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Available
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Series
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Publication
Simon & Schuster Audio (2010), Unabridged MP3; 9h27
Description
Continues the story of Austrian Prince Alek who, in an alternate 1914 Europe, eludes the Germans by traveling in the Leviathan to Constantinople, where he faces a whole new kind of genetically-engineered warships.
User reviews
LibraryThing member GingerbreadMan
In the rare possibility you, dear reader, are one of the seven people on LT unfamiliar with Scott Westerfeld’s steampunk series: It takes place in an alternate history version of WW1 Europe, where the powers are divided into Clankers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, whose societies are built around
Picking up exactly where “Leviathan” left off, it didn’t take long to get back into things. The plot in Leviathan wasn’t that complicated, and Westerfeld is good at subtly refereshing ones memory. But for the first hundred pages or so, I still had a bit of a hard time getting carried away. There seemed to be a pattern of “being inside a huge vehicle under attack” repeating itself and I felt detached. But a clanker Istanbul is a very cool setting indeed, and once Lilit and rest of the revolutionaries are introduced, I’m fully enjoying the ride again. I mean, walkers in the shape of golems or Kurdish goddesses? You had me at Sahmeran!
A pretty big cast in this second book, which is handled nicely. Some neat twists and dilemmas. And finally Westerfeld is beginning to DO something with the fact that one of his main characters is posing as the other sex. But mostly this book is about wall to wall action. All the excitement unfortunately leaves just a little too little room for character development for my taste, and the fact that even Daryl and Alek come across a little flat is my only beef with these books. There’s no doubt in my mind though, I’ll be back to this deeply original world to see where this is going. If nothing else, I need to find out what the heck Bovril is really up to, don’t I?
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technology, with heavily armed walkers for war-machines) and Darwinists (Britain, France, Russia, who are instead using bio-engineering to fabricate beasts to do their tasks). It an orgy in world-building, really. At the centre of things are Alek, heir to the Austrian throne but on the run from the Germans who want him dead, and Deryl a smart-mouthed Glasgow lass, pretending to be a boy to join the air service and serving on the huge flying creature Leviathan.Picking up exactly where “Leviathan” left off, it didn’t take long to get back into things. The plot in Leviathan wasn’t that complicated, and Westerfeld is good at subtly refereshing ones memory. But for the first hundred pages or so, I still had a bit of a hard time getting carried away. There seemed to be a pattern of “being inside a huge vehicle under attack” repeating itself and I felt detached. But a clanker Istanbul is a very cool setting indeed, and once Lilit and rest of the revolutionaries are introduced, I’m fully enjoying the ride again. I mean, walkers in the shape of golems or Kurdish goddesses? You had me at Sahmeran!
A pretty big cast in this second book, which is handled nicely. Some neat twists and dilemmas. And finally Westerfeld is beginning to DO something with the fact that one of his main characters is posing as the other sex. But mostly this book is about wall to wall action. All the excitement unfortunately leaves just a little too little room for character development for my taste, and the fact that even Daryl and Alek come across a little flat is my only beef with these books. There’s no doubt in my mind though, I’ll be back to this deeply original world to see where this is going. If nothing else, I need to find out what the heck Bovril is really up to, don’t I?
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LibraryThing member danahlongley
A decent sequel to the better, more original steampunk action tween-y romp original. Just wish there was less use of several repetitive exclamations by the main characters. Reading "Barking Spiders!" the first time was cool, but the 20th time got old.
LibraryThing member MickyFine
In the second book in the trilogy, Alek and Deryn (who continues to disguise the fact that she's a girl) are both aboard the Leviathan as it flies towards the Ottoman Empire to deliver the gift to the Sultan. But as World War I continues to encroach across borders and the Germans and British face
An excellent follow-up to [Leviathan], this book is as strong if not more so. Alek and Deryn continue to develop as characters, although character is really secondary to plot, as in other Westerfeld's novels. But with a plot as interesting and fast-paced as this, lack of character depth is no flaw. Westerfeld continues to expand his steampunk world in which the conflict of WWI is based not just on politics but on decisions by nations to develop Clanker steam technology or Darwinist fabricated animal creations. Westerfeld's imagined creations are gorgeously brought to life by Keith Thompson's richly detailed illustrations, which make the narrative that much more compelling. The majority of the novel takes place in Istanbul, which provides a rich background for the action and adds a touch of exoticism. Highly recommended and I eagerly look forward to the final book in the trilogy.
