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bookishbubs's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
bookishvice's review against another edition
5.0
Leviathan was just the start of Deryn and Alek's adventure. Now that they've arrived in Constantinople/Istanbul to complete Dr. Barlow's mission of gifting the eggs to the Ottoman Emperor, it's Alek's chance to run away with his men. But the escape plan goes wrong. Alone in the streets on Istanbul, Alek is dragged into the politics of the place and ends up joining a band of rebels looking to overthrow the sultan! Meanwhile, Deryn has been sent on a special mission, that if fulfilled will bring everyone closer to meeting the behemoth. But her plans also go awry! The Leviathan has left and now she's stranded, and there's really no other option than to join Alek…or so she keeps telling herself. With Behemoth Scott Westerfeld returns stronger than ever with adventure, action, and steampunk like you've never seen before!
In this second book of the Leviathan trilogy we get deeper into the politics and alliances of the war. Westerfeld does a great job of incorporating real events and twitching others to suit this lighter fantasy version of what we know as WWI. Of course, what makes it so fun is that the story revolves around Alek and Deryn. Deryn slowly realizes her feelings towards Alek run a wee bit stronger than she imagined. There's a certain tension to their scenes now that wasn't there before, especially with the loris laughing every time it says "Mr. Sharp." I never knew when Alek would finally get it. The beautiful Lilit also adds complications to the whole thing, and jealousy is certainly a new emotion for Deryn. Alek is very fond of his best friend, confides in Deryn, and counts on her for everything, but he still doesn't know her secret. In this book he's trying his hardest to bring about peace; he sees the rebellion as an opportunity to reach that ultimate goal. He also gets to see the real consequences of war, death and destruction.
I loved the meltingpot that was Istanbul, with both Clanker and Darwinist influences. The walkers were pretty amazing, being machines but keeping the forms in organic and animal shapes. Thompson does an amazing job of illustrating them all! I would just stop reading to examine each and every one of his drawings. Be prepared to read about Tesla cannon's, spottiswoode rebreather armor, perpicacious loris, ironclads, vitriolic barnacles and many other marvels in this steampunk world Westerfeld has imagined. Onwards to read Goliath!
In this second book of the Leviathan trilogy we get deeper into the politics and alliances of the war. Westerfeld does a great job of incorporating real events and twitching others to suit this lighter fantasy version of what we know as WWI. Of course, what makes it so fun is that the story revolves around Alek and Deryn. Deryn slowly realizes her feelings towards Alek run a wee bit stronger than she imagined. There's a certain tension to their scenes now that wasn't there before, especially with the loris laughing every time it says "Mr. Sharp." I never knew when Alek would finally get it. The beautiful Lilit also adds complications to the whole thing, and jealousy is certainly a new emotion for Deryn. Alek is very fond of his best friend, confides in Deryn, and counts on her for everything, but he still doesn't know her secret. In this book he's trying his hardest to bring about peace; he sees the rebellion as an opportunity to reach that ultimate goal. He also gets to see the real consequences of war, death and destruction.
I loved the meltingpot that was Istanbul, with both Clanker and Darwinist influences. The walkers were pretty amazing, being machines but keeping the forms in organic and animal shapes. Thompson does an amazing job of illustrating them all! I would just stop reading to examine each and every one of his drawings. Be prepared to read about Tesla cannon's, spottiswoode rebreather armor, perpicacious loris, ironclads, vitriolic barnacles and many other marvels in this steampunk world Westerfeld has imagined. Onwards to read Goliath!
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
4.0
Leviathan is heading to Constantinople to deliver Dr. Barlow's secret eggs. Alek and the rest of the Clankers are hoping to find refuge in this supposedly neutral country. Alek is torn however because he feels he belongs with Leviathan. Of course, Dylan/Deryn doesn't want Alek to leave. Nothing goes as originally planned and Alek and Deryn find themselves having to save Leviathan again.
JHS/HS
JHS/HS
orcaseatingstrawberries's review against another edition
4.0
Currently listening to the audio, MARVELOUSLY performed by Alan Cumming (think Nightcrawler from X-Men 2 etc.). He goes from British accent to German accent to American Accent like he's different people, esp. the American one!
stressedspidergirl's review against another edition
4.0
Some part of me really wishes that there wasn't a romance here, and that they could just be friends. Or that there could be some other kind of subtext here sort of like what Tamora Pierce has mentioned with Alanna.
But that's okay. I am enjoying the story and the strange creations and the changes in the war.
It's not a difficult read, so it's fun light brain candy to follow along and enjoy myself. Can't complain, and definitely looking forward to the last book.
But that's okay. I am enjoying the story and the strange creations and the changes in the war.
It's not a difficult read, so it's fun light brain candy to follow along and enjoy myself. Can't complain, and definitely looking forward to the last book.
sqeeker's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. For me, it was better than the first.
Plot: I liked the plot a lot better in this book. There was a lot more going on and the plot is getting thicker. The end is abrupt, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Characters: I thought the 2 main characters were better developed and I really enjoyed reading about them. I also love how the author keeps you guessing about who to trust.
Plot: I liked the plot a lot better in this book. There was a lot more going on and the plot is getting thicker. The end is abrupt, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Characters: I thought the 2 main characters were better developed and I really enjoyed reading about them. I also love how the author keeps you guessing about who to trust.
ericbuscemi's review against another edition
5.0
I loved everything about this book. It picked up right where [b:Leviathan|6050678|Leviathan (Leviathan, #1)|Scott Westerfeld|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1275694232s/6050678.jpg|6226342] left off, and kept its momentum through the entire book, which is no easy feat for the middle book in a trilogy. I cannot wait until the third book in this series comes out. Write fast, Mr. Westerfeld!
forever_day's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. The steampunk element was brilliant and the hopelessly romantic side of me loved the cliche romance. SW has also managed to create a really well rounded world with little details that I appreciated and the illustrations fitted it perfectly (and were beautiful).
I do have the feeling that in a couple of years time I'll read the book and not enjoy it half as much (it's very definitely a YA book) but as it was I really connected with it and found SW's writing style far more engaging than I did the Uglies series (and a little more to my taste.)
Here's to hoping Goliath lives up to it.
I do have the feeling that in a couple of years time I'll read the book and not enjoy it half as much (it's very definitely a YA book) but as it was I really connected with it and found SW's writing style far more engaging than I did the Uglies series (and a little more to my taste.)
Here's to hoping Goliath lives up to it.
tsharris's review against another edition
5.0
Read out loud to my six-year-old. He loved this book -- and the series -- so much. I really would recommend this book to anyone trying to encourage a love of history and geography. This book, set mainly in Ottoman Istanbul, really brings to life the reality of Ottoman Turkey and shows World War I beyond the western front. All the fun of a Victorian-era adventure story with excellent steampunk and alternate history elements and a twenty-first-century sensibility.
mlhelliwell's review against another edition
5.0
I would never figure myself a steampunk YA fan, but this series changed my mind. As the plot thickens and the danger increases Westerfeld keeps the story going with twists and turns that don't bog the story down. This book has made the rounds in my family - having something for everyone. And the budding (if for now one sided) romance between our heroes is a heck of a lot more fulfilling (and less angst-ridden) than any teen reads sporting fangs.