Leviathan (The Leviathan Trilogy)

Though a young adult novel, Leviathan is one of the most fun books I've read in a while. Its alternate universe version of Europe on the eve of World War One imagines the major powers equipped with cool steampunk technology. The British and their allies have fantastical genetically-engineered creatures, such as living airships, on their side, while the pickelhaube-clad Germans clank about (naturally) in giant, armored walkers. Such concepts have been done in fiction before, but Westerfeld creates a thoroughly enjoyable world, filled with likable characters, drama, wit, sci-fi speculation, and some real history. It's written on a level accessible (and appropriate) to middle school-aged kids, but I think some adults will like it just as much (though, obviously, it's not to the intellectual level of a proper adult novel). If you don't get the print version, be sure to check out the grotesquely cool map of Europe on Westerfeld's web site.

It was a great story. I haven't read anything else written by Scott Westerfeld, but I can say that the author has an extraordinary imagination.

Leviathan is a steampunk novel, a retelling of World War I. The world is devided into Clankers (who rely on machinery) and Darwinists (who rely on genetically modified animals). I liked the fact that the book included a map which showed how the world was set up. There were also many excellent illustrations, very detailed which helped me understand exactly how the animals and machines looked like.

Both the main and secondary characters were enjoyable and I really liked the interaction between the main ones, Alek (the prince of Austria) and Deryn (a Brithis girl, disguised as a boy in order to be able to join the Air Service).

I absolutely loved Leviathan and I can't wait to read the second book in this series.

This is a good solid beginning to this series - there is enough historical accuracy to make it easy to follow in the timeline of actual events, and plenty of playfulness with new characters, new equipment, and a new and interesting approach to Steampunk - I can see why this novel shows up in so many of the searches for what is a good Steampunk novel - this has all of the elements - the machines and creatures a quiet unique and believable in their approach to how they are made, used, and their purpose in war - there is fighting within the novel, but nothing too violent for a war story - because it is more of a story of its characters and its devices more so than a war novel - I feel that Scott Westerfeld hits the mark on this one and I have started Behemoth already, waiting to see what happens next - Kudos to a great first novel.

This is the first book in Westerfeld's Leviathan series; I got this book through the the store Vine program to review. Book 2 is going to be called "Behemeth" and is planned for an October 2010 release. Not sure how many books will be in the series total. Overall, I actually liked this book quite a bit better than the "Uglies" series. I liked the character development more and thought the world-building was very well done and believable despite some unbelievable aspects (Darwin discovering how to manipulate DNA right before World War I).

The story alternates between two different characters. The first is Alek; he is a fifteen year old Austrian prince whose parents have been assassinated by Germany to destroy the peace. He is forced to flee his home country as the German's seek to finish the job, by finishing off him. The second character is Deryn, a young British girl who has disguised herself as a boy named Dylan so that she can join the British Air Service instead of staying home acting the part of a young British lady. Through a series of adventures both characters end up embroiled in World War I; and eventually meet up later in the book.

At first Alek bothered me because he was so whiny, but his character actually matured quite a bit as the story progressed. I liked Deryn a lot, she has a lot of spunk and was an all-around fun character to read about. The plot itself plods along at a consistent pace, not too exciting but it never really gets boring either. There are some good action scenes too. The strength of this book was the fascinating world that Westerfeld creates. The Austrian/German Clunkers are giant machines the somewhat resemble John Christopher's Tripods. The British giant engineering beasts are actually somewhat futuristic in their abilities. There is definitely a Steampunk theme to this book.

The illustrations by Keith Thompson are very good. They really help the reader to visualize some of the more bizarre creatures that Westerfeld introduces.

Those people who like a complete story should beware. This book merely shows the beginning of Alek's and Deryn's journeys and has them meet up towards the end of the book. Basically nothing is resolved. The book doesn't leave you at a total cliff-hanger, but it definitely doesn't end in a satisfying way either. I really wished the book had a bit more closure, now I will have to wait until next October to figure out what happens next!

Overall a good book. Should be a great read for all ages. An interesting take on World War I and great world-building. I found the characters to be more interesting and engaging than those from the Uglies series. I can't wait to learn more about the science behind the British creations. Those who are interested in another good Steampunk young adult read should check out Boneshaker (Sci Fi Essential Books) by Cherie Priest; this was a great read too.

The book Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld, is an enjoyable and entertaining book. It puts a whole new spin on the events of WWII by creating a fantasy-adventure story that you want to keep reading and reading.

I like it firstly because it's very exact on the happenings and causes of WWII, even though the characters and weapons are changed. The creatures and machines in this book are fascinating. Secondly, it takes a good imagination to come up with a zeppelin/whale/mobile air base! Thirdly, it tells the story from two alternating points of view. This makes you want to get to the end even when you have to get back to work, or it's one in the morning and you have to stop.

The author is very imaginative, and provides great details and exploration. In conclusion, I rate this book at five stars for its great creatures, amazing machines, and deep, deep, storyline.

I devoured this entire series over a vacation, and loved it. This is definitely "young adult" fiction that is great for young adults and old fogies like me. Great, nuanced characters, emotional complexity, good plotting, totally top notch. The steampunk ideas are sophisticated, well thought out and consistent; the "science" bits of this series are definitely technology, and not magic. I'm not generally a huge fan of alternate history, as it tends to embody the downsides of genre fiction, but in this series I think it's handles exceptionally well, and the afterward sneakily turns the whole thing into an enjoyable history lesson.

The first part of the trilogy is good on its own, but is a little slow as it sets up the rest of the series. I'd say it's just slightly less magnificent than the second book, which is the best one.

The Darwinist vs the Clankers. A reimagining of WWI in a steampunk environment. The Darwinist (Allied Powers) makes use of animal DNA to generate their weapons and ships of war. The Clankers (Central Powers) utilize steam and anything mechanical to make their machines of war.

The story follows the adventures of Prince Aleksander and Deryn Sharp, a commoner girl whom he meets on his journeys as they try to cope with the fallout of the war.

Scott Westerfield has a smoothly flowing, easy to read writing style. The chapters are relatively short usually having a cliff hanger ending. He has done a great job building a believable and fascinating world and crafting interesting characters. The book is full of cool, detailed illustrations by Keith Thompson. It was neat seeing the many machines and creatures of war presented in the well-drawn illustrations.

Highly recommended for readers of all ages (not just Young Adult). Also a great YA book for boys.

Historians have often pointed to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand as the beginning of World War I. Germany was thrust into war with Austria-Hungary, and the remainder of Europe was left to pick sides (the rest you can read about in any history textbook). In LEVIATHAN, Scott Westerfeld presents an alternate history that not only explores the many dimensions surrounding the events of WWI but also mixes in the radical exploitations of Darwinism and the advancement of machines.

Prince Aleksandar Ferdinand's loyal bodyguards have prepared for this night for over 15 years. The time would come, they knew, when Alek would be forced on the run and into hiding from governments and rulers that wanted him dead. Their escape comes in the form of a Cyklop Stormwalker, a real engine of war. Cannons and machine guns sprout out of the great mechanical beast, and suddenly Alek and his bodyguards are off on a journey that will test their nerves and battle-readiness.

In another part of Europe, we meet young Deryn Sharp, a girl who has wanted nothing else but to fly. Ever since her deceased father had taken her in hot-air balloons, Deryn has pored over aeronautical manuals and blueprints of airships. There is just one little problem: Great Britain does not allow girls into the air service. This does not deter Deryn, however, as she cons her way in by posing as a boy --- Mr. Dylan Sharp.

Unlike the clankers of Germany and Austria-Hungary that waste their time on machines, the Allied powers have invested their fortunes in the great crossbreeds that arose from Darwin's studies. Darwin somehow managed to take the strands of life from different species and weave them together to form new and miraculous creatures. The greatest of these is the Leviathan, a hydrogen-filled blue whale and the greatest airship in the British fleet. Deryn Sharp --- or, rather, Dylan Sharp --- manages to finagle her way aboard.

Deryn's and Alek's fates collide in the most unexpected of situations. Both of them have secrets that, if revealed, could prove disastrous. Is Alek resourceful enough to keep himself alive in order to regain the throne one day? Will Deryn continue to fool all those around her, or will she lose that which she holds most dear?

Charles Darwin's research has already created a ruckus in the scientific world, and Westerfeld takes it to the next level. In LEVIATHAN, supporters of Darwin view his genetically engineered creations as wonders of beauty. These new and improved creatures have created whole ecosystems that serve man in ways never dreamed possible. Not only is the giant blue whale able to fly in the air, it's also self-supporting and viewed as a marvel of the natural world.

Those who rely on machines, however, view these crude monstrosities as forsaken and godless. Not only do these beasts not have souls, they are also unnatural and immoral. Mechanical engineering is the focus instead, and vast new war machines are able to walk on two legs, traverse long distances in a short amount of time, and hold enough artillery to destroy anything in their path. Machines, not soulless monsters, are the wave of the future.

Whichever side you join, Scott Westerfeld and illustrator Keith Thompson make it worthwhile. LEVIATHAN is just the beginning of a new steampunk genre series that blends the future and the past.

--- Reviewed by Benjamin Boche

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld is a great adventure into an alternate history. It's pre-World War I but Europe is taking sides between robotic fighting machines and Frankenstein-esque animal creations. Darwinists are genetically crossing various creatures that are supposed to be better than machines because they can heal and need food rather than fuel. The Clankers create robotic-like machines of various sizes, shapes and abilities. They believe the machines are better because metal is stronger than skin.

Westerfeld has created a great alternate reality. He does an amazing job of describing machines and creatures that don't exist but makes the reader wonder--could they?

I've always been a sci-fi fan and so far I'm really enjoying this new sub-genre steampunk.

This is another series/trilogy. While the alternative world sounds interesting, there isn't a whole lot going on here.

Deryn is a girl, who ended up by accident on the Leviathan. She is disguised as a boy and must maintain her disguise.

Alek is a prince, who is forced to go into hiding when his parents are murdered.

Through circumstances, which I won't explain they end up meeting and working together.

So far this is it for the story. Maybe the next two books will give us the point of the story, because I really don't know what this story is going to be about at this point. This is why I gave it 3 stars, because there isn't enough to the story to know if it is good or not.

In Scott Westerfeld's latest book, an alternate world to our own is on the verge of World War I. Europe is divided into the Clankers, countries who favor advanced fighting machines and more modern technology, and the Darwinists, those who have embraced Charles Darwin's advanced scientific discoveries to engineer animals and ecosystems as fighting machines. Two teens--royal and wanted Alek who sides with the Clankers, and Deryn, disguised as a boy to join the British Air Service and is a Darwinist through and through--meet in the great airship Leviathan, and when they do, their lives and the war are forever changed.

Like all of his other books, Scott Westerfeld's latest novel is adventurous, high imaginative, and wonderfully written. This book has so many elements that will draw in a wide range of readers: absorbing battles and escapades, political intrigue, mysteries, and intriguing scientific and mechanical descriptions that are just downright fascinating. But not only is Leviathan a gripping read for all of its action and ingenuity, it is also extremely appealing because of its two main characters, both young, bold teens who are in the midst of growing up, realizing their place in the world and defying conventions. Alek is a spoiled prince in the beginning of the novel, but having to run for his life causes him to think long and hard about his role and his country. Deryn is a spunky, humble, and down to earth girl whose courage is admirable and whose use of slang adds life and humor to the novel. Leviathan is an exceedingly clever, absorbing, and quirky read that has the perfect balance of dated and advanced technology and ideas, and humor and serious plot twists, making for the perfect steam punk read.

Cover Comments: I love the use of color on this cover, and how bold and detailed it is. It grabbed the attention of my non-reader of a brother even and had him exclaiming over it. The best part about this book is that drawing of this style, done by Keith Thompson, are displayed throughout the book, making it that much easier to picture all of the fantastic things Westerfeld describes. This is an excellent cover, I love it!

The year is 1914, and the world is teetering on the edge of a massive war. On one side is the British and French with their Darwinist "beasties," and on the other are the Austrians and Germans with their steampunk "clankers." This is the brilliant backdrop behind Scott Westerfeld's "Leviathan," a richly imagined fantasy story about two very different teenagers, a vast living airship, and a horde of invading German walkers.

One night while his parents are away, Alek is pulled out to practice his Stormwalker skills -- only to find that his tutors are actually smuggling him out of Austria to Switzerland. His father the archduke has been assassinated, and all of Austria and Germany wants Alek dead. His only hope is for a Stormwalker and a small band of loyal men to smuggle him into Switzerland.

In England, a young Scottish tomboy named Deryn Sharp wants to join the Air Corps... except they don't allow girls in. Disguised as a boy and renamed "Dylan," she joins the British air forces -- and after a freak accident with a floating hydrogen-breather, she finds herself on the vast floating ecosystem known as the Leviathan, the British Empire's greatest airship. And as their newest middy, she ends up being the personal cabin boy to the mildly odd Dr. Nora Barlow and her secret cargo.

