**Giveaway ALERT! A comment on this post (within 7 days of post date) gets you 5 extra entries in our MegaBook Giveaway. If you haven't entered yet, go to the contest post (or click on the contest link on the upper right sidebar) to enter! Good luck!Leviathan
by Scott Westerfeld
pub: Oct 2009
448 pages
It is the cusp of World War I and all of 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 Darwinist employ fabricated animals as their weaponry.
Aleksander Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His o
wn 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 commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's aboard the Leviathan and a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.The imagination displayed in this novel is extraordinary. What a world! You have the one side with incredible machines, while the other believes in playing with genetics to create fantastical 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 is a massive whale airship over a mile long and the most masterful beast in the British Fleet. Incredible, right?
Our two main characters are enjoyable. In a heartbeat, Alkesander's world is 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. Leviathan has it all!
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!
The Cover: Awesome! The colors are brilliant and the multitude of intricate gears are a work of art! It feels great too because of the raised artwork design.
First Lines: The Austrian horses glinted in the moonlight, their riders standing tall in the saddle, swords raised. Behind them two ranks of diesel-powered walking machines stood ready to fire, cannon raised over the heads of the cavalry.
Very good. I love the fact that I'm slammed into the middle of a battle on the verge of exploding and the indication (diesel-powered walking machines) that something unusual is going on.
This great book and many others are available in our MegaBook Giveaway. Be sure to ENTER!
119 comments:
I've heard of this book before but never have any idea what it actually is about. Sounds like a very interesting read and the fact that the "world" the author created was described vividly in the book makes it even more worth to be read!
Thanks for this great review. I seriously love the map you included in the post! Beautiful =)
I always see this in the bookstore. All the time. But I never got to the pount where I pick this up.
I like what you said: Leviathan has it all!
ANd because of that I'm, including this in my wishlist.
Great review!
The cover is awesome, but this story doesn't draw me to buy the book!
Sounds like a very interesting read and the cover is awesome
Great review! I have seen this book around, but not with such descriptive reviews...like yours! You have made it sound like a book I would want to read. Thanks!
I've heard so many good comments about Leviathan! I really hope I can get myself a copy in Malaysia.
I "discovered" Scot Westerfeld last summer with the Pretties/Uglies/Specials and loved every word. Your review makes me want to rush out and get this book too! Keep up the great posts!
I've been dying to read this book ever since I first heard about it! I shall definitely pick it up whenever I can.
Lovely review. Just makes me want to read it even more. ;)
I'm a pretty big Scott Westerfeld fan so I bought this book as soon as it came out... I just haven't read it yet. I'm reluctant because I'm not big on historical type fiction, but I'll have to move it up my TBR pile after this great review!
This wolf tiger sure looks scary o_o
Great review, I like how you included the graphics. I am surprized the book takes you through so many emotions. It really does sound like it has something for everyone. I have not read this yet, but it is on my list. Thanks for the review.
I had this book in my hand yesterday, but I've read some mixed reviews. Also I love the Uglies series, but when I tried to read the Midnighters it just fell flat. I did end up getting Peeps, cause is was like $3! Couldn't pass that up, so if that series rocks out I'll go and get this book. I love the artwork, the map especially. Great depiction of Russia.
WOW! I really want to read Leviathan now! I love the the pictures, they're really good!
I've read about this book before. The cover is somewhat deceiving, but it looks really good!
+1 to TBR pile
I really want to pick this one up. It's been on my to buy list that's been growing daily lol. Thanks for sharing, I love seeing the artwork!
I've read Uglies, Pretties, and Specials, so I know something about Scott's style, but this seems to be very different, but it looks interesting.
This is so on my wishlist!!! And I really like the steampunk cover.
I don't know if steampunk is for me.but great review though.
YAY! Another great book added. This contest is huge so far. It's making me excited to see who will win. :]
Interesting book! How in the heck do you guys afford to ship out all these books? lol - You are my heroes hehe
OMG, I LOVE LOVE LOVE books with artwork <3 It's a like a cute addition to our imagination <3 Thanks for the great review :D
This book seems really cool and I love all the artwork. Really great review!
Sounds great - another one to add to my wish list LOL :o)
Awesome post about this book! I've heard about it, and it's on my "want to read" list. The illustrations are amazing, and I just love the cover art-work.
Not sure it's my kind of read, but thanks for the review!
I love the cover of this book. It's really interesting to look at.
I have this on my shelf and can't wait to dig in. I just LOVE the cover and it is so much better in person!!
Fantastic review. I love that you shared with us the illustrations. Bravo!
This sounds great. Every review I've read really praises the background of the story. I didn't know it had illustrations. That's a neat addition to the book!
Great review! I've got Leviathan on my shelf to be read (signed!) and this review made me even more excited to read it.
Very intricate illustrations on the cover :)
I'm a big hti/fic fan so I'll have to check it out. The illustrations are gorgeous and I LOVE the map. (I kinda want it as artwork) And from your review I can sumise that the book must have as vivid detail as the pictures. As always thx for the awesome finds, I'll have to go pick this one up soon!