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off in Istanbul, Alek and Deryn will be drawn into battles and revolutions that will threaten their efforts to create peace.An excellent follow-up to [Leviathan], this book is as strong if not more so. Alek and Deryn continue to develop as characters, although character is really secondary to plot, as in other Westerfeld's novels. But with a plot as interesting and fast-paced as this, lack of character depth is no flaw. Westerfeld continues to expand his steampunk world in which the conflict of WWI is based not just on politics but on decisions by nations to develop Clanker steam technology or Darwinist fabricated animal creations. Westerfeld's imagined creations are gorgeously brought to life by Keith Thompson's richly detailed illustrations, which make the narrative that much more compelling. The majority of the novel takes place in Istanbul, which provides a rich background for the action and adds a touch of exoticism. Highly recommended and I eagerly look forward to the final book in the trilogy.
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LibraryThing member majkia
What's a girl to do? She;s been pretending to be a boy so she could serve on the Darwinist British Airship Leviathan. And poor Daryn is scrambling to keep her secret, but things keep getting in the way! One, most notably, being the escaped prince of Austria-Hungary who is aboard and is struggling
Between the two of them, well, mayhem ensues. Look out Istanbul, you're in their crosshairs.
Another great read from Scott Westerfeld!
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to keep his own secrets.Between the two of them, well, mayhem ensues. Look out Istanbul, you're in their crosshairs.
Another great read from Scott Westerfeld!
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LibraryThing member paganpaul
A magnificent follow-up to "Leviathan", "Behemoth" continues to tell the story of Darwinists and Clankers, painting an even more extensive image of the world that Mr. Westerfeld creates.
More and more interesting machines, people, beasties and situations arise, while both main characters try to keep
Very worthwhile to read, I enjoyed this tremendously.
More and more interesting machines, people, beasties and situations arise, while both main characters try to keep
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their secrets secret.Very worthwhile to read, I enjoyed this tremendously.
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LibraryThing member PghDragonMan
Behemoth, the second installment of Scott Westerfeld’s YA alternative history Leviathan series, has much more action than its predecessor. This in part due to Westerfeld not spending a lot of time recounting the characters’ relationships and personal stories. Yes, there are references to past
Our main character is a girl, Deryn, pretending to be a boy, Dylan. Originally this was to fulfill her ambition to be an airman, a choice denied females in this setting. Quite frankly, the masquerade is wearing thin for me. If I’ve got the ages right for the characters, I have to majorly suspend my belief that she has not been found out yet. It seems even the author is having some trouble with this as in the same scene, the main character of the series is referred to as both “he” and “she”. Confusing.
The gender confusion is even more pronounced in one particular scene where another main character for this story, Lilit, most decidedly a girl, assumes Deryn really is a boy and kisses him. While this is a very chaste kiss, it is on the lips and Deryn admits to liking it and even says Lilit is a good kisser! As an adult, I find this amusing and harmless. I’m not sure how others will interpret this scene.
I found myself more fascinated by the fabricated creatures of the Darwininsts than the automatons of the Clankers. These groups represent the two opposing factions of this alternate reality: those that created fantastical creatures to perform mechanical tasks and those that developed elaborate machines to perform all manner of tasks instead of animals or to automate other tasks.
As with the first book, this is not deep literature, but it is a very enjoyable read. Because it has more action, it is also more engrossing than the original. Very good YA choice if you tired of vampires, werewolves and other supernatural creatures. Except for the one scene mentioned above, it is also very tame.
Steampunk fans may not get a full head of steam over this and hard core Sci-Fi fans may be a little less than satisfied with the creatures. I think it still has some appeal to both crowds and young teens looking for a little lighter reading than a full on Goth story. Despite my finding the disguise is becoming tedious, I’m still going to give this four stars. I did enjoy it!
