Airman

by Eoin Colfer

Summary: The story opens with the words, "Conor Broekhart was born to fly," and he truly was, having been born in a hot air balloon. Conor's father works in the palace, and his best friend is the princess. His life changes drastically, though, when he is blamed for a murder he witnesses and is labeled a traitor. He is thrown in a terrible prison where the conditions are brutal, and is forced to mine diamonds at the bottom of the sea. No one ever escapes this prison, and his only choice is to go by air. Over the years, he designs and builds a flying machine, and an elaborate plot to gain his freedom.

My thoughts: This is one of those books that proves that every book is not right for every reader. I think I'm the only person in the world who didn't love Airman. It's definitely a grand adventure, but for me, it was just a little long-winded.