blo Teens Read and Write: Leviathan (Giveaway Points Post)

Monday, February 1, 2010

Leviathan (Giveaway Points Post)

**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 E
mpire, 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 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 bo
nus 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:

Shy said...

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 =)

Precious said...

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!

RaĆ­la said...

The cover is awesome, but this story doesn't draw me to buy the book!

rem said...

Sounds like a very interesting read and the cover is awesome

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

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!

Aik said...

I've heard so many good comments about Leviathan! I really hope I can get myself a copy in Malaysia.

Beth said...

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!

Hesperus (Haya) said...

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. ;)

Trollololol said...

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!

InfinitePlaylist said...

This wolf tiger sure looks scary o_o

Ellz said...

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.

ParaJunkee said...

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.

Kirthi said...

WOW! I really want to read Leviathan now! I love the the pictures, they're really good!

Kelly said...

I've read about this book before. The cover is somewhat deceiving, but it looks really good!
+1 to TBR pile

Brooke Reviews said...

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!

LucĆ­a said...

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.

Anonymous said...

This is so on my wishlist!!! And I really like the steampunk cover.

elaing8 said...

I don't know if steampunk is for me.but great review though.

Erin said...

YAY! Another great book added. This contest is huge so far. It's making me excited to see who will win. :]

Eleni said...

Interesting book! How in the heck do you guys afford to ship out all these books? lol - You are my heroes hehe

IanIan said...

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

Adriana said...

This book seems really cool and I love all the artwork. Really great review!

Sarah said...

Sounds great - another one to add to my wish list LOL :o)

tweezle said...

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.

Tynga said...

Not sure it's my kind of read, but thanks for the review!

Stacey Brucale said...

I love the cover of this book. It's really interesting to look at.

Jamie said...

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!!

Tales of Whimsy said...

Fantastic review. I love that you shared with us the illustrations. Bravo!

Bookish in a Box said...

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!

Jessica B said...

Great review! I've got Leviathan on my shelf to be read (signed!) and this review made me even more excited to read it.

iffath said...

Very intricate illustrations on the cover :)

Rheanna said...

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!

Blodeuedd said...

Wow, I must read this book, and that Europe map was great.

ninefly said...

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!

Nayuleska said...

I won this in a comp and I'm really looking forward to reading it.

Nayuleska said...

I won this in a comp and I'm really looking forward to reading it.

Bunny B said...

The plot doesn't really interest me, but I've read The Uglies and loved it!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

This book has been on my list for months - I gotta get it!

Lisa said...

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!

Justine said...

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

throuthehaze said...

This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for over a month...I really need to read it!

donnas said...

I have read really good things about this one.

aprilnichole said...

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.

A Life Bound By Books said...

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

Diana Dang said...

Those are some awesome artwork there for the book

titania86 said...

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.

brizmus said...

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!

Ren @ All By Myshelf said...

I absolutely LOVED this book! I can't wait for the sequel! ^_^

Anonymous said...

This book looks so great! Great review!!

pepsivanilla said...

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 :)

Mariana S said...

I´ve read great things about this book. Looks awesome. Nice Review!

Kathy Martin said...

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!

melissa @ 1lbr said...

I adored this book, but had forgotten how beautiful the illustrations were! So lovely.

Mandy said...

I've loved his other books, but I'm not sure that I would like this one.

Rebecca said...

Wow the illustrations look really good. Great review.

Chioma said...

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!!!

Jemi Fraser said...

The artwork alone would be enough to draw me in, but the first lines have me running to the book store. Gotta go :)

Orchid said...

Ooh, I've been dying to read this Leviathan. It sounds like an awesome book. :)

Thuy said...

I'm really looking forward to reading this!

CeeCee said...

I've had this one for a while but haven't read it. I love the artwork in it though.

Seahn

Jenna said...

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.

The Scarf Princess said...

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.

Gaby G said...

I'm not into this kind of books, but I must say it looks very original. The pictures are awesome

Sherry said...

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!

ParallelogramPrincess said...

Historical fiction about WWI is really interesting, and paired with steampunk by Scott Westerfeld, a wonderful author : wow, this book sounds awesome! :)

Curling up by the Fire said...

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.

Emily said...

Wow - great review. Loved the pictures. Still not too sure on this one...but maybe I can get it from the library :)
Thanks!

Crystal said...

This book looks amazing!

Caroline said...

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!

Athira said...

I SOOO want to read this book!!

Michelle Santiago said...

dying to read this book!! the illustrations look so amazing! great review!

babygirlG said...

I just got it out from the library and am super excited!

mariska said...

i'm agree with you for the cover ! it's great one !

Thinkin to borrow not to buy :)

Ryan said...

I have been dying to read this book for a while now, I can't wait to get a hold of it. Great Review!

Ryan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brodie said...

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!

Bani said...

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.

Shweta said...

I showcased the book trailer a few days back and now after this review I want to read it . NOW :)

Michelle said...

I loved Uglies, and have heard nothing but good things about this book. Thanks for all the pictures!

EVA SB said...

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.

Patricia said...

I've been wanting to read this one SOOO much! The cover is just amazing. And the history seems so rich. Great review!

Anonymous said...

I read this and liked it quite well. The illustrations were gorgeous.

YA Book Queen said...

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

Sheere said...

Though I haven't read this book yet I love how the plot sounds!

Anonymous said...

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.

Kristen said...

I absolutely LOVED this book. IT was totally stunning! :)

Anonymous said...

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!

Emily said...

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

Teddyree said...

Totally loved your review Greg and it's one I'm dying to read.

Sandra Stiles said...

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.

Jessy said...

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.

BreiaB said...

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

Becky said...

I have this on my list at the library. Seriously, can't wait to read it! Thanks for the review.

Raspberry said...

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.
:)

kittyism said...

This is not my typical sort of read, but it just looks fantastic. Thanks for the great review!

Unknown said...

Just added this book to my have to read list! Definitely sounds interesting.

Nikki (Wicked Awesome Books) said...

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.

Old Little Miss Youngblood said...

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! (:

Bleuette said...

Love the Illustrations!:) This is still in my TBR pile.

tirachii@yahoo.com
http://fantasysink.blogspot.com/

Glory said...

Interesting book and beautiful map!! Lol

Unknown said...

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.

Zombie Girrrl said...

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!

Ladytink_534 said...

Oh these illustrations are awesome! I liked Uglies but it's the only book by this author I've read.

Mariah said...

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!

Heather Thomas - advocate for change said...

Wowzers! This is going on my to-get list!

Heather
http://www.2manygoodbooks.blogspot.com

Amanda Leigh said...

I've been wanting to read this book for a while now!

AnAddictedBookReader said...

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 : )

Elbereth said...

This was the first book I've read by Scott Westerfeld and I loved it. Can't wait for the sequel to come out!

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