Wow, I must read this book, and that Europe map was great.
my brother and I are both sort of pining for this book right now, the art alone is enough to make me gush, and he loves military history stuff
thanks for adding this to the prizes!
I won this in a comp and I'm really looking forward to reading it.
I won this in a comp and I'm really looking forward to reading it.
The plot doesn't really interest me, but I've read The Uglies and loved it!
This book has been on my list for months - I gotta get it!
I LOVED this book beyond all reason. I mean SERIOUS love. And I immediately added Scott Westerfeld as a friend on FB and I just recently found out that the next book is called BEHEMOTH and it will be out in OCTOBER!!!!
So glad you like it! GREAT REVIEW. seriously, I'm not just saying that. And I loved how you put the artwork throughout the review!
Those are WICKED sketches. Scott Westerfeld has talked about them on twitter, haha. At first I was itchy on whether I should this book (since warlike plots don't appeal to me), but hmmm, maybe I'll give it a shot! The cover looks amazing too, haha, I'll give you that :P
This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for over a month...I really need to read it!
I have read really good things about this one.
I can't decide what I really think of the cover. It kind of seems like too much to me. But after reading your review it does sound interesting.
As always the cover is what made me buy this book. It's been sitting in my TBR pile since. Since reading your review, it's made me want to move this up to the top or the pile and read it sooner rather then later.
Thanks for so much great info about the story.
-Lisa
Those are some awesome artwork there for the book
I'm so excited to read this book! I met Scott Westerfeld at a signing. I really liked the history and subsequent death of the illustrated adult book that he gave, which was the inspiration for having illustrations in the novel.
I've been wanting to read this for the steam punk aspect, but this just sounds so imaginative and like it's so much more than just that.
Thanks for the awesome review with all the cool pictures!
I absolutely LOVED this book! I can't wait for the sequel! ^_^
This book looks so great! Great review!!
Leviathan is so awesome! I sounded crazy when I was trying to describe it to my friends, but I can't wait for the sequel :)
I´ve read great things about this book. Looks awesome. Nice Review!
I have seen this book. I like Scott Westerfeld's books. But this is so different than his other books that I haven't picked it up yet. You have made me want to read it. Great review!
I adored this book, but had forgotten how beautiful the illustrations were! So lovely.
I've loved his other books, but I'm not sure that I would like this one.
Wow the illustrations look really good. Great review.
I am forever in love with Scott Westerfeld's books, even the ones I havent read yet!!! And am even more excited about this book. It sounds so unique!!! Nice Review!!!
The artwork alone would be enough to draw me in, but the first lines have me running to the book store. Gotta go :)
Ooh, I've been dying to read this Leviathan. It sounds like an awesome book. :)
I'm really looking forward to reading this!
I've had this one for a while but haven't read it. I love the artwork in it though.
Seahn
Truthfully, Leviathan isn't really my kind of book, but I really have been meaning to read some books by Scott Westerfeld. I need to get on that.
You've made this book sound very interesting. I'm currently finishing his Uglies series and have been disappointed with it. But Leviathan sounds a bit better.
I'm not into this kind of books, but I must say it looks very original. The pictures are awesome
I have heard so many good things about this book, I don't know why I haven't gotten it yet! Your review just goes to show that I really need to read this book! :) Thanks for the awesome review!
Historical fiction about WWI is really interesting, and paired with steampunk by Scott Westerfeld, a wonderful author : wow, this book sounds awesome! :)
My students have been telling me to read this as soon as I can. I've heard this books is great. Thanks for the great review.
Wow - great review. Loved the pictures. Still not too sure on this one...but maybe I can get it from the library :)
Thanks!
This book looks amazing!
Thanks for this review. I just picked up my copy from the library but I haven't cracked it open yet - I was waiting on the holds list for ages!
I SOOO want to read this book!!
dying to read this book!! the illustrations look so amazing! great review!
I just got it out from the library and am super excited!
i'm agree with you for the cover ! it's great one !
Thinkin to borrow not to buy :)
I have been dying to read this book for a while now, I can't wait to get a hold of it. Great Review!
I've been hearing such good things about Leviathan since its release and it looks like this review is no different! It sounds like an awesome book and if the brilliant artwork and your great review is anything to go by - for sure a winner!
Very nice review! The images are also very alluring, what an immaculately detailed world this book must take place in. Looking forward to reading this one, the Uglies series, and Westerfield's other books. Very promising newish author.
I showcased the book trailer a few days back and now after this review I want to read it . NOW :)
I loved Uglies, and have heard nothing but good things about this book. Thanks for all the pictures!
This cover is one of may favourite and just that was enough to draw me to this book.
Now your review has convinced me I will love it.
The story sounds intriguing and the artwork breathtaking.
I've been wanting to read this one SOOO much! The cover is just amazing. And the history seems so rich. Great review!
I read this and liked it quite well. The illustrations were gorgeous.
I've got this one on my shelf still! I'm really glad to see you enjoyed it...now I really wish I had the time to read right now
Though I haven't read this book yet I love how the plot sounds!
I'm totally psyched to read Leviathan. This will definitely be the first steampunk novel I read and I'm so looking forward to it. Book reviewers are raving about it and Scott Westerfeld's writing. Good to know that you liked it too.