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events, but unless you read the previous story, you may be at a loss. If you have not, just go with the story.Our main character is a girl, Deryn, pretending to be a boy, Dylan. Originally this was to fulfill her ambition to be an airman, a choice denied females in this setting. Quite frankly, the masquerade is wearing thin for me. If I’ve got the ages right for the characters, I have to majorly suspend my belief that she has not been found out yet. It seems even the author is having some trouble with this as in the same scene, the main character of the series is referred to as both “he” and “she”. Confusing.
The gender confusion is even more pronounced in one particular scene where another main character for this story, Lilit, most decidedly a girl, assumes Deryn really is a boy and kisses him. While this is a very chaste kiss, it is on the lips and Deryn admits to liking it and even says Lilit is a good kisser! As an adult, I find this amusing and harmless. I’m not sure how others will interpret this scene.
I found myself more fascinated by the fabricated creatures of the Darwininsts than the automatons of the Clankers. These groups represent the two opposing factions of this alternate reality: those that created fantastical creatures to perform mechanical tasks and those that developed elaborate machines to perform all manner of tasks instead of animals or to automate other tasks.
As with the first book, this is not deep literature, but it is a very enjoyable read. Because it has more action, it is also more engrossing than the original. Very good YA choice if you tired of vampires, werewolves and other supernatural creatures. Except for the one scene mentioned above, it is also very tame.
Steampunk fans may not get a full head of steam over this and hard core Sci-Fi fans may be a little less than satisfied with the creatures. I think it still has some appeal to both crowds and young teens looking for a little lighter reading than a full on Goth story. Despite my finding the disguise is becoming tedious, I’m still going to give this four stars. I did enjoy it!
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LibraryThing member callmecayce
I totally enjoyed Leviathan and was looking forward to the sequel. And, much to my delight, it was totally and completely awesome. I know, that's kind of a cop out review, but I devoured the book, though slower than normal because I kept trying to savor it, since I didn't want it to end. I love the
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steampunkish world that Westerfeld's created and I adore his characters (and the beasties). Behemoth is fantastic, better than the first book and at this rate, I can't wait for the next one. Show Less
LibraryThing member fyrefly98
Summary: During the early days of World War I, the Leviathan, the Darwinist airship genetically engineered from a whale, has made its repairs and is once again underway. Aboard are the fugitive Hungarian prince Alek and his men, who occupy an uneasy position somewhere between guests and prisoners
Review: This series is so good, and so different from anything I've read before. That's quite a trick, considering the current landscape of cookie-cutter YA paranormal romance out there, but Westerfeld does it again and again, each time coming up with a concept and a world that's fresh, unique, and unlike anything that's come before.
I said in my review of Leviathan that I appreciated how it wasn't in your face with its steampunkiness. After reading Behemoth, I have to wonder how much of that is true, and how much of that is because Leviathan was primarily set aboard a Darwinist airship. Because Behemoth is set almost exclusively in a heavily Clanker-ified Istanbul, and its steampunk roots are hugely evident: clockwork machines and steam engines everywhere. It all feels like a natural part of the worldbuilding, though - like, of course that's how they'd use x or y technology - rather than like it was just thrown in as set dressing. Westerfeld's world is incredibly detailed and well-built, and I really appreciated getting to see more of it. I also appreciate how closely he's tied his story to the actual events of World War I - it made me want to go read more about it, which is the true mark of good historical fiction - and I especially appreciate that he provides an author's note detailing how (and why) his story deviates from historical fact.
The story itself was really good, too. Plenty of action and excitement, some plotting and scheming and politics nicely worked in, some nice character moments, quite a few giggle-inducing funny bits, and a few deft touches of romance that are an integral part of the plot, but aren't the characters' sole defining qualities. This was also a great audiobook to listen to; although it does mean missing out on the illustrations, Alan Cumming does such a nice job with the dialogue and acting and various accents that it's worth it.
