous Silverwing, Sunwing, and Firewing, Darkwing. STARCLIMBER is the sequel to SKYBREAKER, which is the sequel to AIRBORN.
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rich family. Will the parents of Kate change their mind? You'll have to read STARCLIMBER yourself. As I was saying, the elevator the outerspace is no other than the STARCLIMBER, hung to outer space by a thin cord... They experienced life and death on the STARCLIMBER, and one individual got sacrificed, for the cord snapped and fell back to earth. Will things change after they get back? READ!!!In my opinion, STARCLIMBER is so far the most awesome book I've read. This sort of reminds me of the time when I learned about the first astronaut to outer space, Neil Armstrong, for he was also the first man in outer space.
I would recommend this book for people ages 12-25, for it may be for teens to adults, in my opinion that is.
I think that this book is mainly about space, and love, for most of the story they are in outer space, and Matt and Kate face some problems, but they still got through, which I'm very happy for them.
Info About the Author
Kenneth Oppel is born August 31st, 1967, in British Colombia. He is also the author of the very famous Silverwing, Sunwing, and Firewing, Darkwing. STARCLIMBER is the sequel to SKYBREAKER, which is the sequel to AIRBORN.
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LibraryThing member hsun18553
The best out of the series and a great way to close the trilogy, I loved the new concept of a space elevator and it was a extremely interesting book. GREAT!
LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
I love this series. But in this third book, I was so put off by Kate's behaviour that it really prevented me from fully enjoying the story. Instead of being the strong, forthright person I remembered, she was sneaky and resorted to lying constantly, and she was hardly more mature than the bearded
I'd give this to fans of the series, but with a warning that it isn't as good as the first book.
As usual, the Full Cast Audio production was splendid.
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scientists trying to squash her. Also, the plot seemed a little familiar - Kate and Matt voyage to a new frontier, discover new species, lose a companion, and escape certain by the skin of their teeth. I'm glad to leave these characters behind.I'd give this to fans of the series, but with a warning that it isn't as good as the first book.
As usual, the Full Cast Audio production was splendid.
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LibraryThing member TylerF.
This is a science fiction book. A book about the first trip into outer space. The canadian government has planned a mission to outer space. Guess who they choose to go, Matt Cruse. Kate also accompanies the voyage. On the way to outer space, Matt has to battle many mechanical failures, and aliens!
I really liked this book. I really like action and adventure books, so I particularly liked this one. I really liked the design of the spaceship. I mainly liked how it worked with rollers instead of what we use. I also like how the book kept surprising you and never got boring. I recomend this book to anyone and everyone. I rate this as my top favorite book I've read this school year.
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This is book three in a short series.I really liked this book. I really like action and adventure books, so I particularly liked this one. I really liked the design of the spaceship. I mainly liked how it worked with rollers instead of what we use. I also like how the book kept surprising you and never got boring. I recomend this book to anyone and everyone. I rate this as my top favorite book I've read this school year.
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LibraryThing member timothyl33
A wonderful sequel that furthers the adventures (and relationship) of Matt Cruise and Kate de Vries as this time they set their sights further up. This time to outer space.
LibraryThing member KarenBall
"From Earth, from this very terrace, the view of the stars was wondrous enough. Imagine how much more you could see thousands of miles beyond it..."Third in the Airborn series! Matt Cruse and Kate DeVries are back, this time aiming for outer space. In their alternate world, the ship they will take
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is called the Starclimber -- literally the ship that will climb a thin wire into space. The wire is anchored far below the surface of the Earth, and the other in is attached to a rocket, shot into geosynchronous orbit so that the wire will stay taut enough for the ship to climb it. Terrorists are working to sabotage the project, and the crew includes a crazy photographer with a monkey, a cantankerous old zoologist who doesn't believe in life outside of Earth, and a selfish, overconfident pilot. Kate also had to get engaged to some high society boy so that her parents would allow her on board -- something that doesn't sit well with Matt AT ALL. Lots of action and interesting twists on what we know about space and space travel! 6th grade and up. Show Less
LibraryThing member ParkerD28
Matt Cruse's greatest adventure yet takes him to space. This story takes you beyond your imagination about how people from the past would travel into outer space. Matt went into training to gain this great opportunity, when he thought he lost his chance, someone else couldn't go so he was chosen.
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While working to keep the ship safe and secure for their discovery adventure. He will have to handle his mixed feelings for Kate and her somehow fiancee along with the continuous problems having to fight to survive without help from earth. Will he be able to handle the position he worked so hard for. will Kate understand his feelings, and will they all make it back to earth safe and sound? Read the third book from the Airborn series to find out. Show Less
LibraryThing member akmargie
I was going to do 4 stars but then I thought, no. This book is too good for four. It being the third in the series my expectations were already set high and Oppel delivered. Beautiful characters, amazing action, witty and above all set in an imaginative and original world. Lovely, just lovely.
LibraryThing member MikeDI
Not sure why, however it was not what I thought would be a fitting end to the trilogy. Still liked the first book the most. By Far.
Subjects
Awards
Sunburst Award (Honourable Mention — Young Adult — 2009)
Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award (Honour Book — 2009)
Red Maple Award (Nominee)
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (Selection)
Physical description
9.1 inches
ISBN
0002007452 / 9780002007450