I absolutely LOVED this book. IT was totally stunning! :)
I'm a cover whore and the cover Leviathan is gorgeous! I love the contrast between the red and the bronze and silver of the gears. The illustrations are well done. I'm a sucker for old maps!
Sigh, I'm so in love with this book. I was so excited to read it anyway, and finding out it was illustrated was just icing on the cake. I always like to read that other people enjoyed the book too. :D
Totally loved your review Greg and it's one I'm dying to read.
I purchased this book right before we went on Christmas break. It literally came in our last day of school. One of my good friends came in and saw it and made such a big deal out of wanting the book and wanting to read it that I gave it to her as a present. Now I have to buy another one. Can't wait. I love just about everything by that author.
It took me a while to get into this, I'm glad I keep reading though. It was awesome. I loved this pictures throughout the book too.
My husband read this book and enjoyed it very much( he swiped it from me before I could get to it). I can't wait to get into this book.
Breiab
I have this on my list at the library. Seriously, can't wait to read it! Thanks for the review.
I must confess I couldn't get into this. I think it was the alternate history thing. I don't like when other authors do that. But I've heard so many good things about it that I should really give it another shot....thanks for the review, guys.
:)
This is not my typical sort of read, but it just looks fantastic. Thanks for the great review!
Just added this book to my have to read list! Definitely sounds interesting.
Great review Gregory. Leviathan doesn't really sound like my kind of book, but I've heard so many good things about that I picked it up a few weeks ago.
I haven't read this book... yet. But I'm pretty sure I will, when I can. I love the cover, and I adore the works of Scott Westerfeld. Great review! (:
Love the Illustrations!:) This is still in my TBR pile.
tirachii@yahoo.com
http://fantasysink.blogspot.com/
Interesting book and beautiful map!! Lol
I showed this book to the art teacher in my building and he was amazed by the art work. I'm in awe of any artwork done with pencil or charcoal.
Great review! This is on my TRB list. I love the map and signifacance of every little detail. So cool! And the illustrations are amazing!
Oh these illustrations are awesome! I liked Uglies but it's the only book by this author I've read.
I love how this book has pictures becasue I know I would not have been able to envision all of the hybrids. Thanks for the review!
Wowzers! This is going on my to-get list!
Heather
http://www.2manygoodbooks.blogspot.com
I've been wanting to read this book for a while now!
I love every book Scott Westerfeld writes, so I can't wait to read this! I own it, but I haven't had time to read it yet. Great review : )
This was the first book I've read by Scott Westerfeld and I loved it. Can't wait for the sequel to come out!
ray ban sunglasses uk
north face jackets
coach outlet
coach outlet online
timberlands
michael kors handbags
oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses wholesale
abercrombie and fitch
ugg boots
ralph lauren outlet
louis vuitton outlet
fit flops
oakley outlet
nfl jerseys
air max 90
michael kors outlet
lebron 12
louis vuitton bags
ray ban sunglasses outlet
cheap toms
gucci outlet
hollister clothing
michael kors
michael kors handbags
michael kors outlet clearance
cheap nfl jerseys
uggs for women
ugg outlet online
cheap ray ban sunglasses
michael kors uk
louis vuitton
christian louboutin shoes
2016225yuanyuan
nike huarache trainers
air jordan uk
nike trainers
mlb jerseys
nike huarache
michael kors outlet
cheap nhl jerseys
cheap oakley sunglasses
nike outlet
nike blazer pas cher
celine outlet
oakley store
coach outlet
prada outlet
christian louboutin
uggs outlet
cheap jordans
polo ralph lauren
louis vuitton
air jordan pas cher
201611.11wengdongdong
obsads.com
cheap jordans
hermes belt
nike air max 2017
tory burch shoes
adidas neo online shop
adidas nmd r1
adidas superstar
air max 90
nike huarache
links of london
coach outlet
mulberry bags
michael kors outlet online
oakley sunglasses
ralph lauren outlet
michael kors handbags
coach outlet online
ralph lauren?uk
rolex watches
michael kors outlet online
20170610lck
chrome hearts online
http://www.kobebasketballshoes.us.com
roshe shoes
adidas shoes
air jordan
golden goose outlet
michael kors
yeezy boost 350
yeezy boost 350 v2
true religion outlet
longchamp
nike dunks
lebron 14
nike max
ysl handbags
links of london sale
longchamp
nike lebron soldier 11
nike air huarache
stephen curry 5
damian lillard shoes
true religion jeans
lacoste online shop
hermes belt
ray ban sunglasses
derrick rose shoes
adidas nmd runner
michael kors outlet online
oakley sunglasses
longchamp outlet
yeezy 500
nike basketball shoes
pandora jewelry
michael kors outlet store
cheap jordans
longchamp bags
yeezy boost 350
balenciaga
caterpillar shoes
hermes belt
20180627 junda
keen shoes
tag heuer watches
ferragamo shoes
nike factory outlet
michael kors
cheap jordans
michael kors outlet
belstaff jackets
supra shoes
air max 95
Post a Comment