But when the Leviathan is shot down by German planes, it crash lands on a Swiss glacier... right near where Alek and his men are hiding. And when Alek goes to take them medical supplies, he finds himself taken prisoner by Deryn -- especially since it's obvious he's hiding who he really is. Now both the Clankers and Darwinists must reluctantly join forces -- because if they don't, they'll never escape the approaching German walkers.

Steampunk weapons, exploding walkers, icy glaciers, political subterfuge, a snow-encrusted castle, and a giant living ship filled with talking lizards and metal-munching bats. Not many authors could pull off such a brilliantly wonky book as "Leviathan," and while the set-up of the floating whale-airship is a little far-fetched (how do those messenger animals work again?), Westerfeld manages to spin up a truly brilliant fantasy story.

The first half of the story is split between Deryn and Alek's respective journeys, one a grimy desperate quest across Austria, and one a lighter story about taking to the skies. But the plot really takes off when the Leviathan crashes next to Alek's castle, and from there the story becomes all about the uneasy alliance between the refugee Austrians and the desperate British.

And Westerfeld sprinkles the story with plenty of plot twists, mysteries and political plots within the Hapsberg family, as well as the contempt that both Clankers and Darwinists have for each other's machines (including "ungodly"). There's also a healthy dose of fiery action -- lots of explosions, machine gunning, zeppelins erupting into flames, and lots of other fun stuff.

But the real focus is on Alek and Deryn, and their friendship, which might end up turning into something more. They're likable characters with realistic flaws -- Alek can be a bit stuck-up, but he's generous and selfless; Deryn can be reckless in a tough situation, but she's also loyal, smart and skilled. And Westerfeld fleshes out the cast with some excellent supporting character, such as the stressed-out Klopp and Volger, or the intelligent and mysterious Dr. Barlow.

Scott Westerfeld's steampunk debut is a richly-imagined, well-written story that leaves the door wide open for a sequel, and leaves you hungry for whatever Alek and Deryn encounter next. A brilliant book.

Two murders in Sarajevo mark the beginnings of the First World War Entangling alliances promise battles between the Darwinist powers, Russia, France, and Britain, and the Clanker countries, Germany and Austria-Hungary. For the Austro-Hungarian prince Aleksander Ferdinand, the pain of war comes all too soon. It was the death of his parents that caused war to brew in the first place, and now all he has is a worthless title, an old Stormwalker for transport and defense, and a small but loyal crew of men. Alek's only hope is to find safe haven in a neutral country. For Deryn Sharp, the upcoming war is an opportunity. With the call for more military recruits, Deryn disguises herself as a boy and signs up for the British Air Service. It's the only way she can do what she loves most--flying. Besides, the fabricated beasts she'll use are nothing if fascinating. Disaster and coincidence cause Alek's and Deryn's paths to cross, and their resulting friendship is an unexpected alliance that will change their lives forever.

Part historical fiction, part sci-fi, and part fantasy, Leviathan reminds me of why I fell in love with Westerfeld's fabulous storytelling in the first place. In this novel, Westerfeld presents an altered retelling of World War I that remains accurate in the opposing sides and historical causes, yet embellishes the story with imaginative adaptations. Each side's war machines are marvels of the future, with the Clanker's walking battle stations and the Darwinists' biological hybrid creations. If that or the engaging plot doesn't capture the reader's attention, then the vivid characters definitely will. Alek and Deryn are complex and realistic people whose determination and inner goodness sets them apart from those around them. They're both such likable characters that will win the hearts of numerous readers. The more minor characters are interesting and believable as well. Even the illustrations, which I usually shy away from in novels, were good additions that help readers picture and imagine the story. Leviathan is a fascinating story that sweeps readers away to a place that's neither the past nor the future and will leave them pleading for more.

I personally cannot wait for a sequel to this fantastic novel. Leviathan will be enjoyed by Westerfeld fans and readers who liked Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher and The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott.

Scott Westerfeld has done it again.... He's created an entirely unique and 'bloody brilliant' new world. One that is completely different from Uglies, So Yesterday, Peeps or Midnighters. Not many authors have the ability to create such a complete world, become a best seller, then create another one. Ahhh I love this man's work.

Ok so Leviathan is basically an alternative history. There are two main sides. The Clankers, or mechanics, the ones who build giant walkers, engines exc. and the Darwinists, they tangle up 'life threads' of different animals together to create new and exotic beasties. Ones that can fly, glow, relay messages, fight and do many many other things. Leviathan is one such creature a large zeppelin like contraption that has the life threads of a whale, bats, bees, and many other animals all tied in to it. Deryn, aka Dylan, is one such soldier aboard that ship harboring a secret. Alek a clanker prince finds himself aboard this giant ungodly beastie harboring an even greater secret.

The plot line is rivoting told in alternating view points between Deryn and Alek. You see to vastly different sids to the same world/war/way of life. Even more secrets come aboard the great airship with the arrival of Ms. Barlow and her pet Tazza. It seems political moves and rivalries are apparent even from a 'bird's eye view'. This novel brought the readers in to the world and introduced them to this form of history. What Westerfeld also did was create a fantastic chess board just waiting for the characters to make their move. The book ends when another country comes into play... but are they going to help or do some dastardly deeds? (I couldn't help myself Ms. Barlow was quite British and I could just hear her voice whipping from the pages) The illustrations also add life to the novel where I would have thought they would have distracted. I found myself able to picture the characters with sharp clarity from the beautiful and true to the novel pictures of Keith Thompson.

If you are on the fence about Steampunk, machines, or Darwinists just pick up this book. I have all of Westerfeld's books and have never been disappointed. He will guide you into the world where you will be drug out kicking and screaming when you hit the last page. Enjoy!

I thought that I would like this book more than I did. I thought that it would rock my world, and it didn't. It was really good, and I enjoyed it, but that was it. The plot was really fun and different, which I found thoroughly delightful. I really loved how Westerfield wove mechanical possibilities with advanced genetic engineering in a believable (ish) version of the past. I was particularly intrigued by the Darwinist because I'm a huge science person. The problem that I had was with the main characters. I couldn't connect with them very well at all. It wasn't that they were annoying, or had some other blatantly obvious flaw. The issue resided not with the writing either, for Westerfield was on point with the prose. There was just some disconnect somewhere that left me feeling a little cold. I had begun to warm by the very end of the book to both of them, I think in part due to their relationship with one another. Together they were much more compelling than they were separately. Overall this was a fun start to an interesting new series. It wasn't quite as amazing as I had expected, but it wasn't bad. This might also resonate better with younger teen boys, as it has lots of action without lots of romance.

Europe is on the edge of World War I, and two teens are right in the middle of the oncoming conflict. Prince Alek is the son of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, and his wife Sophie, whose assassination by Serbian nationalists sets off the war and forces Alek to run for his life. Deryn Sharp is a British girl posing as a boy in order to enter the British Air Service. Their world may sound like ours, but it isn't, quite: here, Charles Darwin not only developed the theory of evolution, he also discovered DNA and also how to work with DNA to bioengineer new life forms. As a result of this, some of Europe's nations (the "Darwinist" nations, including Great Britain, France, and Russia) developed all of their technology along bioengineering lines, while the Clanker nations (Austria-Hungary, Germany) developed steam-based machinery, including giant walking war machines.

I should say right here that I do not think I'm quite the target audience for this book, and so it didn't work for me as well as I'd hoped. I've enjoyed Westerfeld's YA novels in the past; _Leviathan_ strikes me as written for a slightly younger audience. Even though the two protagonists are presented as older teens, they act and speak more like early teens. More importantly, _Leviathan_ is steampunk as alternate history, and I didn't find any of the alternate history convincing: neither the divergence point from our timeline (Darwin discovering DNA and how to modify it), nor the subsequent political developments.

With that said, there's quite a bit to enjoy here. The action is nonstop, with exciting mechanical chases and thrilling airship hijinks. Did I mention that the airship (the _Leviathan_ of the title) is alive? Westerfeld's bioengineered creatures are very cool, from the whale-based airship to the jellyfish-based single-person gliders (they look like parachutes, but are steerable like gliders). I loved the inclusion of Darwin's (historical) granddaughter, Nora Darwin Barlow, as the intelligent, sharp chief bioengineer, along with her pet Tasmanian tiger (now extinct). And Keith Thompson's marvelous illustrations, especially the gorgeous endpaper maps, enhance the book immensely.

_Leviathan_ ends on quite a cliffhanger, with the protagonists ready to travel to a whole new land, and qualms about alternate history aside, I admit to being very interested to see where they end up in the next book.

This is one of the most creative alternate histories I've read in a while, as well as one of the most innovative implementations of the genre known as steampunk. As soon as I heard of it, I was interested in reading it, and I would have purchased it if the bookstore that issued a steampunk coupon had been willing to honor it for its purchase. They refused because it was on the new books table rather than the steampunk table. It turned out just as well because a few days later I got the opportunity to select it through the store Vine.

Mr. Westerfeld has done a marvelous job of technology imagining and world building out of the Europe of 1914. The clankers, walking war machines, are clever creations, and the fabs, genetically engineered beasts, are astonishing! He has also created a pair of very engaging and likable teenage main characters: Aleksandar Ferdinand, son of the assassinated heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, on the run and being hunted by those who murdered his parents, and Deryn Sharp, daughter and sister of airmen, who is disguised as a boy (Dylan) in order to enlist in the British Air Service, which does not allow females. He has also created a couple of deliciously deceptive and questionably trustworthy secondary characters: Count Volger, Alek's arrogant and secretive fencing master and Dr. Nora Barlow, lady zookeeper and (deliberately?) annoying diplomat on a secret mission to Turkey. I look forward to seeing all four in further action in the sequels Behemoth and Goliath.

Defects? Nothing major, just a nitpick and a warning. The nitpick concerns criticism of First Sea Lord Winston Churchill's decision to seize a warship being built in Britain for Turkey because of fears that Turkey would end up on the other side in the coming war. In our world it was actually two battleships not a warship and a companion creature, and though some people at the time no doubt had similar criticisms of Churchill, with 20-20 hindsight his decision was unquestionably the correct one. The very day the ships were being seized, Turkey and Germany were signing a secret alliance. Allowing a secretly German-allied Turkey to take possession of two brand new super dreadnoughts would have been a terrible mistake; allowing a presumably also secretly German-allied Turkey to take possession of what is described as "among the most advanced (warships) in the world, with a companion creature strong enough to change the balance of power on the seas" would have been an absolute catastrophe, and in light of this I'm frankly rather dubious about the wisdom of Dr. Barlow's secret mission to Turkey.

As this shows, one of the risks in writing alternate history as opposed to building your own world is getting called on things you haven't explicitly changed, but there is another much more serious potential problem. Naomi Novik recently had a brilliant idea: Napoleonic warfare... with dragons, Anne McCaffrey meets Patrick O'Brian: His Majesty's Dragon,Throne of Jade,Black Powder War,Empire of Ivory,Victory of Eagles,Tongues of Serpents, and Crucible of Gold. The trouble was that having imagined something this history altering, Ms. Novik proceeded to alter European history with it not one bit. Not only had the preceding centuries of European history with dragons unfolded almost exactly the same as it had in our world, but now the battles and campaigns of the Napoleonic wars were unfolding in almost exactly the same way, too. Ms. Novik belatedly tossed in some (poorly thought out IMHO) history alterations outside of Europe itself, but by then the damage had been done, and her premise had become too ridiculous for I and a number of former fans to accept any longer. I can only hope that Mr. Westerfeld instead heeds the advice a certain Corsican MIGHT have given him:

"When you set out to alter history, alter history."

I for one will be greatly disappointed if Mr. Westerfeld has his Clankers and Darwinists duplicate every diplomatic and military folly of our history and fight it out through four years of grinding trench warfare!

Leviathan features an alternate universe where WWI is fought between the Darwinists - Great Britian, France, and Russia who create living machines of war that are hybrids of various animals mixed with technology - and the Clankers - Germany, Austro-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire that rely on giant walking land battlecruisers and small mobile tanks with legs.

But, this is not a story about warfare, but about two teenagers caught up in it all - one by choice and one by birth.

Dyren Sharp is a English tomboy who grew up flying in hot air balloons with her father and she wants to join the royal flying navy and soar; but, she is a girl, and that presents a problem. So she becomes Dylan Sharp and presents herself as a boy to pass the midshipman's exam. In her first test, which challenge's a midshipman's fortitude in the air and with one of the "engineered" beasts of war, a storm sends her down a path of adventure as she is rescued by the behemoth of an air ship, the Leviathan - a strange combination of Whale and other beasts - and then foisted on her first day into the war effort just begun after the assassination of the Atro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Alek is the son of the Archduke, but not a direct heir to the throne because the Emperor refuses the lineage of his Commoner mother. On the day that his father and mother are killed while visiting Serbia, his fencing instructor, the mechanic of his walking war machine, and a handful of loyal officers steal away the young prince before he too can fall to an assassin. Chased across Austria by his own military and that of the Germans, Alek must reach Switzerland for safety.

