For young readers who admire characters determined to support a loved one's ambitious dreams, despite danger, amidst the exciting, risky dawn of aviation.
A parent might reach for this book when their thoughtful older child or teen is ready for a romance that explores the complexities of supporting a partner's dangerous ambition. The second book in the Flambards trilogy, 'The Edge of the Cloud' follows Christina as she defies her family to support her fiancé, Will, in his dream of becoming a pilot during the perilous, pioneering days of aviation just before World War I. To be near him, she takes a job as a maid, experiencing a life of hardship and constant fear for his safety. This historical novel is a powerful exploration of love, sacrifice, and perseverance. It's ideal for mature readers aged 12-14 who appreciate historical detail and a love story tested by life-or-death stakes.
Grief, anxiety, and fear for a loved one's safety are central themes.
Romantic ContentMild
The story is a romance, but it focuses on emotional connection and commitment, not physical intimacy.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and realistically with character death. Several of Will's friends and fellow aviators die in crashes, and their deaths are presented as abrupt, tragic, and an accepted part of the profession. The grief and fear are palpable. The resolution of the central romance is hopeful, but it is achieved against a backdrop of significant loss and peril. The approach is entirely secular.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a mature 12 to 14-year-old who enjoys historical fiction and is ready for a romance with serious, real-world stakes. This book is for the teen who is fascinated by periods of technological change, or who is grappling with the idea of what it means to truly support someone else's all-consuming, dangerous dream. It's a great fit for a reader who appreciates strong, determined female characters.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the depiction of early aviation is unflinchingly realistic about the mortality rate. Multiple characters die. It would be helpful to provide historical context: these planes were truly experimental and deadly. This context helps frame the story's events as historical reality rather than gratuitous drama. The book can be read cold, but understanding its place as the second in a trilogy (after 'Flambards') adds helpful background. A parent has noticed their teen is seeking out more complex, 'grown-up' romance stories that go beyond simple attraction. The teen might have also expressed an interest in early 20th-century history, World War I, or the history of flight. This book is a perfect response to a desire for more depth and consequence in their reading.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely focus on the adventure of flight and the central love story's devotion. An older reader (13-14) will better appreciate the nuanced social commentary (Christina's move between social classes), the psychological weight of her constant fear, and the complex question of whether Will's ambition is worth the price she pays.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many adventure or romance stories, this book is told almost entirely from the perspective of the person on the ground. The focus is not on the pilot's glory but on the supporter's fear, sacrifice, and quiet strength. This unique point of view offers a profound and memorable exploration of the hidden costs of ambition and the nature of unwavering love.
Read plot summary
This is the second novel in the Flambards trilogy. Protagonist Christina Russell has left her oppressive home at Flambards to be with Will, her cousin and fiancé, who is determined to make a career in the new and incredibly dangerous field of aviation. Christina takes a job as a domestic servant to be near Will's airfield. The novel details the poverty, hard work, and constant, gnawing fear she endures as Will and his fellow pilots risk their lives daily in fragile, experimental aircraft. The story is a testament to her devotion and the strain that a high-risk passion puts on a relationship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Christina gives up a life of comfort and wealth to live in poverty and work as a maid just to support Will's dream. Do you think her sacrifice was worth it? Why or why not?
2
Will is so focused on flying that he sometimes seems unaware of how much Christina is suffering. Do you think he is being selfish, or is that level of focus necessary to succeed in such a dangerous field?
3
After witnessing so many fatal crashes, would you have encouraged Will to continue flying or to find a safer job? What makes people pursue dangerous passions?
4
How does Christina's experience working as a maid change her as a person and her view of the world she came from?