So, I am now eagerly awaiting the publication of Goliath next year... and I am totally adding a Perspicacious Loris to my Christmas wishlist. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Westerfeld does a really nice job of making this book relatively self-contained without getting repetitive, so it could theoretically be read as a stand-alone... but Leviathan's so good I can't see why you'd want to. The series as a whole is highly recommended to fans of alternate history, steampunky sci-fi, world war i historical fiction, and anyone who's looking for something unique and fun to read.
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of war, and Deryn, a girl who has been disguising herself as a boy in order to continue serving as a midshipman. The Leviathan is bound for Constantinople on a vital diplomatic mission, since the Ottoman Empire is officially neutral, but looks to be siding with the Clankers... and if they joined officially, it could swing the balance of power away from the British. Once in the city, negotiations go decidedly poorly for the Darwinists, and Alek and his men take the opportunity to make good their escape. However, once Alek is loose in the city, he uncovers a whole pot of trouble - the kind that he'll only be able to get out of with the help of Deryn.Review: This series is so good, and so different from anything I've read before. That's quite a trick, considering the current landscape of cookie-cutter YA paranormal romance out there, but Westerfeld does it again and again, each time coming up with a concept and a world that's fresh, unique, and unlike anything that's come before.
I said in my review of Leviathan that I appreciated how it wasn't in your face with its steampunkiness. After reading Behemoth, I have to wonder how much of that is true, and how much of that is because Leviathan was primarily set aboard a Darwinist airship. Because Behemoth is set almost exclusively in a heavily Clanker-ified Istanbul, and its steampunk roots are hugely evident: clockwork machines and steam engines everywhere. It all feels like a natural part of the worldbuilding, though - like, of course that's how they'd use x or y technology - rather than like it was just thrown in as set dressing. Westerfeld's world is incredibly detailed and well-built, and I really appreciated getting to see more of it. I also appreciate how closely he's tied his story to the actual events of World War I - it made me want to go read more about it, which is the true mark of good historical fiction - and I especially appreciate that he provides an author's note detailing how (and why) his story deviates from historical fact.
The story itself was really good, too. Plenty of action and excitement, some plotting and scheming and politics nicely worked in, some nice character moments, quite a few giggle-inducing funny bits, and a few deft touches of romance that are an integral part of the plot, but aren't the characters' sole defining qualities. This was also a great audiobook to listen to; although it does mean missing out on the illustrations, Alan Cumming does such a nice job with the dialogue and acting and various accents that it's worth it.
So, I am now eagerly awaiting the publication of Goliath next year... and I am totally adding a Perspicacious Loris to my Christmas wishlist. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Westerfeld does a really nice job of making this book relatively self-contained without getting repetitive, so it could theoretically be read as a stand-alone... but Leviathan's so good I can't see why you'd want to. The series as a whole is highly recommended to fans of alternate history, steampunky sci-fi, world war i historical fiction, and anyone who's looking for something unique and fun to read.
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LibraryThing member slothman
In the sequel to Leviathan, the action is in Istanbul, where an alliance with the Ottoman Empire is being courted by both Germany— source of steam-powered robotic technology— and biotech Great Britain. The heroes from the first book find themselves entangled in everything from diplomacy to
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sabotage to revolution, and have to make some tricky decisions about their own loyalties. Westerfeld creates a very believable narrative for two teenagers to make a significant contribution to the progress of a war without needing to dumb down any of the adults. Show Less
LibraryThing member mikewick
A fantastic mashup of revisionist history, steampunk, and Young Adult literature, Westerfeld's second installment in the Leviathan Trilogy was just as enjoyable, if not more, than his first. We're along again for a wild ride with Dylan (real name Deryn), a young woman who has disguised herself as a
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young middie (midshipman) and infiltrated the men-only ranks of the British Royal Air Force, and Alek, son of the assassinated Austrian Archduke who is on the run from the war-hungry German forces. With all YA novels, there's a fair amount of sexual tension (however innocent) and this one is no exception, but it's made interesting because of the guise Deryn's adopted. Westerfeld is masterful at placing these youths into a fast-paced narrative where they're helping determine the course of events of the Great War; so masterful that I can't imagine the third book falling flat because there's still so much left unresolved at the end of the second. Show Less
LibraryThing member danconsiglio
I do love a book that ends with the phrase "What mad providence was this?"
