Goodreads:
Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battletorn war machine and a loyal crew of men.
Deryn Sharp is a commoner, disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.
With World War I brewing, Alek and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way…taking them on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure that will change both their lives forever.
They were afraid of fabricated species, and worshipped their mechanical engines. Did they think their mob of walking contraptions and buzzing aeroplanes could stand against the Darwinist might of Russia, France, and Britain? p.115I bought this book when it first came out and then never got around to reading it. Finally I decided I really needed to otherwise it would be a waste. Man, I wish I'd read it sooner. It was so good! I like steampunk in general but don't read a lot of it and I love the alternate history world Westerfeld created. The idea of machines versus engineered animals was so interesting and a little horrifying, honestly.
Told in alternating voices between Alek and Deryn, Leviathan shows both sides of the beginning of the war. I like how he took the historical events of WWI and changed them to suit the story's need. Brilliantly done! I liked both Aleck and Deryn and thought they were great, strong characters.
And, of course, the illustrations are freaking amazing. This book was worth reading for them alone. The map on the inside cover and all the drawings were so beautiful. Keith Thompson is a wonderful illustrator. I really can't wait for Behemoth. And I will really and truly read it right away.And if you've never seen the trailer, it is one of the best I have ever seen.
Hogwarts: Defence Against the Dark Arts
Twentyten
Another Chance
YA
Yay! So glad you got around to this one and liked it too! This is one of my favorites of Westerfeld's and I can't wait to get Bohemeth! I agree with you about the trailer, too.
ReplyDeleteI loved the illustrations in this book. I hadn't read much steampunk before, but I think it's a really up and coming genre.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I only read one steampunk book and I really enjoyed it, this one sounds really good. And the illustrations that I have been seeing are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it as well. I thought it was awesome!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to link to your review from mine :D
@Amanda - I'm trying to get my husband to read it now. That's how much I liked it.
ReplyDelete@Emily - The next book in the genre I think I'm going to try is Boneshaker.
@Nina - They are beautiful.
@Trillian - Ok, sounds fine. It was pretty great.
I keep thinking just how much I need to purchase the book - almost entirely for the illustrations! I did love the story though.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it! I bought it right before Christmas but haven't gotten to it yet. Several of my students have read it and liked it. I had to take it to the art teacher in our school to show him the artwork. He was amazed by it. What always amazes me is how heavy the book is. Way heavier than other books the same size.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book- Deryn is one of my favorite characters ever, I have to say, and I cannot wait to get my hands on Behemoth. I'm so happy you liked it!
ReplyDelete