scribesprite's review against another edition
4.0
There is a space race! Did you think it was between the Americans and Russians? Then you'd be mistaken, it’s really between the Canadians and the French. Starclimber starts out a few months after the last one ended. Matt is in Paris with Kate doing what he loves, flying. It seems like it's going pretty well for a not even 18 year old young man. That is until trouble finds Mr. Cruse, which it always does.
Matt Cruse has a chance to go into space but first he must prove himself. As he goes into training and testing and so forth. Things with Kate are not at all well. The whole ‘I'm not good enough for her thing’ is still kind of there which annoyed me. It partly has to do with Kate's parents' accepting a poor boy but also Kate herself.
Now for the stuff I liked, Matt for starters. A good protagonist is always an excellent sign. He has a little (really minuscule) fault here or there but really an all-around good guy who is trying to follow his dream. Who wouldn't love that? Next is the fact that it all seemed believable. The science that Oppel presents is understandable and well described without being exceedingly boring or completely unbelievable because almost everything that is mentioned we know about. These books have always had a great sense of atmosphere to them and this one was no exception. The whole time I pictured them floating around in space.
It’s been so long since I read the last books but the story picks up on what happened fairly well. I forgot about quite a few things like how the books could actually be funny. The professor was definitely the funniest character. It's not a comedy book—it’s not meant to be—but there were a few times that I laughed.
It was a thrilling ride through space because, as you can guess, things don't always go according to the plan but if something goes wrong it's always a good idea to have Matt on your side. Lastly, I enjoyed space immensely but I think Matt said it best "I missed my sky."
Matt Cruse has a chance to go into space but first he must prove himself. As he goes into training and testing and so forth. Things with Kate are not at all well. The whole ‘I'm not good enough for her thing’ is still kind of there which annoyed me. It partly has to do with Kate's parents' accepting a poor boy but also Kate herself.
Now for the stuff I liked, Matt for starters. A good protagonist is always an excellent sign. He has a little (really minuscule) fault here or there but really an all-around good guy who is trying to follow his dream. Who wouldn't love that? Next is the fact that it all seemed believable. The science that Oppel presents is understandable and well described without being exceedingly boring or completely unbelievable because almost everything that is mentioned we know about. These books have always had a great sense of atmosphere to them and this one was no exception. The whole time I pictured them floating around in space.
It’s been so long since I read the last books but the story picks up on what happened fairly well. I forgot about quite a few things like how the books could actually be funny. The professor was definitely the funniest character. It's not a comedy book—it’s not meant to be—but there were a few times that I laughed.
It was a thrilling ride through space because, as you can guess, things don't always go according to the plan but if something goes wrong it's always a good idea to have Matt on your side. Lastly, I enjoyed space immensely but I think Matt said it best "I missed my sky."
readerrr7's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
punandprose's review against another edition
4.0
A pretty good read! Full of adventure and intrigue. However, I didn't understand why Matt would want to be with Kate. She's selfish and annoying and doesn't change for the better.
But the rest of the story was excellent
But the rest of the story was excellent
chancethesecond's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
daphrose's review against another edition
4.0
Kenneth Oppel is always a treat. I’ll admit that as a college-aged female, I am not the prime audience for this book. But I’m a sucker for good, simple steampunk-esque stories. I loved this book just as much as the previous two! All the great points of the trilogy continue: fascinating and well-developed characters, stunning world-building, enthralling descriptions of contraptions and creatures you’ve never seen, and, of course, breath-taking, edge-of-your-seat action, adventure, and suspense. Just when you think you know what will happen, the plot twists in a beautiful way. It’s just plain good writing. I will need to pick up more of Oppel’s books next time I have some money to spend.
The subtraction of a star is for the character of Kate. She is insufferable in this book, and watching Matt endlessly pine for someone who causes him both emotional and physical harm was frustrating. She is selfish, manipulative, and arrogant. She is not a bad character in the least, but she is a dreadful love interest. To the young men who read this book: you can do better than someone like Kate! You do not have to stay with someone who is so flaky and inconsiderate of your well-being! I was greatly relieved when the focus of the book shifted back to adventure and away from the romance. It wasn’t enough to ruin my experience, but like Matt, I felt real hate for Kate at times and wondered why he would ever want to stay with her.
