Leviathan (edition 2009)

A YA steampunk novel centering on a fugitive prince and a girl who disguises herself as a boy in order to join an airship crew, set in the first days of WWI. Or, rather, in what would be WWI in our world. This is a significantly different universe, however, in which the global powers are divided into the "Clankers," who use armored, steam-powered walking vehicles, and the "Darwinists," whose technology is largely based on genetic engineering.

It's an attractive book, with an eye-catching cover and lots of very nice illustrations. And the fantastic biotechnology of the Darwinists is clever, intriguing, and interestingly described. But while the story is perfectly okay, I just never found it particularly engaging, except perhaps at the very end. And I found the invented (or at least highly idiosyncratic) slang and swearing to be extremely distracting. Sometimes that sort of thing can work well, but here it varies from the mildly silly to the highly unfortunate. (Sorry, Mr. Westerfeld, but the word "squick" does not mean what you think it means.)

I'm not entirely sure whether I feel like this series is worth continuing on with, but there are just enough promising loose ends that I suppose I'll want to check out the next volume eventually. ( )

I like Westerfeld because his worlds are messy. They slop over with details and situations and actions and results that are not pat or easy.This is more an adventure yarn than some of his others, but there is still plenty of material for discussion of ethics, choices, etc. Are middle anf high school literature teachers using him? I hope so.

Leviathan is the story of two children, Aleksander Ferdinand the Prince of the Clanker Austro-Hungarian empire is on the run from his vary own pepole. Deryn Sharp a girl in the British Air Service.In this story, Clankers rely on the machines, British Darwinists empoly fabricated animals for weaponry.
The two's paths cross in the most unexpected way. This book is great for those who love reading non-fiction, history and adventure. The question stands would you rather oil your war machines or feed them. ( )

I haven't had a lot of luck with YA fiction much less Steampunk lately and was pleasantly surprised by this book. Great vivid imagery and imaginative counter characters. My only complaint was the repetitiveness of some metaphors but all and all, Leviathan is a good bet for younger as well as older readers who enjoy alternate history. ( )

In this action-packed adventure set in an alternate WWI-Era Europe, two teens are caught-up in the war between the Darwinists and the Clankers. Prince Alek is on the run from enemies who are intent on preventing him from inheriting the throne. He must keep his true identity a secret, but that secret is threatened when a Darwinist airship is downed in the area where Alek is hiding. He meets Dylan, a young midshipman who also has a secret to hide. Will the Clanker prince and the Darwinist airman be able to forge a tentative alliance to outrun their mutual enemies? Will their secrets be revealed?

The author does a good job of creating a world that is similar enough to reality that it is recognizable, yet different enough to pique the reader’s curiosity and stretch the imagination. His inclusion of a whole new slang vocabulary is particularly fun but may have been a bit overused, and the “fabricated” beasties are clever too. I especially like the talking messenger lizards! The action is pretty much nonstop and includes several battles, but never becomes gory. Humor is liberally interspersed and the characters are likable but not as deeply developed as they might have been. Overall, I enjoyed Leviathan and will likely seek out its sequels, Behemoth and Goliath. I think that Leviathan would be a good choice for reluctant readers, as well as readers who enjoy books with steampunk elements such as Airborne by Kenneth Oppel. ( )

This is the first book in a trilogy concerning a steampunk alternate history of World War I. Utterly delightful and inventive. I listened to the audio narrated by the actor Alan Cumming which was fantastic. The book itself has some great illustrations (I’ll be buying a copy), so either way you can’t go wrong. The characters are wonderfully developed, and I can’t say enough about Westerfeld’s imagination in creating this world. ( )

After the assassination of his parents, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Princess Sophie, Prince Alek is on the run. As the news of the double-murder spread across Europe, the complex web of alliances threatens to bring the entire continent to war. As Prince Alek slips into hiding, a young lady in London named Deryn Sharp takes on the name of “Dylan” and impersonates a boy so that she can join the British Air Service. After a series of mishaps, she ends up part of the crew of the Leviathan, a massive air-beast (something of a cross between a zeppelin and a whale) bound for Constantinople. After an attack from Germany forces the ship to crash into a glacier, Deryn discovers the hiding place of Prince Alek. Alek is a “Clanker” - they prefer to use machine-based technologies. Deryn is a “Darwinist” - these scientists have evolved animal-based warships that are actually living ecosystems. Although the two teenagers come from opposing ideologies, they will need to band together if they hope to survive the oncoming chaos of World War I.

