Just finished listening to the audio of Airman by Eoin Colfer. In this thrilling story young Irish lad Conor Broekhart (who does indeed live with a broken heart thru much of this tale) is born in the air and is ever-after fascinated with thoughts of flying. He lives happily in the palace of the king and grows up a best friend of princess Isabella. In the shadows, however, is an evil murderer who kills the king and pins the crime on Conor. Sent off to a brutal labor prison, Conor overcomes his despair and plans his escape - by air. The audio is narrated by John Keating who gives each character real 'character'.
I've enjoyed every one of Colfer's action-packed novels. The Artemis Fowl series is humorous, clever and adventure-packed. Kids and adults love 'em! Give them a read!