LibraryThing member molliekay
Deryn and Alek are on their way to Constantinople. When they arrive, they get more than they bargained for. The imagery Westerfeld builds is amazing; both Clunker and Darwin inventions are as life-like as the humans.
LibraryThing member ktgris
I'm halfway through Behemoth and, as always, Scott Westerfeld is showing me a world I never imagined. Beasties and Clankers and barnacles with serious plot implications--way cool!
LibraryThing member 4sarad
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as Leviathan, but there's really something about these books and their world that's just fascinating. I'm looking forward to the next!
LibraryThing member AngelaCinVA
In Behemoth, Westerfeld returns to the alternate history he began in Leviathan, continuing the story of Deryn Sharp, a girl posing as a boy in the British Air Service, and Alek, the exiled and hunted heir to an empire. This alternate world is home to Darwinist countries, including Britain, who are
Though Behemoth is the second book in a trilogy, it has its own vital storyline and does not fall into the middle book trap of serving only as a bridge between the first and last volumes. Deryn’s and Alek’s adventures in Istanbul radically impact the Ottoman Empire’s government and the balance of power in the war. Deryn’s ongoing masquerade as Dylan becomes ever harder to sustain. And Alek’s escape from Leviathan leads him to a partnership with a local revolutionary group. Deryn’s growing attraction for Alek also entangles her in the rebel conspiracy leading to an explosive climax.
Westerfeld’s characterizations are vivid, with even minor characters fully developed and engaging. Readers will be hard pressed to forget the shrewd Nene in her clockwork bed. The setting comes to life with dynamic descriptions of Istanbul and the various beasties and machines Alek and Deryn encounter. One minor criticism is that the portrayal of Deryn’s double identity occasionally feels strained. Overall, however, Westerfeld has again produced an exiting, well-written adventure that will leave fans eager for the next installment.
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at war with the Clanker countries, led by Germany. Darwinists have mastered genetic engineering, breeding “beasties” that are adapted to perform as living machines, while Clankers call such creatures abominations and base their technology on steam-driven machines. Though Behemoth is the second book in a trilogy, it has its own vital storyline and does not fall into the middle book trap of serving only as a bridge between the first and last volumes. Deryn’s and Alek’s adventures in Istanbul radically impact the Ottoman Empire’s government and the balance of power in the war. Deryn’s ongoing masquerade as Dylan becomes ever harder to sustain. And Alek’s escape from Leviathan leads him to a partnership with a local revolutionary group. Deryn’s growing attraction for Alek also entangles her in the rebel conspiracy leading to an explosive climax.
Westerfeld’s characterizations are vivid, with even minor characters fully developed and engaging. Readers will be hard pressed to forget the shrewd Nene in her clockwork bed. The setting comes to life with dynamic descriptions of Istanbul and the various beasties and machines Alek and Deryn encounter. One minor criticism is that the portrayal of Deryn’s double identity occasionally feels strained. Overall, however, Westerfeld has again produced an exiting, well-written adventure that will leave fans eager for the next installment.
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LibraryThing member xtastethesky
I started reading this soon after I finish Leviathan, but it honestly took me a good while to finish it. I'll say it now, it wasn't because it wasn't a good book - because it really was. It was because the pacing was slow, even more so than in the first book, or at least that's how it felt for
Behemoth picks up right where Leviathan leaves off. (So for those reading now, there are some spoilers.) Alek and his crew are helping out the Darwinists because their engine is now attached to the Leviathan, and without them the Darwinists wouldn't really know how to fly their own ship. And then they arrive in Instanbul where most of the story takes place. They're trying to win the country over before they join the German Clankers. They seem to have arrived too late - but in the middle of a huge brewing war, disgruntled revolutionaries are trying to oust the Sultan, and Alek and Deryn see this as an opportunity for the British to succeed in their endeavors.