I think I was pretty much predestined to love this book.
Steampunk + alternate history = WIN, right? RIGHT.

I love the world-building here. In this version of the early 20th century, Charles Darwin had managed to discover DNA, and researchers had extrapolated this knowledge out enough to create new species. They eventually developed animals that could fulfill the functions that machines do today. (Which, when I think about it, is a truly terrifying idea.) The backlash against the Darwinists is led the Clankers, who use steam-driven, iron machines. The Church seems to be largely against the Darwinist creatures, judging from Alek's horrified reaction to them. I thought that it was very well done, and I'm fascinated to see how the world continues to develop in future volumes.

The characters were a little flat, though. I mean, I liked Deryn and her refusal to conform to ideas about a “proper young lady”. It was incredibly brave of her to join the British Air Service. But on the other hand, she is constantly cussing and talking the made-up slang Westerfeld developed for this book...and that gets old, fast. I enjoyed many of the secondary characters, though, from Dr. Nora Barlow (the real granddaughter of Charles Darwin, who in this history is a scientist and diplomat) to Count Volger, a calculating man who often seems the only one who understands the implications of his young charge's actions.

Note: I encountered this book through an audio version that I borrowed from the library, read by Alan Cumming. It was awesome. I have since learned that the print book has great black and white illustrations. I feel like whichever format you choose, you win! ( )

This story grew on me, and by the end I had decided I probably would go on to read the next book in the trilogy in this steampunk alternative history for young adults. May be enjoyed by kids 10+. ( )

I absolutely adored this book! Westerfeld is a master of crossover MG/YA writing. ( )

Scott Westerfield is best known for his four sets of books for young adults. The most recent is the Leviathan. It’s a Steam punk retelling of World War I, illustrated by the well-known artist Keith Thompson. It features Adventure, walking machines, and living airships!
When the King Ferdinand of Austro-Hungary was murdered his son Aleksander was rushed out of the country trying to get to a safe house in Switzerland while being chased by the Germans. Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle torn war machine and a loyal crew of men. Deryn Sharp is a commoner, disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She’s a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered. With World War I brewing, Alek and Deryn’s paths cross in the most unexpected way, on an airship the Leviathan traveling to Constantinople in the Ottoman Empire, for a hidden mission given by the daughter of the Darwinists creation’s Dr. Barlow. The mission includes bringing special eggs to the Empire due to a mishap including England stealing a peace treaty gift. There journey hits a few bumps including crashing in the Swiss Alps and getting almost taken out of the sky by German soldiers. The Hunger Games trilogy and Leviathan are good reads due to the fantasy of thinking what other ways could the world happened in such events like World War 1, but instead Hunger Games is a post-apocalyptic story of what happened to history.
Leviathan was a fast paced read and always keeps you on your toes due to the switch in views. I give this book 4.5 out of 5. If you enjoy fantasy or historical fiction this is a good book made for young adults or adults. ( )

In Leviathan, Scott Westerfeld combines the popularity of steampunk with history to create an intriguing alternative to the beginnings of World War I. Alternating between Alek’s escape from Austria and those who want to end the possibility of him taking the crown and Deryn’s experiences aboard the Leviathan, the action is non-stop as both are impacted by the looming war.

Unfortunately, in spite of all the drama and tension, the book fell flat. There are relatively large jumps in time that are jolting to the narrative and leave rather gaping holes in the plot. At the same time, the reader does not get the chance to truly get into the minds of either main character. Both Alek and Deryn remain fairly one-dimensional, leaving it difficult for the reader to summon up any sympathy for either of their plights. Adding to all of this is the repetitiveness of the dialogue. While it is understandable for a girl pretending to be a boy to use curse words to help with her “transformation”, the use of the same epithets repeatedly becomes tiresome and difficult to bear. In light of such redundancies, Deryn’s dialogue quickly became irritating and greatly detracts from one’s overall enjoyment of the story.

Thankfully, Mr. Cumming’s performance makes the entire novel worthwhile. I have always admired his ability to capture so many different accents, and Leviathan showcases this ability perfectly. He also shows a true enthusiasm for the story itself, breathing extra emotion and tension into an already action-packed novel. He definitely makes up for the inability to view the drawings that are incorporated in the print version.