And it is in Switzerland where Dryen and Alek by chance meet and change the course of history.

Quite an enjoyable read. Though "Juvenile" Fiction, Leviathan is as exciting and fun Science Fiction as Westerfeld's adult books.

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A Guide to my Book Rating System:

1 star = The wood pulp would have been better utilized as toilet paper.
2 stars = Don't bother, clean your bathroom instead.
3 stars = Wasn't a waste of time, but it was time wasted.
4 stars = Good book, but not life altering.
5 stars = This book changed my world in at least some small way.

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

Fun fun fun fun fun--

Oh, an actual review. Well. It's got a girl pretending to be a boy in the British military (on a living airship) and a prince who rides around in a mecha-like contraption and it's fake WW1 with different tech and and I adored it.

It's a fairly straightforward plot: the Clankers (roughly corresponding to the Germans, Austro-Hungarians et al of WW1) and the Darwinists (Brits, French, Russians, etc) are on the brink of war. The former have steampunk tech while the latter have DNA-tweaked beasties large and small. The infamous assassination in Sarajevo sends Prince Aleksander, the not-quite-heir of Austro-Hungaria, on the run, while a female Darwinist scientist is on a top-secret mission to Istanbul on the same living airship as Deryn-dressed-as-Dylan. Their paths cross. It's also quite a small, incomplete plot, to be continued in book 2, but it's great fun all the way through. With accompanying illustrations!

Scientists are called boffins, the aforementioned female one has a pet thylacine, there are jellyfish-like floating beasties that the British use as surveillance balloons, there are messenger lizards, there's a kraken cameo, there are large eight-legged mecha as well as Alek's two-legged one, Deryn is marvellous. I adore the girl-dresses-as-boy trope with abandon, and Deryn did not disappoint. She's reckless and brave and throws herself off the airship at one point (with some rope) to save her fellow crewmen and holds someone hostage at knifepoint and complains loudly that she's lost her razor as part of a gambit to keep everyone convinced she's really a boy.

Fun! =D

I should add that I was amazed when I found out the author's not English. The way he repeated only a handful of Scottish words made me suspect he wasn't Scottish, because it felt a bit off at times, but he wrote all the British characters so well - so absent of any tally-ho old chap stiff upper lip sirrah stupidity - I thought surely he's British. Nope! I tip my hat to you, sir.

If you are partial to good YA, I recommend this one. I rarely finish a book grinning with joy.

Leviathan is the first book in a new series by Scott Westerfeld. It is the story of Prince Alek of Austria-Hungary and Deryn, a girl pretending to be a boy named Dylan so she can join the English Air Service. Their stories collide on an unexpected night in Switzerland.

This is definitely an interesting take on an alternate history of WWI. Although there were some parts of the story that dragged a bit, the book overall was extremely interesting. Westerfeld creates a world where technical and biological engineering has lead to fascinating--and sometimes frightening--developments. At times the creations in his story were a bit out there and it was hard to picture what he was imagining, but then I would turn the page and be enlightened by one of Keith Thompson's beautiful illustrations.

I can't tell you how excited I was when I saw the first illustration. When I bought Leviathan, I didn't realize it was illustrated, and then I came across this amazing picture. I don't know what caused me to rush through the book more, the fascinating story or knowing in a few pages there would be another incredible illustration.

Thompson's work was a perfect addition to Westerfeld's writing. He complimented Westerfeld's fantastic imagination and helped bring Leviathan to life. I can't wait to see what the second book brings in story and pictures.

This has to be the best book I ever read, I laughed, I cried. You can't help but become emotionally invested in the story. I was literally hooked after the first chapter. The opening to Leviathan has to be one of my favorite scenes; it is like the opening to an epic movie and in a way it is.

The book alternates points of view between Alek and Deryn. Alek is clever; he can pilot giant robotic fighting machines, fence, speak a bunch of languages, but he can't buy a newspaper. Deryn is your typical girl that disguises herself as a boy to join the army and pretty much shows up all her fellow male soldiers. Problem is, she irritated me at times. She came across a wee bit too arrogant for my taste.

One could of course argue that the majority of the characters in the book are quite conceited. Such as, Dr. Barlow and Count Volger, secondary characters that I adore, and mentors to Alek and Deryn. But for some reason Deryn's ego just rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe I am willing to forgive Dr. Barlow and Count Volger for their haughtiness, and even love them for it, because they both give Deryn a hard time.

The way the characters interact with each other provide the reader with a vibrant story experience. The cast is so varied and dynamic which keeps the story engaging. They all have their flaws and admirable qualities. They are very human and relatable; Westerfeld's characters are one of the reasons this book is extraordinary. Even the secondary characters are well rounded. The characters are just phenomenal.

Although Leviathan is set in this fantastical world with fabricated beasties and machines, there is something tangible and mortal about the story. Therefore, it is a story everyone would love. I could go on and on about the adventure and the steampunk aspect. It's just fun to read, and you must read it.

I believe that this is the first Steampunk book I've ever read, but I read so much Sci/Fi and Fantasy that it wasn't too much of a stretch for me to get into this world very quickly.

Characters

The book centers on two characters, Alek, who is the son of the Archduke Ferdinand and Deryn, a girl pretending to be a boy so that she can serve in the British Air Navy. Both characters are young during the time of this book, about 15 years old. Alek has a high class upbringing and has a lot of knowledge, but very little practical experience. Deryn on the other hand is almost the exact opposite, having much more street sense and applied education than book knowledge. Both characters were entertaining to read and seemed realistic in their actions.

Setting

The world is split into two different factions, the Clankers who have huge metal walking machines and the Darwinists, who have huge living machines. Basically, Darwin discovered DNA and began fabricating combinations of animals to use instead of the machines that we normally use for everyday life. Although it sounds very bizarre, it comes across very well in the novel. Deryn comes from a more Darwinist perspective, while Alek comes from a Clanker background, this allows the author to show both perspectives on this strange world, and he also shows how people have strange thoughts about the machines and animals that they don't deal with very often. It's very well done.

Plot

The book starts at the beginning of The Great War, for those who don't know their history (and I must admit that WW1 is not my strongest point) the war began in large part due to the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand. The two characters start separate in the story but are forced together about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way through the book. Even though it covers WW1 which most people know somewhat how it turns out, it still works because the story focuses on the two individual characters rather than the world as a whole.

Enjoyment

The book started a little slow for me, which was partially due to the world needing to be explained. Once I got into the book a little further, I really enjoyed it, both characters were believable in all of their actions (even the mistakes they made, they are just teenagers remember). Another cool thing about the book is that there are illustrations throughout it, roughly one per chapter. These are interesting as they show you the various creatures and machines throughout the world. It's definitely an interesting aspect of the novel and something I'll look forward to seeing in the future novels of this series.

Overall Grade

This was a good read and I'm looking forward to reading the sequels. Definitely a book I'd recommend for those who enjoy alternate worlds.

8/10

As always, this and all of my reviews can also be found on my blog. Check out my profile for the link.

I should first say I'm *not* a young adult, and I *did* buy this for the alleged steampunk of it. And I was not disappointed.

The two protagonists are definitely targeted at young adults. They're both annoying in their own ways and fall into the oh-so-typical stereotypes of immature-spoiled-boy and mature-beyond-her-years girl. Meh. But, the writing and characterization I found to be excellent and interesting. Westerfeld maintained the nationalities of each as far as possible in a book. And there were a lot of colloquialisms and character to the dialogue that I enjoyed.

The book did not disappoint from the Steampunk angle, having no shortage of steamy robots on the 'clanker' side. But I found the notion of the Darwinists' engineered beast-ship and it's attendant ecology of animal weapons to be fascinating, and a very original notion. I could EASILY see this being made into an incredible movie. Westerfeld goes into great detail not only in the ecology of the book's namesake airship, the living floating whale-blimp Leviathan, but also touches on a great many intricacies of airship design and function. All flowing with the story though, and not bogging it down at all. These details really bring to life the fantastic notion of the Leviathan, and I think any person who likes steampunk will LOVE these books, no matter their age. It expands the steampunk genre in a direction I have not seen before now, and the later books have NIKOLA TESLA - that basically doubles the steampunk-ness! Though the characters are for teen readers, I think the rest of the story is well geared toward adults. Highly recommended.

The perfect melding of past and future This novel takes place ( in an alternate history) at the start of World War I and throws in some cool war machines straight out of the Star Wars Universe, and a living air ship direct from the Sci-Fi Series Farscape. It's a battle between the Clankers and the Darwinists, machines vs. fabricated animals,and oh yeah the Austrians, the Germans and the Brits. Is your head spinning? Mine was too at first, but it didnt take long to get on board. The action sequences are riveting and the whole concept is just so clever it keeps you hooked in order to see what new revelation exists on the next page. We get to throw in some good old fashioned girl power too in the form of Deryn Sharp, a girl who pretends to be a boy so she can serve as an airman. She's a great character with enough charm to carry this story off without a hitch. In fact, my only gripe about this tale is that there wasnt enough of it. I finished still wishing for a bit more.... I wish the characters would have been fleshed out a bit and that we had gotten to know more about them. I guess that's probably coming in the next installment of the series. A great recommend for boys and girls looking for lots of action and adventure.

My overall opinion on this book is that the intriguing Darwinist faction is interesting enough to more than compensate for the typical YA (young adult) plot dvice of the teenage protagonist who just might save the day.

I also enjoyed how many historically accurate facts were used verbatim or as a direct inspiration for events in the book. The afterword was fascinating as the author described the way in which he integrated history into his writing.

I will definitely put aside my dislike of typical YA writing to read the rest of the trilogy.

I've been surprised by the rapid growth of steampunk's popularity. It snuck up on me before I realized what a movement it had become. I already consider Scott Westerfeld as one of the most important writers today keeping science fiction alive for young readers (and the older ones willing to read YA) with original storylines and concepts while remembering to keep characters just as interesting as his plots. Leviathan just further convinced me to keep reading Westerfield and recommending him to others. I wish books like these had been around when I was the primary target audience!

This time he has embraced steampunk and revisionist history for a great adventure filled with intrigue and characters I wanted to keep reading about. There's also much fodder for thought since Westerfield doesn't just entertain, he thought-provokes, too. It doesn't hurt that he also chose WWI, a time period often neglected in YA literature but filled with great possibilities and discoveries.

I'm thrilled there's room left for a sequel(s) because I want to read more about Deryn Sharp and Aleksandar Ferdinand and their future adventures.

4.5 out of 5 stars! I so enjoyed reading this book! Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series is one of my all time favorite series so of course I have to read more by him. Leviathan has been sitting on my shelf for years and it's about time I picked it up! This is the first Steampunk book I've ready and I really enjoyed the alternate take on history. Can't wait to continue this series!

I am usually not interested in fantasy books that involve war, so I was hesitant to pick up Leviathan. If you are like me, and afraid the book will be battle heavy, don't worry, it's not. If however, you are looking for a book full of battles, scheming, and maneuvering, this may not be the book for you. For such a serious subject matter, Leviathan is surprisingly lighthearted and fun. It's not at all depressing, and the characters really add life to the tale. The story may be slow to some, so don't expect a large amount of story to fit into this book. Instead, be prepared for a wild ride with two exciting main characters from different worlds. I loved the opposing forces of machines and beasts, and I think the author did a great job of explaining how each work without getting too technical. My only complaint would be that I expected more progression and I did feel that the novel dragged around the middle. Those are just minor issues though, and Leviathan really is unique, fun, and exciting.

A delightful speculative work of fiction, Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld is a rollicking romp through an alternative history of Great War Europe.

In Westerfeld's world, the British have advanced knowledge of animal DNA, and can breed exotic species to serve their many needs. Giant sea creatures are protectively tethered to their navy's warships. Giant hydrogen whales serve as dirigibles. Small message lizards scurry though conduit to parrot back missives from their senders.

Meanwhile, the Continent has charted a different course, following a mechanized plan to serve mankind. The Germans and Austrians, in particular, are adept at producing excellent machines, and have achieved similar ends through inventions rather than biological means.

Into this mix we meet Deryn Sharp, who wishes to serve crown and country aboard one of those magnificent airships / flying whales. Since she's a young girl, she must perforce disguise herself as a boy to become a middie. Soon, through a confluence of events, the murdered Archduke Ferdinand's son, Prince Aleksandar, boards the ship, and misadventure along with potential romance ensues.

This is a very well written series, and most definitely a page turner. Penned ostensibly for younger readers, fans of science fiction and alternate histories of all ages will thoroughly enjoy all three books.

