A Web of Air

A Web of Air by Philip Reeve. Published by Scholastic Press, 2011.

Fever Crumb returns as her usual rational self. She is working as an engineer with a traveling theater company and caring for two orphans. The company arrives in the town of Mayda and as they settle in for the new performances, Fever begins to hear unusual rumors about a man who is building a flying machine. She doesn’t really believe the rumors- where would plans for a flying machine have come from and why would anyone be working on such a thing?

After meeting Arlo, Fever begins to believe that there may be something to the rumors. Arlo is secretive and distrustful of Fever. He seems to think she may be planning to steal his machine or be a spy. They definitely don’t trust one another.

Other people are interested in Arlo’s flying machine, including a scientist, a former love interest named Thirza and an evil cartel. Arlo even communicates with a bird. Fever doesn't know why her Scriven mother is suddenly involved either.

Fever realizes that she can’t trust anyone when Arlo disappears. She wants to keep their dream of flying alive, but she is conflicted about her growing irrational feelings for Arlo.

This dystopian literature is recommended for grades 8 and up. 

Visit author Philip Reeve's website.