Leviathan is fun alternative to the true past. Mr. Westerfeld incorporates enough actual fact to render the majority of the novel plausible, even if the science-fiction portions take some suspension of belief and time to adjust and absorb this alternative world. While Leviathan did not rock my world and leave me awed by its awesomeness, it was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

This book is written by Scott Westerfeld. It has a duel storyline, with Aleksander "Alek" Ferdinand, the prince of Austro-Hungarian Empire on the run, and his title is worthless, only a crew of loyal men and a Stormwalker. Deryn "Dylan" Sharp is disguised as a boy to be in the British Air Service, and meets Alek in an unlikely way. As Alek is whisked away by Count Volger and Otto to protect him from his enemies, he spent a few weeks on the road after using "Clanker"/Stormwalker machines, they eventually reach the slopes of the Alps, and there's a working castle (that looks decrepit). Deryn, after a misadventure with a Huxley (a creature made from Darwinist activity. It's a "hydrogen breather" which, as its nickname suggests, breathes out hydrogen. It's "fabricated" (mixing up animals) by using jellyfish and other sea creatures) is later on ship of the titular ship, the Leviathan. (It's actually another fabricated ship. Which is to say, a living creature is a ship.) After a crash with a Clanker machine, the Leviathan ends up on the slopes of the Alps. Alek and Deryn meet with the latter fainted after the crash. When a zeppelin came, they worked together and stopped it from destroying the Leviathan.

They both get on the ship, and fly away, but not before they're set on "egg-watching" duty.

All in all, I'd say this story deserves a 5 stars. It goes into an alternate timeline during WW I, essentially being the Darwinists vs. the Clankers, Darwinists fabricating animals like machines, Clankers using machines. It goes from typical runaway prince story/disguising girl to be a military member, to a prince that now inherits the Austro-Hungarian Empire after years of life knowing that he wouldn't inherit anything at all, and the girl NOT telling her love interest her secret. I heard there's more of this series, so she probably tells him in a later book. The prince's secret comes out, but 2 people, Deryn and Nora Barlow (Dr. Barlow), figure it out. Funny thing is, Dr. Barlow thought that she "guessed" Deryn's secret, and thought that she was younger than the requirements. The drawings by Keith Thompson are really good too, with a lot of details, and the characters exactly (well, for me) how you thought they would look. For me, this is a book that's probably near the top 10 books on my list. ( )

Glad this wasn't a stand alone book.

Leviathan is an alternate WW1 Were the two sides have different war machines. The Darwinist but there faith in genetically engineered animals. The Clankers use mechanical war machines. At the beginning of the war an the Archduke of Austria-Hungary is assassinated and the heir to the throne is being hunted by his own country. On the Darwinist side a girl named Deryn is posing as boy named Dylan to get in to the Royal Air Navy. Both on there gurney met on the leviathan a Darwinist whale air ship. Both are hiding deadly secrets.
Leviathan is the best book that I have ever read. There is great action and drama through out the book. I can not wait till the next two books in the trilogy to come out. The next two books are Goliath, and Behemoth. I rec-amend this book to all who can read at high moderate level. ( )

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld has been on my radar for ages now, and since the entire trilogy is finally released I decided it was high time I sit down and get to reading! I am so glad I did, because I absolutely loved the story! The world in this book is spectacular and I’m thrilled to know that I still have two books ahead of me so I don’t have to leave it yet!

The setting is an alternate reality take on the events of WWI. Many things stay the same – such as the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. But my goodness are there changes! I love steam punk and this is, by far, one of my favorite takes on it. We have two warring factions of technology: the Clankers and the Darwinists. The Clankers put their faith in machinery – like huge walking destroying machines and eight-legged tanks. The Darwinists use strands of DNA to create all kinds of ridiculously cool species. Like a flying whale complete with an ecosystem that keeps it airborne. Seeing actual battles between Clanker machinery and Darwinist animals is seriously awesome. This would be a great book to recommend to guys!

Speaking of all the machinery/animals…almost every review I’ve seen mentions it so I won’t spend too much time on it – but the illustrations are brilliant. They add a lot to the story.

The only place the book suffers at all is the characterization. There is so much set-up and world building in this book that the characters suffer just the slightest bit. Not enough to seriously annoy me, but it is an issue. I’m thinking that it’ll be taken care of in the next books since so much of the necessary build-up/introductions into the world are taken care of. And – that being said – I still loved the characters!