I honestly really enjoyed reading this, but it took me a long time to do it. The thing about wars is that they don't really happen in an instant, it takes time to build them up. And, in this case, there is also the build-up to a revolution. It takes time, and it also takes detail and understanding. There is a lot of building up to the final epic scenes of the novel - which really is worth it. My thing, and it probably is due to being a product of my time, is that I'm a fan of instant gratification. I like the action to be happening now... not later.
In the novels defense, up until the last epic scene there are some really great action sequences in between. I really, really enjoyed them. And while the scenes with a bunch of development, they are completely necessary, even if I found them slow, and sometimes dragging. They help set up the novel, so the reader can understand later actions - which, you know, is sort of normal, cause, you know, most novels have that plot development thing.
And then, on a mini-tangent. I love Deryn, so much. She's just so awesome. And for those of you that have yet to read these books, you should stop reading for the moment cause I have got to say something: Does anyone else find Alek to be completely oblivious? Because, lets be honest here, a lot of people know that Deryn is a girl now... and it's not that hard to figure out. But, if we're being fair, Alek is under a lot of pressure. So. I guess it can be excused.
Overall, I found this novel to be pretty good. I enjoyed the action scenes - you're actually introduced to a few new beasties and machines that are pretty epic, so I hope you enjoy those. Basically, if you enjoyed Leviathan, don't hesitate to continue the series, and if you haven't read Leviathan yet, why haven't you?
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me.Behemoth picks up right where Leviathan leaves off. (So for those reading now, there are some spoilers.) Alek and his crew are helping out the Darwinists because their engine is now attached to the Leviathan, and without them the Darwinists wouldn't really know how to fly their own ship. And then they arrive in Instanbul where most of the story takes place. They're trying to win the country over before they join the German Clankers. They seem to have arrived too late - but in the middle of a huge brewing war, disgruntled revolutionaries are trying to oust the Sultan, and Alek and Deryn see this as an opportunity for the British to succeed in their endeavors.
I honestly really enjoyed reading this, but it took me a long time to do it. The thing about wars is that they don't really happen in an instant, it takes time to build them up. And, in this case, there is also the build-up to a revolution. It takes time, and it also takes detail and understanding. There is a lot of building up to the final epic scenes of the novel - which really is worth it. My thing, and it probably is due to being a product of my time, is that I'm a fan of instant gratification. I like the action to be happening now... not later.
In the novels defense, up until the last epic scene there are some really great action sequences in between. I really, really enjoyed them. And while the scenes with a bunch of development, they are completely necessary, even if I found them slow, and sometimes dragging. They help set up the novel, so the reader can understand later actions - which, you know, is sort of normal, cause, you know, most novels have that plot development thing.
And then, on a mini-tangent. I love Deryn, so much. She's just so awesome. And for those of you that have yet to read these books, you should stop reading for the moment cause I have got to say something: Does anyone else find Alek to be completely oblivious? Because, lets be honest here, a lot of people know that Deryn is a girl now... and it's not that hard to figure out. But, if we're being fair, Alek is under a lot of pressure. So. I guess it can be excused.
Overall, I found this novel to be pretty good. I enjoyed the action scenes - you're actually introduced to a few new beasties and machines that are pretty epic, so I hope you enjoy those. Basically, if you enjoyed Leviathan, don't hesitate to continue the series, and if you haven't read Leviathan yet, why haven't you?
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LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
Behemoth is the sequel to Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan, an alternate history of World War I, filled with steampunk machines, biological monster-machines and exotic locations.
After being taken as a British prisoner of war, young Alek, heir to the Hapsburg empire, is taken to Istanbul, capital of the
Behemoth is just as good as, if not better, than Leviathan. Westerfeld's phenomenal prose shines through and the lush detail with which he paints his exciting world is amazing. With exciting adventure, truly unique visuals and great characters, Behemoth is a must-read. Can't wait for the next book.