Regardless, it is a great book, as always. It is a joy to get lost in this wonderful world, Matt’s world. If you’re a fan of steampunk/sci-fi/space adventures pumped full of action and excitement, you’ll love this one. Highly recommend.
The subtraction of a star is for the character of Kate. She is insufferable in this book, and watching Matt endlessly pine for someone who causes him both emotional and physical harm was frustrating. She is selfish, manipulative, and arrogant. She is not a bad character in the least, but she is a dreadful love interest. To the young men who read this book: you can do better than someone like Kate! You do not have to stay with someone who is so flaky and inconsiderate of your well-being! I was greatly relieved when the focus of the book shifted back to adventure and away from the romance. It wasn’t enough to ruin my experience, but like Matt, I felt real hate for Kate at times and wondered why he would ever want to stay with her.
Regardless, it is a great book, as always. It is a joy to get lost in this wonderful world, Matt’s world. If you’re a fan of steampunk/sci-fi/space adventures pumped full of action and excitement, you’ll love this one. Highly recommend.
impalalove's review against another edition
5.0
Kate is awesome. She's very much someone to look up to. You know, if I was younger...
Loved the last scene in the book. First book in awhile that had me clapping at the ending of a series/book.
Loved the last scene in the book. First book in awhile that had me clapping at the ending of a series/book.
mousie_books's review against another edition
4.0
Starclimber will be the first venture into space. Matt Cruse and Kate De Vries intend to be in its crew.
Like the preceding two books, Starclimber was a fun, page turner. It's a little less high adventure, but I liked it. Kate grated on me at times though.
Like the preceding two books, Starclimber was a fun, page turner. It's a little less high adventure, but I liked it. Kate grated on me at times though.
anniemariek's review against another edition
5.0
This book has a gorgeous cover. It's cooler in real life. It managed to be pretty without alienating boys, which is a rare find these days.
I just...don't know what to say about this book. It's beautiful. It's exciting and crammed with suspense and exhilarating and emotional and just plain cool. And it's also kinda funny. What more could you ask for in a book?
I love the main characters, Matt and Kate. They make an interesting pair--they're each lovable on their own, and have their own personalities. But together, they're unstoppable. Romance writers: take note.
Kenneth Oppel is a master of writing emotion. He grabs hold of his readers' hearts, and then breaks them into tiny pieces. Then he waves his magical writing wand and makes it all better again. (Or sometimes the other way around, like the ending of This Dark Endeavor.) Sometimes in the space of about four pages. He did this to me again in Starclimber. I was getting close to writing a rather strong letter to the author...but then he pulled something awesome out into the story and made me realize that my reaction was, in fact, exactly as he intended. New Year's resolution: spend an hour each day balancing an Oppel book on my head so maybe some of this skill will diffuse into my own writing.
My only complaint with this book is with Tobias. I wanted to learn more about him, but I never got to. I kept waiting for the big reveal, but it never came. Still, this is only a minor problem compared to the rest of the story.
This series is awesome. Recommended for, uh, everyone.
I just...don't know what to say about this book. It's beautiful. It's exciting and crammed with suspense and exhilarating and emotional and just plain cool. And it's also kinda funny. What more could you ask for in a book?
I love the main characters, Matt and Kate. They make an interesting pair--they're each lovable on their own, and have their own personalities. But together, they're unstoppable. Romance writers: take note.
Kenneth Oppel is a master of writing emotion. He grabs hold of his readers' hearts, and then breaks them into tiny pieces. Then he waves his magical writing wand and makes it all better again. (Or sometimes the other way around, like the ending of This Dark Endeavor.) Sometimes in the space of about four pages. He did this to me again in Starclimber. I was getting close to writing a rather strong letter to the author...but then he pulled something awesome out into the story and made me realize that my reaction was, in fact, exactly as he intended. New Year's resolution: spend an hour each day balancing an Oppel book on my head so maybe some of this skill will diffuse into my own writing.
My only complaint with this book is with Tobias. I wanted to learn more about him, but I never got to. I kept waiting for the big reveal, but it never came. Still, this is only a minor problem compared to the rest of the story.
This series is awesome. Recommended for, uh, everyone.