Deryn is amazing, if Tamora Pierce wrote steam punk she’d be proud to call Deryn hers! She refuses to let the fact that she is a girl keep her from piloting, so she pretends to be a boy and joins the British Air Service. Alek is the (fictional) son of Archduke Ferdinand, so when his father is assassinated his world is turned upside down. The book switches back and forth from their POVs, and a little more than halfway through they finally meet. An unlikely and tenuous friendship forms between the two that will take us into the next book of the trilogy. (And if you’re wondering about romance – the answer is no. As far as Alek knows, Deryn is a guy!)

I am pretty accustomed to books having bad language – it isn’t something that normally bothers me overmuch even though I try to mostly refrain myself. But, apparently, when the author makes up the words, it becomes about seven times as annoying. Dylan literally called just about everyone she knows a “bum-rag” about ten times. It was pretty much the only insult she used besides throwing around the word “clart” with it most of the time (think “clart-filled bum-rag” and then use your imagination and I’m guessing you can figure out what it means). By the end of the book I was pretty sick of it. Small nit-pick really, but I guess you can credit it to how much I loved the book that I had to dig so deep to find another fault with it!

So anyway, I think I’ll cut myself off now before my review starts looking as long as the book. But seriously y’all, if you haven’t picked it up – do so! The world is amazing and you’ll be swept away into the world of fascinating machinery and incredibly detailed DNA-spliced animals in no time. I highly recommend this to everyone – guys and gals of any age! ( )

Leviathan is a re-imagining of World War One, with the addition of steam powered walking artilleries (think AT AT's from The Empire Strikes Back) and genetically modified animals. The Clankers, consisting of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and her allies, and the Darwinists, England and her allies, are coming to odds due to their differing opinions of industrialization. We view the story from the point of view of Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the English air force, and from Alek, the crown prince and heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire after his parents are murdered in Sarajevo. Westerfeld intertwines facts with actual history, but it requires quite the suspension of disbelief to think that genetic engineering could be developed and perfected prior to the start of the 20th century. The story is engaging, and a perfect setup for the books to follow. Appropriate for readers age 12 and above. ( )

Leviathan is a book that hooked me immediately. I will admit that this first installment moved the tiniest bit slower than I might have liked at times, but I hardly noticed. I was far too wrapped up in the world created by Westerfeld.

What fascinated me most were the Darwinist creations. Then there were the characters. I liked Deryn best of all, with her secrets and her bravery and her unique vocabulary. As for the audio production, as read by Alan Cumming, it is nothing short of masterful. Cumming moves between accents deftly.

My full review is posted on my blog, Erin Reads. ( )

I just love steampunk and this book delivered everything about the genre I could possibly ask for! I have heard about this series from a number of people now, including my boyfriend who is a steampunk addict himself. Everyone said that this book was outstanding, but I just wasn't able to pull it off the shelf until now. And boy was I disappointed I didn't read this sooner!

First of all the world-building was phenomenal. I think Scott Westerfield is the master at taking a setting and just transforming it into this magical place. I was able to experience this when I read his other series: Uglies, Pretties, Specials, Extras, which is one of my all-time favorite series now (coming in just after Harry Potter and The Hunger Games). The extent to which he goes to create something so original and new is amazing. He comes up with part of a whole new vocabulary working many new words in with the language we currently know. It takes some getting used to if you're not into that sort of thing (haters of A Clockwork Orange probably) and learning what all the words mean bothers you but I just find it fascinating. Just as Burgess did in A Clockwork Orange, Westerfield presents the audience with this entirely new spectrum of objects and phrases completely unfamiliar to them but just as intriguing and entrancing. I loved the two groups, the Clankers and the Darwinists. I have to say I was more taken by the Darwinists just because it was completely crazy what they did by taking animals and using them for human purposes but not in a cruel manner, such as the whale used as an airship, the glowworms used as lights, the bees used to help fly the ship with food and the bats used to help defend the airship, the hydrogen sniffers (a whole new breed used to find when there was a hydrogen leak because hydrogen was what powered the Leviathan), and my favorite the lizards that relegated messages from one member of the crew to another. Like I said, so many new beasties that the audience is shown.

The fact that the book was a steampunk novel was....how shall I say it...FREAKING AWESOME! Besides dystopians, steampunk tales are my other favorite genre of books. I think the reason I like both genres is because of the epic world-building that has to take place when setting up the story. Uncovering a whole new setting like that always takes my breathe away and makes me eager to see how the story will unfold. I love that Westerfield used so many actual facts in his story. The weaving of fact and fiction was done flawlessly. It made the story that much more interesting to read.

