Firewing

By Kenneth Oppel

Shade's son Griffin is sucked into an underworld, and Shade must save him before a deadly foe finds him first.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Nov 15, 2011
• ISBN: 9781443411264

Kenneth Oppel

Kenneth Oppel is the author of numerous books for young readers. His award-winning Silverwing trilogy has sold over a million copies worldwide and been adapted as an animated TV series and stage play. Airborn won a Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award and the Canadian Governor General’s Literary Award for children’s literature; its sequel, Skybreaker, was a New York Times bestseller and was named Children’s Novel of the Year by the London Times. He is also the author of Half Brother, This Dark Endeavor, Such Wicked Intent, and The Boundless. Born on Canada’s Vancouver Island, he has lived in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Canada; in England and Ireland; and now resides in Toronto with his wife and children. Visit him at KennethOppel.ca.

Reviews for Firewing

[lemurkat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One of the things I enjoyed about this installment in the Silverwing saga was the fantastical nature of the plot. The earlier ones were just slightly off on the believable aspect, but because this one delved into a whole new world where anything could happen (and frequently did), it did not jar with me. Griffin's personality also struck a chord, I think because he was so different from his father. Indeed, the only thing that really bugged me was the corny nature of the ending (the sacrifice bit). Also, it seemed to be planning for another series?

[rena_westwong · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Shade, the silverwing bat, is back for a third adventure in this exciting conclusion to the Silverwing trilogy. During an earthquake Shade’s son, Griffin, is pulled down into the Underworld. Shade pursues his son into the earth, while Griffin teams up with Luna, a recently dead friend from his colony. Together the two young bats search for a way out of the land of the dead. Unfortunately the Underworld is full of dangers for the living and the dead and Griffin is hunted by more than just his father.A children’s novel for the 9 to 12 crowd, Firewing is a thrilling adventure story that doesn’t hold itself back its age group. There are separated families, vicious monsters, and tragic deaths.Some elements of the dangers the characters face share similarities to quest stories in Greek mythology.In his previous books Shade has grown from a rebellious rule-breaker to a respected leader of his colony. Now he has to become a father ready to sacrifice anything for his family. Griffin is a timid character who starts off as a child who feels like he is under great pressure to live up to his dad’s heroic reputation. As he survives the trials of the Underworld he becomes a stronger character that the reader will want to see get out alive.

[joririchardson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved the first two books in this trilogy, which I read years ago. Though perhaps aimed toward a younger audience, I decided to read this book simply because the previous two were enjoyed so much in my middle school years.The plot was a bit too unrealistic - or perhaps it was the way that Oppel created the entirely new and unique Underworld. It was a courageous idea, to be sure, but one that was not quite pulled off.Also, each event seemed to drag on. The focus was placed mainly on the setting and detail of the deathly Underworld, instead of on the characters. I kept wishing that the author would introduce a twist of some sort.Once the old nemesis character of Goth was introduced into the story, I thought that the rest of the book was pretty predictable.However, I have to say that the ending was touching and well written. Certainly not a shock, but inspiring nonetheless.Fans of the first two books should read this conclusion to the story, but "Silverwing" and "Sunwing" were definitely better.

[silverwing2332 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It gets a little confusing, but overall it is a great book, it has a lot of detail and some interesting plots. The only problem I had with it is that the action scenes could get a little muddled, its one of those books where you may have to reread a scene a couple of times to understand what happened, but overall it's a quick easy read. I really enjoyed how the story played out (with my screen name, you can see I'm a fan).

[elizajane_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Shade's son, Griffin, is sucked under the earth during an earth tremor and falls into the Underworld, the land of the dead. Shade enters through the same fissure to rescue him. More is at stake than just the life of Griffin though; Griffin and Shade uncover a diabolical plot to take over the land of the living.This third book in the trilogy is by far my favourite. Just absolutely riveting. Many familiar characters make appearances and the new characters are endearing. The plot is dark and the Underworld is fascinating. The ending is heart wrenching and brought tears to my eyes. An exceptional book and a fitting end to the trilogy. I highly recommend this trilogy.