This was a great and compelling book. The way the author split the book between the two characters was my only complaint. The way she done it was a little confusing. One story would get to a climatic point then she would switch to the other character. Other than that this was an excellent book that would be my only complaint on it.
It is basically a tale of people from two different worlds meeting together at an unlikely place. They come from different places on the earth. One is a Darwinist while the other is a Clanker. What that means is that the Darwinist use fabricated beasties for war and everyday life. While Clankers use machines.
One is a simple commoner while the other is destined to be the king of Austria Hungary. The commoner who is in the force is really a girl in disguise. While the heir to Austria Hungary must keep it a secret that he is the heir. They find out each other's secrets and they decide to keep them. They see no personal gain in telling each other's deep dark secrets. However; there is one person who knows both of their secrets. It is the lady boffin that they pick up in England. She has a mysterious box full of eggs that she created. Nobody but her knows what is in the box, but it is vital that the box gets to the Ottoman Empire. It is a thrilling and mysterious novel and it is very much worth the time to read. It is an excellent read.

This book was spectacular. Amid the fiction, you will learn some historical facts about WWI. After you read this one you will want to read the last two in the trilogy. If you are afraid that there might profanity in this book, have no fear, you can enjoy this book without all that garbage.
Teens who read this book will be fascinated by the breathtaking illustrations, battle scenes, and the amazing creatures. Mr. Westerfeld has created a new trilogy that is sure to be a classic. Once you start reading you won't want to put the book down. I think that I have found one of my top favorite book trilogies.

In an alternate history, Europe is headed towards a Word War. The Germanic Clankers, with their advanced machinery, face off against the British Darwinists, with their crossbred animals. The Darwinists have a new weapon, the Leviathan, a flying whale ship. Deryn Sharp is new to the service and is on the Leviathan for her first assignment. But only males are allowed to be in the service, so she must hide her identity from everyone, and disguise herself as a boy.

Meanwhile, Prince Aleksandar Ferdinand is woken in the middle of the night and forced to flee his home. With only a small group of men, Aleksandar faces foes at every turn. When the Leviathan lands near Aleksandar, he meets young Deryn, and their fates intertwine.

In this latest young adult novel from Scott Westerfeld, he has created an alternate history in a steampunk version of World War I. It's a fantastic world of elaborate machines and bizarre, unnatural animals. In addition to the unique world and fascinating story, the characters are just as absorbing and are the driving force behind the story. Aleksandar is spoiled, but very bright and capable. And Deryn is brave, talented, and humble. The two are from different worlds and seems as if the reader is viewing to drastically different stories, until the two worlds collide.

There is no lack of suspense and action in this steampunk adventure. As a growing niche in the science fiction genre, this novel is sure to be popular amidst youth and adults alike. With events culminating in a climactic ending, there is room left open for a sequel, which I certainly am hoping for. It's a fun, fresh and decidedly unique tale. Don't miss this one.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the Leviathan triology, Leviathan and Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld. They were my first introduction to "Steam Punk" and I have to say I love the mix. These books had the added twist (or maybe it is a staple of Steam Punk) of being set in an alternate history. It took place at the beginning of World War I and featured many characters that were based off of real, historical figures. The whole "Clanker" vs. "Darwinisits" aspect was rather cool too. I would highly recommend these books and I look forward to the last one, Goliath, coming out in September of this year.

When I got this from the library I noticed it said for ages 12 and up, so sure enough - I'd say the writing level was a bit more simplistic than I would have liked. But once I got into it I found it to be quite interesting and listened to the first two books in the series in no time.

Barking Brilliant! Scott Westerfeld had me at the word Clankers! Leviathan is marvelous twist of history, DNA, and mechanical monstrosities, spread across a rich tableau of World War I Europe. I could smell the diesel fuel, hear the cries of the beasties, and see the Swiss Alps. Where do I get my Cyklop Stormwalker! I have a feeling it would come in quite handy the next time traffic backs up on my way to work. The main characters are vividly drawn and completely believable. I felt like I was right their with Airman Sharp, whether she was running across the top of Leviathan, repelling down its flanks, or walking through its vast interior. What kind of a mind thinks these things up? And, more importantly: why don't I have a copy of book two! It's late, and all the bookstores are closed. Wildcount! Prepare the stormwalker! We're going to Barnes & Noble for a midnight raid!

LEVIATHAN is a novel of alternate history. More specifically, it can be classified as steampunk, which depending on what definition you read, is an extension of science fiction and fantasy. Westerfeld decides to reinvent the era of World War I in his latest novel. While he maintains some of the actual events of the war, he creates and alters many.

The story follows the lives of Deryn and Alek. Deryn is a young woman desperate to join the Air Men of the Darwinists Army (British Empire/France). With the help of her brother, she disguises herself as a boy and joins the fight. She has excellent Air Sense, which is a must for the Darwinists, since their main type of weaponry are flying airships made of living animals, with each animal in the ecosystem playing its part. The Leviathan is an airship made up of a countless number of animals - from the smallest microscopic animal to a giant whale that contains everything.

Alek's parents, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, have been assassinated, leaving Alek on the run for his life. The Austro-Hungarian Empire/Germany wants him dead in order to ensure the end of the bloodline to the throne. Alek's people are referred to as the Clankers because of the loud noises that come from their form of weaponry - swords, cannons, aeroplanes, and, most exciting, walkers. Picture a huge tank with legs instead of treads.

Both Deryn and Alek are dedicated to their causes, and when they are thrust into the same fight and forced to work together, both must take a look at the world around them and see things from the other's perspective.

The ending really leaves the reader hanging, and not necessarily in a good way. I felt like it cut off right when we needed some important information, but I guess Westerfeld is leaving that for the sequel.

The book contains several beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Keith Thompson. I really enjoyed coming across those throughout the story.

Even though LEVIATHAN took me a while to get through, I still enjoyed it and look forward to the sequel.

Reviewed by: Karin Librarian

An alternate history set during the first world war; loved it. With simple explanations for complex issues, this story did not get tangled up in too much detail, rather it focused on the characters and their story instead. Bravo! Lots of lively action for the heroine/hero, and wonderfully written interactions with the rest of the assorted characters. I like to be able to set aside convention and lose myself in story, and even though the Darwinian aspect of the tale stretches believability to the max, it still holds up. Admittedly, when I first read the description I was skeptical, but I had the same feeling when I read the description of "Jurassic Park," another fine tale. I've already ordered the sequel, "Behemoth," and I'm quite looking forward to reading that one also.Leviathan

This Steampunk epic is a fantastic revision of the events that touched off World War I. If you are looking for fresh revisionist fiction along the lines of Seventh Son (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 1) or The Hunger Games, look no further.

Westerfeld strays just far enough from history to create a fantastic alternative Steampunk universe where conflicting technologies create cultural divides. He crafts engaging characters that readers undoubtedly connect with which make his story all the more enjoyable and believable. A definitive page turner, this book from Scott Westerfeld grabs your interest from beginning to end.

There have been numerous books published over the past couple of years in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin. But none are more ambitious and provocative (or sweeter) than LEVIATHAN, the first book in Scott Westerfeld's new steampunk trilogy.

LEVIATHAN is set in an alternative history World War I and the two main characters are teens. Alek is the on-the-run orphan son of the assassinated Archduke Ferdinand of Austria and his insufficiently-royal wife Sophie. An important secret here (as opposed to "real" history) is that the Pope had previously signed off on Alek's being able to succeed his now-dead father, despite his mother being who she was. The second teen is Deryn Sharp, the slight, Scottish, flight-loving daughter of her beloved dead balloonist father, signs up for the British Air Service disguised as a boy called Dylan.

"Alek shivered. He'd heard awful stories about the Darwinists' creations: half-breeds of tigers and wolves, mythological monsters brought to life, animals that spoke and even reasoned like humans, but had no souls. He'd been told that when godless beasts were created, the spirit of demons occupied them -- pure evil given flesh.
"Of course, he'd also been taught that the emperor was wise and kind, that the Austrian people loved him, and that the Germans were his allies."

What is so profound about this alternative history is that here Darwin also discovered DNA and the ability to mess with it, and now Britain has spent decades building on Darwin's discoveries by engaging in genetic engineering to create new creatures and ecosystems -- many of which can be utilized militarily. "Umpteen different beasties made up the Leviathan" which results in its being a living, breathing machine with all the benefits and drawbacks inherent in such a concept. There are all sorts of other wild and weird "fabs" that have also been created. It has certainly got to make one wonder to what extent bone-chilling, top secret genetic engineering experiments are being conducted this very minute in which corners of the world. (One more thing in my world to think about now.)

But what is constantly so much fun about LEVIATHAN is following these two attractive, vulnerable, really endearing teens; wondering whether Deryn is going to be discovered to be a girl; and waiting to find out what might ultimately happen between Deryn and Alek after they meet -- assuming Dylan/Deryn's true gender is eventually revealed. But that is not a sure thing, being that she's worked quite hard on learning to behave like a boy prior to entering the Air Service:

"Alek might have been trained in combat and tactics his whole life, but Dylan was a real soldier. He swore with an effortless extravagance, and during lunch had thrown a knife three meters and hit an apple square in its heart. He was skinnier than most boys his age, but could work alongside men and be treated as their equal. Even his lingering black eye from the crash had a piratical swagger to it.
"In a way Dylan was the sort of boy Alek would have wanted to be, if he hadn't been born the son of an Archduke."

As Scott Westerfeld notes, LEVIATHAN "looks ahead to when machines will look like living creatures, and living creatures can be fabricated like machines." Given the serious level of enjoyment I've gotten out of reading LEVIATHAN, what I am looking ahead to is receipt of the second book in what should be a wildly popular trilogy.

I first saw this book at the San Diego Comicon. It was in ARC form at the time. When asked by the nice person manning the table if we wanted any of the books spread out before us, my two siblings and I all pointed at this book. Response: "Any book but that one, that's the copy we're using to make the wiki page." Any other copies here? "Sorry, but no. You can have any other book here though." Well poo. After accepting our consolation books, I made note of the title of the interesting World War One steampunk novel that had rather thoroughly occupied our attention for half an hour in a day full of distractions.

The title of the book I unsuccessfully asked for was Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. I made sure to acquire a copy when it came out. After reading it all the way through, I find myself quite happy with waiting for the general release. The art work inside is as phenomenal as the story. The plot line plays out smoothly, recounting some of the events that triggered World War I and then tweaking them in different ways, some subtle, others... not so much.

Before I start singing praises, I should get the low points out of the way. I wasn't overly enamored of the girl-masquerading-as-a-boy-to-be-a-soldier, Deryn (alter ego, "Dylan"). I found the potential romantic subtext somewhat tacked on. It felt forced to me as a result, in addition to being completely unnecessary to the story. Also, Deryn seemed just a little over the top with her overt fearlessness and disdain towards almost everyone around her. Fortunately this seems to wear off the more she hangs around Alek.

The cliffhanger ending also irritated me. Mostly because it is a cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers. Ok... it was somewhat better than a cliffhanger, but made it abundantly clear that there are more books on the way. And there better be more books on the way or I will get... cranky.

Leviathan (the airship, not the book) was interesting. Think of some bizarre merging of a Wyland painting with one of H.R. Gieger's works and that's the image I had in my mind of the Leviathan.

I liked most of the characters in this book. I thought that Count Volger and Doctor Barlowe were extremely interesting to watch. It seems like they were written to oppose each other, but so far have not done so directly. They both seem to be paragons of their particular ideologies (more on this later, i promise!) but so far those opposing viewpoints have yet to come in direct conflict. I do so look forwards to watching these two circle around each other like wolves.

Alek was a wonderfully believable character. I really liked watching him shift from frightened boy to walker pilot to aristocrat and then kick himself when he forgot that he needed to hide the aristocrat better. It was wonderfully entertaining as well as very effective in putting some of the political landscape in a human context.

One of the things I found absolutely fascinating the entire time reading was the ideological differences between the Clankers and the Darwinists. The Clanker countries (Austria-Hungary, Germany, Ottoman Empire) have advanced mechanical technology, the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of "steampunk." On the other side of this alternate version of World War I, Britain and France have gone in a completely different direction. Called Darwinists, they use genetically engineered beasties instead of mechanical and engine driven technologies. It's a very interesting dichotomy. On the one side, the genetically altered dogs of war (or whales or bats or jellyfish...) are easier on the surrounding landscape, but they bring up all kinds of questions about how those creatures should be used and treated and if they should be created at all. The mechanized side has all the problems of industrialization. This is in addition to all the other conflicts of interest surrounding the First World War. I liked the differing views of what people should and should not do with science and technology and I hope to see it explored further.

I loved this book and eagerly look forwards to the next installment in this series.

I am really surprised by how much I loved this book. When I first read the summary, I wasn't terribly enthralled-- WWI has never interested me in the slightest and to be honest, it just sounded too much like a "boy's book." But I thought, well, I will give this a shot, and see if it surprises me. In any case, I like challenging myself to read something completely different from what I am used to.

