Who Would Like This Book:
Leviathan is a wildly imaginative mash-up of alternate history, steampunk, and adventure. Set on the brink of World War I, it reimagines the conflict as a battle between machine-loving Clankers and genetically engineered Darwinists. Add in a runaway prince and a girl disguised as a boy to join the air corps, and you’ve got nonstop action and clever twists. The world-building is top notch - giant airship whales, walking war machines, inventive slang, and stunning illustrations bring this universe to life. It’s especially great for readers who love alternate history, inventive tech or biology in fiction, and fast-paced, character-driven YA with a dash of found family. Fans of Tamora Pierce, Kenneth Oppel, or Philip Reeve’s Mortal Engines will dive right in!
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the pacing a bit slow at first, with lots of attention to world-building and terminology that might be confusing if you’re new to steampunk. The main characters act a bit young for their age, which can feel more like middle-grade than older YA. A recurring gripe is the abrupt ending; it’s designed to set up the next book rather than wrap things up, which may irk those wanting a standalone story. Also, readers looking for deep romance or complex adult themes won’t find much here, as the focus stays on adventure and friendship.
About:
In an alternate history version of World War I, 'Leviathan' by Scott Westerfeld follows the stories of Alek, the young heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the British air fleet. The narrative explores their encounters as they navigate the war between the Clankers and Darwinists, featuring giant mechanical monsters and genetically engineered creatures. The book is praised for its vivid worldbuilding, engaging characters, and the dual narrative approach that offers a fresh perspective on the historical events.
'Leviathan' is noted for its fast-paced, action-packed storyline set in a steampunk alternative history of WWI. The book introduces a rich and imaginative universe where the Darwinists and Clankers clash with their distinct war machines, providing a unique twist on the familiar historical setting. The dual perspectives of the main characters, Alek and Deryn, offer a compelling narrative that blends elements of adventure, fantasy, and humanity, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read for young adults.
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From The Publisher:
It is the cusp of World War I. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ genetically fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.
Aleksandar Ferdinand, a Clanker, and Deryn Sharp, a Darwinist, are on opposite sides of the war. But their paths cross in the most unexpected way, taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure….One that will change both their lives forever.
Ratings (38)
Incredible (11) | |
Loved It (13) | |
Liked It (10) | |
It Was OK (2) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (75):
Read It (39) | |
Want To Read (30) | |
Not Interested (6) |
2 comment(s)
I've been dying to read this book because I'm such a huge fan of Scott Westerfeld's other books. For the record, Leviathan is NOTHING at all like Scott's other books.
With that said, I still really enjoyed reading it. I would say this is more of a middle school, early high school book than true young adult. The writing was a little more juvenile than I had hoped.
Sadly, it actually took me a few minutes to figure out that this was an alternative history book. I was thinking to myself I don't remember reading anything about Stormwalkers in my history classes many moons ago. Then I got to the flying whale and thought, "Hmmm...something doesn't seem quite right here."
I think boys would like this book a lot. It's been awhile since I've read a book with pictures, but I enjoyed them because it gave me an idea of the weird stuff I was reading about.
I actually have never heard of steampunk, which makes me feel ancient. I had to google it, which makes me feel slightly hipper.
Overall, it was a good book - I'm curious to see what the next one will be like!
loved the characters and the world building
What can you read after
Leviathan?
About the Author:
Scott Westerfeld is the author of the Leviathan series, the first book of which was the winner of the 2010 Locus Award for Best Young Adult Fiction. His other novels include the New York Times bestseller Afterworlds, the worldwide bestselling Uglies series, The Last Days, Peeps, So Yesterday, and the Midnighters trilogy. Visit him at ScottWesterfeld.com or follow him on Twitter at @ScottWesterfeld.
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