Alek and Deryn are the main characters in the story. Alek is the duke of Austria-Hungary's son but when the duke was murdered supposedly by his own people, Alek has to flee to Switzerland to escape attacks being made on his life to take him out of the picture as well. While he is escaping, the reader is introduced to Deryn, a girl from Britain masquerading as a guy to became an official airman. When the airship she's on goes down right were Alek is trying to hide from the German soldiers, they are thrown together in a matter of life and death against their enemy. I loved Alek...he just was kinda...should I say it...badass to me. He stood up for himself and wasn't afraid to fight to get him and his men away from the Germans. Deryn kind of annoyed me. She was a bit too pompous and arrogant and had me frustrated when she kept trying to take Alek captive even though he was trying to help her. My favorite characters though were Dr. Barlow, a darwinist scientist, and Count Volger, Alek's fencing instructor. I loved how they illustrated their power though their methods of communicating with the people around them and they were just so interesting.

The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 stars was because of the slow start and Deryn. The book started out kind of slow. There was quite a bit of action but I found myself having to put it down numerous times to take breaks while reading. Even though it was quite interesting, it just felt like it could have been moving along a bit more quickly. When Deryn and Alek met up though, the story picked up pace nicely and I could barely put it down after that. The story became more intense and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen.

All in all, a very enjoyable read! ( )

A terrific adventure for teen boys and girls. I'm currently reading Goliath, the final book of the trilogy. A creative and well written series. ( )

I loved this book, not sure why it took me so long to get around to reading it. It's based on the events leading up to WWI, with an Austrian prince in hiding and a Scottish girl dressed as a boy so that she can stay on a British airship crew. The conflict is split along lines defined by mechanical war machines versus biological hybrids adapted for war. The illustrations are great, this is pretty much what I'd hoped that "Girl Genius" was going to be like. The book succeeds despite the cliches, the story barrels along and I can't wait to read the next book. ( )

The synopsis itself snagged me on this one. I love period pieces, but add in steampunk with that and it's a shoe-in for me to read. This alternate world during WWI is a perfect introduction to steampunk for those that haven't been initiated yet and an excellent addition to those who have been.

The world created by Westerfeld is fascinating and the reader can easily get engrossed. The details he gives shows a clear picture of what the characters experience through the whole book. Along with that, the illustrations appearing in the book by Keith Thompson are amazing and so intricate I looked forward to seeing each one after the first. There is also something so organic about this type of book. It gives new meaning to "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" and "Going Green", but as always, there's critics to this.

The action begins from page one. I was glued to the book from that point on. Alek's journey sets the stage and fast pace for the book. It then switches to Deryn's point of view every two chapters or so. This was an excellent way to make the story line flow and keep the reader enthralled with what was going to happen next. The combination of real life and created events meld perfectly to form a harmonious plot. I love that some actual names, events, and places are involved. It makes me feel like I could lived through the same experiences that the characters have. I'm not sure how history buffs feel about this, but the aspect is definitely a plus in my book!

Alek seems like he is very mature for his age compared to most males. Through his decisions, I could tell that he'd been raised carefully and dutifully to be a leader, but he comes by a lot of it naturally I think. He has a very good ability of adjusting and changing his actions to whatever may come into his path and carrying on like it was nothing. Deryn's story is particularly interesting to me. I love the idea that she had the guts to go after and work constantly for what she wanted, regardless of the cost and constant threat of being discovered. She defies many conventions by joining the British Air Service and keeps that headstrong attitude to earn her own way. Together, they create an astounding dynamic duo that I laughed, cried, and shouted for numerous times on their journey.

This book is all about journeys and the trials and tribulations that go with them. The alternate world envisioned by Westerfeld is one that anybody can imagine themselves living in. The paths taken by the characters could be easily labeled as epic and surreal. I can honestly say I can recommend this book to anyone. It has left me only wanting more and I can't wait to dig in to the next round action in Bohemoth! ( )

This book was like finding a new best friend. Something just CLICKED.

First off, Westerfeld's writing is beautiful. It's functional, it's evoking, and it's gorgeous without being bogged down by an excess amount of detail. It's just glorious.