Leviathan was an action-packed adventure from the first chapter-- I'm talking guns, battles, machines, escapes-- the whole bit. Scott Westerfeld is such an awesome writer that I was able to get completely caught up in the story. WWI tactics and diplomacy were mixed in with Steampunk machinery and an awesome range of memorable characters. I loved Alek, the 15-year old heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He was in that awkward phase between being a boy and a man, but his courage and heart shine through. And Deryn? OMG she was THE BEST! Finally, here is a strong female heroine where the author shows you her strength, bravery, humor and charisma. Incorrigible and independent, Deryn disguises herself as a boy to enter the British Air Service. She has a spirit and style all her own, and this has made her one of my new favorite characters! Dr. Barlow, the female Darwin scientist who is the crux of the Leviathan's mission was also a great character-- smart though somewhat annoying and bossy, she is another example of amazing characterization.

The world-building in Leviathan was incredible. Whether it was being on board the giant living Darwinist airship made out of a huge living whale and other "beasties," floating thousands of feet in the air, or inside the "Clanker" Stormwalker made of iron-- Westerfeld paints his Steampunk inventions and creations with words. And as an added bonus, this book had illustrations! How cool is that? These were amazing, and they added that much more to the story being told. (The one to the right is a pic of the Leviathan airship!)

Because Leviathan is a Steampunk novel, it is also an alternate history, telling a story based on historical fact but changing things around by asking the question "What if so-and-so had happened?" What if Darwin had discovered DNA and science was advanced enough to fabricate new creatures? What if technology was far enough along to build walking machines? As Scott says in his Afterword, "That is the nature of Steampunk-- blending future and past." I for one, loved it.

If you are looking for a good action-adventure with incredible world-building, unforgettable characters and humor sprinkled throughout, I would totally recommend you read this book! Don't let the synopsis scare you away-- even if it doesn't sound like a plot you would normally be interested in, I would give it a chance anyways-- I am really glad that I did!

All in all, Leviathan was a smart, fast-paced Steampunk adventure that left me wanting more-- Scott Westerfeld is such an amazing writer, and I can't wait to read the other books in this series!

I cracked the cover of LEVIATHAN with relish. And, speaking of covers, this one is just gorgeous - so are the endpapers, with a sepia-toned map of Europe crammed with steampunky designs. Normally I wouldn't comment on the way a book looks - I read most things on my Kindle, and I'm fine with that - but this one is a real feast for the eyes. It's richly illustrated, too, with drawings inserted into the text every few pages, so it's easy to picture the Clankers' war machines, the Darwinists' fabricated beasts, as well as individual characters.

I'm a big fan of Westerfield's UGLIES series, so I started LEVIATHAN with very high hopes. I found it much harder to immerse myself in LEVIATHAN than UGLIES. Maybe because UGLIES was simpler, so it was easy to get wrapped up in the story and watch the ideas unfold naturally. LEVIATHAN is pretty complicated. It's an alternate history of World War I, and World War I is not the easiest to understand. This book plunges us immediately into a tangled conflict, featuring alliances and backstabbing among Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Germany, Britain, France, Russia...and a handful of other countries, too.

The political alliances reflect a technological divide; in Darwinist Britain, technology is all about manipulating DNA to create custom-made hybrid species - even hybrid ecosystems - to further human advancement. Like the titular LEVIATHAN, a living airship built from a whale's DNA but incorporating message-delivering lizards, hydrogen-sniffing dogs, metal-eating bats, and a host of other creatures. The Clanker countries, like Austria-Hungary, have followed a more traditional path - their technology is mechanical, an industry of metal parts, gears and engines.

If that weren't enough, we follow the early stages of the war from two perspectives: a common British soldier and a dispossessed Austrian prince. There are probably two chapters about Alek, the Austrian prince who must run for his life after his parents are assassinated, for every one about Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy so that she can pursue her dream of joining the Royal Air Service. I don't mind the split perspective usually, but there was already so much to assimilate that constantly jumping between different locations, storylines, and sets of characters was a little exhausting.

In short, LEVIATHAN gets off to a slow start. I'd venture to say that most of this book is just exposition. Alek is adjusting to his new life as a wanted man, more important than he ever thought he'd be, and Deryn is learning the ropes as an airman. While they're getting the hang of things, the reader is learning the lay of the land. Alek and Deryn don't even meet until the book is 2/3 over, and by the end of the book they're only just starting to feel comfortable with one another. Their alliance is tentative, wary, in its early stages.

Having finished it, I'm invested in the story and the bizarre, steampunky world of the Darwinists and Clankers. I think this is the kind of book that demands a certain amount of faith from its readers, good for an author who's had a chance to establish himself and prove his mettle. If it weren't for UGLIES, I don't know if I'd follow along. But Westerfield has proven himself to be a supremely capable, brilliantly imaginative writer and I think that he's up to the challenge of a bigger, more ambitious project like LEVIATHAN.

I have to say that I was rather intrigued, as I flipped through the novel, by the illustrations peppering the pages throughout. As an illustrator myself, I decided that, perhaps, I should give the back of the book a quick read just to see what it was about--the drawings certainly boasted a captivating storyline.

Deciding it seemed worth the $9.99 price tag, I added it to my pile. Perhaps the very `steampunk' cover and illustrations are what got me; in fact, steampunk seems to be my recent genre of choice: the new Avatar T.V. show (The Legend of Korra) has been running (Is it a little nerdy to say that I was an avid fan of the Avatar: the Last Airbender?), Rush's new album (Clockwork Angels) is delightfully steampunk (Darn good album, by the way!), and now, Scott Westerfield's Leviathan has found its way into my hands. Coincidence? I think not.

So, current minor steampunk obsession aside, it took me a while to actually get into the world of Leviathan. Now, mind you, it is quite exciting right from the get-go, I just didn't have the time to sit down and actually read, but when I finally got a good 3-hour span of time to delve in, it was pretty difficult to put my bookmark back in.

Although the world described in Leviathan is Earth in the beginnings of World War I, the powerful twist on Darwin's theories and the advancement of machine technology plunges the reader into a world that either could be or could have been. Scott Westerfeld's careful twists and rich detail create a believable, as well as relatable, setting. It also helps that the story is told through alternating perspectives, giving us insight from both of the main characters: the orphaned, on-the-run prince of Austria-Hungary named Alek and Deryn, an adventurous girl who has lied and cross-dressed her way into the British Air Service.

Needless to say, these two very different points-of-view provide an adventurous and emotional ride until the two stories intersect-then it just gets better.

I won't go further into details on this one; I don't want to give anything away. But just some friendly advice: read this book because I just did, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!

Later days, my friends,

-H. D. Hunter
HDHunter.wordpress.com

Despite the rather bizarre story line, something about this book just grabbed me and I could almost not put it down. I can't explain it, but if you like alternate history AND don't mind a bit of "way out there" plot.....well this could just be up your alley.

I purchased & heard all three volumes that comprise the story. I found Scott's creativity in using the past to create a wonderful fictional story, quite ingenious. His blending of sci-fi and historical facts were extremely entertaining. However, what made this three volume series totally captivating and worthy of 5 stars plus was the superb narration by Alan Cumming. His voices for every character were unique and totally marvelous. He clearly made these books exciting and highly entertaining for me! My hat is off to Alan.

Before Leviathan, steampunk was obscure to me, nothing more than an undefined sub-genre lurking in the background. Now, this fantastical novel, featuring two heroic protagonists and a living whale airship, has awakened me to the wonders of steampunk fiction, a science fiction/speculative book set in the past, usually in the nineteenth century. Scott Westerfeld exceeded all my expectations by crafting a world interlaced with history and futuristic science, teaching me about the confusions of World War I while sparking ideas about the possibilities of creating artificial life. The alternate history timeline, brimming advances in evolutionary science, one of my favorite things in the world, will rouse the imaginations of readers of all ages.

My most beloved books drip with setting, the plot taking place in vivid or unusual locations. The majority of Leviathan's plot unfolds in a highly unique setting, aboard the Darwinists' massive, hydrogen fueled whale airship, from which the book gets its namesake. It's obvious from the meticulous, facinating descriptions of the airship that Scott Westerfeld knows and loves what he's writing about. The tidbits of military terminology will engross both adults and children alike. While not aboard the Leviathan whale airship, the settings are still rich and stunning; journeying through the frigid, desolate Alps, or soaring through the vast skies of early nineteenth century London. The intricate illustrations, though sometimes slightly childish, assist my imagination in picturing the impossible. Without them, it would be hard for me to visualize correctly a giant soaring, breathing whale airship, complete with balconies and verandas. I might struggle to picture the giant walkers that Alek and his loyal crew men journeyed in. With at least one per chapter, the illustrations appear with frequency and give me flashes of nostalgia, as they remind me of those classic old adventure books that I used to read in my younger days.

Told through the alternating two viewpoints of Deryn and Alek, this book's plot drives on with a fast pace, since action is constantly happening to at least one of the narrators. When they meet in the middle of the book, the plot starts to flow even more smoothly, the two perspectives melding into an even more interesting tale. Imagination, not emotion, has always been Scott Westerfeld's aptitude, so I wasn't surprised to find that the character's emotions do not run very deep. However, the characters are still complex. Both the protagonists have their flaws, though end up being likable. Known to the crew as Dylan, Deryn Sharp, a daring airman with an even more daring secret, is cocky and very real. Aleksander Ferdinand, heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian empire, can be slightly illogical and arrogant at times, exposing himself and his crew of men to danger on numerous occasions, though eventually develops into a likable person. The two build an endearing relationship, setting aside their differences to become trusting friends. Their endless bickering is entertaining, reminding me of Ron and Hermione's relationship in Harry Potter.

Like every good book, readers can learn important things from Leviathan. The stark contrast between the Austro-Hungarian Clankers, who build huge, steam-powered machines for weaponry, and the British Darwinists, who evolve animals for battle purposes, shows a perfect example of two very different cultures, each who finds the other to be very strange. At first, Alek, heir to a Clanker driven empire, recoils at the sight of living Darwinist beasties, finding them to be very disgusting and scary. When Deryn takes him into the Leviathan airship for the first time, Alek exclaims, "This is... disgusting! We're inside an animal!" Deryn laughs and retorts, "Aye, but the skins of your zeppelins are made of cattle gut. That's like being inside an animal, isn't it? And so's wearing a leather jacket!...[B]eing inside a dead animal is much more awful, if you think about it. You Clankers really are an odd bunch." On the other hand, Deryn, a Darwinist, shudders at the thought of manmade, heartless Clanker machines. However, they both come to realize that each group has a lot to learn the other's fortes. In order to achieve their goal, Deryn and Alek must cooperate and use a combination of Darwinist and Clanker technology. This shows that combining the strengths of different cultural groups is a vital idea for a successful modern world, where diversity has never been more important than before.

Overall, Leviathan is an astoundingly hearty and refreshing read that will fuel the daydreams of readers of all ages. With the crisp writing, engaging plot, likable characters, and pure imagination, readers will immerse themselves in this book. It ends satisfyingly, while maintaining enough mystery so that readers will be excited for the sequel Behemoth, releasing in October, 2010. It's one of the books I'm the most excited for this year; I can't wait to dive back into Deryn and Alek's world of Clanker contraptions and Darwinist beasts. Leviathan definitely makes me want to read more steampunk novels!

What if Charles Darwin had discovered DNA and introduced genetic engineering to Victorian England, sparking a wave of fabricated beasties working alongside humans? It's in this alternate universe that Scott Westerfeld plunges his readers on the cusp of WWI in 1914. Germany & Austria Hungary, known as the Clanker nations for their reliance on steam technology and iron mechanisms, are lining up against the Darwinist nations (namely Britain and Russia) who utilize fabricated beasties as their war machines.

It is in this setting that we're introduced to Deryn Sharp, who disguises herself as a boy to join the Royal Air Service and fulfill her dream of flying. Through an accident on her first day of training, she is landed in the crew of the Leviathan, the Royal Air Service's largest hydrogen-breather, a genetically modified whale/airship with a whole ecosystem of fabricated beasties living in symbiotic relationship with it to make it a formidable weapon. Deryn, now calling herself Dylan, trains as a midshipman on the Leviathan, which is sent on a mission to Istanbul to bring a scientist and her top-secret cargo to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Deryn flings herself bravely into danger desperate to prove herself, but also to hide the secret of her gender.

We also meet Alek, the son of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose recent assassination is plunging the world into this conflict. He is forced to flee for his life with a small group of trusted men in a storm walker, while pursued by Germans determined to remove the heir to the Austrian empire.

As the world lurches toward war, the brave midshipman hiding her identity, and the prince hiding his cross paths and must combine the strengths of their technologies in the first installment of this riveting trilogy.

