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Leviathan

Book 1 in the series:Leviathan

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In an alternate history version of World War I, 'Leviathan' by Scott Westerfeld follows the stories of Alek, the young heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the British air fleet. The narrative explores their encounters as they navigate the war between the Clankers and Darwinists, featuring giant mechanical monsters and genetically engineered creatures. The book is praised for its vivid worldbuilding, engaging characters, and the dual narrative approach that offers a fresh perspective on the historical events.

'Leviathan' is noted for its fast-paced, action-packed storyline set in a steampunk alternative history of WWI. The book introduces a rich and imaginative universe where the Darwinists and Clankers clash with their distinct war machines, providing a unique twist on the familiar historical setting. The dual perspectives of the main characters, Alek and Deryn, offer a compelling narrative that blends elements of adventure, fantasy, and humanity, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read for young adults.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Alek as an unsure prince and Deryn as a brave girl disguised as a boy, both facing their unique challenges.

Writing/Prose:

Westerfeld's writing style is engaging and descriptive, effectively incorporating humor and a unique vocabulary into the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features two main characters, Alek, a prince on the run, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy, navigating their identities amidst the backdrop of an alternate WWI.

Setting:

The setting is an alternate Europe on the brink of WWI, featuring a blend of steampunk technology and genetically engineered creatures.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, filled with action and adventure, but also includes slower moments for character development.
Alek turned back to his desk and began to move the cavalry forward, grinning as the battle neared its climax. The Austrian walkers had completed their bombardment, and it was time for the tin horses t...

Notes:

Set in an alternate history of World War I Europe, where two factions exist: the Clankers (using machines) and the Darwinists (using genetically modified animals).
The protagonist, Alek, is the orphaned son of Archduke Ferdinand, who is fleeing after his parents' assassination.
The other lead character, Deryn, disguises herself as a boy to join the British air force. This challenges traditional gender roles.
The Leviathan is a massive airship made from a whale and other genetically enhanced creatures.
The story highlights themes of identity, survival, and the impact of war on young lives.
The book is illustrated by Keith Thompson, adding a visual element to the steampunk world.
The narrative alternates between Alek's and Deryn's perspectives, creating a dynamic storytelling format.
The ending sets the stage for a sequel, leaving readers eager to find out what happens next.

From The Publisher:

It is the cusp of World War I. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ genetically fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, a Clanker, and Deryn Sharp, a Darwinist, are on opposite sides of the war. But their paths cross in the most unexpected way, taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure….One that will change both their lives forever.

Ratings (29)

Incredible (9)
Loved It (9)
Liked It (8)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (58):

Read It (30)
Want To Read (24)
Not Interested (4)

2 comment(s)

Liked It
4 weeks

I've been dying to read this book because I'm such a huge fan of Scott Westerfeld's other books. For the record, Leviathan is NOTHING at all like Scott's other books.

With that said, I still really enjoyed reading it. I would say this is more of a middle school, early high school book than true young adult. The writing was a little more juvenile than I had hoped.

Sadly, it actually took me a few minutes to figure out that this was an alternative history book. I was thinking to myself I don't remember reading anything about Stormwalkers in my history classes many moons ago. Then I got to the flying whale and thought, "Hmmm...something doesn't seem quite right here."

I think boys would like this book a lot. It's been awhile since I've read a book with pictures, but I enjoyed them because it gave me an idea of the weird stuff I was reading about.

I actually have never heard of steampunk, which makes me feel ancient. I had to google it, which makes me feel slightly hipper.

Overall, it was a good book - I'm curious to see what the next one will be like!

 
Incredible
6 months

loved the characters and the world building

 

About the Author:

Scott Westerfeld is the author of the Leviathan series, the first book of which was the winner of the 2010 Locus Award for Best Young Adult Fiction. His other novels include the New York Times bestseller Afterworlds, the worldwide bestselling Uglies series, The Last Days, Peeps, So Yesterday, and the Midnighters trilogy. Visit him at ScottWesterfeld.com or follow him on Twitter at @ScottWesterfeld.

 
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