- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: Gollancz; First Edition edition (31 Aug 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0575078782
- ISBN-13: 978-0575078789
- Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 13.4 x 3.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,621,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Fledging of Az Gabrielson
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
'Amory's short brisk chapters with succinct headings keep the plot revelations coming and the pages turning. And particularly successful are the vivid scenes where Cassie's family scour the predator-ridden landscape in the 'murk comber for items that fell from the sky cities. THE FLEDGING OF AZ GABRIELSON is an entertaining read, and though part of a trilogy stands on its own' (STARBURST )
Armory also alludes to the abuse of religious dogma, a theme that is explored so dazzlingly in 'His Dark Materials'. However, I think that The Fledging of Az Gabrielson does have an appeal of its own; the story taps straight into that atavistic human desire to fly and there are some intriguing, ambiguous characters (I loved Mr Mordadson) who are often beautifully named (Ramona Orifielsdaughter Enochson!)' (ACHUKA REVIEWS )
'Amory peppers the ground with an absolutely wonderful cast of characters. All great stuff! Despite the turbulence early in the journey, Amory is a writer with an innate social conscience and a voice that calls to readers of all ages. I look forward to seeing how the story develops in the next volume.' (SF REVU )
"The novels themes of unthinking faith, blind consumerism and segregated society, as well as the problems of the "disabled" young hero must overcome, are perfect for the young adult market. Do buy this for your kids." (SFX )
"One of the greatest fantasy novels that's ever been written by a groundling. You can read this book as an allegory of western civilization and our exploitation of the third world... or you can just enjoy it." (TEEN TITLES )
Armory also alludes to the abuse of religious dogma, a theme that is explored so dazzlingly in 'His Dark Materials'. However, I think that The Fledging of Az Gabrielson does have an appeal of its own; the story taps straight into that atavistic human desire to fly and there are some intriguing, ambiguous characters (I loved Mr Mordadson) who are often beautifully named (Ramona Orifielsdaughter Enochson!)' (ACHUKA REVIEWS )
'Amory peppers the ground with an absolutely wonderful cast of characters. All great stuff! Despite the turbulence early in the journey, Amory is a writer with an innate social conscience and a voice that calls to readers of all ages. I look forward to seeing how the story develops in the next volume.' (SF REVU )
"The novels themes of unthinking faith, blind consumerism and segregated society, as well as the problems of the "disabled" young hero must overcome, are perfect for the young adult market. Do buy this for your kids." (SFX )
"One of the greatest fantasy novels that's ever been written by a groundling. You can read this book as an allegory of western civilization and our exploitation of the third world... or you can just enjoy it." (TEEN TITLES )
Product Description
Az is one of the Airborn. With a stretch and a beat of their eight foot wings his people travel effortlessly around and between their cities, perched high above the clouds. Its a life of ease and airy beauty. Only Az has no wings, so in his glorious world of freedom and flight, he is a painful - and isolated - oddity. And then one day he is picked out for a job. A job below the clouds. The system of massive automated elevators which send up everything the Airborn need to survive, are breaking down - and threatening to take the Airborn society with them. Someone has to go down to the Ground to find out what has happened and Az, with his wingless similarity to the prehistoric Groundlings, looks to be perfect for the task of hunting for answers beneath the clouds. But on the Ground, in the vast shadows of the cities, Az finds more questions than answers: a benighted people who worship a dim notion of the Airborn and aspire to be like them. A people who fill elevators with tributes to their winged deities. A people who are beginning to think their way of life is part of a very un-natural order of things. And a girl called Cassie Grubdollar, who's definitely no angel . . .
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Hardcover
I came across this book randomly in a charity shop and was absolutely intrigued by its premise - angel like figures live above the clouds and survive from the offerings made by the people on the ruined earth below, some of whom are now beginning to rebel.
I wasn't entirely disappointed - this offered a fast moving plot which made good use of the unusual and interesting concept. The two main characters, one male and one female, were likeable and engaging. There were also some fun supporting characters and unpleasant villains, although with a few exceptions, many of these seemed a bit one-dimensional. The whole thing also felt a bit rushed -potentially fascinating political and moral arguments were hinted at but never really developed. I think the book is aimed at teenagers (which wasn't clear when I picked it up) and maybe the target age group would enjoy it more, although I do read quite a bit of YA and this felt a bit more childish and underwritten somehow - perhaps I just wasn't a massive fan of the author's writing style. Apparently there are sequels, but whilst I quite enjoyed this as a quick light read, I doubt I'll bother reading them. Similarly this is probably worth a look if you're in the right age group and enjoy this type of light fantasy/sci-fi but I wouldn't urge anyone to rush to purchase it.
I wasn't entirely disappointed - this offered a fast moving plot which made good use of the unusual and interesting concept. The two main characters, one male and one female, were likeable and engaging. There were also some fun supporting characters and unpleasant villains, although with a few exceptions, many of these seemed a bit one-dimensional. The whole thing also felt a bit rushed -potentially fascinating political and moral arguments were hinted at but never really developed. I think the book is aimed at teenagers (which wasn't clear when I picked it up) and maybe the target age group would enjoy it more, although I do read quite a bit of YA and this felt a bit more childish and underwritten somehow - perhaps I just wasn't a massive fan of the author's writing style. Apparently there are sequels, but whilst I quite enjoyed this as a quick light read, I doubt I'll bother reading them. Similarly this is probably worth a look if you're in the right age group and enjoy this type of light fantasy/sci-fi but I wouldn't urge anyone to rush to purchase it.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book pushed all the right buttons: a beautiful and fantastical world of evolved humans, hiding a dirty secret; a hidden and mysterious world down below; believable young adults with plenty of likeable detail; revolution and the promise of more trouble still to come.
Great stuff!
PS I am 38. No, really. Young adult fiction is my main staple these days as the stories seem so much more original than the standard adult stuff, especially in the worlds of SF and fantasy. Keep up the good work, YA authors.
Great stuff!
PS I am 38. No, really. Young adult fiction is my main staple these days as the stories seem so much more original than the standard adult stuff, especially in the worlds of SF and fantasy. Keep up the good work, YA authors.
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I can't write a proper review of this as I haven't read it, but as it has no reviews, and my son (15) liked it very much indeed, I wanted to give it a recommendation. He intends to buy the next in the series when it comes out, and that's good enough for me!
(I've put the same recommendation under the 2nd book in the series)
(I've put the same recommendation under the 2nd book in the series)
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