Westerfeld draws the reader on a fast-paced thrill ride, complete with gripping narrative and detailed world building that will make Leviathan a win with lovers of adventure, sci-fi, steampunk and historical novels. The story is complemented by fantastic illustrations by Keith Thompson that will also help more reluctant readers dive into the text. The sequel, Behemoth, is similarly gripping, and I can't wait for Goliath, the third and final book to come out this September! Just a note: the audio book, narrated by the talented Alan Cumming is also a win.

A friend got me this as a gift and I instantly fell in love. I am impressed with Mr. Westerfeld's ability to rewrite history and create an alternate Earth full of the small details that are the hallmark of a masterpiece. From world politics down to the personal relationships of people on an airship, the impact of the deviations from our world create a vibrant and realistic mosaic of what could be.

This is one of the only books this decade that I waited impatiently for the sequels, buying them within days of their release. As a fan of Steampunk and alternate history fiction I must highly recommend this trilogy.

The imagination displayed in this novel Leviathan is extraordinary. There are two sides to the story, one side with incredible machines, while the other believes in playing with genetics to create crossbreed creatures.

How would you like to see a half wolf tiger "all sinews and claws, a crafty intelligence lurking in the eyes"? Or a giant flying jellyfish that's easily spooked? And the Leviathan a massive whale airship over a mile long and the most masterful beast in the British Fleet.

The two main characters are enjoyable; Alkesander's a prince without a throne has his world turned upside down. He goes from being a spoiled prince to an orphan with no title in the middle of a battle against people who want him dead. Deryn is trying to prove herself as a talented pilot in a male dominated society while desperate to keep her female identity safe.

The two of them make a great team, even while their immaturity, innocence and bravado tend to get them into trouble. Especially with the adults. The theme here is cooperation and acceptance. The two people from different sides and different social classes have to work together using technology and biology to save the day.

Leviathan kept me on the edge of my seat, dying to know what would happen next. It has touching moments, sad times, intense fighting scenes and humor.

An added bonus is the wonderful artwork in the book that highlights some of the more interesting scenes, creatures and machines.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's well written, creative and jam-packed with suspense and action. The characters drive the story along in a fun and fast-paced adventure that is suitable for kids and adults alike. The ending leaves it open for a sequel and I'll be first in line for that one! Grab Leviathan and give it a read!

If this first book in a new series isn't a bestseller, then it will be the fault of the publicists! Every fantasy reader, young and old, should know about this seriously good book.

In an alternate history, Europe (just prior to World War I) is divided into the usual old powers, with the difference that the Germans and Austro-Hungarians are Clankers -- people who use metal and steam technology. The British are Darwinists, and use DNA mutations to make their engines of war. The Leviathan is a great airship that is, in actuality, an entire ecosystem. Mostly a flying whale (I know, I know; but it works for me), but keeping that whale up takes all sorts of other creatures.

There are two heros. One is a girl named Deryn who, pretending to be a boy, has joined the air service. The other is Alek, the son of the Archduke Ferdinand. After the Archduke is assassinated, causing WWI to begin, Alek must escape those who would rather he didn't exist. The two young people meet in a very unusual way, and the story moves forward from there.

This is a first volume, with more promised. I can hardly wait! The author has always been a favorite of mine, with an edgy since of plot. This will prove quite the adventure!

I loved the aesthetics and action of this story, but the liberties taken in modeling the novel on actual events will enrage even amateur historians. However, if you're willing to lose yourself to the fantasy of the story, there is much to enjoy.
I just wish the writer didn't forget that the actual War started between the Austrians and Serbians and was later joined by the French, Russians, Germans and others who all hoped to make gains in power and geography at the expense of each other. The Germans were no more responsible for the eventual scale and tragedy of the war than were expansionist Russia and a France wanting to reclaim its lost dominance in Europe. I also found it odd that Britain was depicted as a non-mechanical "Darwinist" nation even though the real Britain is the birthplace of the industrial revolution.

This book turns everything about WW1 around. In this new take on WW1, biologically engineered hybrids fight agaist all-metal war machines.Deryn Sharp is new to sevice for the Darwinists on the ship Leviathan. The problem is, they only let boys into the service. Deryn is a girl. To make her way as one of the crew she has to hide her true identity and become one of the boys. Alek is a prince with no power and now a prince on the run. His parents were assasinated and now him and several of his father's most trusted men are escaping to Switzerland in a metal walking machine. Even though he has no power, he is still a threat to the throne, and some people don't want a threat around... When the Leviathan crash lands near Aleks secret hideout, their paths cross and all can change as Alek and his companions join the Leviathan. On an emperative mission to the Ottoman Empire, Alek and Deryn go through many things together and each have their eyes opened to the other's point of veiw.

This book keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire read witha all of the action and includes cooky new phrases that make you laugh (barking spiders!!!). I love the complexity the characters have at times and how the plot doesn't just move on from one thing to another. I would HIGHLY reccommend this to any action-loving reader. BUY THE BOOK!!!! It's worth it!

Clankers on one side, Darwinists on the other, crazy machines versus even crazier modified beasts. It’s Europe on the brink of WWI and an alternative view of history that is at once in the past, in a time before ours and beyond us as far as some technology. Westerfeld’s world is completely enjoyable and the characters are charming, clever and ready for action. The world is deep and dark enough to keep it interesting, but not so much that you can’t enjoy the adventure.

We bought this book for our son, and I read it through afterwards, something I do with books he particularly enjoys, so we have something to talk about. This was a real History lesson for me, as well as a Geography session, all rolled up into one. Although this is obviously an alternative history, the information given is very much based in the real world. The series - there are three books in total - have our protagonists running all over the world and make that time, just prior to World War One, really come alive. The alliances and treaties and politicking are given a fascinating spin with the two main characters, both of whom represent their sides very well. The beast of the Leviathan is another character in its own right, and we grow just as fond of the creature as we do of the broad cast that is presented.

This book, being the first, lays the groundwork very well, and establishes the sides and alliances, while still managing the difficult trick of being a ripping yarn - if you'll forgive the Biggles reference. I would definitely recommend this book for kids and their parents alike to enjoy and talk about.

I have to say I loved this book, Scott Westerfeld is really imaginative and makes the book fun and totally action packed from the first few pages. The fact that he made it sort of an alternate history was exciting and had me interested to learn more about the first world war. The characters had real 3d personalities that had you hooked to see how all there adventures would end up. I also enjoyed the fact that the author didn't make the story totally predictable, like some books are. Leviathan was totally immersion with the addition of the amazingly detailed drawings by the illustrator, that acted kind of like a tool to help you really picture all of these out of this world creations. I would seriously recommended this book to anyone. It was a fun read that girls or boys can enjoy. The girl in the story isn't to girly, along with the fact that the boy wasn't that manly
. overall it was a fun action packed read that had me picking up the book whenever I could to get my helping of this amazing world Scott westerfeld has created. I'm looking forward to the second book but glad it's only a trilogy because I can't stand when an author writes something great and then drags it on forever. The only negative side I had to this book was the politics get a bit confusing but the author takes a few time outs for the characters to sum up what you need to know

I guess you could call Leviathan part historical fiction, part fantasy. It's another fast, simple read by Westerfeld. As is common with all of his books, Westerfeld writes all action, all the time. The characters are young and immature but sweet nonetheless. The actual ship, Leviathan, is pretty neat. I just can't comprehend how these authors can dream these ideas up in their heads. I wish I could be that creative. This book would probably be a favorite for young boys; however, for me it was not.

Just One Gripe:
Reading about the ship's membranes made me feel icky, like I'd been swimming around jellyfish.

The Best Thing About This Book:
I didn't spend too much time reading it, so I wasn't mad when it wasn't very good.

I'm glad I chose this book as an introduction to the steampunk genre. It was so much fun, a quick pace and fantastical machines/creatures in a solidly-built world. The science and mechanics aspects of the Leviathan -- the big airborne whale-battleship -- were confident to the point where I started to believe it could really exist. Yet, it doesn't fall into the too much detail trap or slow down the pace of the book. I also thought the main characters, Alek and Deryn, maintained a sense of being young teenagers, but they are sympathetic and smart. My only complaint is that the book ended on a bit of an anti-climactic note, as if at the end of a chapter rather than a book. Fortunately the sequels are out so I won't have to wait to find out what happens next!

We bought this book for our son, and I read it through afterwards, something I do with books he particularly enjoys, so we have something to talk about. This was a real History lesson for me, as well as a Geography session, all rolled up into one. Although this is obviously an alternative history, the information given is very much based in the real world. The series - there are three books in total - have our protagonists running all over the world and make that time, just prior to World War One, really come alive. The alliances and treaties and politicking are given a fascinating spin with the two main characters, both of whom represent their sides very well. The beast of the Leviathan is another character in its own right, and we grow just as fond of the creature as we do of the broad cast that is presented.

This book, being the first, lays the groundwork very well, and establishes the sides and alliances, while still managing the difficult trick of being a ripping yarn - if you'll forgive the Biggles reference. I would definitely recommend this book for kids and their parents alike to enjoy and talk about.

I have to say I loved this book, Scott Westerfeld is really imaginative and makes the book fun and totally action packed from the first few pages. The fact that he made it sort of an alternate history was exciting and had me interested to learn more about the first world war. The characters had real 3d personalities that had you hooked to see how all there adventures would end up. I also enjoyed the fact that the author didn't make the story totally predictable, like some books are. Leviathan was totally immersion with the addition of the amazingly detailed drawings by the illustrator, that acted kind of like a tool to help you really picture all of these out of this world creations. I would seriously recommended this book to anyone. It was a fun read that girls or boys can enjoy. The girl in the story isn't to girly, along with the fact that the boy wasn't that manly
. overall it was a fun action packed read that had me picking up the book whenever I could to get my helping of this amazing world Scott westerfeld has created. I'm looking forward to the second book but glad it's only a trilogy because I can't stand when an author writes something great and then drags it on forever. The only negative side I had to this book was the politics get a bit confusing but the author takes a few time outs for the characters to sum up what you need to know

I guess you could call Leviathan part historical fiction, part fantasy. It's another fast, simple read by Westerfeld. As is common with all of his books, Westerfeld writes all action, all the time. The characters are young and immature but sweet nonetheless. The actual ship, Leviathan, is pretty neat. I just can't comprehend how these authors can dream these ideas up in their heads. I wish I could be that creative. This book would probably be a favorite for young boys; however, for me it was not.

Just One Gripe:
Reading about the ship's membranes made me feel icky, like I'd been swimming around jellyfish.

The Best Thing About This Book:
I didn't spend too much time reading it, so I wasn't mad when it wasn't very good.

I'm glad I chose this book as an introduction to the steampunk genre. It was so much fun, a quick pace and fantastical machines/creatures in a solidly-built world. The science and mechanics aspects of the Leviathan -- the big airborne whale-battleship -- were confident to the point where I started to believe it could really exist. Yet, it doesn't fall into the too much detail trap or slow down the pace of the book. I also thought the main characters, Alek and Deryn, maintained a sense of being young teenagers, but they are sympathetic and smart. My only complaint is that the book ended on a bit of an anti-climactic note, as if at the end of a chapter rather than a book. Fortunately the sequels are out so I won't have to wait to find out what happens next!

Wow! What an imagination Scott has! I really enjoyed his Uglies series and gave this book a try on a whim. I was not disappointed. A very clever juxtaposition of historical events in a quasi parallel universe. This book is a great story for the juvenile set and the (slightly) more mature reader (I'm in my 50's). I normally don't like trilogies, but I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. A perfect summer weekend read!

I have been a huge fan of Scott Westerfeld's since reading The Midnighter's series and I was very excited to learn about his newest series, especially since it incorporates Steampunk! I was pleasantly surprised to find that he also included beautifully done pictures to include throughout the book, really bringing this story to life! The writing is fantastic and the two main characters are wonderful! I was a little hesitant about the character switch off every chapter but it worked out to be perfect! Both Alex and Deryn bring great personality into the story as well as insight on both sides, Clanker and Darwinist. The way Westerfeld included historical fact as well as making it work for his fiction is amazing. This series is addicting and hard to put down! I am excited for the third book!

Steampunk at its best.

World War I has begun, sort of. You have on the one hand, the advanced machinery of the hands of the Germans, and on the other, the bioengineered marvels, such as the flying whale ship Leviathan of the British. Along the way we get nearly every great trope of the genre, done well.

There is Deryn Sharp, the woman in disguise in the all-man's service.

There is Aleksandar Ferdinand, the prince in exile, too young for the responsibilities and tragedies laid at his feet, and forced to make his coming of age too quickly.

Along the way, these two characters have to define for themselves honor, mercy, courage, wisdom, and love.

This book was beautiful. No, not in the writing, in the presentation. I lovvvvve pictures. I would stare at the illustrations, and kept turning back to look at the map inside the cover. Even the pages were nice and snow white- especially rare since I got this book at the library. Presentation wise, I give this book an A. However, things aren't that simple.