After being taken as a British prisoner of war, young Alek, heir to the Hapsburg empire, is taken to Istanbul, capital of the
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declining Ottoman Empire. Though the country has thus far been neutral in the war, both sides have begun to woe the sultan. When the Leviathan is attacked, Alek and his escorts must survive in Istanbul, which is crawling with Germans. I exotic Istanbul, Alek and co. join an underground revolutionary organization dedicated to overthrowing the Sultan in order to protect themselves and find their way back to the Leviathan. Chalked full of high-octane adventure and tones of political intrigue, readers will get caught up in Alek's story.Behemoth is just as good as, if not better, than Leviathan. Westerfeld's phenomenal prose shines through and the lush detail with which he paints his exciting world is amazing. With exciting adventure, truly unique visuals and great characters, Behemoth is a must-read. Can't wait for the next book.
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LibraryThing member seescootread
I loved this book. It didn’t want to put it down and was sad when it ended! Picking up right where Leviathan left off we rejoin Alek & Deryn on their alternate-WWI adventures. Alek is still trying to save his kingdom and stop the war he feels responsible for, with the little remaining influence
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he has. Deryn is struggling with her loyalties to Britain and her feelings for Alek; who she really wants to tell the truth to (aka – she’s a girl) but is afraid of losing. With lots of creative Darwinist-beasties, Clanker machines and new alliances around every corner the action keeps a steady pace from start to finish. Alek & Deryn each grow and develop as they make some tough choices, and rely more on one another. The ‘minor’ characters don’t feel minor and you come to know them even better. The book has a blend of love and loss in it and if you enjoyed Leviathan then you will be happy with this continuation of the story. There was only one scene that felt off for me, but I won’t spoil it for you – overall an excellent read. The story is not yet complete and I look forward to reading Goliath when it comes out in September of 2011. I am still crossing my fingers that the story ends the way I am hoping! Show Less
LibraryThing member krau0098
This was the second book in the Leviathan trilogy by Westerfeld. I really enjoyed Leviathan and this book was also wonderful. There is a ton of action and we see a lot more of Alec and Dylan.
This book starts with Alec and Dylan on the Leviathan getting reading to dock in Istanbul. Tensions are high
This was an absolutely wonderful book. The things that Westerfeld thinks up for crazy animals and contraptions are fascinating and incredibly creative. The plot that is woven is complex and full of political subtleties; it never falters and never slows down. The characters are very likable; you are really cheering Alec and Dylan on throughout and it is hard not to want to learn more about the mysterious Lady Boffin and the leaders of the rebellion in Istabul.
Keith Thompson's illustration are spectacular and really bring Westerfeld's creations to life for the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed them and was constantly looking forward to the next fantastical thing upcoming pictures would show me.
Overall just a very wonderful read. It is exceedingly well written, creative, has great action scenes, great characters, and a wonderful plot loosely based on events that happened during World War I. The book ends in a good spot; although I am very eager to see what happens next. Of course the number one question is: will Alec realize Dylan is really Deryn, a girl disguising herself as a midshipman? You'll have to read it to find out. If you like the steampunk theme that this book has you might want to check out Cherie Priest's Clockwork Century series as well.
This book starts with Alec and Dylan on the Leviathan getting reading to dock in Istanbul. Tensions are high
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in Istanbul because of German presence there. Dylan will get drawn into secret activities. And when Austria-Hungry declares war with Britain, suddenly Alec finds himself a prisoner of war. Alec and Dylan soon embark on separate adventures that will take them apart and then eventually draw them back together. Full of crazy genetically engineered animals and wonderful steampunk machines this book is super creative and fun to read.This was an absolutely wonderful book. The things that Westerfeld thinks up for crazy animals and contraptions are fascinating and incredibly creative. The plot that is woven is complex and full of political subtleties; it never falters and never slows down. The characters are very likable; you are really cheering Alec and Dylan on throughout and it is hard not to want to learn more about the mysterious Lady Boffin and the leaders of the rebellion in Istabul.
Keith Thompson's illustration are spectacular and really bring Westerfeld's creations to life for the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed them and was constantly looking forward to the next fantastical thing upcoming pictures would show me.