I loved the interaction between the two main characters (when it finally happened) and I love that Deryn hiding her gender ended up being a more original plot device than the concept usually ends up becoming. Speaking of that business, Deryn's character was not bogged down by the conflict of hiding her gender. I honestly believe Deryn is the first female hiding herself as a boy that I didn't find annoying at any point in the story.

The science and the research that went into this novel is fascinating, and completely solid. Everything seems real. I forget that I'm reading a book and I'm right in with the action and the story.

Brilliant story. I wish it would have had more of an ending, though, despite that I know that it's just the first book. I wished there was more of a conclusion with the characters and the plot.

Of course, I'm sure he planned it this way to keep readers itching for the sequel. One I can hopefully get my hands on very soon . . . ( )

Title: Leviathan
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Genre: YA Steampunk alternate history
Publishing Information: 440 pages; September 22nd, 2009 by Simon Pulse
Series: Leviathan #1, followed by Behemoth and Goliath

Where I got it: Borders liquidation sale

One sentence: In this alternative history of World War I, the lives of Prince Aleksander of Austria-Hungary, on the run from his own country, and Deryn Sharp, a common girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service, become intertwined.

Themes: Alternate history, World War I, steampunk, girl in disguise, illustrated, war

Main characters: 3.5/5
I wasn’t sure about the characters at first. While I know they are young, these protagonists came off slightly immature. However, as the novel progressed, both matured into their changing circumstances and developed into likeable characters. How refreshing too that there was no hint of romance during the first book! And I absolutely adored Deryn and Aleksander’s first meeting. Both characters had clear and unique voices that rang clear in the alternating point of views.

Secondary characters: 2/5
Unfortunately, none of the secondary characters really jumped out at me. The crew members aboard the Leviathan seemed to jumble together, and Aleksander’s supporters were the same. The only secondary character who intrigued me was Dr. Barrow, whose mysterious ways and aims fascinated me and made me inordinately curious: how did she come about her companion? How did she get the items she brought upon Leviathan?

Writing style: 3.5/5
I LOVE pictures in books. Isn’t it nice when you’re in the middle of a big block of words and bam! there’s a random picture? That’s how I felt about the illustrations in Leviathan- right when I was confused what this massive airship looked like, or how these Stormwalkers worked, I turned the page and there was a picture. The only thing was I didn’t feel like the cute pictures matched the slightly more intense writing and plot. Westerfeld was adept at switching the focus from Deryn to Aleksander and back again while keeping the plot moving, however, I did feel that most of the book was exposition and I wished that it accelerated more quickly.

Plot: 4/5
This is the first alternate history and first steam-punk I think I’ve ever read. I wasn’t sure about the genre until I actually sat down and read it: I was blown away! I absolutely adore history, so the different take on World War I was fascinating, particularly the conflict between the British Darwinists, who create fabricated beasts, and the German Clankers, who attack with steam-powered war machines. I loved the combination of this alternate history with the ‘steampunk’ aspect. Further, the plot itself was entertaining and full of action, although slightly predictable.

Ending: 2/5
Hmmmph. Another series book that ends with more questions than it begins with, and with none of the conflict solved.

Best scene: Deryn’s first experience with the British Air Service.

Positives: Realistic and unique main characters, writing style, fascinating plot

Negatives: Slow introduction, slightly more childish than I would have liked, boring secondary characters

First Line: The Austrian horses glinted in the moonlight, their riders standing tall in the saddle, swords raised.

Cover: I wasn’t a very big fan. It doesn’t look like the kind of thing I would normally read and it didn’t draw me in.

Verdict: A fascinating book in a new genre for me. The premise was intriguing, and although the book had a few slipups, it was entertaining.

Rating: 6.0 / 10 ( )

I have never read Steampunk before. This was a first for me but I really enjoyed it. There was no language (well, Deryn cussed a few times but they were made up cuss words like "Blister!!" and odd things like that) and it was very clean. There is some violence because they're in the middle of a war. It was a page turner for me. I loved the "beasties" (the fabricated creatures the Darwin people had) and I totally recommend this book to anyone. It was definitely awesome but I wouldn't expect anything less from Scott Westerfield. :) Read full review here http://books4linda.blogspot.com/2011/03/leviathan-by-scott-westerfield.html ( )

Steampunk awesomeness with well-conceived alternate history, engaging characters, believable motivations and intriguing set up for further books. Deryn is appealing and quick. Alek is appropriately honor-conscious and self-centered from his sheltered upbringing. Love. ( )