I like steampunk. It fascinates me, and if not for my extreme dislike for the feel of metal, I would love to live in a steampunk setting. Leviathan is no normal steampunk. It contains fabulous fabricated creatures right out of man's imagination. Messenger lizards, floating giant jellyfish, six-legged hydrogen sniffing dogs, and best of all- a humungous flying whale. That's right.

Scott Westerfeld's imagination will never cease to amaze me.

Then there is the more traditional eight-legged walkers and zepplins, you know the usual. These machines are created by the Clankers-Germany and Austria-Hungary, enemy of the Darwsinists- England and France. Both sides have reasons to distrust each other. The Clankers find the fabricated creatures unGodly and the Darwinists don't believe in the reliance on machines. Then World War I happens, and that's where the story starts.

Aleksander is a prince from Austria Hungary and is on the run from the people responsible for the murder of his parents. Deryn Sharp is a girl disguised as a soldier aboard the Leviathan (the aforementioned flying whale). Of course these two main characters are very different, but there is no story unless fate drags them together.

Then some action happens and the story ends openly for a sequel. I was a bit annoyed with that actually. I knew it was going to be a series, I just didn't expect such a cliffhanger. As for the action- there was plenty of it. It was confusing truthfully, and I would have been completley lost if not for the nifty illustrations.

While I preferred Alek as a character, Deryn's story was much more interesting. Both characters, however, where written very young. I couldn't picture them as 15 year olds, but rather as pre-teens around the age of 12. That just seemed to fit their actions better and it suited the middle-school level writing. For being actioned filled, it went slow for me. I just couldn't get the motivation to read it.

If you are expecting romance (as I was), prepare to be disappointed. There was hints of it, of course, but Alek doesn't even Deryn is a girl by the end. I have a feeling any romance in this book will be drawn out verrrrrry slowly.

Overall, its not what I expected. It was an adventure novel for middle-school boys essentially. The pictures were my favorite part. As was the concept of a flying whale with people walking around in it (kinda biblical, ain't it?).

I will most likely read the sequel and have only one demand....

I WANNA MOVIE!!!

I loved Scott Westerfeld's Uglies, and Midnights series, so it was only natural to get this book. When I opened it I was surprised to see full page illustrations. I loved it! The story was just as dynamic, but instead of going into the future, or a small town, he dives into history! Loved it and he did it masterfully, weaving real life with fiction. I am a huge history buff, so this is by far my favorite steampunk novel.

You would definitely want to set aside a weekend day for this book. I was stupid and started it at night. I couldn't put it down till six in the morning! It started fast, and I loved the solid characters Alek, and Deryn. By far my favorite character is Count Volger (a mind twister he is).

So if you like history, you like sci-fi, and are a teen book addict, this is a must buy, check-out, or... borrow from a friend book.

There were three things that made me excited for Leviathan, the concepts of: alternate history World War I, mechanical weapons vs genetically engineered living ones, and the classic idea of a girl dressing as a boy to enter a profession otherwise barred to her. What I ended up getting was a book I can easily say is one of my favourite releases of 2009.

Where do I start? I guess with the characters. Our two viewpoint characters, Alek and Dylan, are two brave and intelligent young people who do their best to keep their heads on their shoulders even when everything is going to hell in a hand-basket around them. They are not perfect, but they are strong-willed and determined, and their developing bickering-laced friendship is a delight to read.

The secondary characters are also a joy to read. Alek's tutors/guardians are fun to read, but the character that shone for me is Dr Barlow. Fiercely intelligent and incredibly perceptive (as well as very British), she is very much the scientist, but also has a heart, allowing her to act as confidant to our two leads. Any scene where she shows up was a blast, especially when it comes to reactions to her traveling companion - a thylacine.

Characters aside, I loved the world of Leviathan. Westerfeld does an amazing job at setting the scene and showing us the differences between our world and the world of Leviathan without bogging us down in copious backstory and information. There is incredible imagination here, and logic amongst the fantasy - with the creations (or rather, fabrications, to use the in-universe term) are amazing to read and think about, and to wonder what else exists in this universe thanks to the Darwinists. Plus there is enough information concerning the background of the war that younger readers unfamiliar with the origins of World War I should be able to grasp the backstory without having to wander off to Wikipedia.

The last thing that really makes Leviathan, though, is the artwork. Keith Thompson's renderings of characters, machines and fabrications are absolutely stunning and make for a wonderful addition to the book. There's not much else I can say except "Holy cow, look at the space whale!"

I just have one complaint: I have to wait until October 2010 for Behemoth, the sequel?

Scott Westerfeld has blown me away many times between Uglies and Peeps (and the last days). But now I believe the Uglies should fear for their postition of favorite book for many Scott Westerfeld fans because of the Leviathan series. What I hear is suppose to be a triology, leviathan is truely spectacular. Driven to continue on reading by constant adventure and suspense, you find yourself in the middle of a highly creavtive steam punk slash sci fi era scott westerfeld has created. With its witty slogan 'd you oil your war machines or feed them?', I never wanted to put it down. As I read I constantly changed from darwinist to clanker, the two sides against each other at war. I found myself even more pleased with leviathan then i was at some points in uglies and its accompaning books. With characters unbelievibly human, not too whinny and prehapes at times just whinny enough you automattically connect with Deryn and Alek. good thing it's a triology because leviathan deffinately leaves you wating more. if you liked uglies and the last days i think you'll love leviathan. i am eagerly awaiting the next book in october.

Despite being a book for young adults, I was never bored with the story, the characters, or the action.

I'm not going to include a summary of the book - you can read the product description or the other reviews for that. Instead I will just say that - as some one with a very short attention span and a hard-to-please reader - I very much enjoyed this book and I look forward to picking up the rest of the series.

I read this book on the recommendation of my college professor son, and enjoyed it so much I continued on to read the next books in the trilogy. Given the time and opportunity I would team with the science and history teachers in my school to explore how Westerfield manipulated the science of genetics and reworked actual history into his imagined version. I would also have my students design their own vehicles using genetically appropriate creatures. If you are fortunate enough to work in such an environment I hope you will try this.

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 extreme repetitiveness of some metaphors and exclamations but all and all, Leviathan is a good bet for younger as well as older readers who enjoy alternate history.

An entertaining steam punk novel; primarily for young readers.
I was disappointed when I turned the final page and discovered that there was no more story. This book is book one of a three book series, but that was not made clear on the cover.

A very well-written, and well read series for kids or adults. I especially enjoyed the way the narrator gave each character a real voice. Imaginative, fun, and action-packed, the author builds a compelling tale of adventure and young love in wartime. Get the audiobooks for Leviathan, Behemoth and Goliath for your next long car trip! Enjoy!

My 13 year old son, who's a reluctant reader, loved Leviathan. It has some history, plenty of adventure, and cool gadgets. He enjoyed telling me about the plot and as soon as he was done, he begged me to get book 2 immediately. My adult friends who've read this series also loved it. See their reviews at fantasyliterature dot com.

The setting for this book was an amazing steampunk WWI -- and even if for the rich world building alone, the book is worth the read. The story was slow to get off the ground, but I'm glad I stuck through it. That said, it was such a very visual book that I think it would be all the more amazing as anime.

Leviathan was hard for me to read because Westerfeld is so talented at getting the action going, but he focuses less on the development of the characters, which is what I and most young women like to read. Leviathan is partly written to set the stage for the epic story, which I can appreciate after having read (and loved) Behemoth, the second in the series. I cannot get over how thrilling this alternate world is. Leviathan leaves a lot of room for speculation before Behemoth, but it is well worth the read.

You will be setting money aside for Goliath.

I would give Leviathan, a steampunk/ alternate history novel by Scott Westerfeld, 5 out of 5 stars. It was one of the greatest books I have ever read. It had three different characteristics that made it particularly engaging to me. These were the various mirror-plots of the main characters, the gratuitous use of steampunk and sci-fi concepts, and the amazing illustrations.
The alternate history of Leviathan is the re-telling of World War I, only with genetically modified creatures and mechs. Great Britain and her allies are the Darwinists, the side using animals, and the Prussian powers are Clankers, the side using robots. Scott Westerfeld does a magnificent job in describing these sides in different lights in the different stories of the main characters. Prince Alek is the future Clanker Emperor, although his own people are hunting him. Deryn Sharp is aboard the airship Leviathan, pretending to be a boy. About 4/5ths through the story, these stories intertwine. This could only be achieved using several different miracles that only this world could have. Alek, for example, uses a Cyklop Stormwalker (a humanoid battle-tank) to escape Austria-Hungary toward Switzerland. At the same time, Deryn is using the Leviathan to deliver a package to the Ottoman Empire. The Leviathan is a flying whale, armed with bats that drop spikes and access to the Royal Navy, although they are cut off from their country like Alek. These scenes of strife and action are beautifully illustrated by several line drawings every ten pages or so. They may not be the most important scenes in the book, but they let you know how certain contraptions look after a complicated explanation. These frequent rewards were part of the drive to keep reading, and to keep unraveling the mysteries. Leviathan is a must for any fan of steampunk, fantasy, history (altered or otherwise), Scott Westerfeld, or reading in general.

The author's "Uglies" and "Midnighters" series are visionary, and "Uglies" especially is an extraordinary imagining of a fully realized dystopian future. This book, the first in a yet-to-be-named series, is not in the same class. If you closed your eyes and just listened, you could swear that the author was Philip Reeve. The book reads like a cross between "Larklight" and "Mortal Engines," with some of the fantastic creatures of the "Edge Chronicles" thrown in. It does have the advantage of conveying some of the basic facts relating to the start of World War I, and it is very readable, but from the author of "Uglies" this was still disappointing.

I LOVE the Leviathan series. I can't find anything to criticize about it, which is pretty rare for me. The plot was intriguing, the characters interesting, the twists entertaining, and the writing truly excellent. I recommend this book and it's sequels to everyone. READ IT!

I picked this book up for the pictures at first, but the story is so much more amazing. Its pure adventure the whole time and never a dull moment! I love the characters who are rich and full of life. The language is so unique to the time period and gives such a interesting fictional point of view on the war during that time. I would recommend this book to anyone who dreams of adventure! Plus the pictures are extraordinary and full of detail! :D I loved the entire series and I hope you take the time to try this book out! :D

Deryn and Alek both want to simply be normal boys. One would be kicked out of the army if they knew her secret, the other killed. Alek's father owned Austria, but when he is murdered, Alek finds himself running to Switzerland with only a handful of men, and when the Leviathan is unable to move from his hindout, he tries to help. Deryn is a worker on the Leviathan, and when Alek shows up in the middle of nowhere, ready to help, she wants to know more. Who is he? Where does he live? Why won't he answer questions? The two are suddenly forced together, and a whole new story unfolded.

This book was amazing I was skeptical when I first started reading it but as I progressed through the 2nd page I couldn't put it down. The I finished all 440 pages in 2 days a record that is reserved for the best books I read. This book has an ever changing plot (in a good way) and it kept me guessing as to the next event.

This great book is made better from the historical ties it has (you learn about WWI with out knowing it). This story is about two very different people that are too young to have been affected the predjustices of the world around them. This even though the world is trying to force their ideals on them.

This book is amazing! The characters are well thought out, and humorous in many places. There is a liittle bit of romance, but it adds to the plot in a good way.
This book would be goof for ages11 to 14, but anyone older than that would stll enjoy it:)

This is one of THE best books I have ever read. It is about a girl named Deryn who joins the British Air Service posing as a boy and a prince named Alek. They meet each other when the ship that Deryn is posted on, the Leviathan, crashes after a battle with the Germans and Alek joins forces with him (her). The book is written through both of their perspectives. Alek is a Clanker, and he works with mechaniks and that sort, whereas "Dylan" is a Darwinist, who works with Fabricated creatures. The book is full of action-packed adventure, and I recommend it to everyone.

And you're a young adult, you should definitely read this series. Its very good. I enjoyed it, I own all the hardcovers and love them, I even reread them (I don't usually reread books!). Though I will admit the original hardcover for the first one is my favorite as opposed to this new cover design.

This Steampunk Science Fiction novel is a great start to a wonderful trilogy. Don't let the page count intimidate you, the text is a breeze of a read. The artwork throughout this novel is brilliant and adds a unique perspective to the reading experience. This may be labeled as Young Adult but I believe it is enjoyable for all ages above 13.

This book is a truly enjoyable sci-fi book with a lovely new take and bran new ideas that haven`t been used in any book I`v ever read before. Scott Westerfeld does a great job creating a realistic setting with believable and likeable character that take the story and unfold the plot in ways that encompass twists and turns to bring together a climactic and definitely well written piece. I recomend this book to anyone who is looking for a great read.

This book follows two very different youth who face two very different challenges, who are thrown together into one big challenge. ! Worded much better than my review and twice as interesting this book contains steam driven machines battling genetically engineered animals all set against a WW1 backdrop. A very quick read, due to the large font and interspersed pictures I found myself having difficulty putting it down. I'd give it a 4 1/2 only because it ends so abruptly (which leaves me waiting and wanting the sequel). I highly recommend this book!

