Monday, January 17, 2011

Leviathan


By Scott Westerfeld

It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. The Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.
Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austo-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.
Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Serivece. She’s a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.
With the Great War brewing, Alek’s and Deryn’s 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.




While starting out kinda slow and tedious slogging through all the details of an alternate world of 1918, this book turned out really awesome. Between advanced machinery and animal/machine hybrids it was both creative and unique. My advice is to give it time and really get into the story and the characters, which promise to be really deep and rich. I quite enjoyed Alek's point of view, but wasn't deterred when it switched to Deryn's as well. They are both equally likeable and I'm hopeful for a little romance on that front. (I'm a girl so sue me). Great book and well done to Mr. Westerfeld! Scott Westerfeld is also the author of Uglies, Pretties, Specials and Extras.

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