Title: Behemoth
Author: Scott Westerfield
Series/Standalone: Leviathan (Book #2)
Genre: Steampunk, Science Fiction, Young Adult,
Pages: 481
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Year Published: 2010
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)
First Line: "Alek raised his sword."
"The behemoth is the fiercest creature in the British navy.It can swallow enemy battleships with one bite. The Darwinists will need it, now that they are at war with the Clanker powers.
Deryn is a girl posing as a boy in the British Air Service, and Alek is the heir to an empire posing as a commoner. Finally, together aboard the airship Leviathan, they hope to bring the war to a halt. But when disaster strikes the Leviathan's peacekeeping mission, they find themselves alone and hunted in enemy territory.
Alek and Deryn will need great skill, new allies and brave hearts to face what's ahead."
My Rating: 3.5/5
After being so drawn into the end of the first book, I was hoping to enjoy this book a little more than I did. I don't think that this book is bad by any means, it just seemed to be missing something that I needed as a reader. I enjoyed the change of scenery as well as the different characters we met in this second book, but nothing about it really wowed me. That being said, I do plan on continuing with the series and finishing it in the coming months. So far, I would recommend this series to anyone who is interested in a steampunk war historical fiction. If any of that sounds interesting to you, you would likely enjoy these novels.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
So the first book was kind of hard for me to get into but after getting closer to the end I became more interested in the characters and the plot point. I also enjoyed the use of steampunk elements more and more as the story went on.
I did find the beginning to be interesting but found the more I read, the less I was into the storyline. And I'm not sure why. It just seemed to be a missing plot element for me. Especially with the use of love interests. That being said, I still enjoyed the story and look forward to finishing the series soon.
Characters:
Deryn: I loved her character and how strong she was to live in a group that was only for 'men' and 'boys' but here she is kicking ass. I also really enjoyed her loyalty to Alek as well as her ship. She grew a lot as a character this book, but that being said her increasing interest in Alek is frustrating. I just feel like this love is not necessary to the storyline at all.
Alek: He also grew as a character in this book. He really had to stand for himself in Istanbul and make choices for himself that would have serious consequences. While I didn't agree with all his choices, I loved that he was able to give information on himself before Deryn was dragged in with Malone.
Dr Barlow: I'm interested in her intentions with the creatures and Alek. Is she actually on their side or is she going to turn?
Malone: He was just a huge pain in the ass during the whole story. And I understood that was kind of the purpose of his character but it was extremely frustrating.
Bovril: I'm wondering about his species and what he will be used for now that his siblings are being hatched. What are they for and why are they only for Alek? And what does Barlow suspect?
Lilt: I liked that she was a strong character and willing to stand her ground for what she believed in that being said, I found that she was also an irritating character.
Nene: I hope we get to see her in the final instalment at some point.
Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "What mad providence was this?"
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