My entire family enjoyed this book. It was actually the fantastic trailer that convinced me to buy the book, and the great art too. Excellent illustrations, great descriptions and well developed characters made this an easy read... and very entertaining. Nothing I can say that other reviewers haven't already said- but I would LOVE to see this made into a movie or CGI film.

This follows the life stories of two central characters, one male, one female, one a noble, one a commoner. It's set in the beginning of World War I in an alternate universe in which Darwin (the Darwin) figured out how to genetically engineer animals for human use.

The animals are really neat: half cat, half elephant hybrids; hydrogen gas bag whales covered in glow worms--kind of like having the Hindenberg in whale form as a pet.

The premise is very interesting. The execution, not so much. I stopped at page 145 because I was getting really bored. The writer never really hits the flow of being interested in his own story. The scene changes feel contrived, and, although there is action, there isn't much reason to care about the characters or what happens to them.

For reference, I have read every Harry Potter Book, Alice in Wonderland, and more than a few YA books given to me by the store. This isn't a genre issue. It's just not that interesting.

All in all, this book was good. Westerfeld does a good job of tying together fiction and history. Deryn and Alek are both brought into the light and neitheris less important. The Clanker vehicles and Darwinist fabs are vividly illustrated. This book has a great storyline and setting. I couldn't put it down. I would definitely recommend this read.

I had the opportunity to read this book a few months ago before it was actually released. The ARC was nice, but last night, I checked out the published edition at the local bookstore. It is a BEAUTIFUL book with amazing illustrations. Author and artist have worked closely together to bring a seamless and collaborative vision to this alternate, steampunk world.

Even without the art, the story of Leviathan is fascinating and well-told. You don't have to be a history buff to understand what is going on. Westerfeld's worldbuilding is so light-handed that you just slide into the story and pick up the world details along the way. Add to that well-defined (and very likable) characters, thrown into fascinating adventures, and you have a recipe for a rip-roaring good time. Highly recommended!

Early mechs v bioengineered monsters. Who couldn't at least give it a chance?

The science, particularly of the bioengineering, is something you just need to shrug and accept, but it's the characters which suck you in. Deryn is great fun (though I'm not keen on her name) and I'd love to read a series of books of "Midshipman Sharp", just tooling about on the airships. Lovely pictures, a fun possibility of romance. More please.

Like many of my friends, I've been looking forward to getting my hands on "Leviathan" for a while. It is so sad that after such a long wait I can't give this book more than 3 stars. And if I am being honest, I added the third star for fabulous cover art and excellent illustrations (1 or 2 per chapter!). My low rating doesn't mean however that I would recommend NOT to read this book. I simply didn't care for it personally, for several reasons.

First, this book seems to be mistakenly classified as young adult fiction. To me it read more like a children's book, middle school maximum. For a book about 15-16 year olds, Daryn and Alek were written awfully young. By the way their thought process, their behavior and motivations were portrayed, you'd think they were 11-12 years old, they were even drawn by the illustrator as pre-teens. I can enjoy some books written for this age group, such as first 2 Harry Potter books or "His Dark Materials," but the world of "Leviathan" just didn't hold my attention.

Secondly, the book was extremely heavy on descriptions of various machinery and fabricated animals. I know, this is the core of the book - a war between Clankers and Darwinists - but I hoped this concept would be presented in a more interesting manner. Just reading about how the zeppelins are constructed or how to operate an airship made out of a combination of creatures bored me to death.

And lastly, for a book that was supposed to offer an "alternative history," the "alternativeness" was pretty thin and didn't go beyond war machines. The rest was pretty much taken from real history - we were not offered anything new in terms of government structure, social order, belief system, etc. It is possible however that Westerfeld will explore these avenues in later books in the series.

I wouldn't discourage anyone from giving this book a shot. But if you are like me and prefer books for older teens, have no interest in mechanics and war battles, like to have a little bit of teen romance in your stories, you can safely skip this book.

What a good read! This would make a neat movie. I appreciate, at the end, when Scott tells the history behind the story.
Sure Disney can create the airship and the whole world. Scott,Thanks for the journey.D.

This "teen"book got me back into reading fiction after like 10 years of not reading so much as a short story. Two chapters in, I couldn't put it down. Storyline got a little wishy-washy for a few chapters, but the writing & the descriptions were so visual & captivating. book2 was on par. solid 4 stars on that. cant wait for book 3

This book, although written at a young adult level, is amazingly entertaining. I highly recommend it for anyone with even a minimal ounce of interest in historical fiction, steampunk, or sci-fi. It's well-written and goes along at a good pace. I've already ordered the sequel!

After reading the reviews, I bought this book for my son as a Christmas gift. He set the book aside for a few weeks but when he started reading this week, he became totally absorbed in the book. He read the book in about 5 days. He is already asking if there is another book in the series.

the book is fast paced and keeps the reader guessing what's next. although one of the two main protagonist is unlikable at first, it changes throughout the course of the book. westerfeld has created a classic and i cant wait for the continuation. the cliff hanger towards the end leaves the reader wanting more.

Even though I barely ever read books this has to be one of the few books I read to the end.It keep you reading and wondering whats going to happen at the next page. Good Job Scott Westerfeild, finally a actually good book that keeps you interested start to finish!

I absolutely love this book. I'm rereading the series and it is worth it. I would recommend this to Artemis Fowl fans, Percy Jackson fans, Alex Rider fans, and pretty much to anyone who loves a good book with action in it.

It's not that there's no 'Action' there are plenty of stories with great plot and characters but no 'Action' in the conventional sense. No - this book lacks any sense of direction or character. I could tell from the first chapter that the writer isn't so much concerned with telling a story as he is showing you all the clever ways he would do things as a god.

The 'Darwinist' faction is far and away the most asinine part of this book. The whole point of Steampunk is to find ways to apply antiquated technologies to modern problem solving/applications. The Darwinist faction falls so mind-mindbogglingly short of that simple goal it is almost painful.

The Darwinists - if you couldn't tell - use selective breeding to create creatures with military and industrial applications. This is a great concept lost to a spectacular lack of execution or sanity. Practical technologies of the past (Balloons, airships, etc.) are replaced with awful biological counter parts. I audibly groaned at nearly every poorly conceived 'hybrid' creature as they were introduced. None of these creatures have any grounding in actual biology, and each is more absurd than the last.

The other factions are just as rediculous, implementing wildly impractical technologies that don't serve any purpose beyond aesthetic. More attention is given to the setting than the characters or conflict. The saddest part is that the setting is the most interesting part of the story despite being flat and uninspired.

SPOILER ALERT:

LEVIATHAN IS A GIANT AIRSHIP WHALE BECAUSE REASONS.

It's just bad. Once again - The author doesn't care about his characters or his stories - just his 'inventions.'

The plot doesn't move forward or ever try to engage the reader, and there's nothing that stands out in a good way.

The worst book I've read in a very long time. Don't bother unless you want a great example of what not to do as a genre-fiction writer.

good fast service, a very good book, i have finished it the book was well written, serious,but some funny remarks in places,such as when they were talking about the armored walkers on person remarked about
how 'you wouldn't
expect these walkers to have treads would you'?

I purchased this book with the expectation that it was to be about the Final Fantasy VII summon by the same name. How sorely disappointed I was to learn that the "Leviathan" by which this books carries its namesake from is not a powerful magical summon spell, but in fact (seriously not kidding) a giant floating whale-blimp.

As unfortunate as this realisation was, it was not the only misinformation carried between this books covers. While supposedly taking place in the opening weeks of World War I, it carries a plethora of historical inaccuracies (giant floating whale blimps, to name but one), leading one reader to have to constantly recheck his facts via Wikipedia (a surely reliable source), shaking my head and letting out a "tsk" of disapproval with each new mistake uncovered. The book goes so far as to carry a beautifully illustrated map of early 20th century Europe on the inside cover, yet try as I might, I could not find any real-world reference of a near 800 kilometer long cannon pointed at a Russian land-mass, curiously resembling a bear. Disregarding these "blunders of reality", the story essentially follows a girl pretending to be a boy and a spoilt teenager running away from his home. Though I dearly wanted this book to be the Milo & Otis of young adult novella, the truth is that this is not a book about the strength of friendship but of the utility of lying.

*Minor Spoilers Below*

The book heralds lying and deceit as THE skill needed to survive; the girl, Deryn, pretends to be a boy in order to further her military career dreams whilst Alek the spoilt rich boy "slums" his way through the Austrian countryside inside a walking robot in order to get to his fathers Swiss alpine retreat (which was acquired behind the back of the rest of Alek's extended family). The only point any character reveals the truth over the duration of the story, they break down crying in a most unmanly fashion before hugging a cross-dressing teenager. It is clearly the author's wish to teach us the high value of deceiving your friends and those around you in order to get ahead (a poignant social message for those growing up in todays corrupt world).

As I did not mention above, this book is only the first in a planned trilogy, it will be interesting to see where the story takes our dishonest heroes and what new depths of depravity they will succumb to in order to reach their goals in this action packed, yet historically-laughable take on the Great War. If, like me, you enjoy reading about cross-dressers, liars and giant floating whales of biological impossibility then this book is a must-read. 4 thumbs up.

When I saw this book at the library I thought it would be a good book, but instead I got an over 400 page book that has barely any action or anything. I usually like sci fi, such as the Twilight Zone and even that is better than this (and that show is over 50 years old!) What a dissapointment and what was also very annoying is they would say "barking" in place of "F-wording" (not that I want him to say a badword) Do you even know how stupid that sounds? Here is an example right from the text "It was my barking idea!" You get the picture. What I hated most though was all the silly subplots of him being kidnapped and the blimp being made out of a whale carcass (which is what the "Leviathan" in the story is) that's just gross folks! I hope this review helps you a lot. This has been a review from the Twilight Zone.

This is a story of a parallel world with the start of the World War I as we never experienced it. The story begins the same: on June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated, triggering the world war I. However, this parallel world has two groups: the Clankers and the Darwinists. The Clankers put their faith in war machines and robots, and the Darwinists science is based on the development of new weird war-usable, flying species.

After the assassination of his parents, Prince Aleksandar had to leave his home. Accompanied by a small group of loyal servants, the young Clanker flees Austria in a Cyklop Stormwalker -machine that walks on two legs.
Meanwhile, a girl, Deryn Sharp, trains to be an airman with the British Air Service. She serves on the Leviathan, a massive biological airship that resembles an enormous flying whale but is actually constructed of several different species and has message lizzards to deliver messages back and forth. Leviathan crashes in Switzerland. Alek and Deryn meet and suddenly the line between enemy and ally is no longer clearly defined.

There is a sequel of this story, too, because otherwise this story would have some loose ends.

Thompson has illustrated this book with detailed black-and-white illustrations of the Clankers' warmachines and the Darwinists' new species.

I would give 5 stars to the plot, 3 stars to the characters and 5 stars to the illustrations.
If you like alternative, parallel worlds, sci-fi stories and fantasy worlds, then this is a good book to read. It is meant for YA but actually the world war I history might not be familiar to the YA-readers.

Leviathan tells a "steampunk" version of how World War I began, and the result is a unique and fun adventure through an alternate version of history.

The first half of the novel moves rather slowly, but the rich details of the Darwinist "beasties" and the Clanker machines provides enough intrigue to keep the reader turning pages until the real fun begins. Of course the fun is really just barely beginning when the novel ends because Leviathan is the first in what appears to be a series (the second book "Behemoth" is set to come out in the October 2010), so there isn't much resolution to the story in this novel. But that hardly matters - since the entire book is filled with exquisitely detailed settings, well-developed characters, and hints of surprises yet to come, it will be worth the wait to see how the plot continues in future books!

Scott Westerfeld has mixed the perfect amount of fantasy and sci-fi with history and adventure to create this genius novel and i think it will be an equally enjoyable read for boys and girls of all ages!

I have read quite a few books involving the scenario of rival cultures developing scientific advances along different lines - usually one with advanced biological technologies and the other with mech-tech. The wonderfully imaginative author of this book however has gone well beyond what I have seen explored in other books. For example, the idea of a living ship isn't new. However, other authors present a ship as a single life form - perhaps an engineered bird, or a creature created from whole cloth. In Leviathan however, the biological air ship is presented as an eco-system, with many types of animals all living within, and sustaining, a giant flying whale.

It's little details like this that should appeal to today's young readers. It reminded me, favorably, to other books I read as child such as Huckleberry Finn, Tom Swift and others. The Illustrations were well done.

This book might even encourage some to research European history, particularly the Hapsburgs and the state of European affairs leading up to World War 1.

I read it on a flight from NY to Houston, and found it entertaining enough for adult readers looking for a flight of fancy.