Title: Goliath
Author: Scott Westerfield
Series/Standalone: Leviathon Series (Book #3)
Genre: Steampunk, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 543
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Year Published: 2011
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "'Siberia,'"
"Alek and Deryn are abroad the Leviathan when the ship is ordered to pick up an unusual passenger. This brilliant/maniacal inventor claims to have a weapon called Goliath that can end the war. But whose side is he really on?
While on their top-secret mission, Alek finally discovers Deryn's deeply kept secret. Two, actually. Not only is Deryn a girl disguised as a guy... she has feelings for Alek.
The crown, true love with a commoner, and the destruction of a great city all hang on Alek's next-- and final-- move.
The thunderous conclusion to Scott Westerfield's Leviathan series, which was called 'sure to become a classic'"
My Rating: 3/5
So I ordered the final book in this series when I saw it on book outlet and I'm not too impressed with how the series wrapped up overall. I found that this series took a direction that I was really willing it wouldn't go even though all the signs were pretty obvious.
The parts I did enjoy through this series are the historical fiction and steampunk aspects that mixed together to create a unique version of our world. I also enjoyed the main characters as separate entities but together I just didn't care for them.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
I started off this series in a similar way as I finished it. I think that this story was a little much for me to take in to start. The idea of fighting Darwinists against Clankers grew on me at the end of the first book. I really enjoyed the characters separately but I found that this story suffered from one of the many YA flaws.There does not need to be romance in every story ever. It's not necessary. And this is definitely how I felt in regards to Deryn and Alek overall.
Characters:
Deryn: I loved that she was so in love with her job, but it hurt my heart to see her leave the ship after being in love with it for so long. But after her injury it only made sense. I also loved that she held strong to her beliefs even though she had developed feelings for Alek.
Alek: He's a sweet guy. But I think that he and Deryn would have made better friends. I also felt like they were far too young to have developed such strong feelings towards each other (I'd say that I imagined they were 13 or 14 not old enough to be doing half of the things they were). And with that statement making me sound super old.
Volger: He's a strong man whose willing to do anything for his country. As long as he believes its best. I think that Deryn was a good match for his feisty attitude.
Tesla: Was he mad or was he just ambitious? Maybe both whose to say.
Borvil: Possibly my favourite character in the whole series even though he is a beastie. I hope that he grows old with Deryn and Alek caring for him.
Malone: More trouble than he's worth.
Moments to Remember:
Pg. 144
"When Alek reached his stateroom door, he pulled it open, extending his hand. 'Ladies first.'
'Get stuffed,' she said but went in ahead of him."
Pg. 402
"'They are Americans,' Volger said, 'They toot their horns for anything.'"
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
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
Title: Leviathan
Author; Scott Westerfield
Series/Standalone: Leviathan Series (Book #1)
Genre: Steampunk, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 440
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Year Published: 2009
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The Austrian horses glinted in the moonlight, their riders standing tall in the saddle, swords raised."
"Choose your weapon: Beastie and Clanker
Aleck is a prince without a throne. On the run from his own people, he has only a fighting machine and a small band of men.
Deryn is a girl disguised as a guy in the British Air Service. She must fight for her cause- and protect her secret- at all costs.
Aleck and Deryn are thrown together aboard the mighty airship Leviathan. Though fighting side by side, their words are far apart. British fabricated beasts versus German steam-powered war machines. They are enemies with everything to lose, yet somehow destined to be together."
My Rating: 4/5
I went into this book expecting to love it from the start, and at the beginning, it was a little too out there for me. I found the storyline a little difficult to grasp, as well as the science fiction concepts. That being said, as I read I grew more and more interested in the characters as well as the world. I find that the storyline grew on me as I began to understand the world and the difference between the Darwinists and the Clankers. Along with the awesome writing, the author added illustrations if you are like me and have trouble envisioning things that are a little out there. The story overall was very interesting and I look forward to continuing the series.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
This story was a huge surprise to me. When I first picked it up I thought that I wouldn't be able to get into the storyline, that it was a little too much to fast. But after taking some time away from it I found that I really enjoyed the different world and the characters. I think that this steampunk twist makes an interesting war story. I also wonder how these two allies that we've found in this story will continue to get along.
Characters:
Dylan/Deryn: I really enjoyed her point of view. Her love for flying led her to a dangerous path. I only wonder how long she'll be able to keep up the scheme that she's a boy. I don't think it will be too much longer. I also wonder about her feelings for Alek. That is not a priority and more than a little of an unnecessary romance. At least in my eyes.
Alek: Imagine being viewed as less than those around you and then all of a sudden being told that you are able to inherit after years of believing that you would not be able to. I also wonder how he'll keep that secret long enough for the emperor to die.
Klopp: Seems kind enough and is able to keep Alek in line when he needs to. All except when it matters (good job sneaking out of the castle Alek).
Dr Barlow: Something about her gives me Ms Coulter vibes for sure. I also found that she is just rude to those around her. Maybe this is due to her relations with Darwin. I also wonder how she'll continue on this journey.
Volger: I like his sass and ability to tell Alek what he thinks, even if sometimes its a little harsh.
Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "But the eggs just sat there, not answering at all."
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