Overall just a very wonderful read. It is exceedingly well written, creative, has great action scenes, great characters, and a wonderful plot loosely based on events that happened during World War I. The book ends in a good spot; although I am very eager to see what happens next. Of course the number one question is: will Alec realize Dylan is really Deryn, a girl disguising herself as a midshipman? You'll have to read it to find out. If you like the steampunk theme that this book has you might want to check out Cherie Priest's Clockwork Century series as well.
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LibraryThing member alwright1
This book carries on where Leviathan left off, with our young heros approaching the technically-neutral Ottoman Empire in a giant living airship in the middle of an alternate history WWI. Got it?
I never had sufficient time to sit down and read this through, which could easily be done in a few
I still love the characters, and in this book we get to know some of the adults, as well, who also turn out to be interesting and fun. It was all too short, and I can't wait for the next one.
I never had sufficient time to sit down and read this through, which could easily be done in a few
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sittings, so I never felt like I had time to get into the story. It was fast paced and interesting, but I just didn't ever have the chance to get invested in the plans and their execution. So while I feel that I would have gotten really sucked into the story if I had ever had proper time for it, I felt a little disconnected with this one, which I think is my fault, and not the book's. I still love the characters, and in this book we get to know some of the adults, as well, who also turn out to be interesting and fun. It was all too short, and I can't wait for the next one.
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LibraryThing member lryer
I liked this better than Leviathan (which I enjoyed). More character development and complications in the plot. I love the character of Deryn.
LibraryThing member SMG-MLong
Great book with a brilliant set of illustrations.
LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
Hurrah, a wonderful continuation of Deryn and Alek's story. The reported angle was a little frustrating, I'm with Count Volger is wishing Alek would stop telling everyone his back story. But I liked Lilit, she's a great addition to the gang. Deryn's still not ''fessing up to being a girl is still
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not my favourite thing, and its annoying that some people guess so easily, and some people are blind to it. I mean, getting caught because of a squeaky voice? Bring on Goliath! Show Less
LibraryThing member aleahmarie
The adventure continues in "Behemoth," the second installment of Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan trilogy. Deryn Sharp, a young woman who has disguised herself as a boy so that she can serve in the British Air Service, is quite enamored with Alek, the heir to the empire of Austria-Hungary.
Through a series of misadventures Deryn and Alek find themselves working together to halt the first World War. No small task for a pair of 15-year-olds, even if one of them may be a future Emperor. I found myself slightly confused by some of the political machinations -- but that probably speaks more to my ignorance regarding the events surrounding World War I than to Westerfeld's storytelling.
Written in the delightful steampunk style, Westerfeld creates a fascinating world of machine loving Clankers and beastie fabricating Darwinists. This young adult novel features strong female characters, a definite plus. Recommended for fans of steampunk or young adult science fiction.
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Unfortunately, Alek doesn't know that he's a she and young love is quite thwarted as a result. Deryn's loyalties are torn between her oath to the British Air Service, which she takes quite seriously, and her feelings for Alek.Through a series of misadventures Deryn and Alek find themselves working together to halt the first World War. No small task for a pair of 15-year-olds, even if one of them may be a future Emperor. I found myself slightly confused by some of the political machinations -- but that probably speaks more to my ignorance regarding the events surrounding World War I than to Westerfeld's storytelling.
Written in the delightful steampunk style, Westerfeld creates a fascinating world of machine loving Clankers and beastie fabricating Darwinists. This young adult novel features strong female characters, a definite plus. Recommended for fans of steampunk or young adult science fiction.
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LibraryThing member jlparent
The saga of Alek and Dylan/Deryn continues in book two. Slight sophomore slump but still a fun alternate history/steampunk adventure.
Awards
Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction (Finalist — 2010)
Locus Award (Finalist — Young Adult Novel — 2011)
Chesley Award (Nominee — 2011)
Aurealis Award (Shortlist — 2010)
CBCA Book of the Year (Notable Book — Older Readers — 2011)
Prix Actusf de l’Uchronie (Winner — 2012)
Locus Recommended Reading (Young Adult Book — 2010)
CCBC Choices (2011)
Language
Original publication date
2010-10-05